Page 27 of Royal Player
I look away. Adrian is smiling. So is our guard, and the building’s two guards. Polly’s guard is impassive. And Polly…my chest constricts. Her arms are crossed as she hugs herself, her lips pinched. She scrubs a tear away with her fist like it’s an annoyance. She’ll never have what Lucas and Alice have, never have that choice. I ache for her loss, which is strange. It’s not like I’ve ever been in love, but at least I know it’s possible.
I turn back to Lucas and Alice, hoping they’re done kissing.
Lucas holds Alice’s face in his hands. “I love you.”
“I love you too!” she cries. “So much. It’s insane how much.” She’s crying, and then she’s kissing him all over his face.
They hug each other, whispering to each other in a close embrace.
I get choked up, my throat tight, my eyes stinging. For the first time in my life I can see the appeal of committing to someone. It’s a powerful moment to witness.
Lucas turns to us with a smile, his eyes watery. “I think we’re going to head back to the hotel now.”
“Congratulations,” Polly says, rushing over to Alice.
Adrian and I chime in belatedly with our congratulations.
We all head out, Lucas and Alice ahead of us, sharing a low, intimate conversation.
“I’m going to call it a night too,” Polly says, smiling tightly. “I’m more tired than I realized. Goodnight.” She rushes ahead to join Alice and Lucas.
“Let’s skip the nightclub, then,” Adrian says to me. “You want in on the terrace table?”
That’s the high-stakes poker table. Adrian is reliably a winner at it. I don’t want to chance it now that I have an investment I want to make.
I shake my head. “No, thanks. I’ll head back to the hotel.”
“Come on,” he says. “One hand. It’s early.”
He’s right. It’s not even midnight yet, and I’m a night owl. “Okay. One hand.” It’s not like I’m going to be hanging with Polly. We had our moment on the rooftop terrace, and there’s no point in spending more time with her when she’s meant for another.
Polly’s guard walks Lucas, Alice, and Polly ahead to the hotel. Adrian and I head for the casino, with our guard trailing behind us.
Once inside the casino, we’re immediately greeted by some women Adrian knows. Two young, pretty, flirty women looking for some fun. I can’t even flirt back because all I see is Polly’s stricken face after Lucas’s proposal.
I beg off, leaving Adrian to the pair of women. I barely recognize myself, leaving the party early.
This has been a really strange night.
Chapter Seven
Polly
I put the finishing touches on a handwritten business plan and lean back in the desk chair in my hotel room, smiling to myself. I had a working lunch so I could prepare for the meeting with Charles. I definitely want in on the Villroy casino. I love everything about it—the potential revenue, the energy and excitement of the casino itself, all the moving parts that go with building something from the ground up. When am I ever going to have a business opportunity like this again?
I’ve seen some of the royal holdings back home and have an idea of the capital needed for building and running a busy resort. A casino with a restaurant could be comparable on a smaller scale. If I could get the funds—and that’s a big if—it would be a fantastic investment and a hedge against the holdings back home, which are always affected by the threat of hurricanes and the annual slow tourism season. Villroy doesn’t have a hurricane season. Plus, Beaumont doesn’t have casinos—gambling is illegal there—so this is like diversifying. And it’s Anna’s kingdom. I would be supporting her by investing. I wouldn’t be a silent partner though. I want an equal say, one-third ownership with Oscar and Adrian. I hope I can convince them to take me on. Adrian knows gambling. I’m not sure what Oscar brings to the table, but he’s smart and I like him.
I fold the papers in half and tuck them in my purse. I’m alone here in the room, except for Vaughn waiting outside the door. Lina is out having lunch with Louis. They spent the night together. I heard all about it this morning when Lina, Alice, and I explored Monaco. Lina was glowing and confessed she’s halfway in love with him. She says he’s a gentle giant who makes her feel safe. I could barely paste on a smile for her. I admit I envy her freedom to enjoy someone on her own terms. It probably didn’t help that Lucas’s loving proposal to Alice last night nearly made me bawl.
If I could just come up with some funds, all of my problems would be solved. I could pay off my parents’ debt, effectively eliminating Peter from my future, and I could be part of a really cool business that would ultimately bring in profits I could give to my kingdom. I could choose my own husband, gain the throne on my terms. I stop myself before I get too excited. New opportunities mean new possibilities for a different future, but I must be careful—deliberate and strategic—as I follow this new trail.
I leave the room, giving Vaughn a nod, who follows behind me as I make my way downstairs. Charles’s office is on the first floor of the casino next door, and I’m meeting Oscar, Adrian, and Lucas in the atrium before we head over.
When I spot the brothers, all with the same thick dark brown hair and build, I’m struck by how close they seem. They don’t stand close, but there’s an easy banter back and forth—a ready smile from Lucas, a slight head incline from Adrian, and Oscar laughs out loud. He enjoys himself in a way I long to experience.
Oscar turns and spots me first. And then he smiles just for me, a gorgeous sexy smile that makes his aquamarine eyes sparkle. I nearly float across the room, basking in that warm smile.
“Bonjour, Oscar,” I say when I reach him.
