Page 14 of Princely Agreement
Flynn is moaning over the food, but I’m too nervous to eat as Oliver takes a seat across from us.
“I knew your father,” he says, looking at me. “He was a good man. He liked to sneak down to the kitchens to play cards when we had parties.”
“I didn’t know that.” I smile, thinking that it sounds just like something my father would do. He hated parties, but the man loved cards. It’s only been a year since he died, but we all miss him.
“From what I hear, you like sneaking away from parties too,” Oliver says without breaking eye contact, and I get the feeling that he’s sizing me up.
“That’s why I’m here. I met someone at your last party, and I need to see her again.”
“Hmm” is all he says in response.
“Please,” I try again, but Oliver is unmoving. He needs to understand how important it is that I find her, so I give in and say exactly what I’m feeling. “I’m not sure how else to explain it, but if I don’t see her again, I think I might die.”
“Could you be any more dramatic?” Flynn asks with a mouth full of croissant.
“I’m begging.” I ignore Flynn and focus on Oliver. “It was one night, one meeting, but it was a moment that’s changed my soul. I can’t breathe, I can’t sleep, I can’t eat until I find her. I don’t even know her name, but I know that she’s my reason for living.”
“And what will you do if you find this mystery woman?” Oliver once again reveals nothing with his expression.
“Beg her to be mine.” I sigh like it’s been decades since I’ve touched her instead of two months. “Give her everything she’s ever dreamed of and pray that she’ll let me take care of her.”
“That’s all?” Oliver says, and this time I see a tiny hint of a smile at the corner of his lips.
“I would lay my fortune at her feet for a chance to hold her hand,” I say, and he must see the conviction in my eyes because he nods like he’s impressed.
“All right,” Oliver agrees. “Let me—”
His words are cut off by shouting coming from behind us, and we all turn to look outside. The door bursts open, and in come Matthew and Jace, the latter covered in what looks like coffee.
“You fucking asshole, now I’ve got to change.”
“We’re going to be late.” Matthew talks over him, but they’re too busy shouting at each other to notice us until they’re all the way inside the kitchen.
They stop and stare at us, the tension growing tight.
“Morning, boys,” Flynn says, and the twins put on their fake smiles.
“Good morning.” Jace is the quickest to recover. “I didn’t know we had visitors.” He sends a scowl to Oliver as he comes over to shake my hand.
I’m pissed that we’ve been interrupted, but my manners get the better of me, and I stand up to greet him. Just as my hand lands in his, there’s a movement out of the corner of my eye, and I see her.
Standing there in a messy bun, wearing an oversized sweatshirt, is my gorgeous girl. My dream beauty I’ve been desperate for appears out of thin air like I’ve summoned my soul from the sky.
“Prince,” she gasps, and the whole room goes quiet.
Chapter Eleven
ELLA
After I say his name, I snap my mouth closed. Where did Prince come from and why is he holding Jace’s hand? Are they friends? Of course they are. He was at the party, but then again, everyone with money was invited.
“You’ve met Ella before?” Jace asks, glancing between Prince and me.
“Ella,” Prince repeats. How can one word make goosebumps rise over my entire body? Thankfully, my oversized sweatshirt hides them.
“I…ah, what’s your name?” I feel so stupid having to ask that question.
“Prince,” Jace answers for him and gives me a strange look.