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“Etienne,” I say, looking up at his triumphant face. “How did you know?”
“Because this is his MO, darling. I know you’re great friends with the king and queen, but this is who he actually is.”
I believe his parents are scheming, and I dismiss the comment that I’m great friends with them. Still, his parents have our best interest at heart, even if it is in their warped way. I’m far more worried that we could be in real danger. The bodyguards could be conspiring with corrupt law enforcement to hold us for ransom. That seems like the most plausible scenario. My heart is racing, and now I’m the one pacing around the suite.
“This is not good. We have to be able to communicate with the outside. I have a business to run. I have vendors to pay. I have payroll…I have to speak to the king about the loan payments…”
Etienne growls, “What loan payments?”
I ignore this because I’m not ready to go there yet.
Instead, I play dumb when I text Steffen.
Me: Hi, can you tell me where the business office is? I don’t seem to be able to get a phone signal or access the internet in my room.
Steffen replies back immediately:
Steffen: I’m so very, very sorry, Your Highness. But there is no phone signal or internet here at the resort.
Me: But then, how am I texting you?
Steffen: The signal you are connected to is the resort’s intranet. I’m sorry your travel agent did not explain that before you left.”
My stomach drops. That can’t be true. The hotel staff has to be able to make phone calls, surely.
Me: Okay, that’s fine. Can you tell me where I can get cell service or internet? I need to check on a few things at the business at once.
Steffen: That would require the ferry to take you to the big island.
Me: When is the next ferry?
Steffen: 9 a.m. tomorrow.
Me: Steffen, this is deeply concerning.
Steffen: I agree, Your Highness.
Defeated, I drop my phone on the bed.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” I say.
“Can’t you?” Etienne says. “You let the king manipulate you into marrying me.”
“Manipulate me? You were there, too, remember? He didn’t give me much of a choice.”
What I don’t say is,And I let you talk me into a divorce pact when I’m absolutely confoundingly in love with you.
“What do we do now?” I ask.
Etienne throws his head back and laughs. “Do? Nothing. Or, if you’re bored, we could try…everything.”
That wicked smile comes at a time when I’m completely outraged and trying to figure out how to get us out of here. And yet, seeing Etienne lean against the wall, his arms folded across his chest, watching me, makes my sex pulse with longing.
Tearing my gaze away from my husband, I move to the veranda overlooking the water and slide open the door.
“Where are you going, wife?” Etienne asks teasingly.
“I need some air.”
