Page 81 of The Prince Who Loved Me

Brandi didn’t say anything, just held that innocent gaze.

Carolann sighed as if Brandi’s actions were a huge disappointment. “Look, you didn’t need all that money! Especially now that you’re with your prince. Don’t you think it was rude of your grandmother to give me and Leslie such a pittance? I only took what should have been mine.”

“You only took what the bank had with cash on hand.”

“Baby, that’s not true.” Carolann clasped Brandi’s hand. “You live rent-free at Fountenoy Hall, you have a steady job. You’re dating a prince, for God’s sake. What were you going to do with the money?”

That wasn’t the point. Brandi slid her hand away. “If you want, we can set up a repayment plan.”

Tears formed in Carolann’s eyes. Brandi might have been moved if she hadn’t seen her mother play that card many, many times before. Usually followed by laughter when she got what she wanted from the poor sucker subjected to her charm.

Brandi said nothing.

“Can we talk about this tomorrow?” Carolann took a mournful sniff and dabbed at her eyes with the corner of her napkin. “It’s just… it’s been such a long day. Can I stay with you?”

Would her mom even be there tomorrow? Brandi found she didn’t care. This was her mom’s opportunity to make up for the past, to show Brandi she actually cared about her thoughts and feelings and her growth as a person. “I’ll get you a room.”

Chapter 19

“You had a crazy night last night.” Sebastien said to Brandi the next morning. They had called room service for breakfast and she told him about what happened with her intoxicated mom. Now Brandi was curled up on his lap as he half-sat on the bed. He stroked her hair away from her face, causing her to give a little sigh and cuddle into him.

“Massimo paid for my mom’s room before I even had a chance to check her in.” She gave his leg a small whap to show her displeasure. “I’m meeting her soon.”

Sebastien had paced the suite after she went downstairs, texting Massimo for updates. When it seemed that Brandi had it under control and he had given his man instructions, he had crawled back into bed to wait for her, but had fallen asleep. He had awoken when she crawled into bed with him. Any talk about her mom was curtailed when she slid her body against his. Any talk about anything was curtailed when he discovered she was naked.

“It would be nice if just once, she realized what her actions do to me. If she pretended we were a typical family. I’ve given up hoping, since I’m crushed every time.” Her thumb absently rubbed his kneecap.

His blood surged at the blatant admission, but he kept still with monumental effort. Brandi had always put on a party face with her boyfriends and never offered a negative opinion. Never did anything that could be construed as conflict. Never expressed what she wanted. Whether or not it was intentional, now she had opened herself up, sharing true feelings.

It was a low-key comment, so he didn’t want to bring attention to it. But he also didn’t want the event to pass unmarked. So he kissed her, pouring his love and trust into thewords he couldn’t say to a statement he couldn’t acknowledge. She shuddered against his lips, and wrapped an arm around his head, her other hand stroking his arm and lighting a fire wherever they touched.

Too soon he broke off the kiss, both of them panting and eager for more. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with me to see Thomasina?”

“I don’t think she’d be happy to see me.”

He dropped onto the floor in front of her. “It wasn’t your fault. You could sue him, you know. It was private property and there were signs posted.”

She shook her head. “Besides, I have to talk to my mom.”

Sebastien got dressed while Brandi rested in the bed. He kissed her forehead before he left. “I’ll see you soon,mon ange.”

“Sebastien?” She sat up, her blonde hair tumbling temptingly over her shoulders, barely skimming the tops of her breasts. “I’m so proud of you. Of what you’ve accomplished.”

Joy spread through him, that this incredible woman had chosen him. He caressed the back of her neck, bringing his lips down to hers. “I love you.”

She gave him a radiant smile, but her eyes darted away.

“Hey.” Sebastien tucked a finger under her chin. “Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it.”

“I know. It’s just…” she sighed. “Sometimes it’s still hard to trust.”

“I won’t mind spending a lifetime trying.”

Loïc had done some reconnaissance at d’Arte Pesca earlier and given him the all-clear that no paparazzi were lurking nearby. Still, he had Massimo drive him to the back entrance, where Thomasina was waiting to greet him.

He was relieved to find there had been no damage to the gallery or her reputation. The show had been considered a success, and after Thomasina explained to Kevin Card thatBrandi could sue his ass since they were on private property, the photographer stammered he’d be happy to let the incident go without pursuing any legal action. The other artists in the show had done exquisite work, and Sebastien purchased the pieces he wanted. Maybe he could convince Wendy to add them to the library in Fountenoy Hall.

“We’ll have to talk about you doing another show,” Thomasina said. “Critics from the early viewing had some nice things to say. Many patrons didn’t realize what the ruckus was, so Owen’s identity can live on. This picture.” Thomasina tapped the last one he had done after Brandi came to him in the orchard, finished only a few days ago. “This was the talk of the night. Not just the subject, but the emotion that went into it. If you hadn’t insisted it wasn’t for sale, there would have been a bidding war.”