Prince Player(16)

I feel a chill run down my spine and I sip my drink. It’s almost like that was some sort of sign, although I’m not the type to believe in that sort of thing normally. This place just feels so different from home, I can’t help but think that anything is possible here.

I glance back down at the magazine. Prince Nolan smiles back at me and I look at his handsome face. I could see myself married to that man, even though I don’t know him.

I shake my head, not sure what to do. But I stand up, take my coffee with me, and head off toward the castle anyway.

I can’t keep sitting on this decision. It’s going to eat me up inside if I don’t just make a choice, and that old man was right. I need to just choose and go with one option. I’ll survive whatever happens, and maybe even flourish.

I walk into the center of town and get through security at the castle. I enter through the work door, which is basically where the staff all come through. I have to show my ID and swipe my card, but I can get inside without any issues. I toss my coffee cup before heading down through the halls.

I don’t think I’ve ever walked around the castle in my normal clothing before. It feels a little weird, like I don’t belong there. I guess I actually don’t belong, since I’m supposed to be in uniform and working when on castle grounds. I guess that’s another thing I’ll have to keep from Britta.

I finally make it to the wing where the prince is staying. His personal steward is standing outside of his door, and he gives me a dour, almost angry look.

“I’m here to see the prince,” I say to him.

He hesitates. “One moment,” he finally says. He turns and knocks on the door for me.

I sigh and cross my arms. I hate the formality of this place. I can’t imagine living here all the time, let alone raising a child here. Hell, I can’t imagine being a child and living in this place. What sort of life would that be?

The door opens a moment later, and Nolan looks out.

“Sir, you have a visitor,” the steward says.

“Come in, Hazel.” Nolan smirks at me and steps aside.

The steward gestures for me to enter, as if I didn’t just hear what the prince said. I walk past him and he closes the door behind me.

I walk right into the living room, my heart hammering in my chest. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here. I’m actually afraid, genuinely afraid, like I’ve never been before. I backpacked around Europe all alone for the last few months and got myself into some pretty weird situations. I was even robbed not too long ago and left without money in a strange country, but this is the most nervous I’ve ever been.

Nolan stands in the doorway and faces me, a handsome smile curling his perfect lips. His muscles bulge under his t-shirt and my breath catches in my throat as I look at him. I can’t help but picture him as I first saw him, half naked and totally glorious.

I know it would feel good. It would feel really, really good, and oh my god, my heart is hammering so fast, and I’m dripping wet. This isn’t supposed to be my reaction. I’m supposed to be more reserved, a little more formal, maybe even detached. This should be a logical decision. I should be doing this for the right reasons.

“Okay,” I say to him. “I’ll do it. I’ll marry you.”

And as the words leave my mouth, I know it’s for the wrong reasons. I know it’s because I want him, this dirty, filthy player prince, this handsome man that makes me feel something exciting. I know it’s just because I want to enjoy him, and maybe that’s wrong, but I don’t care. I’m not thinking about the future, and that’s probably irresponsible, but I can’t help it. When I’m around him, I don’t feel in control of myself, and I like it.

“Good,” he says, smiling. “Took you long enough.”

He walks over and takes my hand, and I think I practically melt.





9





Nolan





I lead Hazel out into the hallway. “We have some paperwork to fill out,” I say to her. “You know, to make it official.”

“Right, of course,” she says, smiling. “I need to fill out paperwork to marry the prince.”

I grin at her. “It’s more of a business deal than anything else.” I grip her hand and pull her along behind me. I wave off the steward as he tries to follow us.

“Right, a business deal that ends with me getting pregnant,” she says.

I laugh and shrug. “Not a normal one, but still.” I hesitate for a second. “Do you know what’s happening here, in the castle?”

“I’ve seen the news,” she says. “I think I know why you’re back.”