Chapter 10
Tiro stormed into his security office. He met Aziz in the doorway and glowered. “I want you to find out how that video got out!”
Aziz offered a small bow and turned to the security monitors lining the wall. “We’re looking into it now, Your Highness,” he explained. “So far, the hotel security personnel have been questioned. We’re also speaking with the hotel management.”
Tiro listened carefully, watching the monitors. But after a moment, he sighed, shaking his head. “I don’t think it really matters.” He turned to his assistant who was hovering behind him . “I’ve already spoken to my council about this. They have spread the word that I’m engaged. The whole world probably knows about the engagement by now.”
“Excuse me?” Aziz snapped, which he’d never done before. “Who are you engaged to?”
Tiro turned to face the man, more curious than angry at his reaction. “Princess Angela, of course,” Tiro replied, his eyes narrowing on his security chief’s shocked expression.
“But…why?” Aziz continued. “We have no diplomatic relations with Lativa. Why the hell would you marry that…woman?”
Tiro had been staring at the monitors, but at Aziz’s horror, he swung around, glaring at the man. “You’re speaking of my future wife,” he snarled. “Watch your tone!”
Aziz had the grace to look abashed, but he was still upset. “Your Highness, why would you marry a woman who kissed you in full view of the world?”
“There were two participants in that kiss,” he replied and turned away. “I’ll be visiting Lativa in three days.” And then he walked out, angry at his head of security. Why the hell would Aziz, his long time bodyguard and good friend, be so outraged by the idea of Angela coming here as his wife? I n a political sense, the idea of marrying a member of the Lativa royal family made a lot of sense.
Tiro wondered why he hadn’t considered the idea before.
Of course, he’d never really thought much about Lativa. The neighboring country was a major pain in the ass. Especially since Sheik Khal had taken over. Now that the ass was in charge, Lativa was far more…efficient in their diplomatic efforts.
Come to think about it, Lativa was much more friendly to a lot of countries. Was that because of Princess Angela’s efforts? Was she the breath of fresh air that had brought about such change?
He wondered about that, even considered asking Osman to dig into the possibility. He knew the engagement was only temporary, but only he and Khal knew that. Well, and Angela, he corrected silently.
On another level and thinking outside of the political ramifications of their plan, the idea of having a secret relationship with Angela seemed…enticing. Intriguing.
The possibilities were exciting. As soon as that word came to mind, he remembered how exciting it had been to kiss Angela. She’d been so soft, pressing those delicious curves against him. And her kiss had been…!
Tiro didn’t want to wait three more days! Tiro wanted to hear her ideas about their fake engagement now .
Hell, he was fooling himself. He didn’t want to talk to her. He wanted to kiss her. He remembered the negotiations before that kiss. And yes, talking would be interesting. Angela was no pushover!
Three more days!
Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair. Impatience never solved anything, he reminded himself as he headed into his next meeting. Osman trailed behind him, taking a seat near the wall and pretending to fade into the woodwork. The meeting was about to start now that Tiro had taken his seat at the head of the table. But he lifted a finger and called Osman over. The man came forward, completely unconcerned that his boss had stalled a meeting. He whispered into his personal assistant’s ear and, when the man looked startled, Tiro nodded confirmation of his instruction.
Osman didn’t show any expression. He simply nodded and sat back down, looking down at his tablet. The shorter man might not agree with Tiro’s request, but the loyal assistant would be his normal efficient self and would get the information quickly.
Settling back, Tiro nodded to the man at his right, silently indicating that the meeting could commence.