Legal Attraction: A Romantic Suspense Novel (Legally Suspenseful Romance)

Chapter 2

Rand McCarthy checked his watch for the third time. The Palisades was hopping with royals, but not the royals he was there to see. It was some off-season time to be in Greece or something. He’d set up a meeting with a particular group of the princes and no one had yet arrived. He wasn’t a real royal groupie, but a good number of them had shown interest in becoming a client of Goldstein and Smithson since two of their associates, Anders and Astra, had relocated to the Mediterranean. As second year associates, they’d contributed more clients and capitol to the firm than he had, a partner of five years now. There was something more to it also of course. Anders Rossi was the prince of a small country. He had connections Rand could only dream of. But Anders and Astra’s immediate transfer after only one day at work was one of the most hushed up items of business at their partner meetings.

And these same two newest associates had been given a piece of Muskanza, one of the most elusive and largest of Goldstein and Smithson’s clients. Rand was as competitive as the next guy and something wasn’t sitting right with him. He hadn’t been allowed anywhere near that client.

Ever.

Rand could understand the royals, but not Muskanza. Fortunately for Rand, associates couldn’t sign the deal with these royals, so he’d been sent over to sign on all these princes and seal things up. As the overseeing partner, he’d also get a portion of the salary and the credit. So he couldn’t complain at all about a trip to a beautiful part of the world rubbing shoulders with some of the most wealthy people in Europe and earning a percentage of the dealings.

If they showed up.

He checked his watch again.

The waiter approached with a pitcher of water. “Would you like a refill?”

He nodded. At least at the Palisades you didn’t need to beg for water. They were liberal with the drinks and the refills. His blue suit sat comfortably across his shoulders. His tie knotted perfectly below his chin. The Italian leather of his shoes had been shined for this very lunch. And as he let his gaze drift over everyone at the tables nearby, he knew he’d made the right decision. This was a place to see and be seen. Formal attire rested effortlessly on everyone around him.

Laughter diverted his attention from the immediate tables to what could only be a grand entrance. A group of tall, broad-shouldered men arrived together and every eye turned to them. And then Rand stood. Everyone laughed along with Nico Valdez, the King of Torren who walked into a mostly formal room with board shorts and a t-shirt. A slew of men followed him, some with suits, some looking like they’d just come in off their boats. And at the back of the group, Anders and Astra, both dressed in work attire.

He lifted a hand. Nico responded with a large smile.

And within moments Rand was surrounded. Wait staff scurried to add more plates and enlarge the table. Before Rand could take another drink, they had seats for all ten of the group who’d joined Rand. He was used to good service but he realized in that moment that these princes lived at a whole new level. Nico held out his hand. “Rand Macarthy? I’m Nico Valdez! Good to see you.”

“Your majesty, thank you for taking the time.”

He waved his hand. “I appreciate the formalities when they’re necessary, but call me Nico.”

“Then Rand it is. Thank you.”

Nico introduced two other men Rand had heard of, both princes. And then he smiled. Now these two you might know. Here is Astra Monroe and Anders Rossi. I believe part of the reason you’re here.”

The pair stepped forward. Rand nodded, smiling. “Your reputations proceed you.”

Astra laughed. She was a smaller blond, white teeth, gorgeous smile. And Anders was dark where she was light, tall, and looked like he spent time in a gym.

Rand sucked in his gut and stood taller. “I’m sure you’ll catch me up to speed a little later.”

Anders nodded. “Of course. I’ve got the paperwork ready to go.”

Nico clapped Rand on the back. “How does it feel to work with a man who will inherit his own country?”

Rand raised his eyebrows in Ander’s direction. “Will you?”

Anders gestured that they sit. “I will. Whether or not I keep it is another story.”

Nico shook his head and the good-natured manner in which everyone dealt with one another reminded Rand very much of cousins at a family reunion.

From Anders’ body language, it seemed like a topic better addressed later, if at all. It was definitely in the best interests of the law firm to know his inclinations towards becoming king of a Mediterranean country. But Rand had to assume the executive head partner committee was on top of things. He was secretly frustrated at the small amount of information they passed on to Rand. There was always something he was kept in the dark about. It was as if their firm had top secret clearance. He shrugged to himself. Maybe they did. He’d break in. He wanted in on the executive committee and it might take him some time, but he’d get there.

He lifted his menu. “What should I order?”

“Oh, don’t use that. We have our own requests for the chef. Let us order for you.” Nico lifted a hand, and a waiter showed up almost immediately at his side. Rand raised his eyebrows in respect. Astra nodded in his direction. “You’ll get used to it.”

He shook his head. “No, you will. You live here. I’m going back to Virginia where I get a refill on my water if I’m lucky.”

She shrugged then turned to Anders. “Can you get my regular?”

Rand rolled his eyes and was about to comment, but Anders leaned closer to him. “This comes with a price. Just let it be.”

Surprised, he studied Anders’ face and then nodded before turning to Nico. “Surprise me.”

The king rubbed his hands together. “Wonderful.”

A new voice interrupted. “Can someone get me the Rueben swiss with raspberry?”

Several heads whipped around and about half the princes stood.

Rand joined them when he saw the source of the voice. A tall brunette with long wavy hair, slightly tanned skin and legs that stretched for days, approached with a confident smile.

“Now who’s this?” Rand asked under his breath to no one in particular, but Nico rested a hand on his shoulder. “Someone you may as well let go before you begin.”

“Oh?” He turned to study the king, but Nico looked away and waved to the newcomer. “Coral my darling. You’re just in time.”

“Am I?” Her gaze wandered over the table full of princes and Astra. It stopped momentarily on him. He held his breath like a teenager. And didn’t quite know how to bring a warm lazy smile to his face, or to even nod. But waited to see what she would do. Her eyebrow rose and then he seemed to wake from her spell. His smile was large and genuine if it looked anything like it felt. “I don’t believe we’ve met.” He called out over the tops of others.

She let her eyes wander over his face but then the waiter arrived with another chair for her which he placed at the other end of the table. She turned without another glance and joined that side of the table.

Nico raised his eyebrows. “She’s unattainable. And she’s pretty special so don’t even go there if you’re not planning to make good on your promises, spoken or unspoken.” His eyes turned serious and strong and for a flash, Rand saw the king in him. He respected that. “Just wondered. She’s stunning; every guy here sees that.”

“If you can’t see past that, you’re missing the real treasure there, but I don’t imagine you’ll be seeing much more of her. I’m surprised she showed her face here.” He pulled out his phone and texted something then pocketed it.