Chapter 12
Erica leaned on the railing of an enclosure at the Centro de Investigación del Dragón de Caleva and watched a large male lizard lazing on the edge of a small lake, his brilliant teal skin glowing in the sunlight.
Why had she volunteered for this task when it was way outside her skill set?
She had managed to speak with all three of the possible suspects, using Raul’s cover story of wanting to incorporate eggshells into a wedding gift.
One had been offended at the idea that he would sell anything related to the dragons.
The second had explained that although it wasn’t illegal, it was a slippery slope that she wouldn’t want to start down.
The third had apologized and told her that he would not to be able to help her.
None of them seemed at all eager to earn some extra money.
She was going to disappoint Raul. She clenched her fists in frustration.
However, Raul had suggested that she loiter at the Dragon Center to see if anyone changed their mind.
He found that people sometimes needed time to consider the angles and come to a different conclusion.
Given his extensive experience in dealing with delicate negotiations, she figured he knew what he was talking about.
And now the prince strode to the front of her mind, something she had been trying to avoid since she had left him in the early hours of the morning. A spark of desire glimmered through her.
He had texted her earlier but kept it very generic— Really enjoyed our evening together —since her phone wasn’t secure. She had grinned from ear to ear. How many times did a prince text you to say he had great sex? At least, that was how she interpreted the message.
Because the sex had been great. It wasn’t just the sex, though. It was that connection he kept talking about, like they were on the same wavelength. That couldn’t be possible, given how different they were, but she felt an unexpected bond with him too.
She’d gone into it very aware that he was royalty, but it didn’t take long until all she cared about was that he made her feel extraordinary pleasure.
His generosity in bed had surprised her since she had expected him to lie back and let her do the work.
No, that wasn’t quite true, but she had thought he might be less concerned about her pleasure.
Instead, he had proved that he knew his way around a woman’s body… or hers at least.
A flush skimmed over her skin as she remembered.
Even more, he had opened up to her with some of his deepest vulnerabilities. How could she not be drawn to a man who trusted her so deeply? He was seducing her in ways that had nothing to do with the powerful physical attraction she felt.
And that was very dangerous. He was royalty, and he would marry someone of equal status. His child would be the heir to Caleva’s throne, so he did not have the latitude of choice that Gabriel had or that even the king had with Queen Eve because it was his second marriage.
Erica was an employee of his family, which meant she was not even close to an appropriate match for him. If she wanted anything more than to enjoy the sex with him—for however long this fling lasted—she was in for a load of heartbreak.
“He’s beautiful, isn’t he?”
She jumped as a man’s voice came from beside her. Turning, she saw him gesture toward the Calevan dragon, and she heaved a sigh of relief that he hadn’t been reading her thoughts.
“Magnífico,” she agreed.
Her stocky, wide-shouldered companion wore a camouflage shirt and pants. His sandy hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she judged him to be in his forties.
“I’m Ricardo St. Germain.” He offered his hand and gripped hers firmly as they shook.
“Erica Ortiz. Do you work here?” His uniform said no, but she decided to play dumb.
“ Non. I’m a park ranger, but our service works closely with the Dragon Center, so I’m here a lot.”
A flicker of movement caught her eyes, and she turned her attention back to the dragon enclosure.
The big male had climbed off his rock and was headed for the lake.
She expected him to lower his head to drink, but instead he waded in and took off across the surface, his tail undulating back and forth to propel him rapidly through the water. “They swim?”
He nodded. “The scientists believe they used to swim between islands to find food and nesting sites. Now they do it for fun, I guess. It’s a vestigial behavior.”
“I’ve only seen them up in the mountains, so I had no idea they were so strongly amphibious.” The big lizard sauntered ashore on the other side of the pond, his wet skin glistening.
“This is the only place that I’ve seen them swim myself,” Ricardo admitted before he leaned his elbow on the railing to pivot toward her. “I heard from some folks in the Center that you’re interested in getting some dragon eggshells to include in a piece of art. That’s a cool idea.”
“Yes, but I’m not having any luck sourcing them.” Erica’s pulse sped up as she twisted her mouth in a disappointed grimace.
“I might be able to provide some. What size are you thinking?”
Now she let her excitement show. Maybe this was their guy. “My artist friend would like about two-inch fragments or bigger to make the color splash bold.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. When do you need them?”
“As soon as possible since it’s for a wedding gift, and the date is less than two weeks away.” She hesitated, wanting to make sure his offer was real. “But I don’t want to break any laws or anything. The Dragon Center folks seemed reluctant to help me.”
He held up his hands, palms toward her, his expression solemn.
“I would never do anything illegal or hurtful to the dragons. Once the eggs hatch, the baby dragons leave them behind. The broken shells just lie around until they break down naturally. I’ve picked up a few as souvenirs that I’d be happy to offer to you. ”
“That’s very generous of you. How much would you want for, say, five fragments?”
He named a figure that was high but not shocking. She had expected him to be greedier, given the rarity of what she sought. She pretended to think about his offer before saying, “I think it’s worth that to make my gift unique and special. How soon can I get them?”
“I prefer to be paid in cash, so would tomorrow morning give you enough time to get it?”
She made a show of glancing at her watch. “I can make it to the bank before it closes today. Shall we meet here again?”
“No.” His response was immediate. “How about on the viewing platform at the Acantilado Alto at nine?”
At nine o’clock, many people would be at church or breakfast, so the viewing platform on the famous cliffs wouldn’t be busy.
She had a feeling he had done this kind of transaction before.
Which didn’t mean that he was in the business of poaching unhatched eggs or dragon mothers, but he clearly wasn’t afraid of skating near ethical boundaries.
“I’ll be there. Shall we exchange phone numbers in case something comes up?” She pulled her phone out of her pocket.
“Not necessary. If you’re not there within half an hour, I’ll assume you’ve changed your mind.” He gave her a smile. “I hope you won’t. The bride and groom will be very happy with your thoughtful gift.”
“Gracias, senor!” she called as he walked away.
She forced herself not to text Raul immediately. Instead, she strolled to her car and drove to the closest branch of the bank she used, just in case St. Germain was following her. Walking inside, she got in line for the teller, whipped out her phone, and typed: Got a bite. Will stop by soon.
Raul’s response was almost instant. Buenissimo! Hasta pronto!
She stayed in line a little longer before grabbing one of the bank’s cash envelopes and heading back to her car. She reached for the ignition button but stopped before pushing it.
Should she go to Castillo Draconago now? Raul had said to come soon, but his family members might be visiting him. She didn’t want to meet the king right after she’d had sex with his son. That would feel weird.
Of course, Raul might be sitting on the sofa, bored to tears because his family was busy doing other things on a Saturday.
Then she remembered the secret “entertain Raul” schedule that Gabriel had sent her a link to.
Unfortunately, the king’s plans wouldn’t be on it because he was the king and answered to no one, but she could check on who else might be there.
She tapped the link, and the calendar opened on her phone.
Queen Eve and Princess Grace were slotted in around lunchtime, and then the schedule was blank until dinner when it just said Family .
So, she might get lucky and have Raul all to herself if she went now.
That thought sent a flush of anticipation zinging through her.
Or the king might walk in.
“Don’t be a coward. You have legitimate business with the prince,” she told her reflection in the rearview mirror as she started the engine.
She forced herself to drive straight to the palace with no more debate, parking in the special family lot that Raul had given her access to.
The guard who had verified her ID and opened the gate gestured her toward the private entrance.
She checked her lipstick, smoothed back her ponytail, and climbed out of the car.
The door swung open as soon as she approached, and she looked up to see a security camera aimed directly at her.
“Bienvenida, senorita,” the guard holding the door said. “ El principe is expecting you.”
She took a deep breath and walked up the stairs that led to the royal family’s apartments.
I have legitimate business with the prince . She repeated the mantra as she walked through the hallways. But she couldn’t stop wondering how he would greet her. As an employee, a confidante, or a lover?
Dario stood outside the prince’s apartment and greeted her with a cordial hello, swinging open the door for her to enter.