Page 15 of Princely Agreement
“Leo Prince.” My mystery man gives me his full name, and it finally fills in the blanks. So he really was a Prince. At least I didn’t sleep with someone whose name I didn’t know.
“It’s nice to see you again. I’m just going to grab a muffin.” I can feel everyone's eyes on me as I move toward the breakfast island. Another man in a suit is sitting there with a giant smile on his face. Clearly he’s loving this surprise meeting.
“Join us,” the man says as his smile broadens. He nods to the chair next to him and then winks. “I’m Flynn.”
“Knock it off,” Prince snaps.
“What? There’s no need for her to rush off.” Flynn pulls out the chair, but I want nothing more than to run out of the kitchen as fast as possible. A million questions are swirling around in my mind. Plus, I’m a total mess right now. The last time Prince saw me, I was in a ball gown and made up from head to toe.
“Don’t you want your orange juice?” Oliver asks, already pouring me a cup. Then in French he tells me I should stay.
I hold Oliver's gaze, and I realize that he knows. Now I understand his reaction after I told him that I called the man Prince. Oliver knew who I was talking about, and I’m guessing he wanted to do some more digging before filling me in. It makes me wonder if there’s something wrong with Leo Prince if Oliver wasn’t quick to tell me who he was.
“Okay,” I agree and slip into the chair next to Flynn.
“I’d almost forgotten Cinder had a daughter. You’re about Zelly’s age,” Flynn says.
“Zelly?” I ask, and Flynn nods his head over toward Prince as he pops a bite of croissant into his mouth. Prince is staring at me, but I don’t think he’s stopped since I walked into the kitchen.
“She’s with Leo.” A small gasp leaves me, and Flynn’s brows lifts. “I’m surprised you haven’t met her. They keep you locked away in here or something?”
Oh god. Is that why Oliver didn’t want to tell me about Prince?
“I think I should—” I start to get up, but Prince moves quickly toward me, his hand going to the back of my chair to block me. Unless I want to rub against him to get by, I’m stuck.
“She’s my sister,” he rushes to say before staring down at me. Even in the high top chair, he still towers over me. “You should meet her.”
“It would be good for you to get out,” Oliver suggests.
“Ella stays here,” Jace cuts in, and Leo slowly turns toward my stepbrothers.
“Is she not allowed to leave the house?” His voice is smooth and calm, but it makes a hot shiver go down my back.
“She can leave the home,” Oliver says casually.
I’ve never really pushed to leave, but the problem more than anything is money. I don’t have any, at least not until I’m twenty-one. That’s when I get my trust and everything under the Cinder name. Right now, only Oliver and I know that.
“Ella has been sick.” Jace’s voice is getting tighter with each word that’s said.
“I actually feel better today,” I admit without thinking.
“My father hates when people are late.” Flynn taps his watch. “You boys better get re-suited.”
I can’t help the snort that comes out of me, but I do try and cover my mouth with my hand. The twins look like children playing dress-up in their suits. Flynn and Prince look like the clothes they have on were made for them.
“Right, we’ll be back.” Matthew has to shove Jace along to go change since they’re both covered in something.
“She doesn’t go anywhere,” Jace hisses before he lets Matthew push him out of the kitchen.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Flynn’s hand snap out to grab Prince’s arm.
“Don’t,” Flynn says to Prince. It’s the first time that Flynn actually appears serious. Everything about him before now was playful. Prince takes a deep breath, and Flynn releases his arm. “Focus on why we’re here.”
“You’ve been sick?” Leo’s attention comes back to me, and I see the concern in his eyes. Am I the reason he’s here?
“I’m fine.” This is so awkward. “Do you guys all have a meeting or something?”
“No,” both Flynn and Leo respond at the same time.