Nowhere Left to Fall, page 7
“You’re going to run this place?” I asked her once we got to what was temporarily serving as her office.
“We’ll see what happens.”
I cocked my head. “Does this mean you’re not with the agency anymore?”
Her eyes met mine. “Noooo…” She drew out the word, which confused me even more.
“You’re definitely not an analyst in D.C. anymore though.”
“Definitely not.”
“You can’t tell me about it?”
“I can’t.” She seemed genuinely regretful. “I’m sorry, Casey. I honestly can’t.”
“Can you tell me how you know Erik?”
She smiled sadly. “I can’t tell you that either.”
“Liz, I’m falling in love with him, and I need to know what there is between you.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, no, nothing like that. I…” She glanced around, assuring herself we were alone. “In my capacity as an operative there have been occasions where I’ve mingled with the royal family. Under another name, usually a disguise. He most likely realizes he’s met me as someone else but isn’t sure who or when. If he’s smart, he’s using his time today to find out.”
I sighed. “So, there’s nothing romantic or sexual between you?”
“No. I swear. We’ve never had any personal interaction; it’s all been me posing as someone else while watching members of the family or something to that affect.”
“Is he a good guy?” I blurted out. “I mean, is he really as wonderful as he seems?”
“I’m not friends with him, so I can’t really answer that, but I can tell you he’s never been involved in anything nefarious and seems to genuinely care about the people of Limaj. He doesn’t have any power, per se, but his heart is always in the right place based on the public things he says and does.”
“That’s my feeling too,” I admitted. “I wish it didn’t scare me so much.”
“Love can be scary.” Her voice was sympathetic, almost sad.
“Tell me about it.”
“Are you hungry?”
“I could eat.”
“Then you can tell me all about it over lunch.” She reached for the phone and I smiled. I suddenly felt a thousand pounds lighter.
12
Erik
* * *
Shopping with Casey was unlike anything I’d experienced with anyone else. She had a distinct feminine side, but she didn’t particularly like trying on clothes and grew bored with it relatively quickly. She tended to walk into a store, find a few things she liked, try them on, and move on. I wanted her to wear something fantastic for the party tomorrow night but felt like a bit of a hypocrite because of it. I’d spent all week telling her how I loved her just the way she was and now I wanted to change her into someone from my world. It was just for one night, but I wasn’t sure how to get that across.
After we’d stopped into the third fancy dress shop, Casey took my hand and led me into a corner of the room.
“Okay, tell me exactly what tomorrow is about,” she said.
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve been trying to get me into ball gowns and party dresses all day, so if you just tell me about the event and who’s going to be there, it’ll be easier for me to pick something.”
“My uncle is going to be there.”
“The king?” Her eyes widened. “Erik, I don’t think—”
“This is why I didn’t want to tell you,” I interjected, cutting her off. “Look, you’re beautiful, articulate, and intelligent. You know how to handle yourself, and you’re going to wow everyone in the room. I love who you are but I also know that people in my circles can be jerks to newcomers, so I don’t want to set you up to fail.”
Her smile was full of mischief. “You know I play rock music for a living, right? I’ve been spoken down to, made fun of, and tossed out of expensive stores because they didn’t know who I was. I can handle myself just fine. However, because I care about you, the last thing I’d ever want to do is embarrass you. Why don’t you just pick out what you want me to wear?”
I hesitated. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I’ll try it on to make sure it fits, but you pick the dress.”
“Just this once,” I said softly.
She shook her head. “Don’t lie. I understand the difference between you wanting to change me and wanting me to fit in. I’m an entertainer; I can play any role you need me to in public as long as you know who I am in private.”
I pulled her to me, one arm circling her waist as I stared into the depths of her blue eyes. “Have I told you I’m crazy about you yet today?”
“Not yet.” Her eyes twinkled.
“I’m crazy about you.”
“I’m kind of crazy about you too. Now, go figure out what you want me to wear.”
* * *
I already knew how beautiful the dress was going to look on her, but when I arrived at her suite to pick her up before the party, she rendered me fucking speechless. Standing there in a backless, black sequined gown with a slit up her right thigh, she blew me away for what might have been the hundredth time since we’d been together. I’d known this was the dress the moment she’d come out of the dressing room, but with her hair up in a loose but sexy chignon and her makeup flawless, I’d never seen anything as beautiful as Casey Hart. Every time I thought I couldn’t love her more she threw me for a loop. I’d known allowing myself to fall for her would be crazy and complicated, but reality was even more exciting than I’d imagined. My heart beat a little too fast and the pleasure I got from looking at her was immeasurable.
“Why are you staring?” she asked in a soft voice. “Do I look okay?”
“You look…” I wasn’t sure how to express what I was thinking. “You’re breathtaking, Casey.”
“Thank you. You look pretty hot in a tux, Your Greatness.” Her cocky grin warmed my heart.
“I have a gift for you,” I said, removing the velvet box from my pocket.
She took the box curiously and her eyes widened when she opened it. “Oh, my god, Erik. They’re beautiful… I can’t wear something like this.”
“A beautiful woman can always wear diamonds. Please. I want you to have them.”
She looked at me and I wished I could have read her mind in that moment. Something vulnerable flashed in her eyes, as though no one had ever given her a gift like this, but before I could decipher it, she turned her back to me so I could fasten the diamond necklace.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I’ve never owned anything so beautiful.”
“Stunning jewels for an even more breathtaking woman.”
“You’re spoiling me.”
“It makes me happy to spoil you.”
“Then I guess it makes me happy to let you.” She fastened the earrings and turned to me. “I’m ready.”
“Then let’s go.” I took her arm and we walked to the elevator with Sandor and Aziz flanking us.
Normally it was just Sandor and me, but with Casey in the mix we’d added Aziz as a full-time bodyguard and tonight there would be a third man as our driver. I’d never felt it was necessary in the past but now that I had Casey with me, her celebrity added to my own and made us twice the targets. The paparazzi had gotten wind we were in Europe and had spotted us at our hotel, so they’d been hounding us for two days now. Casey took it in stride, but I hated it because normally I fell under the radar. Anwar and Yusef tended to get most of the attention from the press and having the tables turned was new to me.
“Sandor, you look very handsome tonight,” Casey said as the four of us descended to the private parking garage.
“Thank you, Ms. Hart.” He nodded, smiling at her for what might have been the first time since we’d left Las Vegas.
The drive was quick and we exited the SUV in a secret parking area, taking a private elevator up to the party. Sandor seemed nervous, and I gave him a curious stare, but he merely shook his head and focused on having my back. Casey and I exited the elevator with Sandor and Aziz behind us, while Frederick stayed with the SUV.
“Your Highness.” The host of the party, a billionaire named Girard Mantha, held out his arms. “It’s good to see you. Welcome.”
“Thank you, my friend.” I hugged him before reaching behind me for Casey’s hand, drawing her forward. “Casey, this is an old friend. Girard Mantha, meet Casey Hart.”
“The guitarist.” Girard smiled, shaking Casey’s hand. “I’m a big fan.”
“Thank you.” She nodded graciously.
“Let’s get a drink,” Girard suggested. “We need to catch up.”
“Give me a few minutes,” I told him. “Let me get Casey a glass of champagne and I’ll find you in a little bit.”
“Of course.” Girard moved away, and I led Casey deeper into the room.
“Friend or foe?” she whispered in my ear.
“Girard? Neither. Pretty much only cares about business and money but he and my uncle are close.”
“Speaking of which.” Her eyes moved to the far end of the room where my uncle and Anwar were holding court.
“Are you ready?” I asked her. “It would be insulting for me not to approach him immediately.”
“Sure.” She gripped my hand a little tighter. “But I could use a drink first.”
I flagged down a waiter who appeared with two glasses of champagne, and Casey took one gratefully. She downed it in a few gulps and smiled at me. “Okay, now I’m ready.”
We approached the King and Crown Prince of Limaj, and for the first time in my life I was a little intimidated. Not because I was afraid of them but because I worried about how they would react to Casey. The king would be polite, of course, but Anwar was a crapshoot. He treated women like pretty annoyances to be used and tossed away. So far, he’d thwarted all of his father’s attempts to get him to settle down.
“Your Majesty.” I bowed my head to my uncle, who looked up with a smile.
“Erik, my boy.” He got up and hugged me, something he didn’t do often, so I responded in kind. “Good to see you.”
“Likewise, sir.” I pulled Casey forward. “May I introduce Ms. Casey Hart. Casey, King Isak of Limaj.”
She dipped into a brief curtsey, bowing her head before straightening up and allowing him to take her hand. “It’s a pleasure, Your Majesty.”
“Casey Hart. You wrote ‘Pieces of Nothing,’ did you not?”
If she was surprised, she hid it well, merely smiling. “I did.”
“That is my wife’s favorite song. When she returns from powdering her nose, she will be pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“Thank you. I’m honored to make yours.”
“Well, just between us, Flawed Freedom is one of my favorite bands,” he said with a wink. “I saw them on their last tour.”
“I’ll be sure to tell my father.”
“I’m sure my brother has told him numerous times. And I must say, the news of the end of Viktim of Prey was disappointing,” he continued. “Do you know what you’ll do now?”
“I’m thinking about going to college,” she said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do, and it will give me a chance to regroup and write music.”
“And perhaps a little time for romance?” He smiled at me.
“Hello, cousin.” Anwar joined us, his voice louder than the others as he openly looked Casey up and down. “Who have we here?”
“This is Casey Hart,” I said, sliding an arm around her waist. “Casey, His Royal Highness, Prince Anwar al-Hassani.”
“It’s very nice to meet you, Your Highness.” Casey briefly bowed her head but didn’t curtsey, which made me want to kiss her.
“If you’ll excuse me,” King Isak said. “I have others waiting to speak to me. Casey, I hope to see you again soon. Find me later, Erik, yes?”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.”
“So, where did you find this one?” Anwar asked, blatantly focused on Casey’s chest.
“Casey and I have known each other since we were children,” I responded easily, keeping her close to my side. “Her parents are close to mine.”
“Wait, is this the one who fancies herself a musician?”
“I play five instruments,” Casey said with a sweet smile. “So, I am a musician.”
“Rock and roll isn’t what I would call music.” He laughed. “But I suppose everyone should learn to play something, even an instrument as crude as an electric guitar.”
“Well, at least it’s not a flute,” I said, giving him a grin. “I mean, you were adorable performing for your father when you were twelve. You attempted something from Jethro Tull, wasn’t it?”
Anwar narrowed his eyes. “If you think—”
“Hello.” My aunt appeared like an angel from heaven, her perfume wafting around her like an elegant cloud, hand extended as she smiled at Casey, completely ignoring her eldest son. “I am Klara. I was so delighted to hear you were here. I enjoy your music immensely.”
13
Casey
* * *
Anwar was a dick. Watching him stare at my chest and talk down to me had me ready to throat-punch him, but I managed to keep my temper in check because it was obvious Erik was about to lose his. His grip on my waist had almost become painful until his aunt appeared, smiling and effectively cutting Anwar off. She was sweet, gracious, and charming, and if I’d thought I would feel uncomfortable with her, I was wrong. She led me away from the men to a small private table where we sat and chatted like old friends. She was curious about my music, my career, and my future, and she surprised me by giving her blessing for my relationship with Erik.
“Erik has always been my favorite of our nephews,” she said with a mischievous smile. “We’ve tried for years to find the right woman for him, but nothing has ever clicked. This time, however, I see the way he looks at you.”
“Oh, well…” I blushed. “I’ve had a crush on him for years, but I never thought he would look twice at me.”
“You’re beautiful and successful—why wouldn’t he? Kari says you’re lovely, and now that we’ve met, I have to agree.”
“Thank you.” I think I blushed again, but I wasn’t sure.
“So, I heard on one of the entertainment television shows that your band has broken up. What’s next for you?”
We talked music and college, as if I sat and spoke with a queen every day, drinking champagne and laughing. She was a lot like Aunt Kari, just a little older and with cleaner language since Aunt Kari cussed like a sailor.
“I’ve dominated enough of your time,” Klara said, gracefully rising to her feet. “You and Erik should dance.”
“I’ve enjoyed talking with you,” I said, meaning it. “I hope we have the chance to do it again.”
“Absolutely. Perhaps tea one day next week. I’ll speak with Isak about our schedule.”
“That sounds lovely. Thank you.” I looked around for Erik and didn’t see him, so I found my way to the ladies’ room.
I’d been a little anxious when we first arrived, and meeting Anwar had been unnerving, but the king and queen had been wonderful. I’d grown up around the rich and famous, so wealth and success didn’t intimidate me. Royalty, on the other hand, was different. Even though Uncle Ben and Aunt Kari had been part of my life for as long as I could remember, Uncle Ben had abdicated before I was born so I’d never seen that side of him. Erik and his sister had both been somewhat aloof, but I just assumed it was because they’d been sent off to fancy boarding schools. I’d never understood that, since Uncle Ben and Aunt Kari were so chill about everything else, but I’d never thought to ask.
Now I had all kinds of questions and I longed to be alone with Erik. Hopefully, we could leave early. I didn’t mind getting dressed up and making small talk, but not when the alternative was a night of passionate fun with a guy I’d always wanted. We’d renegotiate the terms of our deal sooner rather than later because I was anxious to get naked again soon.
I touched up my lipstick and stepped into the hallway. Just as I took a step forward, a hand closed over my arm.
“Hello, Ms. Hart.” Anwar’s voice gave me chills, and I unconsciously jerked at my arm.
“You’re hurting my arm,” I whispered, holding my ground even as he tried to push me against the wall. I was at a disadvantage in my four-inch heels, but I was also a sixth-degree black belt in karate, so I wasn’t afraid of him either.
“Don’t put on airs with me,” he hissed. “You’re my cousin’s current distraction, and we both know all you see in him is dollar signs.”
I laughed. “You know I’m a millionaire, right? And my father’s a multimillionaire too, so…money isn’t much of a pull for me.”
“Then it’s power.” He leaned in so close I could smell the minty scent of his breath and an overabundance of aftershave. “And I can give you far more than he can.”
I planted my feet and met his gaze without blinking. “You have two seconds to let go before I make a scene.”
“I’m the Crown Prince of Limaj—no one will help you.” He tried to move me, but I was both faster and more skilled, elbowing him in the ribs and following it up with a jab to the throat that left him gasping even though I hadn’t come anywhere close to causing any damage. And all without anyone seeing, because his back was to the entrance that led back to the party.
“I’m not interested, Your Highness.” I quickly walked away from him and back into the party, immediately running into Sandor.
“Are you all right?” He looked me up and down questioningly. “What is it? Did something happen?”
“No, of course not. I’m fine.” I took a breath, trying to slow the staccato beating of my heart. “Do you know where Erik is?”
He looked at the red handprint on my upper arm where Anwar had been holding me. “Don’t lie to me, Casey. It’s my job to protect Erik, and if someone is bothering you…” His voice trailed off as Anwar came down the hallway, whispering with one of his bodyguards.
“He made a pass at me,” I said slowly. “I turned him down.”
