Spy Girl (Spy Girl #1)

The Prince is poking around my bathroom while I touch up my makeup. He holds up a round blue object. “Why do you have so many blue balls?”

I stop brushing my hair to see what he’s talking about.

“They’re bath bombs.”

“Sounds quite dangerous. It’s interesting what you brought with you.”

It is interesting what the Kates outfitted the villa with. I’m pretty sure one of them is obsessed with Lush products and imagined me in a foreign country without the ability to take a proper bath. She even included a note on her favorite combinations, thankfully.

“Honestly, I didn’t bring that much. I read that Montrovian shops have everything your heart could possibly desire. I just wasn’t sure if they had these, so I shopped in bulk.” I walk over to a large glass container and pull out a gold bar. “This gold one is perfect before a night out, because it gives your skin a soft shimmer. But my favorite thing is to mix a blue one with the gold. The combination looks like you’re bathing with a mermaid.”

“I’d like to bathe with a mermaid.”

“Since you’ve slept with all the other girls in the world, you need to find a new species?” I laugh. I’m funny sometimes.

“I’d like to take one with you.”

“My bath tub is built for one, and there’s a reason for that.”

“Why?”

“Baths are a solitary activity. A way to relax.”

“Have you never taken a bath with a friend?”

“No. Baths were in short supply at college.”

“We must remedy that immediately. The art of bathing can be very sensual.”

“Let me guess, you were bathed by nannies even after you hit puberty.”

He shrugs. “I was raised to—I’m comfortable naked.”

“I’m not.”

“I’ve seen you in a bikini. You looked plenty comfortable.”

“My lady bits were hidden.”

“In Montrovia, topless sunbathing is encouraged.”

“I don’t have a problem with that.”

“Then tomorrow, we have a date. You will bring the bath bombs. I will supply the bathing garments.”





X X X





The Amber Room is a glittering venue set up specifically for the Montrovian Grand Prix and is the setting for numerous parties over the race weekend. There is flowing champagne, exquisite cuisine, performances by iconic artists, amped up DJ sets, and tonight’s fashion show which benefits an international charity. I’ve met jet-setters, film stars, Formula One drivers, and royalty from numerous nations. Security is tight, and no one gets in unless they are on the list.

I’m having fun.

And feeling fairly relaxed. With all the famous people in the room, the bodyguards and security are numerous. Not to mention that the Prince’s personal bodyguard, Juan, is sticking very close tonight as are the other three who accompanied us to this event.

I even get the chance to go backstage to wish Allie luck. I thought she might be nervous, but she seems in her element and ready to go. She also looks killer with her bangs teased and held back by a barrette and wearing a sexy, retro bikini.

I go back out and take a prime seat next to the Prince as the show starts.

A well-known DJ is spinning a sick beat, and the fashion show is fast-paced and features both men and women’s attire from many of the high-end boutiques in Montrovia’s elite shopping district.

“You would look amazing in that,” Lorenzo says, commenting on the red gown that is the grand finale to the show. “You must have it.”

“Where would I wear it? Cinderella’s castle?”

“I was thinking my castle,” he says, taking my hand in his and kissing it. “Shall I buy you glass slippers, too?”

“I don’t know. Do you want me to leave you at midnight?”

He slides his hand into my hair and kisses me. “Most definitely not. Does that mean you will still allow me to escort you to the Queen’s Ball?”

“When is it, again?” I ask, playing it cool.

“Sunday night, after the race. It’s our grand finale of the week.”

“I guess since I said I’d hang out with you for Race Week, it would include that.”

“Hang out seems so casual.”

“I thought that’s how you liked your relationships with women.”

“Usually, that is the case. With you, I’m inclined not to want such a casual arrangement.”

“We’ve only known each other for a short time.”

“Still.” He gazes into my eyes. It’s incredibly sweet. I feel a pang of guilt for manipulating his emotions, but I know the manipulation isn’t a lie. Because I genuinely like this man.