Page 23 of Royal Heir (Westerly Billionaire 3)
With only her purse in hand, Rachelle walked into the hotel and checked herself in. A short time later, her suitcase arrived. Her head was spinning with everything that had happened over the past few days.
She didn’t want to view any of it through Delinda’s judgmental lens, but she couldn’t shake the doubt her grandmother had planted. Magnus had taken her to the children’s hospital with him. That was public.
Of course, the visit was all about Eric. My presence didn’t hold any meaning.
He convinced Eric to seek help. Not for me, though. That was probably for Finn.
“When a man procures a hotel room for a lady, he is asking if she is of easy persuasion; it is best not to prove him right.” Delinda’s voice echoed in Rachelle’s mind.
Easy persuasion? First, that was completely outdated and sexist. Labels were for small-minded people.
He just saw me as a woman who dreamed of starring in a porno with him.
Oh my God, I am such an idiot. What did I think a prince would want with me? She changed into workout clothing, found the hotel’s gym, and started running on a treadmill. “I’m not princess material.”
And I hate that Delinda might be right.
Rachelle ran faster. Sweaty and disheveled, she glared at herself in the mirror.
He didn’t ask me on a date. He didn’t even bring me through the front door. He essentially offered me nothing, and I was ready to gobble it and him up.
Sorry, Eric. I usually am the sensible one. You should be my first—and only—priority.
Chapter Fourteen
“You’re not a child anymore, Magnus. It’s time for you to choose a wife,” King Tadeas said as they took a slow walk around the palace after Rachelle and her grandmother left.
“I have plenty of time for that, Father. You were just shy of forty when you met Mother.” Magnus was relieved that his father was out of bed and wanting to exercise. Dr. Stein had become concerned as of late. Pain had led to his father’s withdrawal, but lack of movement was what the doctor had said was quickly adding to his ailments.
“And look at me, not certain I’ll meet your children before I go.”
“You’re not going anywhere, Father.”
“We are all going somewhere, Magnus. I would like to see you settled before I do, though. What do you think of the American?”
“I thought your heart was set on Princess Isabella,” Magnus chided gently. His father had been advocating that match since he was a child.
“I must say I was disappointed to learn she was linked to the petty video about Rachelle. That sort of behavior hints at a jealous soul I wouldn’t want raising my grandchildren.”
Finally, something we agree upon. “Thankfully, she has never been a serious consideration for me.”
“Has anyone?”
Magnus hesitated briefly as he remembered how Rachelle had been at the hospital. She’d been the first woman he’d ever seen in that light. Too bad he’d learned she wasn’t the angel she presented herself as. Speaking of that: “Regarding Mrs. Westerly. You seem taken with her.”
“She is a rare combination of beautiful and brilliant.”
“Yes, well, she is not above using your high opinion of her to her advantage.”
His father laughed. “I don’t doubt that for a second. It is a joy to watch her in action.”
Magnus didn’t share his humor. “Be careful with her, Father. The list she cited was straight from my recent dealings. She wanted you to believe that the ball was your idea, but the guest list was intended to prove to me that she has the ear of many powerful people. She’s dangerous and cunning.”
“She may prove to be if you continue to treat her granddaughter the way you have. What you saw at lunch was an American mama bear rushing to defend her cub. She absolutely will take a swipe at you—at us—if she feels Rachelle is threatened.”
“Then I will send her scuttling back to the United States before she has a chance to.”
The king stopped and turned to face his son. “Not everything is a battle, Magnus. This is a dance, and one that I find invigorating.”
“A dance? Father, I think you’re confused.”
“No, I see things more clearly now than I have in a while. Delinda Westerly is a proud woman who believes her granddaughter has been treated unfairly. I agree with her. Rather than sneaking Rachelle into the country, you should have announced her arrival and shown her more respect.”
“It was not that simple.”
“It will be from now on. I will arrange several public appearances, all of which you will attend with Rachelle. Your behavior will be above reproach. Are we clear on this?”
There was no one else who would dare speak to Magnus in that tone—except possibly the woman his father was commanding him to spend time with. “What are you hoping to gain by this? Are you trying to appease Delinda Westerly? Because I assure you, I can resolve the situation much faster.”
His father shook his head and began walking again. “You will do no such thing. I will deal with Delinda. As far as this situation is concerned, your responsibility will begin and end with her granddaughter and the engagements you will attend with her.”
“For what purpose?”
They came to a grassy place that had been Magnus’s favorite playground as a child. “When you were young, your mother argued that we should keep you innocent as long as possible. So we tried, but you could not be contained. You didn’t want to play with trucks—you had a wooden sword and were determined to slay your share of dragons. Well, you’ve done that, Magnus. Now it is time to prove your dedication to Vandorra in another way. Honor my request to spend time with Rachelle Westerly. If she is not to your liking, you will have two months to choose another bride.”
“Or?”
“Is there a need for a threat, or will you honor my wishes?”
The strength of his bond to his father was that he could be honest with him. “You know I have never liked being forced to do anything.”
“Then abdicate your throne, Magnus. Fi
nd an island somewhere and live off the land. Perhaps then, and only then, you will be able to live in such a free way. Although I believe even that lifestyle is ruled by the laws of Mother Nature. For as much as we feel in control, we are not. You have done great things for Vandorra, but to secure its prosperity, you must marry and produce an heir. My request is that you announce taking a step toward doing so at the ball.”
“So the ball is to be a forum to announce my engagement?”
“Yes.”
Magnus ran a hand through his hair. “This is no small request.”
“But nor will it be as bad as you imagine.”
“If I am to do this, why obligate me to spend time with the Westerly woman?”
His father smiled. “Because your search should start where your heart is already leading you.” He told Magnus he would see him the next day and walked away, leaving Magnus alone and shaking his head.
He was attracted to Rachelle, but he didn’t have feelings for her. And if there had been a spark of any kind, it had been extinguished. She might be beautiful, and her body might have the power to set his aflame, but his father was wrong—his heart was definitely not involved. She was nothing to him. Less than nothing now that she’d arranged to have her presence forced upon him.
Just thinking about how Rachelle had done both sent blood rushing to his cock, and he groaned. It was time to start preparing for a full-out war.
Although his father had claimed this was a dance and not a battle, Magnus saw trouble coming. I don’t know if I can spend time with Rachelle without fucking her.
But that doesn’t mean I’ll marry her. The woman he would choose would be far less trouble. Offhand, he could think of three with the right pedigree who were both beautiful and quiet in nature. None of them would dare raise a hand to him or correct him.
His dick twitched and strained as his head flooded with images of Rachelle, the scent of her, the feel of her wet sex contracting around his fingers. And that mouth. He groaned as he remembered the pleasure she’d brought him and imagined how much more they could bring each other.
