Prince Albert: A Billionaire Stepbrother Romance Read Online Free PDF

for years, but I’m not sure the power isn’t the most alluring part of all of this for her.
    “Think of all that you could do as a princess, Isabella,” she says.  “I’ve already set up work for you with refugees, with children’s organizations.  You’ll have a virtually unlimited budget at your disposal compared to what you had in Africa.  Think of what you can do.  Think of the children who need your help.”
    “I have to think about it,” I say, already feeling like the most selfish person on earth. My mother is offering me the chance to do a world of good, and I’m actually considering not taking it, just because I don’t want to spend the summer in the castle with my new stepbrother, who just happens to be the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.
    “I know you’ll make the right decision,” she says, smiling at me.  “Take some time.  You’re jet-lagged.  I’m sure you’re tired.  Relax, and gather your wits.  Then you can tell me when you’ve made the right choice.”
    It’s less of a suggestion than it is an order.  That much is clear.
     
     

CHAPTER FIVE
    Albie
     
    “Hey, Cinderella.”  I whisper the words, even though we’re the only two people in the hallway.   A housekeeper at the end of the hall runs a feather duster along the window, and a member of the security team walks with purpose.  When she sees us, the housekeeper quickly darts around the corner and out of the way.
    It’s silly, really, all of the pomp and circumstance that goes along with living in this place.  It always made me uncomfortable, even when I was a kid.
    Belle whirls around and glares at me.  “Are you following me?”
    “Whoa, whoa, luv.”  I put my hands up in mock surrender.  “Don’t get your panties in a bunch.  You do wear panties, don’t you?  I picture a thong.  Unless you go commando.  That would be more fun, as well as convenient.”
    She looks at me with wide eyes.  “My panties are none of your business.”
    “I’m right about the thongs, though, aren’t I?”
    She ignores me, which is probably for the best, because that means I can use my imagination when it comes to what she’s wearing under those jeans.  “Seriously,” she says.  “Are you following me?  How do I keep running into you?  Isn’t this a giant palace?”
    “It’s three hundred rooms,” I say.  “Three hundred and twelve.  Give or take, really.  Some rooms are under renovation, and some are considered public areas for tours and things.  I’ll give you a tour, if you like.  The very private, very special tour.”
    “That was a rhetorical question,” she says.  “Stop stalking me.”
    “You’re full of yourself,” I say, standing close to her.  She doesn’t move, doesn’t step back an inch, and I’m so close that I can smell the faintest hint of fragrance on her skin – something soft, lightly floral – lotion, not perfume.  “I’d rather you be full of me.”
    She wrinkles her nose, an expression of distaste that should be annoying, but just makes me hard instead.  Apparently, I find her distaste attractive.
    “You’re crude for a prince,” she says.
    “You’ve said that already.”
    “Obviously, nothing’s changed.”
    “I hope not," I say.  "Persistence is one of my strongest qualities.”
    A small smile breaks through her face, and she shakes her head.  “So, what, you just wear women down?” she asks.  “I’d think someone royal like yourself wouldn’t need to resort to doing that.”
    “Not normally,” I say.  “But you’re a special case.”
    This time, she laughs.  “Because I find you irritating?”
    I put my hand over my chest.  “I’m hurt, Belle,” I say.  “Truly.  But I don’t believe you.”
    “You don’t believe that I find you obnoxious?” she asks.  “Because I can assure you, I really do.  Even more so now.”
    “Just because our parents are getting married?” I ask.  “You didn’t find me irritating in Las