LITMIR.BIZ

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need,” Benjamin said and got in the car. “He’s not my prince.”

      “But, sir,” Mr. Bernard sputtered. “I have instructions. I must brief you.”

      “Do what you have to do, but I won’t be listening. I’ve got more important things to think about,” Benjamin said. “I’ll take responsibility for my own actions. I always have.”

      Mr. Bernard hesitated a half beat. “Very well, sir. The first rule is that you never turn your back on a royal and...”

      Benjamin clicked Mr. Bernard’s voice to the off position and planned his strategy with Stefan. Just a few moments later, he was led through a side door and upstairs to the second floor. He passed a plainclothes security man and was stopped outside a door by another security man.

      “Monsieur, I will now inspect you before your meeting with His Highness,” the man said.

      Benjamin lifted his hands. He didn’t need a gun in this situation. He knew his biggest weapon was tarnishing the precious image of the Devereaux. Seconds later, he was led into a large office furnished with rich woods and leather. He noticed a child’s toy on the desk and was surprised. A photograph of a woman with dark hair and laughing eyes graced the mantel behind him, along with a picture of a little girl with ringlet curls and blue eyes.

      Benjamin lifted his eyebrows, speculating. So maybe Stefan was human after all. A few moments later, a man entered the room. “His Royal Highness, Stefan Devereaux.”

      Benjamin stood as the man who was Stefan entered the room. Tall with black hair, cold eyes and a frown, he stalked into the room. “Mr. Garner,” Stefan said more than asked.

      “Yes. Evenin’,” he said and waited for Stefan to take a seat at his desk before he sat down.

      “My assistant tells me that you delivered a threat regarding your intent to attack the reputation of my family,” Stefan said.

      “That’s a bit overdramatic,” Benjamin said. “I just thought you would want to know what kind of impression your family is making on your newly revealed relative. Coco gets tons of calls every day from the media. All she needs to do is tell the truth about her visit and it won’t be good for the royal family.”

      “What more does she want? She enjoyed tea with my sisters. I made a personal appearance,” Stefan said, his jaw tightening. “Perhaps this is a monetary issue. Very well, how much does she want?”

      Benjamin scowled in return. “That’s insulting. Anyone ever tell you that you could use a little more compassion?”

      The man at the door moved forward. “I shall remove Mr. Garner at once.”

      Stefan waved the man aside. “No, Peter. I’ll handle this.” He leaned forward. “What exactly does Miss Jordan want?”

      Benjamin sighed. “This may be difficult for you, but try to imagine this. You’re an only child. You’re adopted. Your father is dead. Your mother just died of a terminal illness. You’re all alone in the world with no relatives. What would you want?”

      Silence followed. For three seconds. A woman burst into the office. “What are you doing working this late at night?” the woman demanded.

      It took a moment, but Benjamin recognized her from the photograph, except her face was pale and she looked ill. The man at the door began to apologize.

      Stefan immediately rose and crossed the room to take the woman in his arms. “Eve, you shouldn’t be up. You’ve had a rough day. Go back to bed. I’ll be there soon.”

      The woman frowned and glanced at Benjamin, who had also risen.

      He gave a nod. “Ma’am.”

      She narrowed her eyes and returned her gaze to Stefan. “He’s from Texas.” She paused a half beat and her eyes widened in realization. “He’s with Coco Jordan. Is she here? How did I miss her?”

      “I told you I would handle this. You weren’t feeling well, so Bridget, Phillipa and Fredericka had tea with her today.”

      “Tea?” Eve echoed in disdain. “You gave a girl from Texas tea? And I bet it wasn’t iced.” She took a deep breath. “What’s going on?”

      “We can discuss this later,” Stefan said.

      “That’s fine,” she said. “In the meantime, I’d like to meet a fellow Texan.” She moved toward Benjamin. “Hello. I’m Eve Devereaux,” she said, extending her hand.

      “My pleasure,” Benjamin said. “I’m Benjamin Garner. Hate to see your sleep disturbed. I’m sure your husband and I can finish our talk.”

      “Bourbon or whiskey?” she asked with a faint smile and sank into a chair.

      “Eve,” Stefan said. “I insist that you return to our quarters.”

      “Only if you promise I can meet with both Benjamin and Coco tomorrow. And only if you promise to give Benjamin his choice of liquor. You must also take a drink with him,” she said.

      “As you request,” he said, his mouth tight with impatience.

      “And,” she said.

      “And that’s enough,” he said firmly.

      She smiled and rose. “Had to try,” she said and pursed her lips in a smooch before she exited the room.

      Stefan gave a heavy sigh. “Please be seated. Peter, please get Mr. Garner something to drink.”

      The man stepped next to Stefan’s desk. “Yes, sir. What would you like?”

      “Whiskey will do,” Benjamin said.

      “I’ll take the same,” Stefan said. He met Benjamin’s gaze. “Now that you’ve gained my wife’s attention, I should warn you that I’ll be ruthless if you take advantage of her kindness.”

      Benjamin lifted the glass of perfect single-barrel whiskey in a salute to Stefan. “Glad to hear it, Your Highness. Wouldn’t want it any other way.”

      Stefan knocked back his whiskey. “Very well. There will be a family visit tomorrow. One of the advisors will also convey Miss Jordan’s financial inheritance. I should warn you that the amount is meager. These days, royals earn their pay and are encouraged to live on the palace grounds.”

      Benjamin nodded. Although he would protect Coco’s financial interests, he knew what she wanted most. “Make it as friendly as you can. You met her. She’s no shark.” He stood, leaving the rest of his drink on the desk. “I think we’re about done. Your wife is waiting for you and I don’t want to keep you.”

      Stefan stood and nodded. He offered his hand. “Good night,” he said and left the room.

      Benjamin was immediately led out of the palace to the waiting car. He suspected that Mr. Bernard would have liked to dump him on the curb once they reached the villa, but the man exited the car and held the door open. “’Night, Bernard,” Benjamin said.

      “Good night, sir,” the man said.

      Benjamin walked to the front door and found Coco where he’d left her. No sounds coming from the nursery monitor. All was good. He picked up Coco and carried her to the bedroom where she’d slept last night. His hands itched to carry her soft body to his bed, but he knew better.

      He just hoped tomorrow would be better for her than today had been. He slid her down to the bed and pulled the covers over her. She wiggled as if she were on the edge of awakening. Then she sighed and pressed her face into the pillow.

      He should have resisted, but he didn’t. Benjamin leaned down and brushed her cheek with his lips. She was the softest, sweetest thing he’d ever felt against his mouth.

      * * *

      “God help us. Another family meeting,” Bridget said to her sister, Phillipa, affectionately known as Pippa as they walked down the

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