Prince's Addiction (The Exiled Royals Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

grinned up at him. The mascara really brought out the sparkling sapphire of her eyes; Kate was a damn revelation and, suddenly, his pants were far too tight.
    She smirked and gestured to her dress. “This old thing?”
    “Really?”
    “God no. I can admit that. My friend and I went on an emergency mall trip and raided three department stores. This is what her expert eye could find.”
    “At least you’re honest,” he said. He gestured for the waiter and paused long enough to order a Scotch before adding, “Wasn’t that hell on your ankle?”
    “Well, uh,” she said, oddly fumbling a little. “First I did the urgent care thing and it’s just a sprain, but we went and I found some places to sit while she did the dress pulling so it was team work, but I’m glad you like it. I was afraid it might be a bit too short.”
    It’s not short enough, not with your legs .
    But he couldn’t say that out loud so he continued to smile. “I think it’s perfect. Actually, your whole story makes me feel better.”
    “Does it?”
    “Yes, yesterday it felt like pulling teeth. I thought you’d only set this up as a nice way to blow me off—but you don’t stress shop in that circumstance. You’d have pulled out something from your closet, so I have to admit I feel much, much better about that.”
    “Well, you never know. Maybe if this date goes south I can pick up one of the high rollers at the table,” she said, grinning as she gestured to the nearest Black Jack table.
    Alex watched, mesmerized as the dealer revealed his second card. He had fifteen and the guy playing was at sixteen and the idiot was going to hold. Like that was smart—just wait to recoup another round? Yeah right.
    Ask for a hit and you won’t bust, idiot!
    “Alex?” Kate asked, concern coloring her words. “You got so quiet. Your drink is here, don’t you want it.”
    He wiped at his brow. God, had he just zoned out like that? Was he sweating? It was taking everything he had to stay in the seat. Just a game or two…would that really be so bad ? But he knew it would be. His cousin had connections all over town and would figure it out and then report it to his parents. And he could kiss any chance of being king goodbye.
    “I’m fine,” he said, assuming his biggest, most polite smile and then taking a sip of Scotch. It burned down his throat but he welcomed it. The acidity of it kept him from panicking and feeling terrible. He wasn’t going to be weak, not here. He was not going to lose everything. “So, when you’re not jogging, what do you like to do?”
    “Well, I work at one of the hotels. It’s not that exciting, just reception stuff. I can find you any deal on a show in Vegas though. I know everyone.”
    “I don’t need it.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Money, huh? I could tell with your Rolex and stuff, but can I say ‘ouch?’”
    He bit his lip and nodded. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to say it like that. Some things just come out.”
    “Maybe you need to work on that,” she teased. “But, yeah, and I have a sister I look after named Lily. I exercise or watch movies—unfortunately too many Pixar and Disney of late when I bite the bullet and go to the theater. What about you?”
    “You know, the usual. In this climate? I admit the pool’s pretty fun. I’ll go to dinner with my cousin and his wife, nothing that exciting.”
    “Play chess,” she pointed out. “Don’t take this personally but you do not look like the chess type.”
    “And what does the chess type look like, princess,” he asked, amused by that statement.
    “Pale, never seen sunlight and about ten pounds skinnier than me. You look like a damn body builder, you know?”
    “I’m not a gym rat, myself, but I don’t know…chess was always something I shared with my father. Besides, it’s the ultimate mental competition, the test of will and instinct but also logic. It’s heady; don’t let anyone tell you different.”
    “I’ll have to take your