Spy Girl (Spy Girl #1)

To prove his point, a girl interrupts us, getting on her knees and lowering her head straight toward the Prince’s royal privates.

When she gets up, she whispers something in his ear, presumably about how she’s available even though she introduced me to her boyfriend earlier.

But based on how close she was allowed to get to him without thought shows another flaw in his security. Women aren’t viewed as a threat.

“Cool party trick,” I say as the girl leaves. “So why are you two really here?”

The Prince throws his thumb in Daniel’s direction. “He says you owe him a pizza.”

I hold a finger up, causing a steward to instantly appear at my side. I whisper something to him and a few seconds later he presents Daniel with a pizza box.

“What the hell?” Daniel says.

I lean toward the Prince and pretend to confide in him. “It’s my new favorite combination, so I ordered it for our party.”

Daniel opens the box, looking confused, but the pizza quickly steals his attention. He offers the Prince a piece, but the Prince turns up his nose, takes my elbow, and leads me away from the crowd. I notice his security does not follow.

He kisses my hand. “It’s nice to see you again. I had hoped to see you at my party last night.”

“Oh, sorry. I got caught up at the roulette table.”

“Was your luck good?”

“It was very good.”

“Congratulations.” He looks back at Daniel. “I can see why Daniel wanted to come to your party. You are very beautiful.”

“Thank you. But I doubt he came here for me. Isn’t Montrovia where all the rich playboy types will be this week?”

“Possibly. Regardless, I’m glad he allowed me to join him.”

“I will admit, it’s not every day that a Prince crashes your party.”

“So, what brings you to my fair country?” His gaze is intense. I like it. He actually seems interested in talking to me. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the guys at school who just wanted to hookup.

“Same as everyone. The race.”

“Would you do me the honor of coming to my party, since I crashed yours?”

“When is it?”

“Well, my party lasts all week.”

“When ever will you sleep?” I flirt. The Prince is holding back a smirk. I narrow my eyes at him. “Lorenzo, are you thinking of us together in bed?”

“Perhaps,” he says, not admitting a thing. Then he adds, “Trust me, there is plenty of time for pleasure between parties. It’s a week full of special events.”

“I know. We got tickets for the race and the car show.”

“There are events nearly every day and night this week. My private yacht is the best place to view the race, and we end the festivities with the Queen’s Ball. Girls from all over the world hope to be my date.”

“It must suck to be the Prince.”

He’s taken aback. “That’s not the reaction I usually get. Why do you say that?”

“I suspect it’s like a buffet—so many options that you can’t choose just one.”

“Are you saying you don’t want to be my date?” He looks confused. I think Daniel is right. I don’t think he’s ever been turned down before.

“No offense, but I wasn’t one of those little girls who dreamed of becoming a princess.”

“Too bad. You’re breathtaking,” the Prince says, touching my face.

“Thanks,” I say awkwardly, mostly because no one has ever said that to me before.

He stares into my eyes, his hand on my face. “We’re causing a bit of a scene.”

I look around—even though I am fully aware of what is going on around me. Mostly. I had to let my guard down for a few minutes to focus on the Prince—and only him—to make him feel like the only man in the room.

“How are we causing a scene? We’re talking.”

“You’re new in town and have held my attention longer than most of my dates.”

“Yay for me!”

“Sarcasm. I like it.”

“I’ll just tell everyone that I was standing close to you because you smell good.” I will admit, so far, I actually like the Prince. He’s clearly trying to impress me. He’s charming, polite, has a sexy as hell accent, and does smell quite intoxicating.

He touches the tip of my nose. “You’re cute.”

I say, “Thank you, Your Highness,” in Montrovian.

He cocks his head in surprise. “You speak our language?”

“A little. I have an affinity for languages.”

“Not many people speak our native tongue anymore.”

“I know. I’m a history major,” I say.

“My country has a great many historical sites.”

“I know that, too. My brother may have come for the cars, but I came for the history. While he’s sleeping off last night, I’ll be visiting the art museum, the hot springs, and going on a tour of the castle.”

“The castle? Well, you know most of the rooms aren’t included in the public tour. You’d need to know someone if you wanted to see the best parts.”

I sigh and roll my eyes. “Let me guess. The best part is your place?”

He laughs. “I’d show you the rest of the castle, too. Would you like a private tour?”

“I’d love that, actually.”