Page 40 of Royal Bosshole

“That would be great.” She sat and waited, and feeling awkward, I stood up to get her one.

Even though I didn’t like getting ordered around, it was better than sitting around with her waiting for the axe to fall.

When I came back, she took the mug in both hands. “Thanks. So, Lily, I’m here because I’m just trying to do a gal a favor, you know? I went by your office, but I heard you called in sick today.” She lifted a judging brow at me. “I heard from one of your coworkers that you own this place, so I thought I’d come by and leave a message with someone. Turns out, you’re here. Avoiding James, are you?”

She took a sip, looking almost delighted if that was the case. “No,” I lied. “I just can’t manage working there and owning this business.”

She frowned, and her lips looked too plump to be natural. “I told James that this was a conflict of interest. I’m surprised he is even allowing it.”

I blinked. “You told him that?”

She shrugged. “Yes, I was trying to do him a favor as well.”

I remembered when he’d brought it up to me. Had he only said it because of Sandy?

“So, you guys are in touch, then?”

“Oh, all the time,” she said, her eyes widening. “This latte is to die for, honey. So…” She tapped my hand. “I want to tell you a little story.”

“I met Mr. Perry a few months ago, and I am always down for a good time, and a chance to climb men like him.” She winked at me, and I tried not to grimace. “He loves it rough, got me to sign a contract and everything. Very Fifty Shades of Grey, he is. He wants to be the dominant one. I signed away, but then the contract ended, and he just rudely kicked me out. Cut me out of his life as if what we’d done hadn’t meant anything to him.”

“But you said the two of you are still in touch.” I frowned.

“Yes, well.” She blushed with anger. “That is neither here nor there. There is no positive part of the agreement if you know what I mean. And I wanted him back for a while, but clearly, he’s moved on.” She looked me up and down, and I could tell she found me wanting.

As does he.

“What he forgets is how much he told me when we were together. Men always forget that when they’re at the height of pleasure or really drunk. We spent a lot of nights together, and I think there’s something you should know.”

I leaned forward, intrigued despite myself. I was trying to push away the image of him and Sandy together, but that was hard to do. I was jealous, and now I knew why he’d run away. I hadn’t been what he wanted if he was into different kinds of sex stuff.

“What is it?” I asked tersely.

“One night, James was drunk, and he told me everything. About his country and what he has to do to save it.”

I shook my head. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh!” she said with wide eyes, putting a hand over her mouth and laughing. “I can’t believe I forgot the best part. James is a prince of a tiny country called Lenovia.”

My jaw nearly fell to the table, but she kept going.

“He’s here in America in search for the lost princess of Brauchenstein. It no longer exists, but he needs to marry the heir in order to retain his throne and become king. So, whatever he’s doing with you, honey,” she said, her long fingernail pointing at me, “it’s just for fun. Don’t get attached like I did. He’ll be finding that woman, who is definitely not you, and then poof! He’ll be gone.”

It was a good thing I was sitting down because I felt faint. This couldn’t be happening. James was a prince? But why did he work for a coffee company? What was the point?

“I don’t know what to say,” I finally answered, wishing she would just up and leave.

“Not much to say. Just thought I’d let you know since we gals have to stick together, right?” She winked at me again, and I nearly threw up.

I didn’t say bye as she left. I only sat there in shock. But there was one good thing that came out of it.

Now I know he really is an asshole, and I don’t have to feel anything for him.

But I worried that it was far too late.

* * *

JAMES

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