The dresses ended up in a tangled pile on the floor as Hannah moaned and clutched at my back. Her nails scored a path on my back as I kissed her. After a moment I pulled back slightly and muttered, “Fine. Your hour startsas soon as we’re done.”
“That has to be the most romantic thing you’ve ever said to me.” Hannah smiled as she shook her head at me.
“Screw the extra hour,” I said, right before I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder. Hannah squealed as I carried her to our huge shower. Then I proceeded to show her how princes multitasked.
About an hour and half later, we were squeaky clean and dressedto impress. I had on the usual monkey suit, and Hannah dazzled in a short, black dress that clung to her slight curves and skimmed her legs above her knees. We were on our way out of the suite when I noticed something.
“Wait, your bandage is loose. Do you want me to take it off for you?”
Hannah slapped her hand over the spot and looked at me with wide eyes but didn’t say anything.
I frowned.“Is that curling iron burn still bothering you? I could call the palace physician and—”
“No!” Hannah backed away from me toward the bathroom behind her. “I mean, yes, it is bothering me, but no, I don’t need to see a doctor. I’m fine. It just needs time to heal. I’ll go put a new Band-Aid on it and then we can go.”
“If you’re sure. It’s not a problem to call—”
The bathroom door slammed shutand Hannah’s voice came through muffled. “No, no. It’s fine. I’ll just be a second.”
I cooled my heels as I pondered the dichotomy of a woman who spent the better part of thirty minutes on her makeup and another forty on her hair, and yet didn’t notice the limp bandage on her neck. I don’t think I’d ever understand women.
A minute later, Hannah exited the bathroom and gave me a bright smile.“All ready. Where are we going .anyway?”
“The Monte Carlo Casino,” I answered absently as I examined her neck. The same spot was covered by a new and almost invisible small Band-Aid. “Are you sure you’re all right? It’s no trouble to call the doctor.”
“I’m fine. Stop being silly.” Hannah looped her arm through mine. “TheMonte Carlo Casino? Sounds glamorous.”
“It is. Hence the dress code. Ifyou’re ready, our ride is waiting out back.”
“Out back.” Hannah laughed. “You make it sound like an alleyway and not a glamorous double staircase leading to the gardens.”
“I’m ashamed to admit how long it took me to realize not everyone had maid service and a personal cook. Come on, let’s go gamble.”
We met our security team and a short car ride later, we pulled up to the Monte Carlo Casino.I put my hand on Hannah’s arm. “Do not leave the vehicle until you see me in the doorway. Keep your eyes down to avoid the flashes and make sure to have a slight smile. Frowns never play well in the press. And whatever you do, do not let go of my hand.”
“What—”
“Relax. You’ll be fine.”
I opened my door and jumped out. A clamor of voices, shouts, and camera clicks greeted me before I slammedmy car door shut. Flanked by Dimitri and Nicolas, I crossed behind the sedan to Hannah’s side.
“Prince Lucien!”
“Prince Lucien!”
“Lucien!”
About a thousand different voices made it almost impossible to distinguish any single one, or even what they were shouting, aside from my name. Keeping my eyes down, I ignored them all and opened Hannah’s door. The camera flashes doubled, making the duskylight look almost like daytime. I bent down and held my hand out. “Deep breath.”
Hannah smiled tremulously at me, then put her hand in mine and exited the vehicle. I tried to block the view of the crowd as she got out and stood in front of her as she tugged on her dress. The sound from the horde grew ridiculous.
“Ready?” I mouthed to her.
Hannah shrugged since conversation was impossible. Holdingher hand in mine, I tipped my head at our security detail, then followed Dimitri toward the casino doors.
“Prince Lucien!”
“Hannah!”
