Page 7 of The Prince Who Loved Me

“Boy, some people sure know how to hold a grudge,” Sebastien said. “Besides, I apologized.”

“And did you just call my girlfriend a duck?” Rob asked.

“Quack,” Sebastien answered. Rob shook his head.

Brandi took a swallow of whiskey. “I get tired of the snap judgements. Don’t you?”

“Not when I can use it to do good,” Sebastien answered. “I can create a sketch in an hour and donate to a charity or a foundation. Doesn’t matter if the picture is any good. They can sell it and raise a ton of money based on my name alone.” That was the only time he ever displayed his art, though his world was filled with colors and shading, lines and contours. Maybe one day he’d be able to have a show, so Their Majesties could realize it was more than a hobby for him.

“I wish people would take the time to notice more about me.”

“I do,” Sebastien said. She was bright and funny. “There’s so much to you I couldn’t even begin to list it all.”

“Of course you do. You’re my friend,” Brandi said. “Other men. They don’t want to know.”

There it was. That F-word. “Then they’reimbécilesand not worth your time.”

Tears formed in her unusual eyes and he wanted to take her in his arms. Instead, he reached over and put a hand on her knee.

“No, I’m fine,” she sniffed. “I’m just tired from the drive. I’ll be okay tomorrow. I always am.” She stood up and stretched. “Good night, everyone.”

“See you in the morning,” said Wendy.

Sebastien walked with her to the bottom of the back staircase, pitching his voice low to avoid being overheard. “You don’t have to hide from me.”

“I’m not.” She forced out a smile that broke his heart. He gave her a soft kiss on the forehead and watched as she ascended the staircase.

He retook his seat and found Wendy frowning at him.

“You need a plan,” she said.

“I have many plans. Like finishing my drink.” He lifted his glass and took a hearty swallow.

“About my cousin. You let her go off on a romantic weekend. With another man. And look at what happened.”

“I didn’t let her do anything. Brandi has a mind of her own.”

“And a big heart, which got crushed. Again. You can do something about this. And stop giving me this bull crap about how she’s not ready for you. I think she’s ready. Jordan thinks she’s ready.” She pointed to her boyfriend, who nodded. “Even Rob thinks she’s ready. So do something.”

“Wendy, I love you. I would do anything for you. But mind your own damn business.”

She frowned. “My cousin is my business.”

“I doubt she would agree.”

Wendy leaned her forearms against the island. “I worry about her. That’s all. She has so much to give.”

Sebastien gave a soft laugh. “You, who a year ago thought she was manipulative and lazy.”

She sat up straighter. “People change. So get off your royal ass and don’t let her get hurt again.”

She stood up and swept up the stairs.

Rob eyed him warily, and Sebastien braced himself for whatever he was going to say. And he’d been right about Rob at first, but he’d turned out to be really good for Wendy. Sebastien had never seen her so relaxed and happy. But it didn’t hurt to keep the man humble.

“For what it’s worth—” Rob began.

“Oh God,” Sebastien groaned. “The day I take advice from you is the day I give up my position for the crown.”