"A relationship? It has progressed so far?"
"Just." Tomas shrugged. "She has been hurt by her fiancé, a man who cheated on her, which was why she came here. She's determined not to let that happen again. She just wants a physical relationship, and I don't know what the bloody hell to do about it."
"This is new for you." The satisfaction in his voice had Tomas staring at him with narrowed eyes.
"Are you enjoying my misery?"
"Immensely." Santiago flashed him an unrepentant grin. "I've read the papers and seen where those foolish young women flung themselves at your feet and how careless you were with their feelings. It's gratifying to realize that the tide has turned."
"Why, thank you."
"De nada." The man's grin widened. "I will be rooting for you and hope that you will find the time to bring her to meet us."
He was about to say something else when Elena came out with a tray.
*****
Antoinette hesitated at the top of the stairs. She figured she had spent enough time hiding in her room and it was time to come out and face the music. She had taken a shower, sat on the window seat, partook of the cold meal and imagined herself murdering the prince and getting off scot-free. And then she had taken the initiative, called Luther and invited him out to dinner.
His delight at receiving the unexpected invitation had sent the guilt soaring through her heart, but she had set that aside. After all, she argued with herself, it wasn't like she was giving him a commitment. It was just a meal. He did not have to know thatthe spontaneous invitation was due to her wanting to rub it in the prince's face and pay him back for what he had done.
So, with that in mind, she had selected her outfit carefully. The black beaded pantsuit and the white silk blouse looked very good on her. She had left her hair loose, brushing it until it shone and was wearing makeup. She hoped to God he arrived before she left, so that she could sashay before him and let him see that she was all dressed up for another man.
Tucking her beaded purse under her arm, she took another breath and made her way down the spiral staircase, her hand trailing along the glossy banister. She prayed that she would not encounter any household staff or notice the knowing looks.
The queen had called to inform her of her arrival and that she would be in the rose and gold salon. As much as she would have preferred to go on about her business, politeness dictated that she stop and at least exchange a few minutes of pleasantries.
Lucia opened the door just as she was about to knock and smiled at her. At least, the woman was not staring at her strangely, and for that she was very grateful.
"Oh, Señorita, don't you look lovely."
"Gracias." Her smile was warm and sincere. "I'm heading out to have dinner with a friend."
"Please enjoy the evening. The queen is finishing up a phone call, but you can go right in."
Antoinette stepped into the room and, not for the first time, admired the elegant décor. It overlooked the rose garden and was aptly named. Rose and gold dominated the space. The furnishings were antique, with sturdy polished oak sofas, deeply cushioned chairs, gilded mirrors and a huge fireplace where flames were just now leaping upward.
Queen Sofia, looking every inch the royal, sat in a throne-like chair with curved arms and was wearing a light blue silk robe that only added to her ageless beauty.
"My dear, how lovely you look."
Antoinette crossed the room to take the outstretched hand.
"It's good to have you back."
"It's good to be back. I hope I'm not keeping you."
"No." Antoinette took a chair across from her and sat. "I don't have to be at the theater for another thirty minutes. I have time. How was your trip?"
"Productive." Sofia eyed the younger woman curiously. She had heard the rumors, of course. The staff had a tendency to gossip. And the prince leaving an employee's suite was a lot to take in and salivate over. Lucia had warned her as soon as she arrived, saying that she had effectively squashed the gossip.
"We have a few weeks to get ready for the benefit."
"I am already halfway through the invite lists. And in the process of making arrangements for the out of towners."
"Wonderful. We need to talk about-" The phone rang again, interrupting her. "This is important." Picking up the receiver, she started speaking in French. Putting the person on hold, she covered the mouthpiece. "I'm afraid this is going to take some time, and I don't want to keep you. Go and enjoy your evening. We will talk tomorrow."
She had just made her way out to the car, her jacket wrapped around her, when she noticed the jeep parked next to it.
