Page 15 of Royal Cocktail

Not surprising. It wasn’t every day that royal clients came to a firm in Austin, Texas. But she knew damn well this wasn’t about the work the firm did. This was about her.

She opened her mouth, unsure of what she was going to say, but certain it wasn’t going to be words that would make her father happy.

Leo took a step forward, diving in before Skye could manage a word. “Perhaps I could speak to Ms. Porter alone?”

Her eyes went wide, and she started to shake her head. Her father responded first, though, and while she’d expected him to back up her refusal—why would he or Douglas want her alone with this man when she’d already been rude and off-putting?—he surprised her by dipping his head in acquiescence and saying, “Of course, Your Highness.”

“But … I—”

“I’ll be in my office,” her father said, entirely ignoring her discomfort and predicament.

“Buzz us if you need anything at all,” Douglas added, his expression stern but polite.

Her father hesitated in the doorway. “Skye, I know you will treat His Highness with the respect he deserves.”

Right-o. That would be exactly none.

But she didn’t say that. Instead, she nodded, then gave her father and his partner a weak and watery smile that was all she could manage. Then she stood still until the door clicked shut behind them. Only then did she explode.

“Respect? Why. Are. You. Here?” For once, her words were clear. Each word forced out like a shot from a gun. She was alight with fury. And Leo—damn him—didn’t seem affected at all.

“Exactly what your father said. I’m looking for legal advice.”

“I … don’t believe you.”

He winced, and shook his head. “I read your law review article, Skye. I want to work with you.”

She shook her head. “I don’t do international law, and I certainly don’t work for you. I think you need to leave.”

She felt lightheaded, and she walked to the chair at the head of the table hoping he couldn’t tell how rubbery her legs had become. She pulled it out, then sat down, her hands clasped in front of her. “This isn’t going … to happen.”

He moved down the table, sitting in the chair to her immediate left around the oval conference table. He angled his chair so that he was facing her. For a moment their eyes met, and she thought she saw regret in those deep blue eyes. Then they went flat, the face of someone used to hiding his emotions.

She glanced down at the table, not wanting to look at him. “You broke my heart.”

“I know. I’m sorry. That’s another reason I’m here today—to apologize to you.”

She shot him a glare. “Seriously? After all this time?” She had no idea what emotion she was feeling. Anger, hurt, rage, confusion? It was all too much of a mess. And the worst part? Some tiny, traitorous part of her was giddy about seeing him again.

But Skye wasn’t stupid. She knew perfectly well that if she spent any time with this man, she would get hurt all over again. And it had taken so long for her to get over him the first time.

She faced him, then focused on her speech, purposefully ignoring those dangerously hypnotic eyes. “I’m sure you’ll find … another firm. Try Washington. We have an office there full of international law experts. In London and Brussels, too. I’m … sure anyone at those offices could help you.”

“You’re saying that you won’t work with me on this?”

“I’m saying you need to leave.” She pushed back from the table and walked to the door, ready to pull it open. “Don’t feel obligated to say goodbye. You … didn’t the last time.”

“Your father will be disappointed.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Of course not. I’m only pointing out that your father seemed excited by the idea of having a prince for a client, even one who wants to keep a low profile while he’s in Austin.”

“You want to … guilt me into taking … this assignment? Hire the firm if you want. But you … won’t be working with … me.”

She turned the knob, her heart pounding painfully. She had to get out before the tears started to flow.

“Skye, the entire reason I am sitting here right now is because of that article you wrote.”