Page 51 of The Forbidden
The reply is almost instant.
Unknown: Your Dutch James Bond ;)
My heart races, but for an entirely different reason now. Sure, the prince is attractive, but I’m not interested in him like that. Pathetically, the only man I have ever been interested in is the one that’s a walking red flag, and blows hot and cold, messing with my emotions. For years, I’ve watched as Evan paraded around women in front of me. Maybe it’s time he got a taste of his own medicine. I chew my bottom lip, debating. This isn’t really a game I should be playing, but at least the prince is direct with what he wants, unlike Evan, who kisses me like I’m his entire world, then pretends like I don’t exist.
Fredrik is notmyanything, in any way, but it could be fun going for dinner with a real-life prince. And maybe, just maybe, it will be the push Evan needs to finally admit he wants me. I saw the jealousy in his eyes, when he saw me with the prince. So, if going to dinner with Fredrik stirs something in my boss, then it’s a win. But first…
My fingers fly over the screen.
Me: How did you get my number?
Unknown: I have my resources. Now, is that a yes?
Before I can stop myself, I type my response.
Me: Since you asked so nicely, I’ll consider it.
Unknown: I’ll take that as a yes. I’ll make reservations at Rodrigo Central Park tomorrow evening and send a car to pick you up at 7:00pm. Please send me your address.
I roll my eyes. What is it with men thinking they can boss me around? Reading over his message once more, I notice the restaurant he picked. Rodrigo Central Park is an expensive,Michelin star hot spot with a month’s long wait list. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a reservation if you know the right people. I’ve been a couple of times and though the food and ambiance are amazing, I would much prefer dollar pizza and the karaoke club.
Me: Thank you. But I’m a twenty-first century independent woman. I can make my own way there.
Unknown: I never said you weren’t independent. But it would be ungentlemanly of me to allow my date to arrange her own transport. I don’t know how you do things in New York, but I only offer a five-star experience for my dates.
Despite myself, I chuckle. The prince has charm.
Me: How very noble of you. But still, I will meet you there.
Unknown: I’m not going to win this one, am I?
Me: No.
Unknown: Then I will pick my battles and see you for dinner tomorrow pretty eyes.
Again, I roll my eyes, resisting the urge to cringe at the pet name. It’s not that Fredrik is doing anything wrong, but he is laying it on a bit thick. Still, I can’t deny he is making an effort, unlike Evan.
Setting my phone down on the nightstand, I roll over to face the window.
Guess I’m going on a date tomorrow.
Saturday evening I’m in the back of a cab, making my way to the restaurant, when my phone rings. Sliding it out of my purse, I smile when I see my brother’s name flashing on the screen and quickly swipe to answer.
“Hey,” I chirp.
“Hey, sis. I just stopped by your place, but you’re not home,” Harrison states.
I roll my eyes. “That’s because I’m on my way to dinner.”
“Oh,” he drawls, then pauses. “With who?” I hear the curiosity in his voice.
Hesitating, I chew my lip, debating whether to tell him. It’s not like my brother can stop me, but I don’t want him being his usual protective self over something as innocent as dinner.
Fuck it. He won’t stop until I give him an answer.
“Just some guy I met at the Maxwell Showcase Event,” I murmur.
“Some guy?” he repeats. “And who is thisguy, Anais?”
