The American (Billionaire Royals Book 6) Read online

  “You forgot your sunglasses.” Her voice was honey, light and teasing.

  He pulled the pair out of his pocket. “Oh, they’re right here.” He grinned at Sage but she was on her way toward the building.

  He picked up his pace and she hastened hers. He laughed. “Are we racing?”

  “Certainly not. Anyone can see I was here before you.”

  “Oh ho!” He ran for the elevator and slammed the buttons. “I disagree.”

  Zachary cleared his throat and frowned. Apparently he was part of the group Thad had run by in his efforts to beat Sage.

  He immediately rested his hand on Thad’s arm. “Really Thad. In America, there is a certain level of expectation in our manner of carrying ourselves.”

  Thad widened his eyes and then narrowed them when Sage hid her smile.

  But he bowed his head. “I forget myself. Sage was racing in and left me with the feeling of being left behind. I thought to play along, encourage good relations.” He winked and Zachary’s eyes sharpened before he nodded his head. “Well done, then. I see I misjudged you.”

  “Oh, no misjudgment. I welcome any correction you may have for me as I’m learning my way around here. I am sure to stumble more than once, but I am determined to listen well.”

  “Just right.” He eyed Sage. “I think we’ve found a good one here.”

  She hummed. And nodded. But that was all she would give him, not even a glance in Thad’s direction.

  Zachary led them both into an open and airy conference room. One wall was floor to ceiling windows and Thad immediately went to stand at the edge of the window to look out over Manhattan. “I will never tire of this view.”

  Sage came to stand beside him. “Have you been here often?”

  He shook his head. “Once a year is all.”

  He pretended not to notice the raised eyebrows or doubtful expression she shot Zachary. The news would hit her hard enough without him already trying to counter her misplaced doubt in him.

  Zachary paged his secretary who gathered the others. The plan was to announce to all the staff and Sage, that Thad would be the new CEO. They were planning to hire Sage in her role as consultant to work with Thad to jumpstart a new campaign for the company, with Thad as its poster boy. That way Sage could walk them through the new transition.

  He admitted to being a bit wary of the idea to begin with, but after listening to Zachary pitch his plan on the phone, his press experience kicked in and he had to admit the marketing theories behind the plan were genius. And it helped, he reminded Zachary, that Thad hoped to be useful in other ways besides just publicity.

  Everyone took their seats with Thad on one side of Zachary and Sage on the other.

  Once all eyes were on the threesome at the head of the table, Zachary cleared his throat. “I would like you to meet Thad Valdez. He comes to us from the island of Torren.”

  Mostly polite, and in some cases a bit boisterous, clapping followed the introduction. Thad flashed them his most charming grin.

  “And of course most of you know Sage Parker. We hold the utmost respect for her in her efforts last year as our consultant. Much of the new direction we are taking, and all of our new prosperity, we owe to Sage.” She nodded and the others clapped enthusiastically.

  His respect for her grew. She had been able to win them all over and apparently had a big influence on their multi-million dollar company. He wondered how much of Zachary’s plan she was actually aware of.

  “This next announcement will come as a complete surprise to everyone in the room.”

  Well, except for himself. Thad hoped the reactions were favorable.

  “Even you Thad.”

  His eyes widened, and he leaned forward.

  “We would like to announce the creation of a dual CEO position within our company.”

  Gasps followed that announcement. Thad kept his face blank, but Sage went noticeably paler.

  “Much like Chipotle or Whole Foods or even the Deutsche Bank, we would like to offer the position to you both, working in tandem.”

  “Zachary, really.” Sage stopped. She looked around the room at the expectant faces, and then she smiled. “I would be honored.”

  Thad didn’t know how to respond. They had flown him here, moved him to Manhattan under a different pretense. He felt a bit cheated. But now was not the time to discuss his personal feelings or the details of the contract. “I accept the position and look forward to getting to work straight away.”

  Zachary’s old eyes sparkled. Perhaps he was amused. Thad was not. Neither was Sage, as far as he could tell.

  The meeting progressed as normal he supposed. There was an air of restraint, or formality, he hoped would not continue once they became used to the new leadership. Then at the end of the agenda was a moment for the new CEO to make some remarks. Without even looking in his direction, Sage stood and accepted the position with grace and charm. “And I will continue the work we all began together many months ago to create a company name that will be a stand out in the world for many years to come.”

  Thad stood up beside her before she could add anything else. “And I too look forward to what new efforts we can utilize that will further enhance those already in force. Along with our new marketing campaign.” He winked. Then the screen started flashing through marketing blurbs, jokes, high energy content, and multiple pictures of him. He laughed in a self-deprecating way. “I apologize for the model. He’s new at this.”

  A low laugh rewarded him. “The idea is that the CEO can be somewhat of a marketing tool himself. Someone who can generate confidence in the company and its direction while at the same time, cater to the press, social media, and other avenues for publicity and gain more buyers and more loyalty in our buyer base.”

  The women were all for it, the men, for the most part also, but everyone looked to Sage to see her reaction. And so he too turned to her. And held out his hand. “I look forward to working with you and am happy to share the position with such an accomplished partner.”

  She paused and then rested her hand in his. Warmth spread up his arm and his eyes smiled back at her in response. Her cheeks flushed but she didn’t pull her hand away. She shook it in a professional manner and then slowly slid her fingers off his palm.

  He tilted his head in question but she turned back to the room. “So you see, we are in excellent hands. The poster boy and the brain child workaholic. A perfect combination.”

  Thad held up his hands. “I have ideas too. Which I would like to discuss…”

  Zachary waved his hands in the air. “Naturally. You two will have lots of time to discuss whatever you like.” He turned to the rest of the people in the room. “We will be sending out a vote to all our board members. But I expect the decision to pass with flying acceptance. Does anyone here have any reason to object?”

  When no one spoke up, Zachary adjourned the meeting and everyone filed out. Thad stayed in his seat. Sage did as well, and when Zachary moved to leave, they both called out.

  He grimaced. “I don’t suppose I can just leave you to it? Pretend I didn’t lead you to believe one thing and then hand you another in a manner you couldn’t refuse?”

  “I do think a bit of explanation is in order.” Thad gestured that the man take a seat. Then he turned to Sage. “From that, I understand you weren’t aware of this plan either?”

  She shook her head. “I was not. Though I see the merit. We can really use a figure head, his profile playboy type as the poster boy and marketing campaign while someone else makes up for everything else that might be missing because of it.”

  “I hardly think that’s what is expected here.”

  “Of course it is. Why do you think we are both here? I mean, a duo-CEO-ship a bit unusual, isn’t it?”

  Zachary watched them. Thad watched him.

  Finally the man spoke. “I know this is unusual but as I pointed out in our meeting, not unprecedented. Sage, Thad is not here solely because of his notoriety or ability
in front of any camera. He has his MBA, and the Valdez empire is bigger than most corporations. He sits on that board even now. He does not come to us void of personal experience and talent.”

  “And Thad, Sage is the most respected consultant in Manhattan. She deserves this position and could do it all by herself. Except for one thing…You. She needs you just like you need her. So I know this is unconventional, but I need you both to get over the shock and get to work.”

  Thad ground his teeth for a moment before he said, “Of course.”

  Sage smiled her brilliant white teeth smile, but her eyes held concern. “I’m in.”

  Chapter 3

  Sage slipped into the Summit night club on the arm of Devon Fenningway.

  “So how’s the new playboy CEO?” He smirked.

  Sage had to be careful. Supporting her new company meant supporting this plan. “You gotta admit it’s pretty brilliant. The marketing team is on to something.”

  He didn’t answer, irritation stiffening his shoulders.

  “However, I don’t know why they couldn’t have found a hot guy who was also a capable business man to run the show at my side.”

  He stepped in front of her and leaned in suggestively. “Or a hot woman to do both.”

  For a moment, her blood rushed with the exhilaration and power of the idea, with the words suggesting everything she wanted. She rested a hand on his arm. “I like the sound of that.”

  “We could make it happen.” Devon’s eyes sparkled wickedly.

  She wanted to talk more about what he suggested, but she knew she couldn’t. Any efforts to sabotage the company would only make her look bad. And besides, that’s not how she did business. If she couldn’t rise to the top on her own merits, then she didn’t want to be there.

  She opened her mouth to say something to that effect when a rush of women fluttered by her, their perfume and hair products leaving a cloud behind.

  Thad stood at the entrance. Two women, one on each arm smiled victoriously, perhaps a bit smugly and she didn’t blame them. He was the hottest man in the room and the most interesting besides. The new royal CEO was making his presence known.

  But something about the woman on his right grated. She had a proprietary stance that immediately set the competitive bones inside Sage burning. “Oh no you don’t.”

  “That’s the spirit.” Devon pulled her to him. “Let’s unseat this clown before he makes a mockery of American business.”

  “I’m not opposed to showing them up a little bit. But I’ve got to support the CEO-ship.”

  He raised both eyebrows. “Is that what you are calling it?”

  She laughed. “I just started. It has a nice ring to it. Like it or not, I’m married to this guy for the time.”

  “I don’t like it.” His teeth ground. She could see his jaw clench.

  But she knew Devon didn’t feel territorial towards her. Up until now he had been the most desirable man in almost any room. And Thad was just getting started. She had seen the marketing plans. He was about to take Manhattan by hot-guy storm. And she had to admit to a certain amount of respect for the publicity department. Their company would ride the Prince of Torren tidal wave all the way in. But she knew with every wave rolling in, there was also one rolling out. And she was going to find some high ground to cling to while he rolled out.

  Thad stood taller than most in the room. As soon as he saw Sage he raised a hand. She laughed and waved back. It was part of their ploy: a happily married partnership. Only not married. They were not to get romantic. Zachary strictly explained the rules. Whatever they wanted to do behind closed doors was up to them. But he better not see any of it on camera.

  No problem with Sage. She whispered. “Play nice.”

  “I’d like to show him a thing or two.”

  One of the girls stepped up on tip toes and kissed his cheek, and the crowd cheered.

  Jealousy surged through Sage. She could not be feeling jealousy. It absolutely did not matter that Thad had women all over him or that one kissed his cheek. Nevertheless she responded by standing perceptively closer to Devon.

  His chuckle rumbled in his chest. “So that’s how it’s going to be?” He wrapped an arm around her back and pulled her up against the length of him. “Happy to oblige.” His face, full of devious plans, he seemed so pleased with the prospect of a little competition she could only laugh.

  Before they could say another word, Thad stood in front of them, ladies in tow. Devon whispered, “Right on time.”

  She stepped back a few inches. “Thad. Good to see you.” She nodded to the girls, waiting.

  Thad introduced them and suggested they all find a table together.

  Devon had never been so attentive. They slid into a booth. He leaned back against the wall and pulled her up against him.

  Thad’s eye traveled between the two of them, but his expression was unreadable. The girls draped themselves all over him, but he handled it as though he had been doing it his whole life. They fit on his elbows and he used his hands to talk as though they were adornments. But he conversed with both, gave attention to each, and for the most part, Sage found herself more amused than anything at their interesting dance.

  Devon ran a finger from her shoulder down her arm. “What do you want to drink?” His voice meant to be for her, suggestive, low and rumbly, but loud enough they could all hear.

  “A coke would be great.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Sure you don’t want something a little more…relaxing?”

  Sage was sure.

  Devon ordered for them. Then he said, “So Thad, congratulations on your new position. I wasn’t aware any prince of Torren had aspirations in American business.”

  Thad smiled at his dates. “Thank you. I appreciate the support.” His eyes held a hint of challenge and Sage could almost see Devon rise to meet him.

  Before he could say anything, she lifted her coke in the air. “But tonight we are about diversion. Even the hardest working among us need to let loose once in a while.”

  Devon bit his tongue and smiled in an overly cheerful manner. But Thad lifted his fist, “Knuckles.”

  She laughed at the juvenile response but was grateful to lighten the mood. Besides, was he not their playboy CEO? He fit the title perfectly.

  “I say, we all get out on that dance floor.” His eyebrows wiggled, and Sage had to laugh.

  She spun the water in her glass, looking up through her eyelashes. “You know, Devon has been known to bring the house down with his moves.”

  Her date stiffened and then relaxed. “You know it.”

  “Oh has he? Do I detect a bit of a competition?”

  Devon sat up, all business now. “How will we measure such a thing?”

  “Easy, we talk to the DJ and he arranges an audience participation vote.”

  Thad seemed to know his way around such things. Which Sage found amusing. And alarming. Their little dance-off was just about to become the center of attention.

  Chapter 4

  Thad enjoyed Sage’s suggestion more than he should. Every day she gave him new reasons to be fascinated. The thought of her moving around on the dance floor made him hope she was really good at it.

  To be truthful, he was claustrophobic hemmed in by these two clinging side appendages. He gestured they slide out of the booth. “Let’s go chat with the DJ, shall we?”

  Sage and Devon followed. Thad knew the Devon-type immediately. And he bristled just as much as Devon at the thought that the man was trying to compete. He told himself it didn’t matter, but really, everything was a competition in one way or another, and this man, Devon, needed to be brought down a peg or ten. If his brothers were here, they could take care of it immediately. But as things were, he felt like he could handle it flying Valdez solo.

  He smooth talked the DJ who was thrilled with the whole idea, especially when Sage jumped in that he was a prince of Torren and NYC’s newest CEO.

  The man’s eyes popped with excitem
ent and he started scrolling through his music. As soon as the next song ended, he hopped on the mic. “Weeee have a fun surprise tonight. Everyone gather in and circle the dance floor. Leave a big space in the middle now. We’ve got something special. With us tonight is Thad Valdez, Prince of Torren and NYC’s newest CEO!!” The women in the room squealed and those closest circled him, pressing into him until he slid sideways away from their group. Then he reached for his two original dates, one opted out as soon as she realized the entire night club would be watching, with their phones out.

  The DJ announced the rules. The two couples would start together, all four dancing at once, and then one by one they would be eliminated until two people were out on the floor.

  A deep bass beat began, and their group of four rushed to the center and began dancing.

  At first, Thad just enjoyed himself. He hardly noticed the others. He would take the hand of his date now and then and move around her. But mostly, he danced by himself and for himself. As much as he enjoyed the fast NYC pace and the new lifestyle, he needed to unwind.

  The first to go was his date. She pouted and moped, but he just waved to her as he stepped up his skill. For the first time, he checked out Devon and Sage. She was stunning. He skipped a beat while he watched her, arms and legs moving, lithe and graceful, her hips wiggling with just enough shake. His mouth went dry and he moved closer without meaning to.

  But Devon stepped in his way, and started an intricate robot like dance in Thad’s face. Devon pushed him back and jerkily moved his body. Then he took to the floor and spun. Thad remembered seeing moves like that on old 80s YouTube videos. But he had to give it to him, Devon was the master robot dancer guy. If he got down on the floor like a true breaker, then Thad might really respect him.

  But they tagged Devon next, and his silent fury amused Thad. But now Thad could have some real fun.

  He approached Sage, took her into his arms and started some couples moves. She was light and flexible, the perfect partner. She laughed and allowed herself to be flipped around, bounced on each leg, and to fly up into the air. She spun and she whirled and he was lost.