The Brokerage (An Obsessed Alpha Billionaire Romance Book 1, #1) Page 3

  “Let me get her situated and then I want a full report. And walk me through the damage.” I said over my shoulder as I checked Jana for any bruises or cuts.

  “I’m fine, really,” she said.

  “Good.” I hoisted her up and over one shoulder as I had last night, and she gave another squeal, just as pleased this time.

  Chapter 12

  Twenty minutes later she was ensconced in a hot tub of bubbles with Maman overseeing her. Maman was the ship’s resident house mother, chief counselor, and doting hen to all things scraped, bruised, or shell-shocked. She had seen several wars in her youth as a frontline nurse and had tended our security officers, crew, and dignitaries alike, with the same loving, magnanimous, and sometimes scolding, manner. No matter who you were, you drank her healing teas, applied her ointments, let her tend your ailments – seen and unseen – no matter what. She did not invite discussion on her decisions. One eyebrow and you knew better.

  The two of them seemed old friends the moment they met, and I left them trilling in rapid French as she prepared the bath for Paradise. I was completely forgotten before I was halfway out the door, and the thought quite pleased me.

  * * *

  I opened the small door to the wheelhouse and went in, the cold air-conditioned air a stark contrast to the summer heat outside.

  “Report.”

  Taylor stepped forward and nodded. “Forty-seven shots to the starboard, 12 to the port. Stern and bow are being evaluated, now. One KIA: Handleson.” His tone sobered at the end.

  I sucked in air. A hard blow. He and Handleson had been tight; he had been one of my favorites, as well. I had lost many a card game to the two of them and the three of us had more than a few rowdy memories. I flashed briefly to nights ashore in the Seychelles. The most memorable of which seemed so simple now. We had each taken a bottle of rum to La Digue, ridden by ox cart to the Copra mill, where we ended up picking up a bag of fresh coconuts. Then we had headed out to spend the evening drinking around a fire on one of the white-sand beaches. We sat there all night, in easy companionship, as the giant granite boulders surrounded and watched over us like sentries.

  “Will you handle the arrangements? Also, we will want to pay our respects. Give his mother our regrets and gratitude. And make sure she gets the hero’s purse.” My team was loyal, not only because I was loyal to them in return, but also because they knew their family would never want for anything if they pledged service to me and did not make it to retirement. We took care of our own.

  Taylor nodded once, which was not his usual “yes, sir” self. Handleson’s loss hit him hard. I made a mental note to keep an eye on him for signs of how the loss affected him. If he needed to be backed up, we’d cover that, too.

  Chapter 13

  I walked all the way out to the bow of the ship. We were underway again, the Gendarmerie Maritime had been alerted, and reservations made at the Hôtel Heritage in Monaco. We would triple the security team once we reached shore; Taylor had called in reinforcements he trusted and had worked with in the military and on previous jobs.

  A steward came out, one hand behind his back as he offered me a silver tray, which held a steaming cup of tea. I took the teacup and saucer, nodded without looking, and turned to face the water as he backed away and turned to leave.

  It is good to be king, until the kingdom is threatened.

  I scowled. Rondenia and King Hallella were dear friends, Rondenia more so than the king. I had met the four children, many times. But why not tell me about the fifth? Surely, once they were established in their monarchy, there was no longer a need to lie. I shrugged internally, I supposed it was one of the things that could get away from you at some point, trapping you within it.

  I watched the gulls dive and swoop as I sipped my tea. There was no way to avoid wondering how this would change my relationship with them. I had bought their daughter.

  Now, I stood between her and her father, my friend.

  I heard footsteps and turned.

  “Taylor. Thank you for joining me. Have a seat.”

  “Thank you, sir.” He pulled out one of the wicker chairs and sat on the royal blue cushion, heavily.

  I motioned to the steward, who stepped forward.

  I nodded at Taylor, who asked for coffee, black.

  When the steward retreated and I knew we were alone, I set my empty cup and saucer down and looked at him.

  I quietly said, “She is Rondenia’s daughter.”

  He looked like I had punched him. He leaned forward, eyes scanning mine for the joke, a punchline that would remove the horror.

  “You mean...”

  “Yes. They were her father’s men.”

  We sat there in silence, both stunned. I could tell this was a little much for him to process at the moment. Hell, I was still processing it. How do you tell your friends that you purchased a year of companionship, not to mention the virginity of, their secret love child, the one their royal subjects knew nothing about?

  This bit of news, in the wrong hands, could cause usurpers to rise, possibly start a war. Most certainly ignite some level of political unrest. Not to mention the complexities this added to our friendship – if we even still had a friendship.

  Both sides had lost men today, so did this mean Rondenia and the King were now my enemies?

  After a few moments, I said the only thing I could. “Will you arrange a professional emissary for me? Someone who understands the delicate gravitas and has the requisite expertise? I should think I need to speak with The Brokerage custodians, as well. Certainly, they must have known.”

  “I’ll make it happen.”

  Chapter 14

  After the bath, Maman suggested I try and nap, and she would come back and check on me, but sleep did not come easy. The excitement of the last 24 hours, especially after the danger and horrors of today, had taken a toll on me. I was so grateful he had arranged for me to have access to her. Even more grateful he had her.

  I sensed he needed her. Well, likely the entire crew needed her at one time or another. I laughed.

  I reached over to the bedside table and picked up the diamond-encrusted phone.

  Comment vous appelez-vous? I texted.

  I was tired of calling him ‘he’. It was time to know his name.

  English, please.

  I am a pirate, not a Prince. He added.

  I am not a Prince, either. I replied.

  No, you are not, Princess.

  Princess Paradise. He added. Then followed with several more text pings.

  Princess P.

  PP.

  LOL

  His texts just kept coming. Finally, I shot back.

  !!!

  No adequate comeback in mind, I was reduced to speaking in shocked exclamation points.

  Cat got your tongue?

  You may call me, Jana.

  I think I prefer Paradise.

  :sigh: Was my only reply.

  Oh, wait. Since I paid FOUR HUNDRED AND THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS FOR YOU, I should produce something more familiar than “Paradise.”

  His texts continued in rapid-fire, each one quickly lighting my phone, one after the other, which made me giggle.

  Hmmm....

  Pari.

  Yes. Wait, no! Let us spell it in botched American!

  Perri, it is.

  I was shocked, delighted, and laughing.

  I threw the phone down. I was not experienced in talking to or texting with men. I had no idea they could be so funny.

  Wait! I still didn’t know his name!

  Chapter 15

  I had Janice, the first mate, check us into the hotel, prior to us having my entire security detail move us into our suite. This had allowed Taylor to set up necessary security precautions; sweeping the room, ensuring the rooms adjacent to ours were empty and safe, ready for my detail to take over. In normal circumstances, I would offer Perri the Diamond Suite Presidential on her own, but I had decided it was safer if we shared the two-b
edroom suite. Taylor and a dozen of his best would run operations from the adjacent suites on each side, with the crew and other team members occupying all the rooms on the two floors below.

  It was quite the ordeal to relocate so many of the hotel’s other guests, but the management made an exception, my reputation with them ensuring flawless service.

  We effectively had the entire top three floors quarantined, though Taylor quickly identified additional concerns: the two balconies in our suite, the rooftop, in the event someone landed there, as well as the hotel personnel since they had not had prep time to vet them first.

  Chapter 16

  Twice more I asked his name, and twice more I was denied. It had become a game between us. At first, I simply asked. Then I became creative, calling him any number of other names he was sure to like less. If I found one sufficiently horrid maybe he would acquiesce and save us both by offering the real one.

  “Eduardo.”

  “No.” He smiled, shaking his head.

  “Bartholomew.”

  He laughed.

  “Minuscolo,” I said, grinning impishly.

  “Uh, not.”

  I laughed, delighted he knew the Italian word for tiny.

  “Richard, but you like to be called, ‘Dick.’”

  On and on it went for the entire flight, a couple of times he called out through our headsets to the pilot, telling him to lower the craft so he could push me out, until I shrieked and clung to his arm in mock fear, laughing. He was fun to tease!

  Once we landed, I recognized the building. I had stayed here many times before and hoped he had chosen my favorite suite.

  He had!

  Most people would book themselves into the Princely, but I preferred the coziness of having only two bedrooms, and, besides, the décor in Presidential was more to my flavor. I really loved the reds in the drapes and having a fireplace in my bedroom.

  I headed right, into my bedroom, and then straight to my balcony after he opened the suite’s door for me. Two of the security team were directly in front of us as we entered but I was accustomed to security details. What I did not expect was to find another in my bedroom. He stepped in front of me, blocking access to the balcony. I moved to go around him, but he moved with me. I stopped and looked at him, angry.

  “Perri, please, let him do his job,” I heard Bob say from behind me.

  He lifted my hand, adding, “Besides,” He tugged gently, pulling me out into the living area again, “This is your room.” He gestured, forward.

  I spun on my heel, eyes flashing.

  “No! This is my suite and that,” I pointed back, “Is always my bedroom!”

  He dropped my hand gently, and stood, looking at me.

  “These are my rooms. I do not consent to share!” I squinted my eyes at him, wanting to ensure my point was made.

  Very quietly, he said, “You are in danger. Consent or no, I am charged with your safety. And you, Princess,” he moved the hair back across my shoulder, “Are charged with maintaining the freedom of your marital status and your maidenhead.”

  His points were sobering. I blinked, and my energy eased, but not by much.

  “B-but my room...” I pointed back toward the red drapes.

  He nodded. Then he raised his hand and simply pointed. To his left.

  What?! NO! My body tensed, leaning forward, as I stared at him, rage in my eyes. No one liked to see me mad, but he seemed completely unaffected! I turned around, walked one step toward the long table between me and the sofa, and shoved the bronze statute on it angrily. Unsatisfied with its heavy kerplunk on the soft fabric of the seat cushion I aggressively swiped the table, causing two figurines to fall shattering onto the floor. There!

  I swung back around to him, ready to gloat, knowing I had just cost him more money when I was suddenly being lifted over his shoulder without warning.

  How dare he!

  “Put me down!” I yelled as I twisted and pummeled his back, scratching where I could.

  Four long steps, and I was flying downward, tossed on the bed unceremoniously.

  The nerve! We needed to get some things straight!

  He went back to the double doors, the security officer had just exited, and shut them, before turning back to me.

  I was on my back, propped up on elbows, my legs closed but askew, hair haphazardly tumbled. My face was dark red, my lips tight, and eyes squinted as I tried to shoot daggers at him.

  He walked toward the foot of the bed, so I scrambled back, but he was faster. He reached my ankles and yanked me toward him, quickly.

  I yelped and tried grabbing for the fabric, but it was too fine. At that moment I realized I would have to use other means to fight. I yanked one foot free, and kicked him, glancing it off his shoulder before he grabbed it again. I screamed a bit, but not for a rescue – more from anger and frustration.

  He moved then to put his body weight fully on top of mine and prevent my wriggling and scratches. Before he was fully on me, I slapped him and loved the way it sounded before he snatched both of my hands and pinned them above my head, forcing our faces closer together.

  His breathing was heavy, as was mine, and without realizing it was happening, or why, I discovered I was no longer resisting. Maybe it was because he was so handsome; a playful, virile, accomplished man that his crew respected. Maybe it was because of the bits of his story Maman had told me. Maybe it was because I knew he had purchased me and for some reason I wanted to please him. I didn’t know. I simply knew I wanted him to kiss me again.

  Chapter 17

  I held three Aces and two 8s. It was his turn to play. I brought the cards up to my lips and absentmindedly rubbed them across the bottom one, lost in thought, realizing they were still tender from the sound kissing he had given me earlier.

  He laid down a Flush, Ace high, and I tossed my cards down, dejected. Then I crossed my arms, stuck out my bottom lip, and gave him the royal pout. It never failed to win the day with my father, who always delighted in it.

  “You forget, I know about the royal pout. Your sisters might even be a bit better at it than you.” He chuckled and winked, eyes sparkling, as surprise registered on my face.

  “Gah!” I wanted something to throw again.

  “Pay up.”

  “Fine. But I am registering my complaint. I am certain you have cheated.”

  We were sitting near the fire, the two sets of open doors to the balcony in his room blowing a comfortable breeze around the guards that blocked our view to the outside. It was safer that way, for the moment.

  I stood up, ready to pay my debt, and walked around the table.

  He had scooted back and turned his seat to receive me.

  I leaned forward as he grinned, and placed both of my hands on his forearms, pinning them there casually.

  But I am not so easily had. One game of cards for a kiss? He had better think again!

  I moved in, dipping my head low as if to come upward to meet his lips. Instead, I altered my course at the last moment and went in toward his neck, slowly, deliciously. Without touching anywhere but his forearms, I sniffed his neck, deeply. Then, I moved to the other side, running my cheek against him softly as I inhaled again. My head dipped lower again, this time to the chest hairs peeking out above his V-neck shirt. I let them barely tickle my nose, as my breasts barely grazed his groin.

  He took a sharp intake of breath, not expecting that. I felt his arms tense, ready to shake me off, as his eyes shifted to the side, quickly prepared to adjust our course, if I got too risqué with his men still in the room. But their backs were to us and I knew how far, was too far. I looked him in the eye. Our energy rose and swirled again. I could feel him, ready to grow hard with the smallest encouragement. I liked him wanting me this much; as much as I wanted him.

  I rose, then and placed his winning kiss... On his forehead.

  He blinked, disoriented, as I released him, shrugged, and started to move away. I was just about to laugh, amused with myself
, when he recovered, reached out, and yanked me back to his lap as I squealed.

  “You are a vixen!” He nuzzled my neck and whispered, “I can only imagine what you will be like when you have come into your own!”

  He was pleased with me, as I was with myself.

  He released me then and said, more seriously, “Your mother would be proud.”

  I looked back, touched, and saw his eyes full of respect and admiration. Though I was not sure what I had done to warrant those things.

  Chapter 18

  I can think of nothing, but you.

  Good. I replied.

  Send me a photo.

  Right now? My eyes shot open and I mentally calculated if I was ready for a selfie.

  Yes. Now.

  I laughed, imagining him in his bed, my bed, staring at the light of his phone. This was the easiest way to flirt with him, with security hovering so closely.

  I snapped a photo of my elbow.

  Here.

  That was NOT what I meant, and you know it.

  LOL was my reply.

  I pulled the covers over my head so I could giggle in private. Men in my bedroom had become a new normal, but I still wasn’t used to it.

  More, please.

  Aww, he was asking so nicely.

  I tapped the buttons and held the phone out, still under the covers. Then tossed my hair around and pinched pink into my cheeks until everything was just right. I snapped two pictures quickly, reviewed them, then tried again. Fourteen or so pics later and I finally had the right one. In it, my face was turned away slightly with my chin dipped down, one fingertip inside my open mouth, as my eyes cut back at the camera.

  A roaring tiger GIF was his reply.

  I giggled again loving that I could feel both his appreciation and humor.

  Chapter 19

  I awoke with a hand on my shoulder, shaking me. It was Taylor, gun drawn.