Chapter 5
Coral got way too much enjoyment watching Rand with all the princes. In many ways he fit right in. He was strong, smart, had military experience, brave…She felt her cheeks flush. Nope. That wasn’t happening. She was not going to start blushing over a guy. But he had saved them and there was just something really…hot about a guy who would stay back so the rest of them could get away. And aggravating. He’d not given her any choice in the matter. But that small grievance could be analyzed later. For now, she was just happy they’d all made it out safe.
She reached her foot forward and nudged him again.
This time when he shifted his gaze to her, he rose an eyebrow, slowly.
The hand she raised to cover her mouth was not enough to hide her amusement.
Nico glanced in their direction again. Lucan also noticed. But at this point Coral didn’t even care that she was being a bit silly. Probably some after effect of being caught in a terrorist situation created this light hearted sense of freedom, but whatever it was, she let it play out as she then took her turn obviously checking out Rand.
After even more minutes of discussion that really did not and would not apply to her in America, they closed the meeting. Before the video conference turned off, her mother waved. “Call me Coral. I’m so glad you’re safe!”
“Will do. Thanks Mom.” She waved back, and the screen went dark.
Nico clapped his hands together. “And now some karaoke!”
Rand cleared his throat.
“Oh, Right. First we need to talk to our lawyers.” He grimaced and then shook his head. “I’m just kidding, sort of. Let’s get this done.”
“I imagine it will be quick. I’ve got everything digitized. I am here to answer questions. I’m certain Anders and Astra are able to explain most other things.”
Coral’s eyes studied Rand and the other two mentioned. Lawyers? She stood and moved to the other side of the room, hoping to hang around for this part of the meeting too. She was all about lawyers…
But Rand shook his head as he noticed her approaching. “Attorney client privilege. It’s a real thing. Maybe go get set up for Karaoke?”
She half nodded but then turned to Nico. “If he doesn’t mind, it should be alright…”
Nico shrugged. “I don’t mind. Should I mind?”
Rand stood taller, a new insistence altering his easy going expression into something harder, less malleable. “I don’t advise it, your highness. The details of our payment structure and some specific terms about projects and areas of need within your government structure.” His eyes flit to Coral’s and then back to Nico. “Usually these things are kept private for a reason.”
Nico studied Coral a moment more and then waved his hand. “Maybe he’s right. Get the rest of those guys ready for some karaoke and if you could, tell the staff to bring in the spread.”
“Will do.” She turned from Rand, not wishing to acknowledge his stubbornness, nor excuse it.
The other two, Anders and Astra, were getting situated at the table. Rand opened up a laptop that someone brought in and a group of the princes stayed to gather in the meeting. It didn’t matter that she had to leave, not really, but this was legal work, and she was most interested. She was surprised too at Rand’s position as a lawyer. And the other two. Wasn’t Anders technically heir to a throne? So they were lawyers? And what was their connection to tracking down terrorists in the area? All her curiosity triggers were well and truly engaged. She walked as slowly as she could out of the room.
Everything went quiet behind her so she turned.
Rand and everyone else in the room was staring.
“Whenever you’re ready, just close that door on your way out.” Gone was the flirty fun Rand replaced by this grumpy stickler kind of person. Fine.
She stopped short of huffing, but, feeling a little bit like an idiot, she did pick up her pace and closed the door behind her.
Lucan was right there, just outside the door. She almost ran into him. “Oh!”
“Tell me about the men who were following you?”
“Right. Of course. Let’s walk together toward karaoke.”
He stepped in pace with her at her side. She told him all that happened. “It’s not much to tell I guess. What do you know about them?”
“I’ll run some camera footage around the areas you were and see if I can get a positive identification on them. We aren’t certain but most of the other royals have reported similar surveillance.”
“Are we legitimate targets?”
“Perhaps. We haven’t found any links to the spying and the attack on The Palisades. But it is highly suspect. We are always trailed around by the press, but so far, none of these guys are turning up on any press related intel. And there are other things to consider.”
“Oh?”
“What do you know about the law firm you will be working for?”
Completely surprised by this turn in topic, she fumbled a moment. “They’re one of the best as far as compensation for their attorneys. They have a solid wealthy client base. They only hire one or two attorneys a year.” She searched his face which as usual gave no hints as to what he was thinking. “Why?”
“I don’t know. Once you get settled in there, give me a call, will you?”
“Sure. You’re not going to tell me anything else? What is this? I feel a little bit like I’m in a spy novel.”
“Well, you know I am head of security.”
“You know I wanted in on that meeting they’re having. This is what I’m doing now, all the legal stuff.”
“And Rand kicked you out?”
“Yep.”
“Does he know you are an attorney as well as a princess?”
“I doubt it.”
“He might find that very interesting.”
Lucan sounded more secretive than ever and Coral was tired of information dangling just out of reach. “Well, I’m not going to give him a chance to find out. Princess is plenty of information for him to know.”
He didn’t say anything in response. They approached the room with the dance floor. The music had started and the room was half full.
Coral laughed. “Did he already invite everyone?”
“I think it’s a standing invitation. If he’s in town, karaoke and dancing is on. And yes, almost everyone currently on this island is here.”
Coral shook her head. “Well, he’s right you know?”
“About what?”
“The perfect stress release is a good dance party.”
Lucan laughed.
“You should try it sometime.”
“Oh, I dance.”
She didn’t believe him. But something in his face told her he was missing his wife.
“How’s Sammy?”
“She’s good. Our two munchkins keep her busy. But she makes the dance party fun for me. Without her?” He shrugged. “I’m probably going to bed early.” He dipped his head. “If you’ll excuse me. I have some loose ends to figure out before I can do so.”
“Of course. And thanks Lucan.”
“Don’t forget to give me a call after you’ve settled in.” His eyes twinkled in amusement and she wished she could share in whatever he found so interesting about her new job.
As soon as the other royals saw her, she was pulled in and dancing. It felt good. The music was loud and fun and she moved without care.
By the time Rand and the others joined them, her shirt clung to her and she’d moved her hair to a bun on the top of her head.