Once Upon a Royal Billionaire Read online

  She shook her head. Impossible. As far as she could tell, he was the mastermind behind this gathering of royals. And she’d been invited. She could have been added to the list by any number of people, simply by virtue of her being childhood friends with most of them. But she strongly suspected that Rhett had been involved.

  She smiled. Nico. The Valdez brothers. She couldn’t wait to see them all again. And Seraphina. It had been too long. That girl was taking the world by storm. She was so proud of her—her writing, her environmental work. Seraphina was changing the literal layout of the Mediterranean.

  She sipped her drink. She’d asked the staff to have hummus for her on the plane. As soon as they were in the air, she’d calm the rumblings in her stomach. Unless they were caused by something other than hunger.

  Rhett.

  She pushed away the memory of her feelings for him, but his image would not be stifled. Tall, sparkling eyes, confident stance. What would it be like to command a room like he did? And when they’d dated, his eyes had only seen her. She dug her fingernails into her palm. The way he’d looked at her made her feel like the most important person in the world.

  Did she miss him? She certainly missed the way she felt when they were together. But breaking up had ruined their friendship, and she’d lost not only her boyfriend but her best friend. And that’s when she’d turned to Jackson. He’d been everything Rhett wasn’t. He wasn’t busy. He wasn’t organized. He had nothing to do but date her, and she’d loved being the center of his world. But she’d soon noticed that what she thought were strengths, were really grave problems. And with them came a quick and powerful temper, which she challenged all the time, even to the point of violent reactions from him. Everything about Jackson told her she’d made a mistake in letting Rhett go. She’d needed him, craved his logical way of looking at the world, but she’d pushed him too far away to reach out.

  For the hundredth time, she questioned whether she should go to the princes’ event. Did she really want to participate in the water ski competition? Her team, Mountain Blue, competed every year, but she didn’t have to participate.

  She didn’t want to have her heart broken all over again by a guy who was too busy to have the kind of relationship she hoped for. And she didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. Her life was falling apart—her failed marriage, her business in need—but she didn’t need him to fix things for her. She just wanted to be friends again. Her heart ached to share confidences with him. And, more than anything, she just wanted to see him.

  She spent the remaining minutes of the drive trying not to think about Rhett. She had other reasons for flying all the way across the ocean that she needed to focus on. And she should have been getting some of her work done. She knew her team was waiting for approval on several pieces of their project.

  The limo pulled into the hangar that housed her plane. The jet’s engine was already running. As she climbed the steps, she greeted the co-pilot. “Hello, Jeremiah.”

  He nodded as he turned to enter the cockpit. “Good to see you, ma’am.”

  She settled into her seat, and her efficient flight crew soon had them in the air.

  “We’ve stocked your favorite horchata again.”

  “Oh, thank you, Jorge. I love this stuff.”

  Once they were well into their transatlantic flight, she put all her work away, closed her eyes, and allowed herself to relive a memory.

  Rhett had just come home from college, and Emily still lived on Aegira, where his family ruled. Her father used to have one of the main manufacturing plants for Mountain Blue there. She had agreed to meet Rhett at the airport, but there was a last-minute security threat at all Mediterranean airports. Emily hadn’t known about the threat. She waited for him with a small poster and his favorite candy bar. But as soon as he boarded the escalator to make his way down to the bottom floor, a team of royal security had come forward and surrounded him, preparing to rush him through the airport.

  She had seen it before, but not for Rhett, and in that moment, she recognized what it meant to be the heir to a crown. She’d felt intimidated, and a little bit afraid. She almost turned to run away, but Rhett had seen her. He had always been a head taller than most people. He yelled for his security to stop.

  “But your highness…”

  “I said stop.” He moved towards Emily, and she felt all eyes on her. Soon he was at her side, and once she looked in his eyes, she was filled with relief so strong that she almost forgot where they were. “Hey,” he said as he pulled her into a hug.

  The men circled around them, facing out.

  “Wow, this is something.”

  “Sorry. I guess there was a large breach in security on another island. We’re in lockdown at the castle.” He raised an eyebrow. “That probably doesn’t sound too inviting, but would you like to join me for lockdown?”

  “Lock myself in a castle with you?” She grinned. “Absolutely. We still haven’t found that last secret entrance.”

  “You’re something. Thanks, Em.”

  She handed him the candy bar. “Good to see you.”

  As they started walking, the men fell in step.

  Now, all these years later, as she flew back to that world of royals and yachts, she smiled to herself. That was the first of many experiences that eventually tore them apart, and she missed those early days of their relationship. Perhaps if she’d been able to handle the attention, the pressure, they could have been something spectacular.

  3

  Rhett stood tall. When he was stressed, standing taller, broadening his stance, and breathing deeply always helped. Something about towering over everyone brought him comfort. He was strong. He could do this.

  Emily would arrive any minute. He’d invited all of Mountain Blue to join them on the lake today. They were old friends, but he admittedly wanted to see the competition. And he missed the guys. His whole team missed the guys. Everyone blamed him and his falling out with Emily for the fact that they never saw her brothers anymore. They all still lived in the Mediterranean. Emily and her parents were the only ones who had gone back to live in the States.

  His phone dinged, and the security feed showed the front gate. Emily’s brother Carlson moved in close so that only his eye was visible. Security beeped them through, and the guys laughed.

  Clint grinned. “I miss those guys. Are you and Emily not on the outs anymore? Can we, like, hang with the bros?”

  “I don’t know why Emily and I have anything to do with it. Hang with whoever you like.”

  Clint held up his hands. “Okay, I get you. Let’s just say I and the rest of the guys are happy. Things are almost back to normal.”

  The whole boathouse amped up in volume as the five brothers showed up and the princes were joined by some serious wealth and testosterone. Emily’s brothers. Mountain Blue was their water ski competition team, their brand, and the source of their family’s wealth. They were based in America but had spent most of their lives in the Mediterranean.

  Rhett got out his blowhorn, and everyone took to the docks. There were enough boats for everyone, and they knew not to touch Rhett’s new craft.

  Rhett waited. Had Emily not come? He tried not to feel deflated. The guys were all piling into boats. Carlson waved to him before hopping in the nearest Mastercraft. But no Emily.

  Rhett stepped back, suddenly not as interested in the competition. But then she stepped through the doorway, and Rhett stopped breathing.

  “Hey.” She rocked forward and backward on her toes just like she used to.

  He choked, swallowed, and reached for his water. “Hey,” he rasped.

  She walked closer. “I thought I’d wait until the guys were mostly down at the docks.”

  Rhett looked around. There were a few stragglers, who were all ears, but he ignored them. “Good call. So…” He searched her face, its goodness reminding him of so many missed opportunities. “It’s good to see you.”

  “Yeah, you too.” She shrugged. “Maybe we
can do more of this?”

  “I’d like that. The guys would too.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Not sure why a bunch of grown men can’t get together on their own.”

  “Because they’re ridiculous. So, wanna ride with me in the new Mastercraft?”

  “You know I do.”

  “Do you need to train with your team?”

  “What? No, I’m not going to compete.”

  He wasn’t sure if he was more relieved or disappointed. “What? You’re here. You have to compete.”

  “Are you?”

  “Oh, well, I thought I’d just let the guys duke it out.”

  “See.”

  “Well, now I’m sort of torn here. Should I be your friend and talk you into racing? Or should I do right by my teammates and let it slide.”

  “Hmm. Well, I don’t know if you have that much influence.” She stopped. “Is that…?” Her gaze had drifted over to the floor-length windows that lined the boathouse.

  “What a dufus.” Clint had Donnovan on his shoulders as they stood on the dock, ready to do a dock start. The other guys had their phones out and were recording.

  Emily laughed. “I think they’re gonna sink to the bottom before the boat can plane.”

  Rhett and Emily watched, side by side, and Rhett felt the missing pieces in his life re-align. “This is nice. I’ve missed you. This.”

  “This?” She indicated his place next to her.

  “Yes, this. And you.”

  Her eyes sparkled at him. She challenged him in every way, and he couldn’t expect to get away with any comment unless he meant it.

  “I missed you too.”

  The blowhorn blared out over the water, and the boat took off with Clint gripping the ski rope handle and Donnovan shouting and waving.

  But as soon as the boat had taken up half the slack, Donnovan leaped down, Clint tossed him another handle, and they hit the water just as the rope went taut. They took off, side by side.

  Rhett shook his head. “Classic.”

  “I’m impressed. You guys have been practicing.”

  “You worried we might give your team some competition?”

  “Nah. But it’s fun to see the guys.”

  Rhett laughed off her competitive attitude. She was the real deal, and he appreciated every bit of her. “How long are you in town?”

  She hesitated. He knew it was a leading question and that she might not be ready for it. But then she rocked forward on her feet and turned to him. “Not very long. A couple weeks.” She looked up at him. “Maybe three.”

  He nodded. “Then we better hit the water.”

  “I was wondering, while I’m here, could we…do Nepo?”

  “Absolutely! I haven’t climbed that peak since the last time we did it.”

  “I believe it. That was definitely a day to remember. Would have scared away anyone less determined.”

  “But not us.”

  They laughed, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders without thinking.

  She stiffened.

  He pulled away. “Sorry. Habit.”

  “No, It’s alright. Please do that again.”

  “You sure? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

  “I’m not uncomfortable. It’s just…” She looked away then lifted her chin and shrugged. “It’s just been a while.”

  “Ten years, four months.”

  She widened her eyes. “Yes, for us. But I meant it’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone. It just, well, it feels nice, the touch, the closeness.” She sidled up to him. “And we’re old friends, right?” She laughed. “It feels safe.”

  Was she trying to convince herself, or him? Maybe she’d been through more than he realized. He wasn’t sure how he felt about the friend vibe, but he was happy she seemed so comfortable with him. He replaced his arm and held her close to his side. “So, when do you want to tackle Nepo?”

  “Tomorrow?”

  “Whoa, so soon? Don’t you want to ski or get ready for the competition?”

  Emily tapped her chin. “Oh, well, you probably do, don’t you? I should have thought of that. As for me, I’m really not competing.”

  “But you’re the best.”

  She shrugged.

  “Come on. Let’s get out there on the water.”

  “I’m game! Show me this new boat of yours.”

  “It’s so awesome. It has a whole computerized system that works with the skier and navigates the pull and race at the rope and compensates for speed.”

  “A smart boat?”

  He laughed. “Yes, exactly. And it’s great for wakeboarding when we’re just messing around in between competitions.”

  They made their way down the stairs to the covered slip. He was excited to show off his boat, surprisingly so. Her approval of his latest toy became more important than anything else at the moment.

  They climbed in, and he backed the boat out of the slip. She pulled her shirt over her head and stowed it away. Seeing her in a swimsuit made him smile. Not only did she look amazing, but it felt like coming home. This was how life was supposed to be. Emily beside him, out on the water. He pulled off his shirt, and as he reached over her to stow it in the glove box, the air between them felt charged.

  He enjoyed her gaze as it lifted from his abs to his face. And when their eyes met, she held him captive. She was so familiar—the turn of her smile, the dimple on her right cheek, the speckles in her hazel eyes. He winked and then sat back in the captain’s chair. Everyone else was already out in his other boats. He saw Clint taking the course and two other boats waiting to drive through the buoys.

  “Let’s go over to the islands.” Emily’s eyes sparkled with adventure.

  “Ha! I haven’t thought about them in years!”

  “I think about them all the time.” She pulled her hair back in a ponytail, her auburn curls fighting to be free. Her long slender neck was as beautiful as ever, her profile pert and fun, her face elegant. He loved her solid presence. Man, he’d missed her. And he was so happy that they had the chance to rebuild some sort of friendship, but he couldn’t let himself feel more for her than that. He’d spent the last ten years trying to fill the holes she’d left.

  They’d both decided it wouldn’t work. There was no reason to try again. Friendship would have to do.

  He sped across the lake, leaving the others behind, and turned out of the bay, speeding into the next. They were surrounded on all sides by forest. The blue-green water, clear as glass, rippled out beneath them. He sped towards the opposite side of the bay. An outsider would never spot what he sought, a small inlet. They turned down a path between the trees and followed it until the water opened up again to a smaller bay. In the center of this new space was their island.

  “It looks the same.” She stood, staring out across the water.

  “I haven’t been here since…” He thought of their last visit, and for the first time in years, thought he might actually be blushing.

  Emily laughed. “Are you embarrassed?”

  “Maybe.” He turned to her and shook his head. “No, not embarrassed. It’s one of my best memories.” He felt insecure being so honest with her.

  “Mine too, actually.” She looked up towards the island. “Do you think anything’s changed?”

  “I don’t think anyone comes here but us.”

  “You haven’t showed anyone?”

  “No.” How could he? Their moments there had been special, their kiss… He couldn’t think about their kiss right now. Not if he wanted to make sure she felt the casual friend vibe from him.

  Her smile seemed a bit victorious.

  But he couldn’t be irritated at her. He pulled the boat forward, and just like they always had, she hopped up to reach for the rope to tie to a tree. “It’s still here.”

  They jumped up onto the land right where a path led them back through the trees. It was overgrown, but still visible.

  They made their way to the center of the
island, and Rhett laughed. “Our house!”

  They ran to the makeshift shelter they had built. “It really is all still here.”

  She hurried inside. The table they’d made, the shelves. She pulled out the waterproof emergency kit, caressing the top. “Do you suppose?”

  Rhett sat beside her on the floor of their fort.

  She lifted the lid and pulled out their journal. “Oh, look. It’s still here.”

  “You keep saying that.”

  “I know. But, Rhett, so much has happened since then. You and I, we weren’t speaking, and then I got married. I have a daughter—she would love this place. So many things are so different, and yet…” She held up their diary.

  “Should we read it?”

  She blushed, bright red, and shook her head. “No.”

  “Eh?” He leaned forward to try to open the first page.

  “No. No.” She placed her hand over top of his, and a wonderful warmth travelled up his arm. He sidled closer to her, so close that when she turned her head to look up into his eyes, he could feel the puff of her breath on his lips.

  “You sure?”

  She swallowed and licked her lips. Then, with the tiniest shake of her head, she turned away. She pushed herself to her feet. “We should go.”

  “Yes, of course.” He joined her as she headed to the door. “But only if I can take you through the course. Once.”

  She almost shook her head but then nodded. “Okay, let’s do it.”

  His fist pumped the air. “Let’s go!”

  He took the path out of their small bay, the journal pressed against the waistband of his shorts. She may not want to read it—and perhaps he shouldn’t—but he couldn’t bring himself to leave it behind.

  They made their way over to where the others were practicing and got in line to take a run at the buoys. Nico waved then cupped his hands to yell, “Tell Emily to take a run!”