STRANDEDWITHTHEPRINCE

ByLaraHunter

Copyright2017byLaraHunter

Allrightsreserved.Exceptforuseinanyreview,thereproductionorutilizationofthisworkinwholeorinpartbyanymeans,nowknownor

hereafterinvented,includingxerography,photocopyingandrecording,orinanyinformationstorageorretrievalsystem,isforbiddenwithoutthe

explicitwrittenpermissionoftheauthor.

Allcharactersdepictedinthisfictionalworkareconsentingadults,ofatleasteighteenyearsofage.Anyresemblancetopersonslivingor

deceased,particularbusinesses,events,orexactlocationsareentirelycoincidental.

TableOfContents:

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

ONE

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Kateteasedlongfingersthroughherredhair,herpaleskinbakingintheMiamisun.Standingnearthe
snacktableinherskimpybikini,sheslumpedhershoulders,waitingtobecalledtothephotoshoot.

Thephotographydirectorwasbickeringwiththesetdesigner,wavinghisblackhatthroughtheair,beads
ofsweatglidingdownhischeeks.She’dworkedwithhimseveraltimesbefore,andeachjobhadbeen
disastrous,requiringovertenhoursonset.Aftereachshoot,heragenthadcalledher,proclaimingthatthe
directorjustlovedherworkandwantedtoworkwithheragain.Buteachtimeshe’dhesitated,wishing
forabetteroption.Attwenty-four,though,shewasgettingratheroldforthemodelingworld.Beingcalled
atallwasablessingforherbankaccount.

Kateeyedthesnacktable,tempted.Eversinceshe’dchosentopursueamodelingcareer,attheageof
fifteen,she’dwatchedherdietwitheagleeyes.Shecouldn’trememberthelasttimeshe’dhadapieceof
cheese,oneofherfavoritefoods,andsomethingshe’dscarfeddownasatwelve-year-oldkidwithouta
careintheworld.

Oneofthecameraoperatorssaunteredtowardthetable,gaveheraonce-over,andthensnuckalarge
donutintohismouth.Hegesturedtowardthebickeringdirector,rollinghiseyes.“Youwereatthelast
shoot,weren’tyou?”heasked,icingsugarcoatinghislips.“Thetimewhenhethrewthechair?”

Katesmiledknowingly,herstomachgrowling.“Isurewas,”shesaid,hereyebrowshigh.“Iseethat
particularsetdesignerisn’tonsettoday.”

“Noway,”themansaid.“Bobwouldnevercallhimagain.HebasicallyhadhimkickedoutofMiami.He
hadtorelocatetoAtlanta,apparently.Can’tfindwork.”

“Wow,”Katesaid,feelingthepoisonofherownindustry.“Lookslikethisguymighthavetostartlooking
outsideMiamiaswell.”

“Yeah,”themanagreed,scarfingdownanotherdonut.“ButBobseemstolikeyou.He’susedyoufor
almostallofthesetsI’veworkedon.Youwereonthatmakeupad,andthatother—”

“Themoisturizer.Andthesurfboards,”Katesaid,rememberinghowshe’dstraddledthatsurfboardfor
hours,sweatdivingbetweenhershoulderblades.“Notthemostglamoroustimes.Thehumiditynearly
destroyedme.”

“Well,whateverpaysthebills,right?”themansaid,oglingheroncemore.Thenhespunonhisheeland

creptbacktohisstation,leavingKatetoshiftherweightonherheelsandhumwithboredom.Justanother
strangemanonastrangesetatthetwilightofhercareer.Howmanytimeswasshegoingtoallowherself
tobelookedatlikethat?

Atthatmoment,thedirectorflippedoffthesetdesignerandscreamedsomethinginSpanish.Hespunback
towardhistrailer,haltingworkforthenexthour.Katewatchedasthecameraoperatorsrolledtheireyes
anddippedtheirfingersintocigarettecartons.Theylookedsadandtired,sounlikethesetworkersfrom
herfirstfewyearsofmodeling.

KatehadmovedtoNewYorkasaneighteen-year-old,findingateensyapartmentinQueensbeforeslowly
butsurelymovingupinhercareer.Forawhile,she’dworkedfortop-tierpeopleintheindustry,
modelingforsomebignames,andevenafewFrenchmagazines.She’dbeenyoung,vibrant,andeagerto
grabasmuchmoneyandfameasshecould.Then,attheageoftwenty-two—notlongaftermanyofher
peersgraduatedfromcollege—themodelingoffershaddwindled,herexpenditureshadstartedto
outweighwhatshewasmaking,andshe’drealizedthatsheneededtofindsomethingelse.

She’drelocatedtoMiami,Florida,feelinglikeabrokentoyatthebottomofthechest,andbeguntaking
smallerjobs,knowingshewasbecomingmoreandmoreirrelevant.Whenshe’dbeenateenager,bright
andbubblyandabletotiltherbodyinthatperfect“modelway,”herparentshadwarnedher.Hermother
hadclickedhertongue,tellingKatesheshouldfindsomething,anythingelsetodo.Modelingwouldn’t
paythebillsforever,shesaid.ButKatehadbeennaïve,andarrogant.

Withthedirectorsafelyinhistrailer,andcigarettesmokespinningaroundthecameraoperators,Kate
liftedherhandtotheChexMixbowlandcrunchedonapretzel.Instantly,herbrainfeltcalmer;her
musclesloosened.Washungerreallysopowerful?

Shegaveabriefsmiletoawomanwithaclipboard.Thewomanapproachedher,hergrayinghairtucked
beneathabaseballhat.

“Heythere,”thewomansaidcheerfully.“Youlookboredashell.”

Katesmiled.“It’sjustapartofthejob,”shesaid.“Justanotherdayonanotherset.”

“Ha,Iknow,”thewomanreplied,pullingaglossymagazinefromherpurse.“Doyouwanttolookatthis
whileyouwait?I’vealreadyreaditfourtimestoday.Gettingtiredoflookingatprettypeopleliving
betterlivesthanIeverwill.”ShewinkedandpassedthemagazinetoKate.“Atleastit’llkeepyourmind
offthings,right?”

Kateaccepteditgratefully,staringdownatthecoverofthecelebritymagazine.

“Inthemeantime,”thewomansaid,“Ithinktheywantyoubackinmakeup.Lookslikeit’smeltingoffyou.
Floridaheatneverstops,doesit?”

Katewalkedgingerlyinherheelstowardthemakeupchair.Safeintheshadeofthemakeuptent,she
flippedthroughthemagazine,takinginthecountlesscelebrityshotsandreadingaboutwhowasaging

poorly,whowasgettingdivorced,andwhoseemed“blissfullyinlove.”Shescoffed,disdainbuilding
insideher.Notsolongago,she’dpartiedwithrockstarsandhadevenspottedherselfinthesemagazines
—photographedmomentsaftertakingtoomanyshots,lookinglikealooseandwildteenager.Thevery
portraitofamodel.

InthecenterofthemagazinewasafeatureaboutnotoriousEuropeanplayboyPrinceFrancescoof
Monaco,withthetitle:“MANHATTANCLUBBINGWITHROYALTY.”Katetiltedherhead,realizing
thatthepeopleinthephotoswerepartyinginoneofheroldfavoriteNewYorkclubs,aplaceinwhich
she’doncekissedafamousmoviestarwithabandon.

Themaninthefeaturewasoneshe’dseenofteninthetabloids:agorgeous,exiledprincewithwildblack
hair,aperpetualfiveo’clockshadow,andamuscled,six-packabdomen.Thetwenty-seven-year-oldwas
reputedtobeanarrogantwomanizer,andhewasthefavorite“badboyprince”ofthetabloids.

Inthesephotographs,Francescoleeredatthephotographer,takingsheerpleasureinbeinglookedat.Ella,
Kate’swriterfriendwhooftenwroteforgossipsites,hadtoldherrepeatedlythatthesetypesof
celebritiesthrivedofftheflashoflights,offthedramathatunfoldedonthepagesofthesemagazines.Kate
shivereddespitetheFloridaheat.

Assheflippedthroughthepages,eyeingthePrince,whoseemedtohaveamodeloneacharminevery
image—modelswhoburnedbrightwiththesameenergyandenthusiasmshehadhadasatwenty-year-old
atthepeakofhercareer—Katefeltarisingwaveofjealousy.Sweatpouredfromherforehead,mussing
hermakeupevenmore.

Thismanhadallthemoneyintheworld:moneytoescapefromhishomeinPanamatoanyhigh-class
partyinManhattanorEuropewithoutacare.Andthemodelsonhisarm?They’dsurelyfadeaway,never
allowingthemselvessomuchasapretzel,scrapingawayattheirbankaccounts,justhopingtopayrent.
He’dhaveanotherroundjustlikethemthenexttimehereturnedtoManhattan,andthey’dbejustlikeher.
Kategazedatthephotographsfromhermakeupchair,wishingforanothertime.Atimewhenshe’d
mattered.

Themakeupartistarrivedbesideher,andKateflungthemagazineontothecounter,ashamedatbeing
caughtstaringatthephotographssointensely.“Hey,”shesaid.“I’msweatinglikeacow.I’msosorry—”

“Nottoworry,”themakeupartistreplied.Shewasolder,inhermid-to-latefifties.Sheliftedherbony,
angularface,andhereyesmetKate’sinthemirror.“Inthisheat,we’llallwasteawaybeforelong.It’s
likethisdirectorhasforgottenwe’reallpeople,too.”

“Ihaven’tbeenviewedasapersoninyears,”Katesaid.Hercomment,meanttobeflippant,fellflat,
revealingthetruthbehindherwords.

“Iprobablydon’thavetobetheonetoremindyouthatyouchosethisindustry.Nooneisforcingyouto
behere,”thewomansaidcurtly,liftinghermakeupbrush.“I’msureyouremindyourselfofthatevery
nightbeforeyougotosleep;allyouoldermodelsdo.”

Katefellsilent,feelingthewispsofthemakeupbrushoverherface.Shesmelledonlythedankairaround
her,filledwithcigarettesmoke,andlongedtoreturntohertinyapartment,whereshecouldblasttheair
conditioning.

Thewomanorderedhertoclosehereyesbeforeapplyingeyelinerwithspeedandprecision.Kate
allowedherthoughtstofallawayastheblackliquidswoopedoverherlids.Meanwhile,inManhattan,
Panama,oranywhereelseintheworld,thePrincewasdoingpreciselywhathewantedtodo,withouta
singlecare.Hedidn’tneedajob.Hedidn’thavetolistentosomeonecallhiman“agingmodel”ashesat
inaskimpybikini,thestrapsdiggingintohisshoulderblades.

Afternearlythirtyminutesmore,duringwhichthemakeupartisttuggedatherhairandpiledmousseinto
it,Kateheardthedirector’scries.“Callitoff!”hecalled.“Ican’tworklikethis!Tellthemodeltogo
home.”

Kate’seyessnappedopenandmetwiththemakeupartist’sinthemirror.Herpaintedlipsparted.“Didhe
justsay—”

“Happensallthetime,”thewomansaid,snappingthelidbackonthemoussebottle.Sheliftedhermakeup
bagtohershoulderandwasgoneinaninstant,leavingKatealoneinthemakeuptent.

Kateliftedherselffromthechair,feelingwoozy,dehydrated.Sherippedherheelsfromherfeetand
stood,bendingherkneesslightlytostretch.Shelistenedasthephotographersandtheirassistantsbeganto
closedowntheset,shuttingcamerasandlightsbackintocasesandgrumblingaboutanotherlostday.

Butallofthesepeoplewouldcontinuetohavejobsregardlessofageorstatus.Theywerebehindthe
scenes,withtheskillsandtalentstokeepthememployed.ButKate?Shewasexpendable.Shecouldbe
tradedinforayounger,brighter,lessmade-upmodelinaninstant.Shewrappedacardiganaroundher
thinshouldersandmarchedtowardhercar,herheelsdanglinginherlefthand,feelingtearsjointhesweat
drippingdownhercheeks.

Shehadnoideawhatshewasgoingtodowithherfuture,norealclueifshe’dstillhaveajobinthe
comingdays.Rentdaywasapproachingquickly,andtheworldnolongerseemedtospininherfavor.
Once,she’dbeenlinkedtohandsomecelebritiesatManhattanclubs.Nowshewasconsideringageing
moisturizingcreamsand,perhaps,anothercareerentirely.ButKatewastwenty-four,withonlyaGEDto
hername,andbillstopay.

Shehadnowhereelsetoturn.

TWO

Katedrovehomeinjustherbikini,withoutshoes,loweringherwindowstolettheairblowoverherface,
dryingitoff.ShepassedcountlessrestaurantsonthewaybacktoherMiamiapartment,eyeingtheadsout
front—theburgers,thefries,themilkshakes—andremindingherselfthatshehadasaladwaitingforherat
home.Kalewouldhavetodo.

Asshedrove,shetightenedhergriponthesteeringwheel,angercoursingthroughher.She’dwastedan
entiredayatthatshootwhenshecouldhavebeensearchingforabettergig.Thepreviousweek,when
she’dgonetovisitheragentatherdowntownoffice,she’dbeenintroducedtothreemodelswhowere
headedtoacastingforamajornewperfumecampaign.AsKatehadalreadyagreedtotakethisjob,she’d
beenoutoftherunningbydefault—andhadsteamedatthemissedopportunity.

Afterparkingbehindherbuilding,Kateslammedherdoorclosedandgazeddownatthewhitesportscar
foramoment,rememberingthedayshe’dpurchasedit.“Well,”she’dtoldhermomoverthephone,“I
mightnotbeinNewYorkanymore,butthatmeansIhavethemoneyforanicecar.AndIlookpretty
stylishinit,Ihavetosay.”

“Kate,youshouldsavethatmoneyforlater.Youmightneedit,”hermotherhadsaid,almostpleadingwith
her.Katehadpicturedhermother,adriverofminivansforcountlessyears,inhersuburbanOhiohome.
Andshe’dcongratulatedherself,inwardly,onthepurchase.Inhermind,itdifferentiatedherfromher
Ohiopast,andevenherglittering,NewYorkmodellife.ThiswasFlorida,andshewoulddriveacarin
style.

Butnow,ofcourse,sheregrettedit.Thecarrepresentedatimeofwealthandprosperitythatshefelthad
passedherby,almostcompletely.Nottomentionthatitlookedgaudynexttotheothercarsinthe
apartmentparkinglot:theChevyCavaliersandthepickuptrucks,allofthemclearlyutilitarian.Atthis
pointinherlacklustercareer,Katejustneededsomethingthatgotthejobdone.

Awolf-whistlerangoutacrosstheparkinglot,then,shakingKateoutofherreverie.Shefrownedatthe
oldermanuponhisbalcony,smokingandgazingather,hislipsstillformingthewhistle.Shespunonher
barefeetandstompedtowardthestepsthatledtoherthird-floorapartment,incredulousthatherdayhad
somehowmanagedtogetworse.

Sheenteredherapartment,atwo-bedroomwithafinewhitecouchthatstretchedoutnearthewindow,and
immediatelyflumpedontothecarpet,feelingtiredanddeflated.Shetookhercellphoneoutofherpurse
anddialedheragent,Monica,hopingacomplaintortwoabouttheday’seventsmightyieldbetter
projects.Byindustrystandards,Monicahadthusfarbeenquitesupportiveofher,goingasfartotellKate
thatherpost-New-Yorkcareerwasoneofthemostsuccessfulshe’doverseen.“Noonesellsabillboard
likeyou,Katie,”she’dsaid.

ButMonica’svoicewasprissyandhigh-pitchedwhensheanswered.“Hello?”shesaid.“I’minthe
middleofameeting.”

“Oh,”Katemurmured,feelingdeflated.“Icancallbacklater—”

“No,no.Onemoment.”Monicacoveredthemouthpieceofhercellphoneandsquabbledwiththepeople
inherofficeforamomentbeforereturning,allowingKateafewmomentsofsilence.Shesat,bitingher
still-paintedlowerlip,feelinganxious.

“Kate,sosorryaboutthat.Howwastheshoottoday?”

“That’swhyIwantedtocallyou,”Katesaid.“IwantedtotellyouthatIcan’tworkwiththatdirectorany
longer.He’sawful.Hetreatsallofuslikeanimals,andafterhoursofwaitingaroundhejustcalledoffthe
shoot.Iwastedanentireafternoononnothing.Andanyway,Iwanttodomorecommercialstuff,Ithink.I
knowthere’squiteamarketforthatdownhere—”

“Kate,letmeinterruptyouthere,”Monicasaid.“Now,I’vebeenkindtoyouoverthepastfewyears,
sinceyoumovedhere.Ihaven’tusedtheageistterminologyyouprobablyhearalloveryoursets,dayin,
dayout.”

“AndIappreciatethat—”

“No.Listen,Kate,”Monicasaid,hervoiceannoyed.“Ineedyoutounderstand.Idon’thavetimetolisten
toyoutellingmethatyou’rebetterthantheselittlejobs.See,therearenewgirlsstartingoutallthetime.
ThegirlswhoaremovingherefromNewYorkandLAareyoungerthanyouare,evenifthey’retooold
there.Youunderstand?”

Katedidn’tspeak.Sheswallowed,feelingamildsenseofpanic.

“WhatI’msayingisthis,Katie:youneedtostartloweringyourexpectationsandbegratefulforthejobs
you’reoffered,nomatterwhattheyare.Ihadatwenty-seven-year-oldmodelholdabucketoffishina
commerciallastweek,andshethankedmeadozentimesforgettingherthatjob.That’sthekindofthanks
Ishouldstartreceivingfromyou,Kate.”

“Iunderstand,”Katewhispered,herstomachclenching.“Ireallydo.”

“Good.”

“So,doesthatmeanyouhaveanyotherjobsinthepipelineforme?”sheasked,afterapause.

“Ido,infact,”Monicasaid,soundinghaughty.“AndIcantellyoualreadythatyou’reprobablynotgoing
tolikeit.”

Katestaredoutthewindowforamoment.Thesunlightdrapedoverherstill-nakedbelly,andshe
suddenlylongedtotakeofftheextraordinarilytightbikiniandtakealong,hotshower.Perhapsthatwould
makeherforget.

“Justtellmewhatitis,won’tyou?”Katesaid.

“Allright,”Monicasaid.“Ineedamodeltoattendaprivatepartyoverseas.”

Katescoffed.“What,justtomakeold,richguysfeellikethey’restillwanted?”

“Notquite,”Monicasaid,suddenlysecretive.

“Thenwhat?”Kateasked,incredulous.ShesensedthatMonicawasgrowingimpatientwithher.She
neededtobacktrack,tosoundmoreopentotheidea.Despitenotbeingkeenontheoffer,sheneededthe
money.Shecouldcountononehandthedaysuntilhernextrentcheckwasdue.

“Ifyouaccept,you’llbeattendingaprivatepartyforaratherexclusiveclient.Aclientwhowouldrather
notbenamed.”

“Ishesomekindofcreep?”Kateasked.“Canhenotgethisownfriends?”

“Youknowthescene,Kate,”Monicasaid.“Asyousaid,menwantprettywomenaroundthemtouptheir
socialstatus.I’msureyourlifeinManhattanwaslikethatbeforeyoucamehere.”

Kateblinkedaroundhersemi-emptyapartment.Shehadn’tbotheredtofillitwithmanyappliancesor
furniture,thinkingitwouldbeatemporaryfixuntilshecouldreturntoManhattan.Sherememberedthe
womeninthemagazine,gluedtoPrinceFrancesco’sarms.Hadtheybeenpaidtodothat?

“ButIdidRalphLauren,”shesaid,hervoiceweak.

“Iknowyoudid,sweetheart,”Monicasaid,hertonestillhard.“Butunfortunately,thatdoesn’tmeanyou
canavoidthingslikethisatyourage.Butdon’tlosehopejustyet.You’restillhotinperson.Andallthis
clientwantsyoutodoissignanNDA,donabikini,andstandaroundandlookprettyforafewhours,all
forafatpaycheck.Doesn’tthatsoundfine?Afewhoursoftortureandthenpayment.That’sessentially
whatalljobsare,afterall.”

Katehesitated,recognizingthatshewasupagainstawall,justrunningintoitoverandoveragain—each
timerentwasdue,atleast.“IsupposeIhavetotellyouthatI’llthinkaboutit?”shesaid,feelingthe
weightoftheoffer.

“Ofcourse,”Monicasaid.“Takeadayortwo.Rememberhowmanyzerosthismanwillputonyour
paycheckjusttobehalfnakedforafewhours—”

“Notjusthalfnaked,”Katesaid.“Almostfullynaked.Andit’snotevenart—”

“Still,darling,wecan’tpretendthatyourmodelingcareerhasbeennothingbutRalphLauren.Weallend
upintheguttersometimes.Youknowthatbynow.”

Katedrummedherfingersacrosstherugontheground,rememberingthatithadcostnearlysixhundred
dollarsandshe’dboughtitonawhim.Sheswallowed.“Yousaidthiswasoverseas?Ihaven’tbeen
overseasinyears,notsinceashootinParisafewmonthsbeforeIcametoMiami.”

“Right!Overseas.Ifyouliketotravel,thisisanenviableopportunitytoseePanama.Andthinkaboutit,
darling.OnlyonefamouscelebrityintheworldlivesinPanama.Onlyonefamouscelebritywillingto
shelloutthousandsofdollarstoanagingmodeljustforhertostandaroundlookingpretty.”

Kateallowedthisdescriptiontosinkinanddidn’tcommentrightaway.Shetiltedherhead,flashesof
PrinceFrancescocomingintoherbrain.“Onefamouscelebrity?InPanama?”

“Oh,yes,”Monicasaid,hervoicesuddenlyhushed.“Onlyonecelebrity,withratherinfamoushosting
abilities.OnecelebritywhorecentlytrashedanentirehotelinManhattan.Onecelebritywhocannot
returntoMonacoforreasonsthatcanonlyberelatedtohisdebauchery.”

“PrinceFrancesco?”Katesaid,realizingshecouldpartyalongsidetheverymanshe’djustbeenreading
about.

“Theveryone,”Monicasaid.“Themanwhoseemstobleedtheworlddryandthenbegformore.A
fascinatingcreature,ifcompletelyvile.Andyoucouldbeoneofthewomenonhisarm.Canyouimagine
it?”

Kateshookherhead,themovementalmostimperceptible.“Doesn’thesometimessetfiretoplaces?”

“Justacouch,once,”Monicasaid,blowingitoff.“Butitwasn’tabigdeal.Theseprinces,these
billionaires—theyhaveendlessmoney,andtheyliketoplaywiththeworldlikeit’stheirtoy.”

“AndnowI’mlikehisBarbiedoll?”Kateasked.

“No,darling.You’repretty,sure,butyou’renotoneoftheblondebimboshenormallygoesafter.Andall
thebetterforyou,truly.You’rehomefree.Getin,getout,collectthecheck.Youwon’tbeforcedinto
conversationwithhim.Youprobablywon’tbelookedattwice.”

Katehummed,stillunsurebutfeelingrathertempted,especiallygiventhatshewouldn’tbeoneofthe
mainmodelsattheparty.She’dbeapartoftheset,aplantpeoplewouldwalkpastwithoutrecognition.
Atleast,shehopedso.

“Okay.Letmethinkaboutit,willyou?”

“Sure,darling,”Monicasaid.“Ifyou’llletmegetoffthephone.I’vegivenyoufartoomuchofmytime
already.”

Suddenly,thecallclickedoff,leavingKateinsilence.

Shestareddownatherphone,herbarelegscrossedbeneathher,feelingconfused.Howintheworld
couldshevalidatethisjobtoherself—tostandaroundmostlynakedjusttobegawkedat?Andhowinthe
worldcouldsheturnitdownwhenshe’dbeenfilledwithsuchpassionatejealousyforthePrince’s
lifestyleonlyhoursbefore?

Sheswepttoherfeetandstrippedthebikinifromherbody.Shescrubbedherfaceofmakeupandthen
sankintoabubblebath,closinghereyesandinhalingtheperfume.Shetriedtorelax,tomeditate.Butin
thebackofhermind,shefelttheachingtruth:shewaspushingbackagainstthecalendar.Shewasrunning
outoftime.

AndperhapsthispartyinPanamawouldbeherlasthurrahbeforeitallended,beforerealitypunchedher
flatinthefaceandshewasdone.

THREE

Katestayedinthebubblebathforoveranhour,untildeepwrinklesbegantoformonhertoesandfingers.
Itwaspastsixintheevening,andherstomachwasgrowlingbeneaththewater.Shehadn’teatenanything
butthatpretzelshe’dsnuckfromthesnacktable,andshewaswoozy,readytoslipbeneaththesheetsof
herbedandpassoutuntilmorning.

Shewrappedatowelaroundherthinframeandcrepttowardthemirror,whereherbarefacereflected
backather.Sheshiveredandliftedherphone,seeingamessagefromherbestfriendinMiami,Ella.

“Dinnertonight?I’mguessingyouhaven’teateninages,bikinigirl.”

Immediately,Ella’smessageputasmileonKate’sface.Shewasgratefulforherjournalistfriend,whom
she’dmetthroughMonicaatanetworkingeventforMiamimodelsandactors.Ellahadbeenthereto
interviewMonicaabouthertacticsintheMiamimodelingfield,butshehadultimatelyendedthenightat
Kate’sside,inhalingmojitosandgiggling.

Kate’sfriendshipwithEllawasunusual,giventhatKateoftenhadadifficulttimemakingfriends.Her
friendshippoolhadshrunkinthelastfewyears,especiallysinceshe’dbegunhercareerintheMiami
modelingworld.She’dretreatedintoherself,inmanyways,understandingthatsheneededtodosome
soul-searchinginthecomingyearstofigureoutwhathernextcareermoveshouldbe.ButEllawasher
backbone,herstrength.

ShetypedamessagebacktoEllawithspongyfingers.“YES.ThenewMexicanplaceonManchester?”

“Youreadmymind,”Ella’sreturnmessagesaid.“Seeyouthereateight.”

Katebouncedonhertoes,feelinglight,happy.Shetappedtowardhercloset,watchingasthehumid
afternoongavewaytoeveningoutherwindow.Sheslidafigure-huggingwhitedressoverhershoulders
andeyedherselfinthemirror,notingthatherthighswereslimmerthanthey’dbeenafewmonthsbefore.
She’dpushedherselfthroughcountlessbootcampclassesathergymsincethen,sweatingendlesslyin
hopestoachievethisexactresult.Andstill,theviewgaveheronlyfleetingpleasure.Sheknew,inthe
backofhermind,thatanychocolatecake,orpie,or—yes—pieceofcheesewouldhaveprobablygiven
hermorelong-lastingpleasure.

Withanotherhourtogobeforesheneededtoleave,Kateopenedherlaptopandtyped“PrinceFrancesco
Monaco”intothesearchbar.Inamoment,hisfaceappeared,smiling,hiseyesdrunk.Hewaswearingan
immaculatetuxedoandhadagirllatchedtohisarm.AsKatepeeredatthephoto,sherealizedithadbeen
takenatanafter-Oscarsparty.AfamousactorwasstandingbehindthePrince,laughing,hismouthopen
outrageouslywide,hisnewwifelookingon.Behindthatactor,anactresswho’dwonanAcademyAward
waseatingcake.

“Howintheworlddidyouendupthere?”Katewhispered,tappingherfingeragainstthePrince’scheek
onthescreen.Sheeyedthewomanbesidehimandnotedthatthephotocaptiondidn’tincludehername.

Shedidareverse-imagesearchinattemptstofindtheidentityofthewoman,andamomentlater,anadfor

teenageacnemedicinepoppeduponherscreen.Thewomanwassmearingwhiteointmentoverher
smooth,blemish-freecheeks,givingaknowinglooktothecamera.Inanotherad,sheworeachef’shat
andcarriedababyonherhip,advertisinganewfoodprocessor.AccordingtoKate’ssearchresults,the
womandidn’tappearinpublicwiththePrinceafterthatnight—meaninghe’dalreadytossedheroutwith
thetrash.Heprobablydidn’tevenrememberhername.

Katesnappedherlaptopclosed,suddenlyfrustratedathavingwastedthelastofherevening.She
collectedherpurseandmarchedtothedoor,shivering.ShehoppedintoherPorscheandrevvedthe
engine,feelingvaguelymanic.ShehopedEllawouldhelpcalmherdown;herfriend’sreassuringsmile
alwaysmadeherheartratedecreaseandfilledherwithlaughter.

Tonight,ofallnights,shereallyneededit.

FOUR

KatearrivedattheMexicanrestaurantabouttenminutesearlyandagreedtobeseatedalone.Theinterior
wasbrightandgaudy,withsombreroshangingfromthewallsandpaintingsofbeautifulwomenin
traditionalgarbliningthebar.Kateorderedamargaritawithsalt,andimmediatelybegancountingthe
caloriesinhermind.

Ellaenteredtherestaurantafewminuteslater,lookingtrimandconfidentinaknee-lengthreddress.Her
darkbrownhairwaschoppedintoaneatbob,hereyeslargeandbright.Katestoodquicklyandhugged
herfriend,feelingthebonesofherback.

“Ifeelwhatyou’redoing,”Ellasaid,pullingaway.“You’refeelinghowskinnyIamrightnow.”

Katepressedherlipstogetherbeforeshrugging.“Youlookgreat,”shesaid.

“Don’tgetallboggeddownaboutmyweight,”Ellasaid,sittingatthetableandstretchinganapkinover
herthighs.“Ihadtheflulastweekandlosttenpounds.I’mnotproudofthis.You’relookingtoothin
yourself.”

Kateshifteduneasilyandsatoncemore,hatingthistopic.“Youknow,formycareer—”

“Iknow,Iknow,”Ellasaid,wavingherhand.“Butthepointis,we’regoingtoeatasmuchaswecan
tonight.Deal?”

“Deal,”Katesaid,herlipsstretchingintoasmile.“AndI’vealreadyorderedyouamargarita.”

“ThankGod,”Ellasaid,sighing.“It’sbeenthelongestdayever.Ihadfourstoriesduetoday,twoof
whichwereaboutthatoneactor’snewengagement.Ugh,Ican’tevenrememberwhichoneanymore.I
mean,howmanytimesdoesthatcreepneedtogetmarrieduntilwestoptalkingaboutit?”

“You’rethecelebritywriterhere,notme,”Katesaid.“Youkeepthisinformationgoing.Youfeedittothe
people.”

“True,true,”Ellasaid,smiling.“Butthepeopledon’tknowwhattheywant,nowdothey?”

“Iftheystillwantimagesofmewearingnewkindsofmascara,thenI’msuretheydon’t.”Katelaughed.
“Now,doyouwanttosharethequesadillaortheburrito?”

“Let’sgetbothandsharethem,”Ellasaid.“Asmentioned,Iknowhowhungryyouarerightnow.”

Aftertheyordered,Ellasippedhermargaritaandfrowned,eyeingherfriend.“You’reevenquieterthan
normaltoday.”

“Thannormal?”Kateasked.“Whatdoesthatmean?”

“Youalwaysseemalittleoffafteraphotoshoot,”Ellasaid.“Inormallyhavetobuildyouupalittlebit.”

“Ididn’trealizeIwassuchaburdenaftermyjobs,”Katesaid.

“Notaburden.Ijustworryaboutyou,”Ellasaid.“Didsomethinghappen?”

“Theysentmehomewithouttakingthepictures,ifthat’swhatyoumean,”Kateblurtedout.Sheclosedher
eyesandtookalongsipofherdrink.Themargaritaglidedoverhertongue,sour,withjustatouchof
sweetness.“Mademesitonsetforhoursandhoursandthenjustsentmehome,likeIdon’tmatter.”

Ellaplacedherfingersoverherfriend’shand,herexpressionwounded.“That’sterrible.I’msosorry,
Katie,”shemurmured.“Don’ttheyknowyoucouldhavebeendoinganythingelsewithyourtime?”

“Exactly,”Katesaid.“I’mnotjustsomepieceofmeattheyhiredtositaroundallday.Icouldhavebeen
figuringoutwheremycareerisgoing,orfiguringoutanothercareeraltogether.”

“That’sright.Haveyouthoughtanymoreaboutthat?”

“Notreally,”Kateadmitted.“I’mnotexactlyqualifiedforanything.Icouldprobablybeabartenderora
serverforawhile,butIdon’tevenreallyknowhowtodealwithpeople.”Shesighedheavily.“I’m
worriedthatI’llhavetomovebackinwithmyparentsifIdon’tfindsomethingelsesoon.”

“What?”Ellasaid,incredulous.“Noway.I’mnotlettingyougobacktoOhio.You’vebeenawayfortoo
long.You’llgetmoldy.”

“Ha,”Katesaid.“I’vebeenofferedthisincrediblybizarrenewposition,actually,whichwouldpushback
myreturndateforawhileatleast.Thepaycheckisfat.”

“Interesting,”Ellasaid,tiltingherhead.“Butyoudon’tsoundterriblyexcitedaboutit.Anothermakeup
ad?”

“No,”Katesaid,shakingherhead.“Actually,verydifferentfromanythingI’vedonebefore.Myinstinctis
tojustrejectit.”

“Butifit’syourlastshot—”

“Iknow,Iknow.”Katesighed.“DoyouknowwhoPrinceFrancescois?”

Ellasniffed.“OfcourseIknowhim.Iwriteforacelebritywebsite.Wehavetohaveatleastthreearticles
abouthimperweek,otherwisewedon’tmeetourreadershipquota.Peoplearereallythatobsessedwith
him.”

Asshespoke,theserverapproachedwithtwolarge,steamingplates—oneburrito,onequesadilla.Ella
liftedherknifeandforkandchoppedtheburritoinhalf,sendingbeansspillingoutthesideofthetortilla.
Shestabbedherforkintothebackhalfofhersandshoveditintohermouth,sighinggratefully.“I’venever
tastedanythingmoredeliciousinmylife,”shesaid.

Katelaughedandfollowedsuit.Thespicedbeansdancedoverhertastebudsandwarmedherfromthe
insideout.Shechewedslowly,hershouldersslumping.

“WhataboutPrinceFrancesco?”Ellafinallyasked.“Ineverknewyoutobethatintocelebritygossip.”

“I’mnot,”Katesaid.“It’sjustthathe’sinvitedabunchofmodelstoattendoneofhisbigPanamaparties,
andMonicawantsmetogo.AsIsaid,thepaycheckisfat,like,almostasbigastheRalphLaurenmoneyI
madeasateenager.”

Ella’sjawdropped.Shestabbedherfingerontothecenterofthetable,causingtheplatestoclink
together.“Kate,don’tyourealizewhatthismeans?”

“ThatIcangoandbegawkedatforafewhoursforfartoomuchmoney?Yep.Itmeansthathumanityas
weknowitiscrumbling.”

Ellashookherhead,incredulous.“No.Itmeansyou,KateAdams,haveprivilegedaccesstothePrince
andhislegendaryPanamaparties.”

“Legendaryisquiteawordtouseforthis,”Katesaid.

“No,”Ellasaid.“Theyarelegendary.Nojournalisthaseverbeenallowedinside—allwereallyknow
aboutthosepartiesarerumors.Nothingverified.”

“So,thatrumorabouttheorgyatthePanamamansionafewyearsago?”

“Couldhavebeenfabricated,”Ellasaid.“Andaboutthecelebritiesheinvitestothemansion—Imean,
wedon’tknowwhohisactualfriendsare.WheneverthePrincegoestopublicevents,henearlyalways
bringsamodel,andhemakesapointnottospeakwithmanypeople.Hewantstoremainelusive.He
wantstoremainasecret.Thatwayweallcontinuetotalkabouthim.”

Kateshrugged,sippinghermargarita.“Justbecausethepartyislegendarydoesn’tmeanIwanttobea
partofit.Ihavesomelevelofclass,youknow.AtleastIusedto,anyway.”

Ellasmashedherfistsontothetable,startlingKate.“Youhavetotakethis,Katie,”shesaid.“Ifonlyasa
favortome;I’mrunningoutofstoryideas,andIcanfeelmyselfbecomingobsoleteatmyjob.”

“Iknowthefeeling.”

Silencehungbetweenthetwofriendsforamoment.Ofallthepeopleintheworld,Ellawastheonlyone
whotrulyunderstoodhowpainfulthemovetoMiamihadbeenonKate.Shewastheonlypersonwho
couldcomprehendjusthowaloneandfrightenedKatefeltabouthercareer’sdirection.

Ellabowedherhead,takingabreathbeforeshespoke.“I’msorry,Katie.Iknowyoufeelthatway,too,
buthearmeout.Ifyougotothispartyandtakesomephotosforme—ofthegeneraldebauchery,thedécor,

orofanycelebritieswanderingaround—thenI’llgiveyouhalfofwhateverIcangetforthephotos.”

EllaliftedherhandtoKate’soncemoreandsqueezedherfingers,herexpressionalmostpleading.
“Seriously,youcan’tevenimaginehowmuchmoneyIwouldgetforthem.Peopleintheindustryare
desperatetofindoutwhatgoesonattheseparties.Andyouhaveaninvitationtoone.”

“ButIhavetosignanon-disclosureagreement,”Katesaid,sighing.“WhatiftheyfindoutIbrokeit?I
don’twanttogotojailoverthis—”

“Oh,youwon’t,”Ellasaid,wavingherhand.“Workingforacelebritywebsitelikethis,Iconstantlyhave
towalkathinlinebetweenlegalityandillegality.Trustme,theycouldnevertrackitbacktoyou.”

“Whatiftheyfigureoutthatwe’refriends?”

Ellashrugged.“Ifyoudon’twanttotakethischance,Katie,thenIcan’tblameyou.Youhavetoliveyour
lifethewayyouchoose.Butkeepinmindthatyou’dbewavinggoodbyetoaseriouschunkofchange.
Probablyfarmorethanyou’regettingpaidbythisprince—aprincewhowon’tevenrememberyourface
thenextday.”

Katehesitated.Ellawascertainlyontosomething.TheglintinhereyeswasreflectedinKate’sown.

“Ireally,reallydon’twanttogobacktoOhio,”Katesaid.

Ellasmackedherhandstogether,lookinggleeful.“Andyouwon’tgo,notaslongaswetakethis
opportunitythat’sbeenhandedtous.”

Katepulledhercellphoneoutofherpurse,suddenlylosingherappetite.Sheshovedthequesadillaplate
towardElla,whobegantoravageit.

Katetextedheragent,then.Herfingersquiveredasshetyped.“Hey,Monica.I’vethoughtitover,andI’ve
decidedtotakethePanamajob.Thankyouforthisopportunity.Seeyousoon.”

Shepressedthesendbutton.Thensheclosedhereyesandsatquietly,suddenlywishingshecouldtakeit
allback.Butinjustafewmoments,Monicaresponded:“WONDERFUL.I’msendingyouthedetails
now.Kisses.”

“Youdidit,”Ellasaid,pattinghernapkinacrossherlips.“Nowwe’reateam.”

Ellasnuckherhandacrossthetable,andKateshookit,unitingthemintheirplot.Butshedidn’teatmuch
moreafterthat.Shemovedthroughthemotionsofpolitedinnerconversation,shepaidforhermargarita
andherdinner,andthenshelefttherestaurantwithEllaatherside.Shehuggedherfriend,feelingthe
excitementbubblingupwithinElla.Shewasunabletomatchit.

“It’sgoingtobeokay,Ipromise,”Ellatoldher.“Nomatterwhathappens,we’reinthistogether.”

“Ifonlyyouweretheonewearingthebikini,”Katesaid,anxietycloudingherface.“Butithastobeme,
doesn’tit?”

“IfIcouldreplaceyou,Iwould,”Ellasaid.“Butthisisyourtalent.Thisiswhatyou’vebeenworking
towards,Katie.It’sthebiggestjobofyourcareer,andit’sgoingtomakeusbothrich.Justkeepreminding
yourselfofthat:thatyouwon’thavetoreturntoOhio,allbecausesomebillionaireinPanamaishavinga
party.Isn’ttheworldastrangeplace?”

“Itsureis,”Katesaidquietly,notquiteconvinced.Sheunlockedhercaranddippedintothedriver’sseat,
givingherfriendafinalsmile.“I’llmessageyouwhenIgetthere.Drivehomesafe.”

“Loveyou,girl,”Ellasaid,hervoicebright.

Katedidn’trespond.Sheclosedherdoorandrevvedtheengine,sweepingoutontothestreets.Shedrove
hometooquickly,cuttingcornersandreceivingyellsfromcountlessdrivers,eachwiththeirmiddlefinger
uphigh.

Sheparkedinthelotbehindherapartmentbuildingandwentupstairs,collapsingintobedwithher
clothesstillon.Shefoundherselfshudderingwithtears,notquiteabletopinpointwhyshesuddenlyfelt
sorotten.Sheflickedonthetelevision,justtohavevoicesinherroomtokeephercompany.Thenshe
driftedofftosleep,thetriptoPanamaloomingheavyinhermind.Itwasonlyfivedaysaway.

FIVE

KateignoredphonecallsfromEllaoverthenextfewdays,finallyrespondingwithatextmessage:“Yes,
wehaveanagreement.I’llsendthephotoswhenItakethem.”

“Ihopethisisn’tgoingtoaffectourfriendship?”Ellaasked,viatext.

“No,”Kateresponded,feelingmorealonethanshe’deverbeen.“It’llbefine.Ihavetobelievethat.”

Shepackedasmallsuitcase—justachangeofclothesandtoiletries—andreceivedinstructionsfrom
Monica.ShewastotakeaplanefromMiamitoPanamaCityatnoononthedayoftheparty.Shewasn’tto
packaswimsuit,asonewouldbeprovidedforher.

“Howdotheyknowmysize?”Kateasked.

“Oh,darling,Igavethemyourmeasurements.It’stheonlyreasonyouwereinvitedtocome.”

Kateburnedwiththisknowledgebutpackedanyway,prayingthatthetwo-day“adventure”wouldend
swiftly.Perhapsshecouldsleepwalkthroughit.Shecouldgrinandnodandflirt,allwithoutbeingtruly
consciousofit.

Asshestoodnearthewindow,waitingforthetaxithatwouldtakehertotheairport,sheliftedherphone
anddialedhermother,Jane.

FarawayinOhio,sheansweredthecall.Hervoicewasflowery,filledwiththejoythatcameonlywitha
phonecallfromherchild.

“Darling,howareyou?”sheasked.“Iwashopingyou’dcallsoon.Howwasthelastphotoshoot?”

Katehateddiscussinghermodelingcareerwithhermother.Sure,she’dbeenproudwhenKatehadgraced
thelocalbillboard,advertisingback-to-schoolbackpacks,butthefactthatherdaughterwasheading
downashakycareerpathfilledherwithdread.AndshegenerallyallowedKatetoknowtheextentofthis
dreadatfamilyholidayget-togethersafterthreeglassesofwine.

“Oh,itwasfine,”Katelied.“I’mabouttogoshootonlocationinPanama,actually.Leavinginfive
minutes.”

“Wow,”Janesaid,clearlyimpressed.“Youhaven’tbeenabletotravelforworkforyears,notsince—”

“Paris.Right,”Katefinished.“I’mlookingforwardtoit.I’vemissedgettingoutofthecountry.MaybeI
shouldtakeafewmonthsoffandseesomethingsI’veneverseenbefore.MaybeIshouldgotoAsia.
Anywhere.”

“You’rethinkingyoudon’twanttomodelanylonger,aren’tyou?”

Howdidshealwaysknow?

“It’snotthatIdon’twanttomodel,Mom,”Katesaid.“I’mgettingtoooldforit,justasyousaid.Ihaveto
facereality.Ihavetobecome—somethingelse.Anythingelse.”

“Well,darling,youknowyoucanalwayscomehome,”hermothersaid,eversupportive.“Wehavea
roomforyou,anytimeyouneedit.”

Katefelttearswellupinhereyes.Shewantedtoscreamout,totellhermotherthatshecouldnevercome
home—thatshe’dcometoofartogoback.Butinthatmoment,thetaxiappeareddownstairs.Thedriver
poppedoutofhisseatandwavedatherwindow,grinning.

“Mom,Ihavetogetgoing.Taxi’shere.”

“Okay.Well,IhopeyouheardwhatIsaid,”hermothersaid.“Youreallycancomehome,anytimeyou
wantto,honey.”

“Iknow.Thankyou,”Katesaid.“And,Mom?”

“Whatisit?”

“Iloveyou,”Katesaid.

Sheendedthecallbeforehermothercouldreplyandthenretreatedoutherdoor,sadnessweighing
heavilyonherthinshoulders.Shewantedtoreturnhometoherparentsandabandonthismeaningless
partyinPanama.Butshealsowantedtofulfillherdutiestoherfriendandtoheragent.Shewasinabind.

Shegrabbedherbaganddarteddownthestairs,meetingthedriveratthebottom.

“KateAdams?”heasked,hisaccentlilting.

“That’sme,”shesaid,smiling.Thesmilefeltfalse.

“Let’stakeyoutotheairport,then.You’regoingonanadventure.”

“ThatIam,”Katesaid,hereyebrowshigh.“Icanhardlycontainmyexcitement.”

Thetaxidriverweavedthroughtrafficdownthehighway,playingbouncingCubanmusicthatallowed
Kateamomentofrespitefromhermanicthoughts.

Asachild,she’dposedinfrontofthebathroommirror,archingherback.She’dpracticedhercatwalkand
devouredfashionmagazines,hidingstacksofthembeneathherbed.Andthemomentshe’dbeen
discoveredatalocaltalentsearch,she’dbrokendownintotears,realizingthatherdreamswerecoming
true.

Butnowthosedreamsweresouring.

Theairportappearedbeforeheronthehorizon,severaldozensignspointingtowardherterminal.The
taxidriverhelpedherfromthebackseatandontothesidewalk,givingheragap-toothedgrin.“Youhavea
grandadventurenow,”hetoldher.“Youdeservetofeelfree.”

Katehadn’theardwordslikethatbefore,andthedriver’soptimismcaughtheroff-guard.Shesmiled
stupidlyandwavedasthetaxiskiddedaway,thenliftedhersuitcaseandstompedtowardtheentranceof
theairport,makingeyecontactwithasecurityguardwhoassessedhergreedily.Shewouldhavetoget
usedtolookslikethat,shetoldherself.Menoglingherwouldbeaconstantoverthenextfewdays.

Shesweptherlonglegsforwardand,momentslater,droppedhersuitcaseontheturnstile.“I’mgoingto
PanamaCity,”shetoldtheattendant,tossingherpassportforward.“I’mcheckingonebag.Istherealcohol
onthisflight?”

Alittleundertwohourslater,Kateboardedtheplaneandtuckedherselfintoherwindowseat,strapped
besidealargewomanwhosebreastsnearlyspilledfromherblouse.ThewomantoldKateshewastaking
herselfonasolovacationafteraterribledivorceandwaslookingforwardto“countlesscocktailsbythe
pool.”

“WhatareyougoingtoPanamafor?”sheasked.

“I’mgoingforwork,”Katesaid,smiling.“I’minmarketing.Ihaveabigmeeting.”

“Oh,well,goodforyou.Mustbenicetohaveacareerlikethat.Igaveupmycareerformyhusband.
Neverdothat.Never!”

Kategrinned,enjoyinglivingthelie.Sheturnedtogazeoutthewindowandwatchedastheplanelifted
fromthetarmac,tuckingitswheelsbeneathitsbellyandflyingintotheclouds.Sheleanedherheadback,
waitingforthedrinkscarttomakeitswaydowntheaisle,knowingsheneededthatextraounceof
comfort.

***

Theplanelandedatsunset,whenorangesandredsandmagentascloudedthesky.Katecouldn’thelpbut
admitthatitwasbreathtakinglybeautiful—that,ifshe’dbeenanexiledprincess,sheprobablywould
havechosenthismarvelouslandscapeashersafehaven.Afteracceptingthejob,she’dlearnedfrom
MonicathatthePrince’shomewasinasecretlocation,somewheredeepinthesurroundingrainforest,
andthatablacked-outlimousinewouldgreetherattheairportandtakeherthere.“It’softhehighest
importancethatnoonefollowsyou,mydear,”Monicahadtoldher.“Youunderstand?ThePrincevalues
hisprivacyaboveall.”

Outsidetheairport,Kate’sgreeneyesscanningthehorizon.Shefoundtheblacked-outlimousinewaiting
outfront,andshehoppedintotheback.Thedriverhardlyturnedaroundtolookather.

“Youthemodel?”

“KateAdams,yes.That’sme.”

Withoutanotherword,thedriverrevvedtheengineandsquealedthetires,racingofffromtheairportand
towardthedistantrainforest.Hewaswearingablackhatandappearedtobebaldbeneathit.Unlikethe
taxidriverwho’dtakenhertotheairport,heplayednomusic,andhegrippedthesteeringwheelwithtwo
stronghands,nevermovingthem.

Kateconsideredaskinghimhowlonghe’dbeenworkingforthePrince;sheconsideredmakingsmalltalk,
askingifhewouldattendthepartylaterthatnight.Butshekeptherlipsclosedandgazedoutthewindow,
hereyeswide.

Thecitypeteredoutquickly,thelimousineturningontoatinyroadthatblendedincompletelywiththe
surroundingtrees.Therainforestwasdense,green,vibrant.Shebroughtherfingertipstothewindowpane,
almostasifshecouldtouchit,butthemomentshedid,thelimodriverbarkedather.

“Handsoffthewindows.”

Kateremovedthemandclutchedherhandstogetherinherlap,herheadbowed.Ifshewasgoingtotake
anyphotosthatevening,shewouldhavetoplaybytherulesforafewhours,first.

HerrelationshipwithEllawouldsurelycomebacktocenterwhenshereturned,Katethoughtthen.Just
becauseEllahadaskedKatetogooutofhercomfortzoneandattendthis“legendaryparty”forthesake
ofhercareerdidn’tmeanKatehadtoholditagainstherforever.Shehadtogiveherfriendsomeslack,
especiallysinceshewasofferingheranimmensecutofthepaycheck.

Besides,Katethoughtastheydrovedeeperintotherainforest,shewasseeingaworld,aculture,a
landscapeshe’dneverglimpsedbefore.Itwasimpossiblybeautiful.ThesmogofNewYorkCityandthe
plasticofMiamihadn’tfollowedherthere.Maybe,justashertaxidriverhadsaid,shewasfree.Ifonly
foramoment.

Deepintheforest,thetreesseemedfilledwithsecrets.Katecouldn’tunderstandhowherdriverknewthe

twistsandturnsoftheroad,especiallywithoutanythingbuthisheadlightstoseeby.Shepressedhernails
intotheskinonherthigh,feelinganxious,preparedforanaccident.

Butseveralminuteslater,thelimousineturnedsharplydownatree-linedpath,andKatecaughtsightofa
stunningmansiontuckedonahillsideinthecenteroftherainforest.Theexteriorlookedtobemade
entirelyofglass.Herbreathcaughtinherthroat.

“Yep.That’snormallythereaction,”thedriversaid,laughingslightly.

Heparkedattherearofthemansion,nearwhathecalledthe“staffdoor,”beforeturningtowardher,
revealinghisfaceforthefirsttime.Hehadamassivescardownhisleftcheek,whichjoinedwiththeside
ofhislips.

“ThisiswhereIdropyou,”hesaidgruffly.“Gointhatdoorandfindthedressingroomontheleft-hand
side.Thepartyhasalreadystarted,butyou’llfindafewothermodelsstillpreppingdownstairs.The
high-profileguestswon’tknowtheyarejustpropsthatway.Yousee?”

“Sure,”Katesaid,feelingherconfidencesliceinhalf.Sheliftedherhandtothehandleofthecar,
shiveringdespitethehumidity.“Andsomeonewilltakemebacktotheairporttomorrow?”

“I’llbehereateightsharp,”heinformedher.“I’mguessingbythenyou’llhavehadenough.”

Kategulped;itwasgoingtobealong,longnight.

Sheonlyhopedthatthepaycheckwouldmakeitworthwhile.

SIX

Katejumpedfromthelimousineandcarriedhersuitcasewithhertowardthestaffentrance.Sheheardthe
bumpingofastereosystemcomingfrominsidethehouse.Acurvywomanpeereddownatherfromthe
third-floorwindow,herbreastsjigglinginherbikini.Shewaved,stretchingoutherfingers,asifshe
knewtheywereofthesamebreed.

I’llbejoiningyousoon,Katethoughttoherselfbeforeheadingthroughthebackdoor.WhetherIlikeit
ornot.

Insidethestaffentrance,shefoundchaos.Performers,manyofthemincircusgarb,werescrambling
around,collectingprops,includingseveralbowlingpinsandcircushats.Awomaninaleotardstretched
backandthenturnedherstretchintoaflip.Shebouncedonherfeet,eyeingKatewithchildlikeeyes.“Are
youoneofthemodels?”sheasked.

Katenoddedsheepishly.“Iam,”shesaid.

“Headtothesidedoor.Youcanprepinthere.”Thewomanwinkedandthenflippedagain,seeminglikea
cartoonfigure.

Katehadn’tbeentoldthethemeoftheparty,sinceherdutywassimplytoshowupanddonaprovided
bikini.Sheenteredthedressingroomtofindseveralothermodelsmarchingaroundinvariousstagesof
undress.Theyeyedher,disinterested,andcontinuedtoapplymakeuptotheirbonyfaces.

Tothesideofthedressingroomwasaseriesoflockers.Kate’snamewaslistedonthesecond-to-last
one,alongwithasmileyfacewritteninbluemarker.Sheopenedthelockertofindaminusculegolden
bikiniandapairofskyscrapingheels.Sheshiveredandbegantoundress,knowingtheothergirlswere
probablyentirelyuninterestedandunimpressedbyherbody.Shejustwantedtogetitoverwith.

Themomentshehadheroutfiton,sheshovedthesmallcameraEllahadgivenherintotherightbreast,
gratefulthattheothermodelsseemedalmostcompletelyunawareofherpresence.Shejustmightgetaway
withthis.

Afterclippingherheelsintoplace,Katestrodetowardthemirroratthesideoftheroomandassessed
herself,flippingherhair.Grimacingslightlyatherappearance,sheappliedmakeuptohereyesandlips
andthenfluffedherhairwithmousse,knowingitwouldbemussedbythehumidityofthepartyinnotime
atall.

“Youlookgood,girl,”onemodeltoldherasshesqueezedherfeetintostrappyblackstilettos.“Thegold
withyourredhair,it’sreallyworkingforyou.”

“Theymusthaveknown,”Katesaid,shrugging.

“Theyalwaysknow,”thegirlmurmured.ShedroppedeyecontactandcontinuedtoprepwhileKate
stretchedherlegstowardthedoor.Shecouldhearthethumpingbassofthepartyabovethem,andshe
suddenlywantedtoseewhatallthefusswasabout.

Kateleftthedressingroomandfoundthefoyerempty,saveforafewbowlingpinsleftbehindbythe
juggler.Sheheadedthestepsandfollowedthesoundsoftheparty,herheartpoundinginherchest.When
she’dbeentwenty-one,greedyandontopoftheworld,shewouldhaveenteredapartylikethisasifshe
belonged.Now,attwenty-four,shelongedtobeanywhereelse.

Shefoundthepartyonthethirdfloor.Fiftyorsopeoplestretchedoutbeforeher,drinkinganddancingin
araucousdisplayofwealth,decadence,andgreed.Modelsinskimpybikiniswanderedaroundwithtrays
ofdrinks,includingchampagneandmartinis.Katehungback,suddenlynervous,andgrabbedaglassof
champagnefromabartendernearthecorner.

Manyofthepartygoerswerehigh-profilecelebrities,andsherecognizedseveralofthemfromtelevision
orfilm.Moremodels,evenmorescantilycladthanKate,allofthemsupremelytannedandthin,
surroundedPrinceFrancesco.Helaughedmaniacally,clutchingabottleofwine.Afterasweep,Kate
realizedthatnoneofthewomenweretheonesshe’dseenwithPrinceFrancescointhetabloids,meaning
thosemodelshadalreadybeendisposedof.

KatesippedherchampagneandwatchedasthePrincedanced.Hismovementswereeasy,andhisface
wasvibrantandred,hintingatdrunkenness.Thegirlsaroundhimcooedandlaughed,likeactressesinan
oldHollywoodfilm.

Katewonderedifsheshouldbeactinglikethat,andthenshepromptlyrealizedshedidn’thaveitinher.
Thebrightlightofherearlytwentieshadlongflickeredout.Shewouldstandaroundhalfnakedina
bikini,sure,butshe’ddonothingelse.

Asshestood,amanwho’doncestarredononeofherfavoritetelevisionshowsapproachedher,carrying
abeer.Hiseyesdrooped.“Hello,darling,”hesaid,revealingthathewasactuallyEnglisheventhoughhis
characterhadbeenAmerican.

“Hi,”shemurmured.Shepulledseveralstrandsofhairbehindherear,wishinghewouldgoaway.“Are
youhavingagoodtime?”

“Iam,”hetoldher.“BeentoseveralofoldFrancesco’spartiesnow.Healwayskeepsthealcohol
flowing,ifyouknowwhatImean.”

“Oh,Ido,”shesaid,rollinghereyesslightly.“What’syourname?”

“Dan,”hesaid.“DanJarman.Iassumeyourecognizeme,yousexything?”

“Perhaps,”shesaidlightly.

“Andyourname,darling?”heaskedher,sippinghisbeer.

“Alexa,”shesaid,feigningasmile.

Momentsaftertheirintroduction,someoneonthedancefloorpoppedabottleofchampagne.Thefroth
explodedintotheairandthePrincecriedout.“Nowit’saparty!”

WithDansuddenlydistracted,Katelefthimalone,shimmyingbackintothecrowd,hopinghewouldn’t
followher.Asshewoundthroughtherevelers,shenotedthatthepartywasraucous,certainly,thatpeople
weredrunkandflirting,thatamanhadpushedamodelagainstthewallandwaskissingherwithreckless
passion,thatanotheractorhadtwomodelsonhisarmandcouldn’tdecidewhichtofocuson,butthe
situationwasn’toutofcontrol.Nooneseemedtobedoinganythingillegal,andshehadn’tseenasingle
signofdruguse.

ItseemedthatthePrincewasn’tquitelivinguptohisreputation,butKateremindedherselfthatitwas
stillearly.

SherememberedwhatEllahadsaidtoheroverthephone.“Ineedphotosthatwouldcauseascandal,”
she’dsaid.“PhotosofthePrinceengaginginsomekindofrecklessbehavior.Jumpingfromtherooftothe
pool,ormakingoutwiththreemodelsatonce,or—or—”

“IthinkIgetthegist,”Katehadsaid.“Makehimlookworsethanever.”

“Right.Becauseweallalreadyknowhowarrogantheis.Weknowhisplayboystatus.Withthisparty—
andwithyouontheinside—weneedtoseeanothersideofPrinceFrancesco.Ifyoucangettheshots,
Katie,hedoesn’tstandachance.”

Butnow,inthecenteroftheparty,Katewasstrugglingforaphotoopportunity.

Sheslippedbehindalargeplantandliftedhercamerafromitshidingplace.Withaclearviewofthe
Prince,shesnappedashotofhimsippingchampagnealongsideseveralsemi-nakedmodels.Eachlooked
jovial,sweatingwithdrink.

Sheturnedthecameratowardthestage,wherethecircusperformershadbeguntheirroutine.Asaman
juggledbowlingpins,awomanstretchedoutbesidehim,divingintothesplitsandthenliftingherlegall
thewayoverherhead.Sheturnedherfacetotheaudienceandwinkedplayfullybeforerippingoffher
outfitandflingingitfromherbody.Beneaththecostume,shetoowaswearingaflimsybikini,andseveral
audiencemembersgaspedandroaredwithpleasure.

Thecontortionistbroughtherlegbackfromoverherheadandthensprangtoherfeet.Katetookseveral
shotsofher,hopingtosetthesceneoftheparty.Perhapstheheadlinecouldbe:“Nearlynaked
contortionistsellsoutbillionaire’sparty.”Butshe’dleavethewritingtoElla.

Aftertakingseveralmoreshotsoftheperformers,theguests,andtheirhost,Katespottedthebarand
boundedtowardit.Shesmiledcompanionablytothebartender,whoseeyesneverleftherbreasts.

“Don’tyougetusedtothesestandinghereallnight?”sheaskedhim.

“What?”heasked.

Clearly,hervoicehadbeenlostinthecacophonyoftheparty.

“Nothing,”shesaid.“Justabadjoke.CanIhaveaTomCollins,please?”

“Quitestrongforyou,”themansaidbeforebeginningthecocktail.“HasthePrinceflirtedwithyouyet?
Allthegirlsarebraggingtomeaboutit.Ijustwanttotellthemthey’llallbereplacednextweekend—
includingyou.”

Kate’seyebrowsrosehigh.“I’msorry.Ididn’tquitecatchthat,”shelied.

Themansnickeredandpouredthedrinkintoahighballglassbeforehandingittoher.“Nothing,miss.And
lookatyou.Youseemevenolderthantheothers.”Hewinked.

Katedownedthecocktailquickly,tryingtoremindherselfthatshewasonlytwenty-four.Shesetthe
emptyglassonasidetableandtookseveralmoreshotsinbetweenfaux-friendlyencounterswithmenat
theparty.

“Lookatthathair,”amansad,hiswordssloppy.“I’vealwaysbeenattractedtoredheads.Youneed
someonetotakecareofyou,don’tyou?”

“Absolutely,”Katesaidsweetly.“Withthatinmind,doyouthinkyoucouldgrabmeanotherTom
Collins?Iseemtobefreshout.”Shegavethemanapoutyface.

Toherdelight,themancamebackwithaTomCollinsjustafewminuteslater.Heclinkedhisdrinkwith
hers.“Wereyouatthelastone?Withthetiger?”

“Atiger?”Kateasked,incredulous.“Therewon’tbeanywildanimalsatthisone,willthere?Withthe
circusthemeandall?”Herheartquickenedwithhope.IfshecouldsnapashotofthePrincewithan
endangeredspecies,sheknewEllacouldsellthatforbigmoney.

Butthemanshookhishead.“Sadlynot.Onlythemodelscouldmakeit.”Heplacedhishandonherbony
shoulderandbegantoeaseitdownhergleamingskin,towardherbreasts.

Disgusted,Kateflungherselffromhistouchbutmaintainedagrin.“Isee.Ialwayslikeagood
menagerie.”

“You’reusingbigwordslikethat.Didyougotocollegeorsomething?”themanasked,nearlytumbling
towardher.

“Easythere,killer,”shesaid.“Whydon’tyousitdown?You’relookingalittlewoozy.”Sheturnedfrom
himswiftly,anxioustoflee,andboundedtowardthesideroom.Sheleanedheavilyagainstthewall
besidetwoothermodels,ablondeandabrunette.Theyeachgavehersadsmiles.

“Heythere,”oneofthemsaid,speakinginanAustralianaccent.“Youholdingupokay?”

“Sure,”Katesaid,snappingherbikinitop.“Butcouldthisthingbeanytighter?”

TheAustralianlaughedheartily,herabdomencrunchingin.“Tellmeaboutit.Ispentthefirsthourwith
thePrince,andthatwasenough.Whenyou’rewithhim,youfeellikeyouhavetoactacertainway.Stand
upstraight.Smileyourbestsmile.Youknow?He’sroyalty.”

Katesippedherdrink,unsurewherethiswasleading.“Okay,”shesaid.

“ButIcan’tdothatallnight,soI’mrestingoverhere.Ormaybehiding.”Thegirllaughed.“It’sfuntoflirt
withtheothercelebrities,though.IsawToddCackle’slittlebrotherearlier.Hewasmakingoutwithmy
friendAngelique.”

Katelaughedappreciatively.Abartenderpassedthem,carryingatrayofcocktails,andthegirlsboth
grabbedanotherround.Theyclinkedtheirglasses,sipped,andbegantomovetheirbodiestothepulseof
themusic.

“I’mMarina,bytheway,”theAustraliansaid.“BeenmodelinginSydneyforsixyearsnow.Andyou?”

“I’mKate,”sheanswered,realizingshecouldn’tlietooneofherown.“ImodeledinNewYorkforafew
yearsbeforeImovedtoMiami,whereIamnow.”

“Whythechange?”Marinaasked,hereyebrowshigh.

“Canyouguess?”Kateasked.

“No,youbeautifulthing,”Marinasaid,gesturingatKate’sslimframe.

“It’smyage,”Katesaid.“Nobodywillhireanyoneovertwenty-twoinNewYork,andManhattanlife
isn’tcheap.”

“Isayscrewthem,”Marinasaid,knockingbackherdrink.“You’rehot,you’reatoneofPrince
Francesco’slegendaryparties,andontopofitall,you’regettingpaidtobehere!Justliveitup.”

“Iguessyou’reright,”Katesaid,sighing.

Suddenly,Marinastiffened.Sheturnedherlipsupwardintoasmileandbegantodancewithmorepep.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Kateasked.“Thesongdidn’t—”

ButMarinagesturedtowardthesideoftheroom,wherethecrowdhadparted.

KateswallowedsharplyandbegantodanceasPrinceFrancescoappearedbeforethemthen,hisdark
eyesuponher.Shesmiledathim,hopinghe’dsimplymoveontotheyoungergirl,Marina.Buthe
marcheddirectlyuptoherandstuckouthishand,waitingforhertoshakeit.

Aslighthushoccurredaroundthem.SeveralgirlseyedKatewithjealousy.Afterapause,Kateliftedher
handtohisandshookit,makingmomentaryeyecontactwithhim.

“Hi,”shemurmured.

“Heythere,”thePrincesaid.“Havingagoodtime?”

“Ofcourse,”shelied,glancingdown.Shewasthankfulthatthesmallcamerawascarefullypositioned
withinherswimsuit,outofview.“Andyou?”

“Ofcourse,”heanswered,laughing.“Thisismyparty.Ialwayshaveagoodtime—orelsepeopleget
fired.”Hewinkedather.

“Isee,”Katesaid.“I’lltrytoupmygame,then.”Shefeltstrangelydrunkafterjustacoupleofcocktails.
They’dbeenstrong,withfarmorealcoholthantheMiamivariety.“Yourbartendersreallyknowhowto
makeadrink.”

“Thattheydo,”hesaid.“Nooneshouldleaveheresober.That’sforcertain.”

Katesmiledathisarrogance,lovingthatheseemedtobetheverycaricatureshe’dreadaboutinthe
magazines.Shebegantodancewithhim,makinglightmovementswithherhips.

“Youknow,”hesaid,“youdon’tlooklikethemodelsInormallyhire.You’repale.Waiflike.Aredhead.”
Hepaused,gazingather.“Inormallygoforbustyblondes.”

“Oh,Iknowthat,”Katesaid,brushingitaside.“WaspartofthereasonIacceptedthejob,actually.Iknew
Icouldcomehereandbeinvisible.”

“Andlook,yourplandidn’twork,didit?”thePrinceteased.“You’renolessdesirableforbeing
different,youknow.Infact,you’refarmorefascinating.Likeararejewel.”Heassessedher,hisdark
eyesjoiningwithhersforamomentbeforedivingdownthelengthofher.

Shefeltobjectified,likeadecorationattheparty.Sheclearedherthroat,wantingtomockhimasshehad
thebartender,butthiswasthemanwhowaspayinghertobethere;thiswasthemanshewasplanningto
exposeinordertocollectloadsofmoneywithElla.Soshesmiledupathim,playingalong.Surprisingly,
heboughtit.

Theycontinuetodancetogether,Kateinternallydivingfromonememoryofbeingobjectifiedtothenext.
Attheageoffourteen,she’dbeenaskedtostandinherunderwearinfrontoffourmodelingagentswho
hadwantedtoguesshowwellshe’dageintoherearlytwenties.

ButbeingjudgedwithFrancesco’scocky,forthrightattitudewassomethingelse.ThePrincewas
remarkablygoodlooking,withdark,thickeyebrows,highcheekbones,andfulllipsthatseemedutterly
kissable,ifKatewereintothatsortofthing.

Shegrinnedupathimastheydanced,feelinglikeakidatprom.Marinalurkednearby,pretendingto
dancewithherandFrancesco,butKateknewthat,atleastinthosemoments,Francescoonlyhadeyesfor
her.Andshelovedit.

Ofcourse,sheremindedherself,atanymomentshecouldbekickedawayandreplacedbyanothermodel.
Waiflikeredheadornot,shewasutterlydisposable.

SheliftedhereyestoFrancesco’sforamomentandsawalightbehindthemthatsurprisedher.Heleaned
towardherandwhisperedinherear,cuttingthroughthemusic.“WhatdoyousayyouandIgoforatour
ofthemansion?”

“Justus?”Katewhisperedback.

ButFrancescodidn’thearher.Heliftedhishandtohersandlinkedhisfingersthroughherownbeforethe
crowdseemedtopartforhim.Heledhertowardthebackoftheroom,whereastaircasewoundupward.
Adoormanstoodatthestaircase,makingsureotherpartygoersdidn’tgoupstairs.

“YourHighness,”thedoormansaid,steppingaside.“Havingagoodevening?”HeassessedKatewith
confusion,clearlyknowingthetypeofwomanFrancescousuallybroughtupstairs.

“Absolutely,”Francescosaid.Hegesturedupward,givingKateadevilishsmile.“Justgoingtoshowthis
littlefairyaroundtheplace.”

“It’squiteextraordinary,”thedoormanagreedbeforeturningbacktotheparty.“Don’tgetlostupthere.So
manycorridors.Somanypassages.”

“Soundscryptic,”Katesaid,givingFrancescoagrin.

ThePrincedidn’tanswer.Heflunghimselfupthesteps,Katebarelykeepingupinhertreacherousgolden
heels.

Therewasnogoingbacknow.

SEVEN

Katereachedthelanding,huffing,andgavethePrinceastrainedsmile.Hereyesdancedaroundthe
landing,wherearemarkablewindowfilledtheceiling,showingthestarsagainstablackbackdrop.“It’s
strangetobeabletoseethestarsafterlivingincitiesforsixyears.”

“Sixyears?”Francescosaid.“That’sfartoolong.IalwaysgetoutofManhattanafterafewdays.The
rushofthecitygetstome.Igrowmanic.”

Kategrinnedathim.Heplacedhishandatthesmallofherback.Sheshivered,butdidn’tresist.

“PerhapsI’vebeenmanicfortenyears,then,”shesaidthen.

ThePrincelaughed,eyeingherappreciatively.“IthinkI’llshowyouthelibraryfirst,”hesaid.“Youseem
likeabookishsort.”

“Isitmypaleskin?”sheaskedhim.Shetriedtorememberthelastbookshe’dread,butshedrewablank.

“No.I’mnotsurewhatitis,butyoudon’tseemlikeanempty-headedmodel,notliketheothers,”
Francescosaid,leadingherdownthehall.

Thefloorbeneaththemwasagleamingmarble,andtheceilingwassupportedbyseveralwhitepillars.
Paintingslinedthewalls.One,aportrait,portrayedamanalmostidenticaltoFrancesco.Katepointedto
him,hereyebrowshigh.

“Nobodyeverseesthat,”Francescosaid.“It’smyfather,actually,rightafterhewascrownedKingof
Monaco.Handsomechap,eh?”

“Helooksjustlikeyou,”Katesaid,incredulous.

Theyapproachedthelibrarydoors,bothmadeofglass.FrancescoopenedthemandallowedKatetoenter
first.Shegaspedasshetookinthesightoffloor-to-ceilingbookcasesandhugeceilingwindowsthat
showedthestarryskyoncemore.

Sheturnedtohim,awestruck.“It’sbreathtaking,”shewhispered.

Hesmiledather.Heseemedgenuine,withoutthebravadohe’dworndownstairsattheparty.“Iliketo
comeinheretothinksometimes.”

“Ididn’trealizeprincesneededtimetothink,”Katesaid,teasinghim.

“You’dbesurprised,”heanswered.Hegesturedtowardthefarwall.“Mymothergavemethesebooks
beforeIleftMonaco.ShealwaystoldmethatreadingwasthesinglemostenrichingthingIcoulddowith
mymind.Ofcourse,Ichoseafewotherthingstodoinstead.”Hepointedtothefloor,wheretheboomof
thepartymusicstillvibrated.

Kateshruggedherbonyshoulders.“Isupposeyouhaveanimagetomaintain,”shemurmured,unsurewhat
tosay.

“Fairpoint,”thePrincesaidbeforeboundingtowardthedoor.“Let’skeepgoing.Iwanttoshowyouthe
diningroom,andthebedrooms,andthelookout.It’ssomethingelse.Duringthedaytime,youcanseeso
muchlifeintherainforest.Theydon’tknowyou’rethere,andthemonkeysjustleaparoundyou,playing.I
spendhoursupthere.”

Kategrinnedandfollowedhimbackintothehallway,feelingstrangestilldressedinherbikini.She
crossedherarmsoverherchestbutrealizedthatthePrincehadn’togledherliketheothermen.Atleast,
notsincetheparty.Butshewasonlyupstairswithhimbecauseofherlooks,sheremindedherself.She
couldn’tlosesightofthat.

Theywalkedcompanionablytowardthebedrooms,theirstridesmatching.“Areyouhavingagoodtime
tonight?”thePrinceaskedherafteramomentofsilence.

“Hmm,”Kateanswered,relaxedbythelevelofalcoholpulsingthroughherveins.“I’mnotsureif‘good
time’isthewayI’dputit.”

“Ican’tsayI’veeverheardaresponselikethat,”thePrincesaid,haltinghisrapidwalk.Heleaned
towardher,bemused.

“Well,anyonewouldagree,thisisanincredibleset-upyouhavehere,”shesaid,tryingtobediplomatic.
“Butfrankly,I’mnotsokeenonbig,raucousparties.It’sjustnotwhoIamanymore,especiallysinceIleft
ManhattanforMiami.”

ThePrincecockedaneyebrow.“Ican’tsayI’veevermetamodelwhoisn’tinterestedinthelifestylethat
comeswiththejob,”hesaid.Ashespoke,Katerememberedtheimagesofthecountlessgirlsonhisarms
inManhattan,allofthemleechingontohimandthepartyscene,lovingit.

“WhenIwasyounger,maybe,”shesaid,shruggingagain.“Nowit’smorequietnightsinforme.It’staking
careofmyselfinsteadofdrinkingallnight.Iknowthatmustsoundterriblyboringtoapartyanimallike
you.”

Francescocluckedhistongue.“ThenwhyintheworlddidyouagreetocometoPanamaandpartywith
us?Isentthatinvitationknowingonlywhatappearedonyouragency’ssite.Isawabeautiful,waiflike
redhead,andIsaid,she’stheone.Ihadnoideaaboutyourpersonality.”

“OreventhatIhadone,probably,”Kateteased,nudginghimwithherelbow.

“Ofcoursenot.Webillionaireprincesdon’tconsiderfeelings,orpersonalities,oranythingelse.”He
waggedhiseyebrows,inonthejoke.

“Psh.Well,totellyouthetruth,Francesco,IacceptedthisjobbecauseIneedthemoney.”Kate’svoice
wasserious,andsheturnedherbrightblueeyestowardhis.“Aslongaswe’rebeinghonesthere,at

least.”

SheswallowedasPrinceFrancescodigestedthisinformation.Ofcourse,withthecamerastilltucked
awayinherbikini,sheheldbacktheinformationofherothersideproject.AsfarasFrancescoknew,
she’donlybeacceptingthepaycheckfromhim.Hedidn’tknowshe’dberuininghim,ortryingto.But
now,standingintheshadowofhisimmense,muscledbody,shewasoddlynervous.Didshereallyhave
whatittooktobetraysomeone?

Severalmomentslater,Francescolaughed.Hetossedhisheadback,showinghiswhiteteeth,andhis
laughterwentonabittoolong,makingKatestrangelydizzy.

“What?”sheasked.

“It’sjust,I’veneverhadamodeltellmethatshe’sonlyaroundmeforthejob,butIjustrealizedthat’s
probablywhythey’reallhere.Theyaren’tbookingFrenchmodelinggigsanylonger.Theyhavetobehere
topaytheirrents.”Hecontinuedtolaugh,clearlyamusedbythelivesofothers.

“AndIseeyouthinkthat’sfunny?Theunfortunatelittlelivesofyourmodels?”Kateasked,feeling
indignationspikewithinher.

Instantly,Francescoknewthathe’doverstepped.“No,no.Absolutelynot.Ijustlikeyourhonestyisall.
Anddespiteyourassertionthatyoudislikeparties,I’llhaveyoucavortinginthehottubinnotime.Mark
mywords.”Hewinkedatherbeforeslidinghishandtothesmallofherback.“Comealong.Wehaveso
muchmoretoexplore,andwe’rewastingtimearguing.Gosh,arguingwithamodel.NeverthoughtI’dsee
theday.”

Katefollowedhimtotheleft,downalong,darkhallway.Astheywent,lightsflickedonaroundthem,
revealinganothercollectionofpaintings.Katepausedatoneinthemiddleandgazedatitforseveral
moments,curious.Sheliftedherhand,pointingatthetwolittleboysinthepainting.Theboyswere
playinginthesand,buildingacastle.Oneofthemhaddark,curledhairthatmatchedhisdark,penetrating
eyes.

“Helookslikehehasasecret,”shesaid.

“Thesecretisthatit’sme,”Francescosaid.“Youhaveaneyefordetail,Kate.”

“IsthisinMonaco?”

“Ofcourse.Igrewupthere,”Francescosaid,asifshe,liketherestoftheworld,hadn’treadthetabloids.
“Andthat’smybrother,Ren.Acutelittlekidthere,butawretchedcharacterinreallife.Helivesina
castleinDenmarkandnolongerspeakswithmyparents.Hegotmarriedlastyear,andIwasn’teven
invited.Butlookatushere.We’readorable.We’regoingtoconquertheworld.Atleast,wethoughtwe
were.”

Katepeeredintohiseyes,feelingasuddenwaveofattractiontohim.Everyothermoment,hisswagger

andbravadoinfuriatedher,butnowhissuaveconfidencewastippingherinanotherdirection.Her
stomachclenchwithdesire.

“Mybedroomisjustdownhere,”thePrincesaid.“Iwantyoutoseeit.IhaditdecoratedbyaFrench
designer.Aremarkablewoman,somuchlikeyou,itseems.Shehadakeeneyefordetail,andshealways
spokehermind.”

“I’massumingshedidn’tgetboggeddowninthemodelingbusiness,”Katesaid,laughingagain.

“No.Idon’tthinkshedid,”heagreed.

Hestoppedoutsidehisbedroom,hisfingerpoisedoverthelightswitch.Withjustaflick,hewouldreveal
theinterior:theking-sizedbed,thepaintings,thegorgeousbalconyoverlookingtherainforest.Katecould
almostpictureitinthedark.Buthepaused,gazingather.Withhowtheystood,theirlipsweremere
inchesapart.

Katefeltherheartdancingwithnewlife.Shehadn’tmetamanwho’dmadeherfeellikedoingbackflips
inmany,manyyears.Thetensionbetweenthemwasstrong,anditseemedtotakeonalifeofitsown.

“Youknow,Iexpectedtonighttobelikealmosteveryotherparty,”thePrincewhispered.

“Andwhatisthatlike?”

“Thetypicalstuff,really.Wegetprettyrowdy.Shotsusuallyhappen.Tequila.Vodka.Champagne.
WhateverIhavelyingaround.”

“Youhavechampagnejustlyingaround,then,doyou?”Kateasked,teasinghim.

“Ofcourse.WhatkindofprincewouldIbeifIdidn’t?”heasked.

Asheinhaledandexhaled,hishotbreathfannedKate’slips.Sheshiveredwithanticipation.Shewas
sure,ifshewaitedjustamomentlonger,hewouldkissher.

Heliftedhishandandtuckedseveralstrandsofherredhairbehindherear.“Yourfaceishonest,”he
whispered.“Itbringsupmemoriesofmyfirstgirlfriends,whenlovewassomethingthatwasn’tgoingto
destroyyou,youknow?”

“I’veneverreallyhadaboyfriend,”Kateadmitted,hervoicetimid.“Inthisindustry,youaren’tmeantto
tetheryourselftoanyone.Yourlifecouldchangeinaninstant.”

“Modelshavenevertoldmethat,either,”Francescosaid.“You’rejustburstingwithinformation.”He
smiledtentatively.

Suddenly,theyheardpeopledownthecorridor.Kateturnedherheadswiftly,herredhaircurlingatthe
napeofherneck,andspottedtwomen—celebritiesshecouldn’tquiteplace—andthreescantily-clad

models.TheywerecallingthePrince’snameinloud,drunkenvoices,searchingforhim.

“Francesco!”awild,blondemodelcried.“We’vebeenlookingalloverforyou!”Shegiggled,bringing
herfingersoverhermouth.“Andhereyouare,uptonogood,asusual.”

FrancescotookastepbackfromKate,grinningathistroupeoffriends.“Kate,thisisMikeandRandall,
alongwithafewoftheirnewfriends.”Hegesturedtowardthemodels,hiseyesdancinginthesoftlight
ofthehallway.

“Pleasedtomeetyou,”Katesaid,wavingherhand.

“It’stime,Francesco,”Mikesaid,smackinghishandonthePrince’sshoulder.“Thecontortionistisgoing
todoherdance—theoneyouhiredherfor.Youcan’tmissthis,dude.Iwon’tletyou.”

FrancescoeyedKatetentatively,clearlytemptedtogetbacktotheparty.Allromantictensionbetween
themhadfallenaway,andKatewasleftlookingatanarrogant,foreverbachelorwhojustwantedtogo
lookatahalf-nakedwomandosomesensualtricks.

“Doyouwanttogetback,then?”Francescoaskedher,tryingtobepolite.

Katepausedforamoment,tryingtogetherbearings.Sheeyedthemodelsbesideherandshivered,
rememberingthatshe’donlyagreedtothisjobforthemoneyEllawouldcutherwhenitwasallover.

Shefakedayawn,then,coveringherlips.“Actually,ifyoudon’tmind,I’dliketouseyourbathroom.
Freshenupforaminute.I’llmeetyoualldownstairs.Idon’twantyoutomissthecontortionist.”

Francescodidn’tmissabeat.“Fine,then.We’llseeyoudownthere.”

Heswepttowardhisfriendsandplacedthatfamiliarhandonadifferentmodel’slowerback.Shegiggled
andpeeredupathimwithlarge,cartooneyes.AllFrancescohadbeentellingher—thatshewasdifferent
thanothermodels—suddenlyfellaway,andKatesnickeredtoherself,happythey’dbeeninterrupted
beforeshe’dcompletelylostsightofherreasonsforbeingthere.

WithFrancescoandhisunrulybandofmodelsandcelebritiesoutofearshot,Kateflickedtheswitchon
thePrince’sprivatequarters,anxioustosnapafewmoresecretshotsforElla.“Allowmyreaderstosee
intohisworld,”Ellahadtoldher.“Seeasmuchofthehouseasyoucan.”

Themomentthelightsflickedon,Kategaspedattheview.ThePrince’squarterswereimmaculate.There
wereseveralroomsalllinkedtogether,thebedroomfilledwithgold-linedfurnitureandalargefour-
posterbed,thedoorleadingtoafinalbalconythatsweptoutovertherainforest(withanetoveritto
wardoffmosquitos).

Katewanderedthroughtherooms,touchingrandomobjects—asculptureofanakedwoman,theedgeofa
goldplate—beforeshefoundalargeroomfilledwithframedphotographsandpaintings.Manyofthem
weresimilartothepaintinginthehallwayofthePrinceandhisbrotherplayinginthesand.

Eachpaintingandphotographspokeofatimeofloveandfamilyandcomfort.Katepeeredatthem
curiously.Beforethismoment,she’dassumedthatthePrincehadn’tcaredmuchabouthisexile.Hewas
allowedtobeaswildashepleased,withouthavingtoanswertoafamilythatapparentlydespisedhim,
orwassimplyashamedofhim.

Inthephotographs,thePrince,asayoungboy,clungtohismotherandfather,grinningatthecamera.Asa
youngman,hedrankwithhisbrotherandanothergirl,perhapshissister?

WhyintheworldhadthePrincebeenexiledifhewassofamilyoriented?Katesnappedafewphotosof
thepaintingsandframedphotographs,thinkingthiscouldbeanotherangletoElla’sstory.

Shecontinuedthroughthequarters,findingmorepaintingsandphotographs,alongwithanothermassive
collectionofbooks.Sheranherfingerovertheirspines,notingthatseveralofthemseemedtohavebeen
readdozensoftimes.NothingaboutthePrince’squartersrelatedtothemanshe’djustwatchedscurry
backtothepartytotakeshotswithnearlynakedwomen.Itseemedthatheoftentookonadifferent
persona,especiallyduringhisparties.Maybethemanshe’dglimpsedasthey’dwalkedthroughthe
mansiontogether,askingherquestionsaboutherpersonality,wastheactualprince,onetherestofthe
worldwasn’tprivyto.

Inthelastroom,nearthewarmthemanatingfromthebalcony,Katetookaseatonachaiselounge,sighing
gratefullyastheweightleftherachingfeet.Shewastipsyandjetlagged,alreadyexhaustedbythe
prospectofreturninghomethefollowingmorning.Hereyelidsdrooped.Sheliftedhercamerafromher
breastandhookedituptoherphone,uploadingthephotographsandthensendingthemtoEllaviaemail.
Ifshetookmorewhensherejoinedtheparty,shecouldalwayssendthoselater.Inthatmoment,shejust
wantedtorestherfeet.

Sheslippedherfeetfromhergoldenheelsandliftedthemupontothechaiselounge,stretchinghertoes.A
memoryofthePrince’sface,mereinchesfromhers,cloudedhermind.Thetensionbetweenthemhad
beennearlyunbearable.Ifhisfriendshadn’tappearedtowhiskhimoff,theycouldhavemadeloveall
throughoutthenight.

Butthiswasn’treality,shetoldherself.Hewasanarrogant,entitledprince.Andevenifhehadn’tbeen
allthatarrogantinprivate,hehadbeenexiledfromMonacoforareason.Hecouldthinkbackonhistime
withhisparentsallhewanted;hecouldposttheirpicturesonhiswall.Intheend,though,hewaspartying
downstairswithoutacareintheworld,andthattrulywasn’tthekindofmanKatewantedtoinvolve
herselfwith.He’dreplaceherinaday,anyway.

Assherelaxed,shebegantodriftofftosleep,feelingatug-of-warbattleinhermind.Herlastthoughts,of
nappingforfiveminutesbeforesnappingsomephotosofthecontortionist,werecompletelyobliterated.In
meremoments,shewasunconscious,deadtotheworld.Noteventhepoundingofthedownstairsparty
musiccouldwakeher.

EIGHT

Katecouldhearsomeonelaughing.Thesoundechoedinhermind,forcinghertoopenhereyes.Shesatup
andblinked,suddenlyunsureofwhereshewas.Sunlightstreamedinthroughthemosquitonetoverthe
balcony,andthenoiseoftherainforestbuzzedthroughthetrees.

Amanpeereddownather.Hisstrong,muscledarmswerecrossedoverhischest,andasmilestretched
overhisface.Helookedatherwithbothconfusionandhumor,causinghertoremoveherfeetfromthe
chaiseloungeandsetthemdownontheTurkishrugonthefloor.Shebroughtherarmsoverherchest,
coveringheralmostnakedbody.Sherealizedthatthebikinilookdidn’tquiteworkinthelightofmorning.

“Goodmorning,”thePrincesaid.Helookedfreshandhandsome,despitehavingbeenawakeallnight
partying.Hiseyeswerefilledwithlight,andhishairwascurlyandthick,showinghishealthandvitality.
“Iwonderedwhereyou’dgottolastnight.Youmissedagreatparty.”

Kategavehimaslightsmile,feelingembarrassed.“ItoldyouIwasn’tcutoutforthisscene,”shesaid.

“Well,Isupposethat’swhatIgetfornotinvestigatingyourcredentialsproperly.Don’tworry;I’llstill
payyou,despiteyourbreachofcontract.”Hewinkedather,causingherstomachtostir.

“Oh,shoot,”Katesaid,suddenlyrememberingthedriver’sinstructiontomeetherat8a.m.sharp.She
groaned,turningherattentiontoherphone.Itwasdead,black.

Sheeyedhimuneasily.“Whattimeisit?”

ThePrincecheckedhiswatch—anoversizedRolexthatgleamedinthelight.“It’sjustafternoon,”hetold
her,hisvoicebooming.

Kate’sjawdropped.“What?”shesaid.“Youhavetobejoking.”

Sheleapedfromthechaiselounge,herbreastsbouncinginthegoldenbikini.“I’vemissedmyflight,”she
said,hereyeswide.

“Youweregoingtoflyhomestraightaftertheparty?”thePrinceasked,surprised.“Iassumedyou’dwant
tostickaroundPanamaCityforawhile,explore.Itreallyisawonderfulplace.”

Kate’spanicwasrising.Sheplacedherhandoverherheart,breathingdeeply.“HowonearthamIgoing
togethome?”shewhispered.“IhaveajobinMiamithisweek,andIneedthatmoney,Francesco.Ican’t
justbailonit.”

Shewasn’tlying.Justbeforeshe’dleft,Monicahadbookedherababypowderadvertisinggig.Shehad
nodesireto“stickaround”PanamaCity,wastingtime.Shewasn’tthePrince.Shecouldn’taffordthat.

“Canyoucallyouragent?Seeiftheycanarrangeanothertransportforyou?”Francescoasked.

“Myphone’sdead,”Katesaid,hervoicetense.

“Luckyforyou,Ihappentohaveone,”Francescosaid,hisvoiceteasing.Hepulleditfromhispocketand
handedittoher,smilingmischievously.“I’llletyouhavetwominutes.”

Kategrabbedthephone,foundMonica’snumberonline,andthendialedit,huffing.Sheturnedandwalked
tothebalcony,cradlingthephoneagainstherear.Asthephonerang,hereyestracedthelineoftrees,
searchingformonkeys.ShefeltthePrince’seyesuponher,gazingatherhalf-nakedform.

Monicaansweredthephoneafterthreerings.“Hello?”sheasked.

“Monica,it’sKate.”

“Darling,howwastheparty?Ididn’thaveyouscheduledforarrivaluntil3p.m.”

“That’sthething,Monica.I’vemissedmyflight.Iwashopingyoucouldschedulemeanother—”

Monicasighedevenlyintothephone.“Howdidyoumanagethat?”Hervoicewasincredulous.

“I’msorry.Iwasuplatewiththepartyandeverything,andIjustpassedout—”

“Youweren’tsupposedtosleep,”Monicasaid.“Youweremeanttobepresentatthepartyuntil8a.m.,at
whichtimethedriverwouldtakeyoutotheairport.Ithoughtyouunderstoodtheinstructions.”

“Idid.Itwasanaccident,”Katemurmured.“Accidentshappen.”

“Notinthisbusiness,”Monicasaid.“Unfortunately,wecannotcooperatewithyouonthis,Kate.You’ll
havetoorganizeyourowntransportbacktoMiami.AnditbetterbebeforeTuesday.Otherwise,Icanfind
anothermodeltoreplaceyouonthatbabypowdershoot.Ayoungerone.”

Monicahungupthephone,leavingKatestunned.ShestareddownatFrancesco’sphone,herbreath
comingingasps.Shewasfurious.

SheflungherselfacrossthebalconytowardthePrince,tearsforminginhereyes.“Thisisthedifference
betweenyourlifeandmine,Francesco.Inyourworld,everyonewillcooperatewithyou.They’lltellyou
howmuchtheywantyoutobearound,andthey’llpayforyoutogetthere.Notthatmoneyisevenanissue
foryou.”

“Theywon’tpayforyourreturn?”Francescoasked.Alightflashedinhiseyes.“Guessthatmeansyou’re
notexactlytheirtoppriority.Isthatright?”

Kateshookherhead,crestfallen.“Ofcourseitdoes,”shesaid.“Theywouldn’tmindifIstayedin
PanamaCityfortherestofmylife.I’dbeforgotteninhours.”Shefellbackontothechaiselounge,
suddenlynotcaringabouthernear-nakedness,oreventhatshewasrevealingsuchangertothePrinceof
Monaco.Notofitmatteredifhercareerwasdead.

“IfIbuymyowntickethome,I’llbespendingallthemoneyImadelastnightattheparty,”Katesaid.“All
themoneyIearnedforwearingthisstupidbikiniandthosedumbheelswouldgostraighttoAmerican
Airlines.AndthatmeansIwon’tbeabletopaymyrentnextmonth.”Sheshuddered,hottearsfalling
downhercheeks.“Ishouldneverhavetakenthisjobinthefirstplace.IknewIshouldn’thave.”

Shewasn’tsurewhyshesuddenlyfeltsocomfortableinthePrince’spresence.Sherarelyconfidedin
otherpeopleaboutherproblems,yethereshewas,throwingcautiontothewind.

ThePrincespoke,then.Hisvoicewaskind,withoutanyofthearroganceofthepreviousevening.“Ihate
toseeyoulikethis,”hesaid.“I’mnotusedtoseeingmyguestsunhappy.Itjoltsme.Anditmakesmewant
tofixit.”

Katefrownedathim.Shewantedtotellhimnottoworryabouther—totossheroutandletherfigureit
outonherown.ShewasinnopositiontoowesomethingtothePrinceofMonaco,especiallywhenshe’d
justsentphotographsofhispartytoacelebritywriter.

Butshewaitedforhimtofinish.

ThePrincesplayedouthislargepalms.“Wouldyoulikearidehome?Withme?”heasked.

Katelaughed,realizinghemustbejoking.“Howonearthwouldyoutakemehome?Doyouhaveaboat
orsomething?ShouldIcallyoucaptain?”

“Youcancallmecaptainifyoulike,”thePrincesaid,“butIwouldn’tbecaptainingaboat.Itwouldtake
fartoomuchtime.”

Katecrossedherarmsoverherchestandraisedasingleeyebrow,bemused.“Allright,then.Whatdoyou
suggest?”

“Ihaveapilot’slicense,”thePrincesaid.

Kate’sheartleapedinherchest.“Wow,”shesaid.“You’reamanofmanysurprises.”

“Itry,”thePrincesaid,standingfromhischair.Hewalkedacrossthefloor,hiscustom-madeshoes
makinglighttappingsoundsonthemarble.“Igotmylicenseafewyearsago,becauseIdon’twantthe
presstofindoutexactlywhereIlive.”Hegesturedaroundtheimmaculatequarters.“Thisway,Icango
uptoManhattanwheneverIwantto.IfIhadtogothroughtheairporteverysingletime,they’dsurelyfind
meout.Youknow,theyhavepeoplewhojustfollowmearound,takingpicturesandstalkingme,
essentially.”

Hegaveheraknowinglook,then,andforabriefmoment,Katethoughthe’dfoundherout.She
swalloweddryly,squirminginherseat.“Thatmustbestifling,feelinglikeyouhavetohidefrompeople
allthetime.”

“It’snotthatIdon’tliketheattentionsometimes,”thePrincesaid,“butit’sgoodtogetawayfromitall

here,hiddendeepintherainforest.”Heswipedhishandoverhisforehead,givingheradevilishgrin.
“I’mofferingyouanout,Kate.Andit’llcostyounothingbutafewhoursofmycompany.”

“Isupposethatmightnotbetheworstthingintheworld,”Katesaid,smilingslightly.“AlthoughIcan’t
sayItrustyouasthepilotofasmallplane.”

“Ifthere’sanythingyoucantrustmewith,it’sthis,”thePrincesaid.“Idon’ttakealotofthingsseriously,
butflyingallowsmetowalkthatlinebetweenlifeanddeath.Ilovetheadrenaline.”

“That’swhatterrifiesmethemost,”Katesaid,laughing.“Butallright.Itseemsyou’remyonlyhope.”
Sherosefromthechaiseloungeandstretchedherarmsaboveherhead,feelingherbackcreak.“That
partywipedmeout.”

“You’reanovice,”thePrinceremindedher,“andyouweretryingtokeepupwithme.Ha!”Hewalked
towardher,andKateassumedhewasgoingtoplacehishandonthesmallofherback,ashehadthenight
before.Butinthelightofday,hekepthisdistance.“Whydon’twegetyousomerealclothes,then?”

“Ihavesomeinalockerdownstairs,”Katesaid.“I’llgochange,andthenwecantakeatrip.Oh,andjust
soyouknow,I’mnotaswimmer.SoIhopeyou’reasskilledapilotasyousayyouare.”

“YouliveinMiamiandyoudon’tswim?”thePrinceasked,laughing.“Youdon’tparty.Youdon’tswim.
Whatdoyoudo,besidespassoutearlyatparties?”

“Almostnothing,”Katesaid,laughing.“You’vefoundmeout.Imightactuallybethemostboringperson
ontheplanet.”

***

Kateboundeddownthemansionstepsmomentslater,holdingthegoldenheelsinherhands.Shegrinned
toherself,happythatshe’dfoundanotherroutehome,andfeelingenergizedbyherbanterwiththePrince.
Onthepartyfloor,shefoundcarnage,smashedwineglassesdecoratingtheground.Amaidwassorting
throughthewreckage.Katesmiledather.

“Itwasyouwhodidthis?”thewomansaid,gesturing.

Kateshookherhead,hersmilefaltering.

“Itwasyouwhodidthis,”themaidrepeated,sweepingbitsofwineglassintoherdustpan.“Iknowit.”

Katecrepttherestofthewaydownthesteps,feelingoddlynervousatthethoughtofrunningintoany
moreofthepalacestaff.

Shefoundthedressingroominasimilarstateofwreckage.Theothermodelshadflungtheirbikinisand
heelsontothegroundandfledwithoutcleaningup.

Katescrunchedhernoseassheundressed,findingherotherclothesquickly,alongwithherregularshoes.
Shesmiledatherselfinthemirrorandranherfingersthroughherhair,rememberingthefeelingofthe
Prince’seyesonherasshe’ddancedthepreviousnight.Howwonderfultobeseen,shethought,evenif
thosedaysofbeingseenwerecomingtoaclose.

Whensheleftthedressingroom,Francescowaswaitingforherinthestaffentrancefoyer,dressedin
whatlookeddistinctlylikeapilot’suniform.

Katesnickeredathim,placingherhandoverhermouth.“Whatonearthareyouwearing?”

“Iwantedtodressthepart,justlikeyouhadtolastnight,”hetoldher.Heposedforher,showingoffthe
bulgingmusclesandtautabdomenbeneathhisuniform.

Kategiggled.“Ihavetosay,ifyouflyaswellasyoudress,thenIthinkwe’llarrivesafely.”

Assheapproachedhim,thePrinceliftedhiselbowtowardher.Kateaccepteditandheguidedhertoward
theexitandintothebright,humidafternoon.Agardenerwavedhisglovedhandsfromanearby
flowerbed,andshewavedback.Inwardly,shepretendedshe’dbeenchosen,thatthePrincehadwanted
hertostaythenight.

“We’reflyingtoday,Marty,”thePrincesaidtothegardener,flashinghimasmile.“OfftoMiami.”

“Besafe,sir,”thegardenersaidback.“Youhavealadywithyouthistime.”

“She’snotalady,Marty.She’samodel.”Heturnedtoherandwinked,andKatenudgedhimhardwith
herelbow,makinghimwince.

“IhopeIdon’thavetoputupwiththisattitudeallthewaytoMiami,”shesaid.

“She’llputyouinyourplace,sir,”Martysaid.Thenheturnedbacktohisflowerbed,hishandscovered
withsoil.

ThePrincewalkedKatetoagaragethatwasslightlyhiddeninsidetheforest.Heopenedthegaragedoor
torevealanall-terrainJeep.“Wehavetodriveouttotheairfield,”hetoldher,“butit’snotfar.”

Katesatinthepassengerseatandcrossedherankles,feelingsuddenlynervous.ThePrincerevvedthe
engineandthenbackedout,whistlingsharply.Itfeltstrangetoseehimdosuchnormal,everydaythings.

Theysatincompanionablesilenceastheydrovetotheairfield.Katecouldn’tgetenoughofthesceneryas
theydrovethroughtherainforestandthenburstoutintocivilizationoncemore.Theplacewasbrimming
withsuchlightandlife.Eventhecitywascolorful,thebuildingspaintedingreens,bluesandyellows.
Shewantedtopullouthertinyhiddencameraandtakemoresnapshots,butshethoughtbetterofitand
keptitinherpurse.

“HowdoesPanamaCitycomparetoMonaco?”sheaskedhim,breakingthesilence.

“I’dsaythepeopleherearefriendlier,”hesaid,turningdownasideroad.“Ingeneral,theydon’treally
knowwhoIam.Theyjustdon’treadthetabloidslikeyouAmericans.Buttheystillgreetmewiththe
biggestsmileyou’veeverseen.EverytimeIreturnherefromManhattan,Ifeelitespecially.Manhattanis
cold,anditspeopleareevencolder.ButIsupposeIdon’thavetotellyouthat.Youlivedthereforyears.”

“Nearthepark,”Katesaid,animageofherapartmentfloodinghermind.“AlthoughI’dsaywhenyou’re
youngandbeautiful,peoplearekindtoyoueverywhere.OnceIhittwenty-two,itwaslikethebottom
droppedoutonme.Manhattanturnedonme.WhenbeforeI’dbeenatthetopofeveryguestlist,Inow
couldn’tevenfindmyselfonone.Itwasdishearteningtosaytheleast.Isuddenlyrememberedthediet
planmymotherhadgoneonwhenshe’dbeeninherfortiesandjusthittingthatwallofhermetabolism.
Shefeltthatnoonelookedatheranymore.”

Theywerenowinthecountryagain,nearingaflatplotoflandwithasingleairstripdownit.Aplanesat
uponit,waitingforthem,itswhitenosepointedtowardthem.

“Mymotherwentthroughsomethingsimilar,”Francescosaid,turningoncemore.“Shewasqueen,butshe
knewshewasn’tasbeautifulassheoncewas.Iheardherweepingaboutitinthebathroom.I’llnever
forgetit—therealizationthatmymotherwouldgrowold,andsowouldI.”

“Oh,butit’sdifferent,”Katesaid.“Youmengetmoreinterestinglookingasyougetolder,butwomenjust
getdroopy.”

“Oh,Iwouldn’tknow,Ionlysurroundmyselfwithmodels,”Francescowinked,returningtohiscocky
persona.HestoppedtheJeepneartheairstripandgotout,notbotheringtoopenKate’sdoorforher.
Sighinglightly,shejoinedhimneartheairstrip.

AmanwaspreparingthejetforFrancesco.Hewavedatthembeforesteppingdown,takingthestairsto
thepavement.HeremovedhisglovesandshookFrancesco’shand,hardlygivingKateaglance.

“She’sreadyforyou,”hesaid.“Allgassedup.YougoingtoMiami?”

“That’sright.Thislittleladyhasapredicament,andI’mjustthemantosolveit,”thePrincesaid.“Thanks
forsettingheruponsuchshortnotice.”

“Notaproblem,”themansaid.Hegesturedtowardtheplane,andFrancescowalkedswiftlytowardthe
steps.Katefollowedhim,herbreathcatchinginherthroatastheyenteredthecabin.Theplanewas
luxurious,ifsmall,withseveralleatherseatsspreadoverthefloorplan.

“Doyouhavepeopleupwithyouoften?”sheasked.

“No,”thePrincesaid.“Toodistracting.ButonceinabluemoonI’llhaveamodelortwoupwithme,and
theyliketomakearuckusbackhere.Poppingchampagne.Gettingnaked.”Hesmirked.

“Isee,”Katesaid,takingaseatbesidethepilot’schair.“WellIhopeyoudon’tmindifthat’snotthewayI
spendourhourstogether.”

ThePrincegrinnedabsently.Hestartedtheengine,hiseyessuddenlylookingfaraway.Katestrapped
herselfintothepassengerseat,feelingthevibrationsfromtheenginejigglethroughher.Shecrossedher
armsandwatchedasthePrincemovedtheplaneintoplaceontherunway,bringingthewheelstothe
center.

“Areyoureadytoroll,Kate?”heaskedher,hisvoicedeep.“Becauseoncewe’reupintheair,there’llbe
noturningback.”

“Ready,”Katedeclared,feelingthedramaofthemoment.EventhePrinceseemedslightlyonedge,asif
everytakeoffwasarollofthedice.

Theplanecareeneddowntherunway,then,andrippedintothesky.Astheylefttherunway,thePrince
criedoutgleefully,seemingfreerthanhehadbefore.

Katesmiled,showingherteeth,andpeereddownatthegroundastheyleftit.Sheplacedherfingertips
againstthewindowandwhisperedagoodbye.Chanceswere,shewouldn’tseePanamaagain.

NINE

Theplaneroseupintotheclouds,untiltheyweresurroundedbynothingbutblue.Kateturnedtowardthe
Princeandclappedlightly,stillsmiling.“Ihavetosay,I’mprettyimpressed,”shesaid.

“Youshouldbe,”hegrinned,abeadofsweatpouringdownhisforehead.“Butlookatusnow!We’refar
abovetheclouds.We’reaboveeverything.We’veleftourworriesbehind.”Hewinkedather,hisface
carryingachildishsmile.

“It’sstrange,”hecommented,“thatofallthegirlswhoweretherelastnight,Iendedupherewithyou.”
Hisvoicewascockyagain.

“Areyousayingyoudidn’tgetluckylastnight?”Kateaskedhim,tryingtosoundasifshedidn’tcare.

“Oh,sureIdid,”thePrincesaidcasually.“Idon’tknowifit’smycharm,mygoodlooks,ormymoney,
butIdon’tstrugglefindingwomen.”

Kategrimaced.“Congratulations.Mustbenice.”

“Itis,”thePrincesaid,settingthecruisecontrol.Heleanedbackandplacedhishandsbehindhishead,
stretchinghislegsforward.

“Isittrue,whatthemagazinessayaboutyou?”Kateasked.

ThePrincesighed.“Soyoudoreadthemagazines?”

“You’retheonewhosaidallusAmericansreadthemagazines.”

“Fairenough,”heconcededwithachuckle.“Whatisitthemagazinessaidaboutme,exactly?”

“Thatyou’veneverbeenwithawomanforlongerthanaweek.Thatyou’veneverbeeninacommitted
relationshipwithsomeone,despitethefactthatyou’vebeenwithcountlesswomenfromalloverthe
world.”Katewasshockedthatshe’dspokenthewords,butshewasgenuinelycurious.Howcouldthis
manbeinvolvedwithsomanywomenwithoutconsideringtheirfeelings?

“Aweek?Thatseemsalittlelong,”thePrincesaid,scoffing.

“Soit’strueyou’veneverbeenwithawomanforlongerthanacoupleofdays?Orevenaday?”Kate
asked.

“I’dsayit’strue,sure.AndIdon’tthinkthere’sanythingwrongwiththat,either.Irefusetobetieddown
beforemyparentsforcemetomarry.Iknowthatdaywillcomesoonerratherthanlater,anduntilthenI
wanttomeetasmanywomenaspossible.Thatway,Iwon’tfeellikeImissedoutonanything.”

Forsomereasonshecouldn’tquiteidentify,thePrince’scommentsinfuriatedKate.Sheleanedforward,
restingherchinonherfist,andglaredatthebluesky.

“Haveyoueverconsideredthatyoumightjustthinkthiswaybecauseyou’veneverbeeninafulfilling
relationshipbefore?”sheaskedhim.“Itfeelslikeyourwayofthinkingisalittleone-sided.”

“Youthink?”heaskedher.“BecauseIreallydon’tseemyselfchangingmymind.Nottoday,not
tomorrow,andprobablynotevennextyear.Theworldismyoyster,Kate.”

“It’syouroysterrightnow,”Katesaid,hervoicerising,“butbelieveme,itwon’tbelikethisforever.
Oneday,you’llwantsomeoneyoucanreallytalkto,someonewhounderstandstheuniquewaysthat
you’re—well,you.Don’tyougetthat?”

“Ican’tsayIdo,”hesaid.

“Right.Well,youmightnotgetitnow,butyou’llchangeyourmind.Markmywords.You’llwantsomeone
—thesamesomeone—tosleepbesideyouinthedarkofthenight.”

AsKatespoke,theairaroundthemchanged.Francescoturnedoffthecruisecontrolandleanedforward,
hiseyebrowsfurrowing.Cloudshadformedaroundthemoncemore,buttheyweren’tthewhiteones
they’dfloatedthroughearlier.Rather,theywereblack,angry,thick.Kate’sfingerstightenedaroundher
knees.

“Francesco?”shewhispered.“Shouldwegohigher?”

“Ican’ttalkjustnow,Kate,”Francescosaid,concentrating.“Ineedtogetusoutofthis.”

Hedirectedtheplaneupward,tryingtoescapethemenacingclouds.Butasheflew,theplanebuckedat
thewindandtriedtonosedive.Hewasabletobringthenoseupagainalmostinstantly,butthemovement
hadshakenhim.Hisfacewasred,andhisjawwasclenched.

Asshelookedathim,Kategrappledwiththerealizationthatwhilemomentsbeforeshe’dbeenarguing
withthismanabouthisfuture,theremightnotactuallybeafuturetoconsider.

Sheclosedhereyesandsaidaprayerhermotherhadtaughtherasachild.Theprayerhadfollowedher
fromonecastingcalltothenext,untilshe’dstoppedusingitattheheightofherfame.Shehadn’tneededit
anylonger.

Assheprayed,alightningboltstruckoutfromacloudandsmashedintotheplane’srightwing.Kate’s
eyespoppedopen,andsheturnedtoseethattheplane’swingwasonfire.Theplanejostledtotheright,
butthespeedoftheaircraftimmediatelyputthefireout.Shewrappedherarmsaroundherchest,feeling
panicriseup.Toherleft,thePrincefocusedontryingtokeeptheplaneuprightdespitethedamagedwing.

Butmomentslater,theplane’senginewentdown.Kateletoutagut-wrenchingscream,butthePrincekept
hishandsonthecontrols,keepingtheplanelevelastheyspedtowardstheground.

TheplaneburstfromthecloudsandhurtledtowardtheCaribbeanSea,whichwasbrightandturquoise

despitethestormabove.Katerememberedherjokeaboutnotbeingabletoswimandimmediatelytriedto
talkherselfthroughit.Theminuteyouhitthewater,shetoldherself,justgetoutandstartkicking.Just
startkicking.Sheanticipatedthecrash.Sheclosedhereyes,waitingforit.

Asshesatwithhereyesclosed,thePrincesaidsomethingtoherleft.“OhthankGod,”hebreathed.

KateopenedhereyesandfoundthatthePrincehadturnedtheplanetowardasmallCaribbeanisland.It
wasnomorethanahundredacres,withanairstripneartheshore.Kateplacedherhandsoverherheart,
hardlyabletobreatheastheplanebarreledtowardtheairstrip.

“Canyoulandit?”shewhispered.“Canyoudoit?”

ThePrinceeitherdidn’thearherordidn’tbotheranswering.Sweatbeadspummeleddownhischeeks,
andhegrippedthecontrols.Hisfingerswereghostwhite.

ThenosewastiltedtooclosetothegroundforKate’sliking.Shewascertaintheywouldexplodeintoa
millionpieces.Sheplacedherhandsonhercheeksandscreamedastheplanetoucheddown,notstopping
untilallofthewheelswereontheground.Theplanebarreledforward,fullspeedahead,Francesco
slammingonthebrakes.

Theplaneskiddedforward,andthenosedippedontotheairstrip,collidingwiththetarmac.Theright
wingflewoff,havingalreadybeendamagedbythelightningstrike,andKate,whohadundoneherseat
beltearlierintheflight,wasflungforward.Herarmbecametwistedandcaught,crushedbyachairnear
thebrokenwing.Shefeltthewindoutsidetheplane’sbody.Tearspoureddownhercheeks.Shecriedout,
certainshewoulddie.

Theplanecontinueddowntherunway,Francescostillslammingonthebrakes.Katewantedtocryout,to
tellhimitwasallover.Herarmwasbleeding,thebloodseepingintoherdress,butFrancescoremained
focusedonhistask.Eventually,withonlyfeetleftuntiltheendoftherunway,hebroughtthejettoa
shudderingstop.

Themomenttheplanestopped,FrancescounbuckledhisseatbeltandrantoKate,findingherinthe
wreckage.Hisfacewasredandblotchy,andhelookedpanicked.“Areyouokay?”heasked,wincingas
helookedatherarm.

Kategrimaced,herthroatsorefromherscreaming.Shelookeddownatherarm,stillcaughtbetweena
chairandthewallofthecabin.

“Letmehelpyou,”thePrincesaid.“MaybeIcanliftthechairandgiveyoualittlebitmorespace.”He
wrappedhisfingersaroundthemetalandyanked,butitdidn’tbudge.

Frowning,Katetoldherselfshecouldn’tappearlikeadamselindistress.Shewouldn’tallowthePrince
tosaveherfromthis.Shecouldsaveherself.

Sinceshe’dbeenagirl,Katehadbeenhypermobile,abletobendherelbowsandwriststoextreme

angles.Muchlikethecontortionistattheparty,she’dfreakedherfriendsoutathermiddleschool,bending
herbodyinwaysthatweren’tnormal.

Here,trappedbeneaththewreckage,Katewasabletouseherhypermobilitytobendherelbowbackward
andfreeherbleedingarmfromthemetal.Inasingleswoop,shewasoutandfree,holdingontoherhurt
armwithherfreehand.Shesatintheaisleoftheplane,listeningtothesilenceofthewreckage,hardly
abletobelieveshewasalive.

“Jesus,”Francescosaid,gazingather,clearlyimpressed.“Ican’tbelieveyougotoutofthat.”

“Meneither,”Kateadmitted,stillclingingtoherforearm.“Youdidwonderfully,bytheway,landingthe
planelikethat.Ithoughtsurelywe—”

ThePrincehelduphishand.“Don’tsayit.”Hedidn’tspeakagainforalmostanentireminute.“Ican’t
believemystubbornpassengerhassuchatalent.”

“Myhypermobility?Iwouldn’tcallthatatalent,”Katesaid,laughing.

Francescoshookhishead.“I’mmoreimpressedthanIcansay.”

“Isupposewebothimpressedeachothertoday,”Katemurmured.

ThePrinceclearedhisthroat.“Weshouldprobablygetoutofthiswreckage.”

KatestoodandfollowedthePrincetothesideoftheplane,whereheopenedalatchthatreleasedasmall
staircase.Theywalkedslowlydowntothetarmac,whichwascoveredwithcracks.

Whentheywereasafedistancefromtheplane,theybothturnedbacktolookatthewreckage.Thewing
hadfallenfromthebodyoftheplane,butwasstillhangingonbyafewelectricalwires,andhadcracked
onthepavement.Thenosewasblackened,andthewheelswerescuffedandweak-lookingaftertheir
roughlanding.

“Wow.NeverthoughtI’dseethedayIcrashedmyownplane,”thePrincesaid.

“Shewasarealbeauty,”Kateoffered,hervoicemeek.

“AgiftfromtheprinceofBelgium,”thePrincesaid.“WishIcouldtellhimwhathappened,butI’m
guessingwedon’thavemuchserviceouthere,huh?”

Kateturnedtoseetherestoftheisland.Arainforest,thesamedensegreenfromPanama,surroundedthe
airfield.Sheimaginedawholehostofbeastsinsidetheforest,justwaitingfornighttofall.Sheshivered,
notwantingtoshowherfear.

“Whatarewegoingtodo?”shesaid.“Theplanecan’ttakeusanywhere,andI’mguessingthisisland
isn’tanywherenearashippingline.We’restranded.”

ThePrincelookedather,allowingasmiletoform.

“Whyintheworldareyousmiling?”sheaskedhim,agitated.“Thisisanemergency.It’snolongera
questionofwhetherornotIcangettomyphotoshoot.Nowit’saquestionofwhetherornotyoucanhunt
andIcangather—”

“You’resayingweshouldrepopulatetheislandthen?”thePrinceaskedher,joking.

Katehunchedhershoulders.“No,I’mnotsayingthat,”shesaid,hereyesflashing.“Ijustdon’tknowhow
we’regoingtogetthroughthis.Ihaven’twatchedSurvivorsinceIwasateenager.Idon’tknowthefirst
thingaboutsurvivaltactics.”

“Nottoworry,”thePrincesaidlightly.“Mypeoplewillbeabletotracktheplanedown,soonerorlater.I
hadatrackerinstalledonit,justincase.”

“Justincaseyoucrashit,youmean,”Katesaid.

“Justincasealightningboltcomesoutofnowhereandstrikestheplane,yes,”thePrincesaid,raisinga
singledarkeyebrow.

“Howlongwillittakethemtorescueus?”sheasked,wincingslightly.Herarmhadtakenonaheartbeat
ofitsown.Shewrappedherdresssleevetighteraroundit,hopingtostoptheflowofblood,whichhad
thankfullyslowedtoatrickle.

“Ican’tsay.I’mnotsurehowlongit’llbebeforetheyrealizeI’vegonemissing.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Katesaid.“Wouldn’ttheyknowrightaway?”

“Igoofftheradarquiteoften,Kate.Ilikemylifethatway.IfallintotheManhattanpartyscenefora
weekatatime,sometimes,andIdon’tcomeupforairtocheckmessagesforalongwhile.ButI’m
hoping,sincethiswasn’taroutinetriptoManhattan,mypeoplewillcheckonmeabitmorequicklythis
timearound.”Hiseyesmethers.Theylookedhonest,andatinybitfearful.“Atleast,that’swhatI’m
guessing.”

Katebegantoshiver.ShewantedtowrapherarmsaroundthePrince’sstrongabdomen,todrawhim
closertoher.Butthey’dhardlytouchedbefore.Hefeltlikeastranger.

“Atleastthestormhaspassed,”Katesaid,eyeingtheclearingsky.“Thatreallycameoutofnowhere.”

“Ilookedattheradarbeforeweleft,”Francescosaid.“Ithoughtforsurewe’dmissitbyhours.Itmoved
morequicklythanIthought.”

Astheystoodtogether,wordless,Katetoreastripofclothoffthebottomofherdress.Shewrappedthe
fabrictightlyaroundherwound,hopingthiswouldhelpstopthebleeding.

“You’redefinitelynotsomedamselindistress,areyou?”thePrinceobserved.

“Absolutelynot,”Katesaid,finishingherknotbyyankingattheclothwithherteeth.“Whatdidyouthink,
thatI’mwaitingonmyPrinceCharming?”

“I’veneverbeenanyone’sPrinceCharming,”Francescosaid,somewhatwistfully.

“You’veneverknownanyonelongerthanafewhours,”Katesaid,teasinghim.“Thiswhole‘trappedona
desertedisland’thingisgoingtobetroublingforyou,isn’tit?”

“Ididn’teventhinkofit,”thePrincesaid,raisinghiseyebrows.“WhenIalmostkissedyoulastnight,I
hadnoideaI’dbestrandedonadesertedislandwithyou.Isn’tthatcosmicallyinteresting?”

“Isupposeyoucouldsaythat,”Katesaid,hercheeksreddening.Sheknewhe’dbeentryingtokissher,
buthearinghimsayitoutloudmadehernervous.

AsKatespoke,blackcloudscoveredthemagain.Thunderrumbledominously.Kateturnedhereyes
upward,justintimetofeelrainbegintopatterontohershoulders.“Wherearewegoingtogoforthe
night?”sheasked.DespitethePrince’sarrogance,hewasallshehad.Shesearchedhisfaceforanswers.

ThePrincepointedtotheplane.“Ithinkwe’regoingtohavetosleepinthere,”hetoldher.“Otherwise,
oncethesungoesdown,we’regoingtobewithoutshelter.”

Katenodded,fillingwithdread.Asshebegantowalkbacktowardthejet,memoriesofthecrashlanding
flashedinhermind,butsheswallowedandforcedtheimagesaway,remindingherselfthatFrancesco’s
peoplewouldcomeandcollectthembothsoon.Shejusthadtobepatient.

Onceinsidetheplane,Francescosnappedhisfingersandwenttothebarcabinet.Heopenedthelatchto
revealafullystockedbar—countlessspirits,champagne,wine,andevenafewcasesofbeer.Hegrinned
atKate,flashinghiswhiteteeth.“Atleastwe’llhavesomethingtoconsume,right?”

“Whataboutfood?Doyouhaveanythinginthewayofsnacksbackthere?”Kateasked,fallingontoher
kneesontheflooroftheplane.Sheleanedheavilyagainstaseat,wantingtoclosehereyes.

ThePrincedisappearedbehindthebarforamoment.Kateheardhimopeninganothercabinet,andthen
another,beforehereappearedwithseveralbagsofmixednuts,anentirecheesecake,andabagofshrimp,
stillfrozen.“It’sarandomselection,I’lladmitit,”hesaid,splayingtheitemsoutbeforeher.“LasttimeI
stockedthefreezerandsnackcabinet,IwastakingafewmodelfriendsovertoNewYork.IthinkI
thoughtthemixednutswouldbeagoodidea,incaseanyonegottoodrunk.Andthecheesecake?Well,I
justlikeit.”

Kategrinned.“I’llhavesomechampagne,Iguess.”

Francescopickedupthechampagnebottle.Heturnedtowardthepartiallyopensideoftheplane,where

thewinghadfallenoff,andpoppedthecorkintotheair.Thebubblesspilledout,andhelaughed,hiseyes
flashingintheremainingdaylight.Hecollectedtwochampagneflutesfromthesamecabinetandfilled
them,workingwiththeprecisionofaseasonedpourer.HehandedKateaglass,andtheyclinkedthem
together,sharingasmile.

“Here’stoyourremarkableselectionofspirits,”shesaid.

“Andhere’stohopingyourarmhealsquickly,”Francescosaid,hisvoicesoft.

“Andhere’stohopingwearerescuedsoonerratherthanlater.”

“Wedohaveyourphotoshoottoworryabout,”Francescosaidteasingly.

“Asifthat’sanissue,”Katesaid,laughing.

“Iwouldn’twantyoutoloseyourspotonmyaccount,”Francescosaid,sippinghischampagne.He
smackedhislipsandnodded,clearlyimpressed.“It’sgood.IpickeditupinFrancelasttimeIwas
there.”

“Soworldly,youare,”Katesaid.

“IsupposeIam,”hesaid,showingthatcockysideagain.Hesatonthefloorbesideher,andtheystared
outthewindowsasthesuncollapsedintotheCaribbeanSea.Abovetheorangehorizonline,theclouds
werestillgrayanddark.

“Theynevertalkabouthowbeautifulitisonadesertedisland,”hesaidabsently.

“Ithinkpeopletendtoforgetaboutitafterthefirsttwohours,”Katesaid.“Youknow,duetohunger,fear,
andresentment.”

“Butnotus,”Francescosaid.Heliftedhisdrink,anditsparkledinthedyinglight.“Becausewe’vegot
alcohol.”

“Here,here,”Katesaid.

Theyfinishedoffthebottleinlessthananhour,bothofthemdrinkingquicklytohidetheirnerves.Once
thebottlewasempty,FrancescoaskedKateifshewantedtoopensomethingelse.“Let’skeepthisparty
going!”hesaid,histonereminiscentofthepreviousnight.

Kateshookherhead.“We’regoingtoneedtohaveourwitsaboutustomorrow,”shesaid,herwords
slurringtogetherslightly.Shestabbedherforkintothesideofthecheesecakeandateit,closinghereyes
atthecreamytexture.“Wecan’tbedrunkallnightandhungoverallmorning.”

“Soundsallrighttome,”Francescosaid.

“Well,youcandoitalone,then,”Katesaid,turningawayfromhimandcurlinguponthefloorofthe
plane.ShelistenedasFrancescoputawaytherestofthefood,mutteringsomethingabouthowtheshrimp
wouldthawinthenextfewhours.Thenhelaydownbesideher,aboutafootaway.

Kateturnedtowardhim,blinkingintothedarkness.Sheknewhewasstillawake,ashisbreathinghadn’t
calmed.“Doyouwanttohuddletogetherforwarmth?”sheasked.

“Areyouserious?”Francescoasked.

“That’showpeoplestayaliveinthesesituations,”Katetoldhim.“Haven’tyouseenasinglemovieabout
desertedislands?”

“IsupposeIskippedthose,”Francescosaid.

“Justcomecloser,”Katewhispered.“Please.”

Finally,Francescocreptcloserandwrappedhisarmsaroundher.Sheturnedawayfromhim,becominga
smallspoontohisbiggerone.Hisarmswerethickandmuscled,andtheyimmediatelywarmedherupper
body.Hermusclesbegantorelax;herheartbegantobeatmoreslowly.

“Thankyou,”shemurmured,momentsbeforedriftingofftosleep.

Francescofellasleeponlysecondslater.Theirbreathingpatternsmatchedthroughoutthenight,andeven
inthemidstofthismostterrifyingofevents,theybothsleptsoundly,withoutdreaming.Itwasasifbeing
witheachotherwasenough.

TEN

Hourslater,sunlightblastedinthroughtheplane’swindows.Kate’seyespoppedopen,andshe
immediatelyfelttoowarm,almoststifledbyFrancesco’sstrongarms.Shewiggledfreeofhim,allowing
hissnorestocontinue,andstoodontheblacktopoftheairstrip,gazingtowardtheCaribbeanSea.

Theskywasachinglyblue,andtheseamatchedit.Aroundher,therainforesthadcomealiveagain.
Colorfulbirdscawedoutaroundher,makingherfeellikeanalieninanotherworld.Sheremovedthe
stripoffabricfromherarmtoinspectherwoundandfoundittobemessywithdriedblood.

Katewanderedtowardtheshoreandrinsedherskinwithseawater,watchingasthedarkredpooledon
thesand.Thankfully,thewoundbeneathwasn’tterrible,anditwasalreadybeginningtoheal.

Removinghershoesanddippinghertoesintothesea,Kateclosedhereyes,hardlyabletorememberthe
lasttimeshe’dbeeninthewater.Asshe’dtoldFrancesco,shecouldn’tswimwell.Ithadn’texactlybeen
atoppriorityduringherchildhood,giventhatherparentsbothworkedduringthesummermonthsand
she’dbeentakentodaycare.She’dspenteachdayeitherplayingvideogamesorpracticinghermakeupin
themirror,usingtheleftoversfromherbabysitter.Swimminghadbeensomethingonlytherichkidsdidat
homealone.

Afterafewmomentsofsolitude,Kateturnedbacktowardtheplane.Sherememberedtheviewofthe
islandfromaboveandthoughttheyshouldexploretherestofit.Perhapstheycouldsearchoutmore
suppliesbeyondtheairstrip.Iftheislandhaditsownairport,ithadsurelyhostedpeopleatsomepoint,
too.

Shereachedtheplaneandfoundableary-eyedFrancescostandingattheentrance.Hischeeksweretinged
withstubble,makinghimappeargruff,likeamountainman.Hesmileddownatherwithakind,honest
face,asifthey’dbeenloversthedaybefore.Asiftheydidn’tdisagreesooften.

“Howdy,stranger,”hesaid.“Wheredidyougo?”

“Wantedtocleanmywound,”Katesaid,gesturingtowardherarm.“It’sclearingupallright.”

“Knewyou’dbeokay,kid,”hetoldher.Hetookthefirststepdownthestairsandlookedoutatthewater.
“Beautifulday.”

“Isupposethat’scommonfareouthereintheCaribbean,”Katesaid.

“Youdon’tthinkit’sjustforus?”

“Ha,”Katesaid.“Iwasthinkingwecouldexploretheislandthismorning,seeifthere’sanyleftover
suppliesfromwhenthiswasalocationpeopleflewto.”

“Notabadplan,”Francescosaid.Hepoundeddownthesteps.“Ifyouwanttoplayexplorer,I’lldoit
withyou.Idolookreallygoodinanexplorer’soutfit.”

“Icanonlyimagine,”Katesaidsarcastically.

Theyturnedinland,walkingdowntheairstrip.Theirbodieswereafewfeetapart,yetKatewas
incrediblyconsciousofhim:ofhismuscledarms,ofthewayheliftedhischinhighashewalked.Hewas
theveryportraitofroyalty,despitethefactthathehadn’tshoweredorshaved.

Theyreachedtheedgeoftheairstrip,whereasmall,woodenbuildingsat,slumpedover,clearly
abandoned.Thewindowswerecrackedfromstorms.Katepeeredinone,placingherhandsonthe
woodenslabsontheoutside.“There’sacomputerinthere,”shesaid,almosthopeful.

Francescoappearedbehindher,followinghergaze.“Thatcomputerisfrom1999,Katie,”hesaid,teasing
her.“Idon’tthinkit’sbeenusedsincethen,either.”

“Youthinktheisland’sbeenabandonedsincethen?”Kateasked,herheartbeginningtobeatfaster.

“Can’tsay,”hetoldher.“ButIdon’tthinkwe’regoingtobeFacebookmessaginganyonefromhere.Let’s
keepgoing.”

Theyturnedfromthewoodenbuildingandcontinuedtowardtheforest,whereadirtroadsnakedthrough
thetrees.Astheyenteredtherainforest,Katepeeredup,tryingtospotthetopsofthetrees,butsoonfound
thateventheskycouldn’tbeseenanylonger.Aboutamiledownthepath,shesawapatchofsunlight
again,glowingbeneaththetrees.

“Let’sheadthatway,”shesaid,pointing.“Looksliketheforestendsoverthere.”

Francescodidn’tsayanything.Hebegantowhistle,carefreeinthewakeofdisaster.Deepintheforest,
Kateheardamonkeycawout.Birdsanswered,creatingachorusofsounds.

“I’veneverspentmuchtimeoutdoors,”shesaidafteraminute.

“InMonaco,webasicallylivedoutdoors,”Francescosaid.“Thesea,thesunandthetrees—theywere
oureverything.”

“Soundsamazing,”Katesaid.“InOhio,wehadburningsunandmosquitos.Itwasn’tentirelypleasantout
there,especiallyifyouweretryingtoprepareyourselfforamodelingcareer.”

“Youwastedyourchildhood,then,”Francescosaid.“Wasteditindoors,puttinglotiononthatprettylittle
face.”

Katerolledhereyes.“Iwouldn’tsaywasted.Itwasagoodcareerforawhile.Anyway,youneverhadto
worryaboutthingslikemoneyorsecurity.Evenifyouweretheugliest,mostsunburnedpersononthe
planet,youwouldn’thavehadtoworry.Youwould’vestillhadmodelsatyourparties.”

“Butmydashinggoodlooksdon’thurt,”Francescosaid,andKatehuffedinirritation.

Theyreachedtheendoftheroadafewmomentslater.Asthetreescleared,theremainsofasmallholiday
campwererevealed,withdisusedshacksandseveralnumberedplotsthatwerenowcompletely
overgrown.

Thefirstshackwaslabeledasthebathroom,andKateandFrancescoavoidedit.Thesecondonewas
larger,shadowed,curious.Kateenteredthroughthesidedoortofindadilapidatedcafeteria.Itsroofwas
dwindlingaway,andtherewasaclearviewofthesky.Severaltablesandafewchairspepperedthe
interior,andalargebulletinboardadvertisedcampactivities,suchassing-alongsandprayercircles.The
lastdatedoneshowedtheyear2001.

“It’sbeensixteenyearssincethisplaceoperated,”Katesaid,placingherhandsonherhips.“Whydoyou
thinkpeopleflewallthewayoutherejusttocamp?”

“Probablytogetawayfromtheirwives,”thePrincesaid,givingherasneakysmile.

Katebattedathisarmplayfully,rollinghereyes.Shelefttheshackandwanderedthroughthe
campground,eyeingtheoccasionalmetalspikethathadbeenusedtopegtentsintotheground.She’d
resistedallcampingasachild,butjustlookingatthemetalpegs,shewasremindedofherfather,andshe
hadasuddenpangofhomesickness.Shekickedatoneofthem,sendingitflyingacrosstheplot.

“Goodfootonyou,”Francescosaid,appearingbesideher.“Youwanttoplayapickupgame?”

“I’mnotsosporty,”Katesaid.“Justfrustrated.There’snopossibilityofshelteroverhere.Thatbigshack
istoodraftyandopen.Ican’tsleeponahardgroundagain,though.Itnearlydestroyedmybacklast
night.”

“Yes.It’stoobadtheislanddoesn’tofferanantiquechaiseloungeforyoutopassouton,”thePrincesaid,
grinning.“Whatdoyouthinkweshoulddo?”

“We’regoingtohavetogobacktonature,Ithink,”Katesaid.“Trytobuildabettershelter,andafire,
too.Andmaybescroungearoundtheairplaneagaintoseeifthere’sanythingbettertoeat.IfIdon’teat
somethingsubstantialsoon,I’mgoingtogetevencrankier.”

“That’sawarningIcantakeseriously,”Francescosaid.“IthoughtI’dalreadyseenyouatyourworst.”

Katerolledhereyes,fakingherirritationnow.Withaplan—oratleastapathtoaplan—shefeltalittle
moreheartened.

Shepointedtowardtheforestandthentheshack.“Iwasthinkingwecouldbuildsomethingwithfronds
fromthetreesandthosetablesinside.Wecanpickoneoftheseplotstoliveonforabit.Wehaveagood
viewoftheairstripaswell,meaningthatwhen—orif—yourpeoplediscoverus,wecanruntothem
beforetheyevenland.”

“Goodpoint,”Francescosaid,hiseyesbright.Helookedathercuriously,almostsurprisedthattheywere
suddenlygettingalongsowell.“IsthiswhatStockholmsyndromeislike?”heaskedher.

Katerolledhereyesagain.“Don’tgetaheadofyourself.”

Overthenexthourorso,KateandFrancescogatheredseveralpalmfrondsandcreatedakindofbedon
oneoftheplots,completewithblanketsfromtheairplane.“Whydidn’tyoufindtheselastnight?”Kate
asked,irritated.Francescodidn’thaveananswerbesides,“IthinkIputthemtherewhenIwasdrunk.”

Theytriedlightingafireinthefirepit.Francescohadbeenabletofindamatchbookintheairplane,but
startingafirewithasinglematchwasprovingdifficult.They’donlybeenabletofindafewlogs,and
mostofthemwerewetfromthestorm.

“I’msurewecouldpickupsomedriedleavesorsomething”Katesaid,smackingherhandsonherthighs.
“Anythingtomakethefirehottodryouttheselogs.”

“There’stheGirlScoutfromOhio,”Francescosaid,teasingher.“Iknewyou’dcomeupwithsomething.”

KateledFrancescobacktotheforestandpeeredinside.“It’sstrangehowdarkitgetstheminuteyou
enter,”shesaid.“Maybedeeperintotheforestthelogsandleavesdidn’tgetaswet,sincethetreecover
issothick.”

Theyscurrieddeeperintotheforest,findingtheirfootingbetweenlogsandalongsidestrangeplants.Kate
shiveredinwardly,hopingnoneofthemwerepoisonous.Sheprayedshewouldn’tencounteranysnakes.

Afterwalkingforaboutfiveminutes,thepairrealizedthatthelogsandleavesonthegroundweren’tquite
aswetanymore.Theybegantocollectsome,pilingthelogsintotheirarmsbeforeretreatingbacktothe
sunshine.

“Thankgoodness,”Katesaid.“Afterwestartthefire,youshouldgogatherupanyextrafoodintheplane
youcan.We’llhaveafeastfitforakingtonight.”

“Oraprince,atleast,”Francescogrinned.

“WhatwouldIdowithoutyouhere?”Katesaid,tossinglogsintothefirepit.

“Isupposeyou’dbeboredbeyondyourwildestdreams,”hesaid.Hedustedoffhishandsandturned
towardtheairstrip,readytosearchforfood.“Youwereright,bytheway,aboutusbecominghunter-
gatherers.Wemightjustlivethroughthisafterall.”

Katesmiledandstruckamatch,lightingtheleavesinthefirepit.Theflamesbitattheedgesandthen
begantoburnthetwigsshe’dlinednexttothem.Sheclappedherhandsasthefiregrewbigger,warming
herhandsandclosinghereyes,feelingcenteredandmeditative.Shewasgoingtosurvivethis.Theyboth
were.

Sometwentyminuteslater,thePrincereturned,carryingalargebasketofgoodies.Hiseyesglowedinthe
lightfromthefire.“Wow.Youdidit,”hesaid,impressed.Hemadeintenseeyecontactwithherfora

moment,givingheraslightgrin.“Theheatfeelsamazing.”

“Whatdidyoufind?”Kateasked,interruptingtheintimatemomentbetweenthem.

Francescodroppedthebasket,allowingKatetopeerinside.Theonce-frozenshrimpwereontop,along
withaboxofcrackers,acontainerofFrenchcheeses,andsomedelimeat.

ThePrincehadalsocollectedseveralbottlesofwinefromtheplane’sbar.Heliftedoneofthemuptothe
fire,causingittoglintinthelight.“IpickedthisupinParisafewyearsago,”hesaid.“Seemslikea
perfecttimetoopenit.”Hepulledawinekeyfromhispocketanduncorkedthetop,fillingtwosmall
cupshe’dbroughtfromtheairplane.

“Let’ssee,”Katesaid,piecingthroughtheitemsinthebasket.“Wecouldheatthecheeseonastick,getit
allmeltyforthecrackers?”Shesmiledathim.“Adifferentversionoffondue.”

“Soundsdelicious,”Francescosaid.“I’llfindastick.”

Overthenextfewhours,theyateoccasionally,fuelingthemselvesinpreparationforanothercoldnight
ahead.Katewasimpressedbythecheeseselection,sayingitremindedherofherfavoritecharcuterieand
cheeseplatesfromhertimeinManhattan.

“Haveyoubeentothatplaceoff44

th

Street?”Francescoaskedher.

“Whichone?”

“Remy’s,”Francescosaid.“TheyhavethebestcheeseplateI’vehadinmylife.”Hetookanotherbiteof
cheeseandcracker,thecrumbscollectingonhisbroadchest.

“I’llhavetotakeyourwordforit,Iguess,”Katesaid,laughing.

“Oryoucouldcomewithmesometime,”Francescosaid.“Whenwasthelasttimeyouwereinthecity?”

“Gosh,it’sbeenyears,”Katesaid,hervoicegoingsoft.“Ihaven’tbeenbacksinceImoved.Evenjobs
thatI’maskedtodothere,Inormallyturndown.Ithurtstoomuch.Ilovedthatcity.”Shemadeeyecontact
withFrancescoforamomentbeforelookingdown,feelingoddlynervous.“Sorryifthatwastoomuch
information.”

“No.IthinkIfeelsimilarlyaboutMonaco,”Francescosaid,readjustinghimselfonthepalmfrondbed
they’dbuilt.“It’shardtoevenhearaboutitbecauseImissitsomuch.Icraveit.”

“Exactly.ItfeelslikeI’vebeenexiledfromNewYork,”Katesaid.“Ineverysense.Iwasn’tgoodenough
forthecityanylonger,anditspitmeout.ItspitmeallthewaytoMiami.”

“Miamican’tbeallbad,”Francescosaid.“It’swarm,atleast.”

“Ha.IknowyouknowthemagicofManhattan,”Katesaid.“Youcan’tresistitforevenafewweeks.It
callstoyou.”

“Youshouldlistentothecall,then,andcomewithmetoeatthatcheeseplate,”Francescosaid,laughing.
“Becauseyou’reasurvivorofaplanecrashnow.Youhavetoappreciatethelittlethingsinlife.Youcan’t
allowentirecitiestokickyouout.”

Katesmiledathimthenbitherlipsheepishly.Ashespoketohersokindly,herheartseemedtoswellin
herchest.Shefinishedthelastofhercrackerandswipedthebackofherhandacrossherlips.Themoon
hadcrestedoverthetopoftheforest,becomingtheonlylightbesidesthefire.

“IwasthinkingIwantedtogotothesea,”shewhispered.“Justtolookoutoverit.Tolistentothe
waves.”

Francescochompedontherestofhiscrackerandstoodupright,brushingthecrumbsfromhislegs.He
pointedtowardtheairstrip,suggestingtheywalkbackdownthedirtroad.

Katefollowedhimandthenpulledupbesidehim.Thistimeastheywalkedtheywereonlyafewinches
apart.Shefelttheghostofhisfingertips,liftinganddroppingwitheachofhisfootfalls,besidehers.
Buzzedfromtwoglassesofwine,shefeltastrangeinclinationtoholdhishand.Butsheresisted.

Whentheyreachedthesad-looking,crumpledplane,thePrinceclamberedupintoittograbanotherbottle
ofwine.“Justforthewater,”hetoldher.“It’llboostourconfidence,giventhatwehaven’tyetbeen
rescued.”

“Agreed,”Katesaid,sighing.“ButIdidn’texpectthemtoday.Hopefullytomorrow.”

“Surelytomorrow,”thePrincesaid,poppingthecork.ThenoiseechoedinKate’sears.

Theywanderedtherestofthewaytotheshore,wheretheysatonthesand.Theyremovedtheirshoesand
buriedtheirtoesinthewhitegranules.Thewavescrashedinfrontofthem,glowingwiththelightofthe
moon.Theysippedthewinestraightfromthebottle,feelinganewcamaraderiewraparoundthem.Kate
knewshehadn’tspokentoanyonesomuchinyears,perhapsnotevenElla.

“IthinkImightlikethisplaceevenmorethanyourmansion,”Katesaid.“Itmakesmefeelcalm.Idon’t
thinkI’vefeltthatinawhile.”

“That’sgoodtohear,”Francescomurmured.“I’minclinedtoagree.”

Theysippedthewineawhilelonger.Katebroughtherhandtoheruppershoulderandkneadedit,
rememberingthestressofthepreviousfewweeks:stressfromrentbeingdue,fromnotgettingenough
modelingjobs,fromtellingEllashewouldcommitanillegalactinordertodeliverthosephotographsto
her.Now,itseemed,thetensionwasfinallyfallingaway.

“Youknow,”thePrincesaid,breakingthesilenceaftertakinganothersip,“youreallyintriguedmeatthe

party.”

Kateraisedherlefteyebrowhigh.“You’vealreadysaidIdidn’tlookliketheothers,andIcertainlydidn’t
partyliketheothers.”

Heshookhishead.“YouintriguedmebecauseIcouldtellyouwereforcingit,likewiththedancingyou
weredoingwiththatAustraliangirl.”

Katepausedforamoment,considering.“Youchosemeforthatparty,though.Youmustrememberwhen
yousawme,thereasonyouofferedmethejobviamyagent?Youmusthavedonethatforareason.”

“Isawyouonthepagesofamagazine,”Francescosaid.“Youwereholdingabottleofperfume,yourchin
liftedbutyoureyesdowncast.Youlookedlikeyouhadamillionthingstosaybutdidn’tplanonspilling
themtoanyoneanytimesoon.Youlookedlikeyouwerebrimmingwithideas.”

Katelaughed,happytohearthathe’dtakenaninterestinher,beyondherlooks,evenbeforethey’dmet.“I
rememberthatad.TheyphotographeditoutsideMiami,whenitwas110degrees.I’msureIwas
brimmingwiththingstosay,butnotallofthemwereverynicethings.”

“Fair,”Francescosaid,takinganothersip.Hislipswerewetwithdrink,makingthemappearthickerand
morekissablethanever.Katerememberedhowthey’dnearlykissedtwonightsbefore,andherstomach
lurchwithneed.

“Yousaidyouneverplayedoutsideasakid,thatyoualwayswantedtobeamodel,”Francescosaid.
“Whatwasitthatcalledyoutotheindustry,ifitwasn’ttheallureoftheconstantparty?”

Kateconsideredthisforamoment.“Well,ItoldyouIgrewupinOhio.Whenyougrowupinthemiddle
ofAmerica,you’rerifewithdreams—withtheideathatyoucanbeanythingyouwanttobeaslongasyou
workhardenough.Igrewuplookingatadsinmymother’smagazines;allthesegorgeousmodelswho
seemedtoknowthesecrettolife,tolove,tohappiness.That’swhenIdecidedIwantedtobelikethem.I
startedpracticingmycatwalkingskillsattheageofsix.”

“Wow.Whiletherestofuswerethrowingmudaround,”Francescosaid,impressed.

“Yousurelyweren’tthrowingmudasaprince,”Katesaid,givinghimaknowingglance.

“Howdoyouknowwhatusroyalsweredoing?”Francescoteased.“Andwhatofyourparents?They
mustbesoproudofyou.”

Katehadn’tthoughtmuchofherparentssincethecrashlanding.Sheswallowed,suddenlywishingshe
couldwrapherarmsaroundhermother’sshouldersandweepoutherfearsofthelastfewyears.

“They’reproud,butIwouldn’tsaytheyapprove,exactly.Theywantedmetodosomethingmoresensible
withmylife.Theywantedmetochooseacareerthatwouldsupportmeafterthewrinklesstartedto
form.”

“Likewhat?”Francescoasked,laughing.“Adeskjobwouldneverdoforyou.You’refartoointeresting.”

“Youhardlyknowme,”Katesaid,hervoicesoft.

“Yes,butI’mlearningallthetime.”

“Mustbehorrible,learningaboutthewomanbehindthemodel,”Katejoked.

Francescolaughed.“It’sactuallynotasbadasIfeared.MaybeIshoulddoitmoreoften.”

Katefeltastabofjealousy.Shepressedherlipstogether,realizingthataftertheygotbacktocivilization,
he’dinevitablyreturntohispartyinglifestylewhileshe’dreturntoherdyingmodelingcareer.Itwasjust
thewayoftheworld.

Asthehoursworeon,KatefoundherselfenjoyingthePrince’scompanymoreandmore.Theydovefrom
onetopicofdiscussiontothenext,fromtheirrelationshipswiththeirfamiliestotheirloveofmoviesand
musictothefactthatKateoncepartiedforforty-eighthoursstraightinManhattan.

“Andyoucan’tfinditwithinyoutorepeatit?”heaskedher,incredulous.“Wasn’titfun?”

“Ihardlyrememberit,”Katesaid,laughing.“Itfeelslikeithappenedtosomeoneelse.”

Asthenightwounddown,thePrincewrappedhisarmaroundKate,andsheshiveredintohim,huddling
closer.“Iwasthinkingweshouldgobackandtendtothefire,”shewhispered.“Maybegetsomesleep.
We’llneedourrest,especiallyiftheystilldon’trescueustomorrow.”

Theystooduponquivering,tipsylegsandwalkedbacktotheircampsite,giggling.Katecouldn’tbelieve
theswitchthathadhappenedinhermind.Hoursbefore,she’dthoughtthePrincetobearrogantandself-
righteous,withoutasinglepositiveattributebesideshisstrikinggoodlooks.Now,afterhe’daskedher
questionsaboutherpastandshownaninterestinherpersonality,shefeltalignedwithhim.Shewas
startingtocravehissmile,thewayhelookedather,andshelongedtobeclosetohim.

Theyhuddledclosetotheremainsofthefire.Kateblewonthecoals,kickingthefireupagainstthedried
leavesagain.Shescrubbedherpalmstogetheroverit,catchingFrancesco’seyes.

“Thatwasfast,”hesaid,impressed.

“I’llwakeupeveryfewhourstotendtoit,”shesaid.“Thatwaywecanstaywarmtillmorning.”

“Thankyou,”Francescosaid,“butI’vegotthenextround.I’llkeepusalive,too.It’snotjustyourduty.”

Kategrinnedandboundedtowardthepalmfrondbedthey’dcreated.Shetuggedtheblanketsoverherand
huddledwiththePrince.Thepreviousnight,whenthey’dbeenforcedtohuddletogetherforwarmthon
theflooroftheplane,she’dfeltanxious,hatingthattheirbodieshadtobesoclosetogether.Buttonight,

withthecracklingfirebesidethem,shecouldn’timagineanotherpersonshe’dratherclingtoforwarmth.
ShewonderedifFrancescofeltthesame.

Theydriftedofftosleepinminutes,theirbreathcomingandgoingslowly,withoutpanic.

Afteranotherhour,Francescoawoke.HeunstrunghimselffromKate’sembraceandputafewmorelogs
onthefire.HewatchedKate’ssleepingfaceforafewmoments,gratefulthathe’dbeenabletogetup
withoutwakingher.Thenhelaydownbesideheragain,fallingintoblissfulsleepbeneaththeblankets.
Neitherofthemdreamed.Theywerefartooexhausted.

ELEVEN

Kateresistedwakingup.Withjustasinglesniffoftheair,sheknewthefirehadgoneout.Thesunbeamed
downontheirshelter,thankfullyavoidingtheirfaces.Francesco’sarmswerestillwrappedaroundher,
andhecontinuedtosleepsoundly,hisheadonhershoulder.Itfeltlikeparadise.Shedidn’twantto
escapeit.

Butsoon,Francescoyawnedandstretchedawayfromher,takinghisbodyheatwithhim.Kategotupfrom
thepalmfrondmattressandstretchedherarmsaboveherhead.

“Howdidyousleep?”sheaskedFrancesco.

“Fine,”Francescosaid,lookingatherwithsleepyeyes.“Andyou?”

Withthelightofthemorningnowuponthem,theromancefromthenightbeforefellaway.Katescrubbed
herpalmstogetherandgottoworkonthefire,ignitingitagain.“Maybewecanhavealittlesomethingfor
breakfast,”shesaid.“What’sleftinthefoodbasket?”

Francescofrownedandliftedthebasket,tiltingittowardher.“Ididn’tknowweneededtosavefoodfor
today…”

“Whatdoyoumean?”sheasked,almostscreeching.Dreadovershadowedanyotheremotion.“Wedon’t
knowwhenyourpeoplearegoingtofindus!”

“Iwashungry,”Francescosaid,shrugging.“I’msurewecanfiguresomethingout.”

Katefrowned,grumpyfromherlackofcoffee.“Whatdoyoupropose?”

“Let’stryfishing,”Francescosaid.“Iwatchedmyfatherspearfishforafewyearsasakid,butInever
understoodwhyhedidn’tjustputanetdown.ItseemedlikethenetfishersinMonacoalwayscollected
bucketsoffish.”

“Butwedon’thaveanet,”Katehuffed.

“Improvisation,mydear,”Francescosaid.“That’swhatwe’vebeenrelyingoneversincewegothere.
Whynotkeepitgoing?”

“Fairpoint,”Katesaid,risingtoherfeet.“Let’sgochecktheplaneforsomethingtouse.Butifthis
doesn’twork,I’mexpectingyoutofishwithyourhands.”Shewinkedathimbutstillfeltalittleuneasy.
Howweretheygoingtocatchfishwithoutanyappropriateequipment?

Theyreachedtheplaneafterthenow-familiarwalkdownthedirtroad.Katewentupthestepsfirst,hating
theominoustiltingoftheplanewitheachfootfall.“Doyouthinktheplaneisstillstable?”sheaskedhim.
“Withthebrokenwing?”

“Sure,”hesaid.“Aslongaswedon’tgaintoomuchweight.”

“Somehow,Idon’tthinkthatwillbeaproblem,”Katesaid,joking.Shestartedhersearchattheplane’s
backcloset,findingonlytowelsandswimsuits,perhapsfromarecenttriptothebeach.Sheflungthem
ontotheground,thinkingtheycouldbeuseful.

“Youplanningongoingswimming?”Francescoaskedher,busyinghimselfupfrontnearthepilot’sseat.

Katedidn’tanswer.Anideahadstruckher.Sheturnedtowardthesmallbagshe’dpackedforthetripto
Panamaanddrewoutthreepairsofpantyhose.Shealwayskeptafewpairsinherbag,justincase.

ShewavedthepantyhosetowardFrancesco,hereyesbrightwithexcitement.“Look!”

“Pantyhose?”heaskedher,incredulous.

“Wecanmakethemintoanet,”Katesaid.“Here.Breakthisoneopen.”Shethrewanudepairathisface,
andhecaughtthemeasily.Theybusiedthemselveswithrippingthepantyhoseapartandthentyingthem
togetherintoalong,thinnet.

“Goodthingtheydon’thaveholesinthem,”Francescosaid.

“Amodelneverhasholesinherstockings,”Katerecited.“Thatwouldbecareersuicide.”

“Goodtoknow,”Francescosaid,smiling.“Whatdoyousaywetrytheseout?”

TheystrolledtowardtheseawithFrancescoclingingtothenet.Kateundressedbehindapalmtreeand
donnedoneoftheswimsuits.ThenshewatchedasFrancescoremovedhisshirtandpants.Hestoodthere,
confidentinjusthisboxers,andgrinnedather.

“Youcan’tswimwell,right?Sothisone’sallme?”hesaid.

“That’sright,”Katesaid.

“Allright,then.Wishmeluck.”

Asheturnedtowardthewaves,Kateadmiredhisshimmering,muscledbody.Hislookedagileandstrong,
andhesteppedeasilyintothewater,lookingasifhebelongedthere.

AsKatewatched,thePrincewanderedintothewateruptohischestandthenplacedthepantyhosenet
beneaththewaves.Hestoodwithoutmovingforseveralminutes,andKateheldherbreath,sensinghe
wouldcatchafishinnotime.

ButthePrinceturnedaroundafterawhileandliftedthenetfromthewater.Heshookhisheadandlifted
hishands.“I’mnotsurethisisgoingtowork,”hesaid.“Idon’tseemanyfishdownthere.”

“It’stheCaribbeanSea,”Katesaid,tiltingherweight.“Ofcoursetherearefishdownthere.Maybeyou

havetogodeeper,awayfromtheshore?”

“I’llswimoutalittle,”hesaid.Hemovedfurtherawayfromthebeach,anddespiteherachinglegs,Kate
continuedstandinginsolidaritywithhim.Shewouldhaveswamalongsidehimifshecould,butthewater
frightenedher,itswaveslikeagiantmouthtryingtoswallowherwhole.

Outinthewater,Francescoswameasily,keepingthenetdippedbeneaththewater.Heeyedthehorizon,
wheretheblueskyseemedtobleedintothewater.Butnomatterhowheheldthenet,nomatterhowhe
shiftedhisbodyandstrainedhisarms,hecouldn’tseemtonabafish.

Hourscreptby.Katewasincrediblyawareofthesunonherbackandchest.Withherpaleskin,shewas
nervousaboutsunburn,sosheretreatedbacktoherdressandtowel.Shecoveredherselfandplacedher
handatherforehead,watchingasFrancescoswambacktothesand.

“How’sitgoingoutthere?”sheaskedhim.Thiswashisfifthtimebacktoshore.

“Notgreat,”headmitted,sittingdown.Hewasdrippingwet.Hiseyessweptbacktothewater,gleaming
withconfidence.“ButI’mgoingtogetusone.Ipromise.I’veneverwantedafishmoreinmylife.”

Katelaughedandscrubbedatthetopsofhisshoulderswiththetowel,causinghimturntowardher.He
pattedthesandbesidehim,askinghertosit.

“Youdoingokayuphere?”heasked.Heswipedherredhairbehindherear,clearingherface.“Itmustbe
terriblyboring,watchingmefailoverandoveragain.”

“Boring?Noway,”Katesaidsarcastically.Butshegrinnedathim,tuckingherchinontoherknees.She
gazedintohiseyes,feelingtiredfromthesun.Herlipswereonlyafewinchesfromhis.

“Justletmetryafewmoretimes,”hesaid,hisvoicegruffwithfatigue.Aftergazingintohereyesafew
momentsmore,heliftedhimselftohisfeetandboundedtowardthesea.

Heswamoutfurtherstill,clingingtothenetwithhisrighthandanddivingbeneaththewaves.Heerupted
fromthesurfacesomethirtysecondslater,whippinghisblackhairthroughtheair.

Hehowled.“Kate!Igotone!”

Katestoodupquickly,bringingherhandtoherforeheadtoblockthesun.Asshewatchedhim,Francesco
struggledwithsomethingbeneaththewaves.Heduckedunder,splashing.Alargefinburstfromthe
surfaceandthenwentunderagain.Kateheldherbreath,prayinghe’dsucceed.Shecouldn’tsitoutthere,
justhoping,formuchlonger.

Francescoburstfromthewateragain,smilingather.Heswamslowly,clearlytuggingalargefishbehind
him.Hefoundfootingonthesandandmarchedtowardherwithstrong,pulsingmuscles.Inhisarms,he
heldanenormousfish,bigenoughtofeedthembothfordays.Kategasped,placingherhandoverher
mouth.

“ItoldyouI’ddoit!”hesaid,reachingher.

“Don’tdropitinthesand,”Katemurmured,helpingFrancescocarrytheenormousfishtothebasket
they’dbroughtfromthesite.

Francescocontinuedtobreatheheavily.Asmilestretchedbetweenhischeeks,andheliftedhishandto
Kate’sface,tappingoneofherreddenedcheek.

“Isthatwhatyouhadinmind?”heaskedher.

“Ithinkyououtdidyourself,PrinceCharming,”shesaid.Thensheleapedtowardhimandwrappedher
armsaroundhismuscledtorso,hugginghim.Afteralongmoment,shetookastepback,gazingupathim.
Shestartedtospeakbutthenheldherwordsin.Herheartjoltedinherchest.

“I’mstarving,”thePrincesaid,breakingthetensionbetweenthem.Heliftedthebasketintotheairand
begantowalkbacktowardthesite.“Ihaveaknifetoprepthefish.Howaboutwecookitoverthefire
andopenthatbottleofwhite?Canyoustartthefireagain?”

“Ofcourse,”Katemurmured,hervoicecatchinginherthroat.Shefeltlostinhersuddenneedforhim,in
herattractiontohim.

Theyreachedthecampsite,andasFrancescopreparedthefish,Kategatheredmorefirewoodandstrucka
match,holdingittothekindling.Theydidn’tspeakforawhile,bothofthemfatiguedbytheday’shunting.
Whenthefishwasfinallyprepped,Francescopusheditoutoverthefire,makingsureitdidn’tfallintothe
flames.

“Thatwasimpressive,”Katesaid,breakingthesilence.

“Ishouldsaythesametoyou,”Francescosaid,watchingthefishbake.“I’llgrabthewinenow.”

Katewaitedasheuncorkedthewhitewineandpouredit,lookingforwardtofeelingwarmedbyalcohol
again.Theyclinkedtheirglassestogetherandsharedanintimateglancebeforeturningtheireyesbackto
thefire.

“ThesemodelsIinvitetomyparties,”Francescosaid,“youprobablygatheredIneverinvitethesame
onesagain.Atleast,notoften.”

“Ididpickuponthat,”Katesaid,surprisedhe’dbrokenthesilencethisway.“Iwonderedaboutit,but
assumeditwaslinkedtoyourdesirenevertogettoknowanywomanverywell.”

“Ididn’tthinkofitthatway,really.IjustfiguredthatifIcould,whywouldn’tI?Ihadcelebritiesto
impress,youknow?”

Kateshrugged,theslimbonesofhershoulderscomingclosetoherears.“Weunderstand,asmodels.We

knowourlookshaveacertainvalue,andthatwearen’thiredforourpersonalities.”

“So,that’soneoftherealitiesofbeingamodel:seeingyourselfasacommodity?”

“Oneofmany,I’dsay.TherealityofbeingamodelisnowherenearasglamorousasIassumeditwould
bebackinmyteenageyears.Isupposethat’slife,though.Nothingiseverasitseems.”

Francesconoddedasheflippedoverthefish.Hiseyebrowswerefurrowed.“Icanunderstandthatmore
thanyouknow,Ithink.”

“Yourlifeofpartiesandcelebritiesandmodelsisn’tasgoodasitseems?”Kateasked,alreadyknowing
theanswer.

“Absolutelynot,”Francescosaidcurtly.Hecheckedthefishagain.Theskinwasstartingtoblacken
nicely.Heliftedittoalargeplatterandthenbegantocutit.“You’regoingtowanttowatchoutfor
bones,”hesaid.

“Okay,”Katesaid.Sheeyedhimclosely,takingthefirstbite.“Ohmygosh,it’sdelicious,”shesaid.The
fishtastedfreshandwholesome,andthefactthatitwasnutritiousandfilledwithproteinimmediately
filledherwithjoy.Shefeltwholeagain.

“There’snothinglikehungertomakefoodtastethebestiteverhas,”Francescosaid,laughingand
lighteningthemood.

Astheyate,theystartedspeakingwithmoreverveandenergy.Katefelthershoulderglideupagainstthe
Prince’sseveraltimes,andhedidn’tmoveawayfromhertouch.

“So,ifyou’resayingthatyourlifeisn’tasfulfillingasitseems,whydoyoufeeltheneedtothrowsuch
grandpartiesatyoursecretmansioninPanama?”Kateasked,hopingshewasn’toverstepping.“WhenI
sawyouattheparty,therewasalightaboutyou.Itlookedlikeyouweredoingthethingyouwerebornto
do.”

“What,dance,drinkandflirt?”thePrinceasked,laughing.“IsupposeIamrathergoodatit.I’vebeen
flirtingwithyoufordays.”

“Unsuccessfully,Imightadd,”Katesaid,teasinghim.

Francescopausedbeforecontinuing,clearlymullingoverseveralthoughtsinhismind.“Ifyoureallywant
toknowwhyI’malwaysthrowingparties,”hesaid.“Well,totellyouthetruth,Kate,it’sbecauseI’m
lonely.”

Katedidn’tspeakforamoment.Shetiltedherhead,assessinghim.Hiseyeswerebright,truthful.Itwas
clearhewasn’tpullingherleg,andshefeltsafeconfidinginhim.“Iknowthatfeeling,”shesaidsoftly.

“It’soneoftheworstfeelingsintheworld,”Francescosaid.“Ineverwantthesamemodelstocomeback

justincasetheyspothowlonelyIam.I’masensitiveperson,butIdon’twanttobe.Asyousaid,we’re
allactingthepartofsomebodyelse.”

“Andyourpartisthebillionaireprincewhodoesn’tcareaboutanyonebuthimself,”Katemurmured.

“Exactly,”Francescosaid.“Likesomanypeople,I’mtryingtoescapemypast.Aren’tIacliché?”

“We’reallescapingsomething,”Katesaid,“andwe’reallintoself-preservation.Igetthat.”Shehesitated
amomentbeforeproceedingtohernextquestion.ItwasclearthatFrancescowasn’tbotheredbytalking
aboutthis.Hewantedtoopenup.Perhapshehadn’tbeenabletotalktoanyoneinalongtime.She
rememberedtossingallherfrustrationsontoEllaatcountlessdinners.AsthePrinceofMonaco,there
wasnoEllaforFrancesco.Therewasnoonehecouldtrust.

“WhywereyouexiledfromMonaco?Isthatthepastyouaretryingtoforget?”Kateasked.

“Idohaveatroubledrelationshipwithmyparents,”Francescosaid.“Isupposeyou’vereadthatinthe
magazines,andit’strue,toadegree.Theysawmeasanembarrassmenttotheroyalnameandsentmeto
Panama.It’sbeentwoyearsnow.Ican’tbelieveit’sbeenthatlong.”

“That’saroundthetimeNewYorkCityexiledme,too,”Katesaid,sighing.“Funnyhowtimeworkslike
that,likethestarswerealignedtokickustoourkneesatthesametime.”

Francesconodded,laughingslightly.“Youhaveawaywithwords,Kate,”hesaid.

“Willtheyallowyoutoreturn?”Kateasked.“Wasthereanystipulation,anagreementontheexile?”

“TheytoldmeIcouldreturntoMonacowhenIcleanedupmyact,”hesaid,“whateverthatmeans.But,
fivethousandmilesawayfromhome,freefromroyalprotocolandmyparents’influence,Iwenttheother
waycompletely,asyousawattheparty.”

Kateraisedhereyebrows.“Yikes,”shesaid.

“Yikesindeed,”Francescosaid.“Ithrewwilder,moreraucouspartieseverysingleweek.Andthemore
peopletalkedaboutme,themorepeoplewroteaboutme,themoreIwantedtoimpressthem,totakewhat
theythoughtaboutmeandspinitonitshead.Itwasanincrediblethrill,atleastforalittlewhile.Iusedto
collectthetabloidsthatfeaturedme.‘He’satitagain!’theysaid.Andthenitgotold.”

KatefrownedasadarknesspassedoverthePrince’sface.“Doyoueverhearfromyourparents?”

“Ofcoursenot,”hesaid,speakingbitterly.“Aftertheywereridofme,theycouldn’thavecaredless.”

Katewonderedaboutthis,turninghereyestoherhalf-emptyplate.Sherememberedthecountless
photographsandpaintingsinthePrince’squarters.Perhaps,deepdown,heonlyspokesobitterlyabout
hisparentsbecausehemissedthemsomuch.He’dbeenafamilyman,aloverofhishome,Monaco.Now
hehadnothingbutloneliness.

“Itakeityoudon’tlovetobefeaturedintabloidsanylonger?”sheaskedhim.“Youaren’tcollectingthem
somewhereinthatmansionofyours?”

“Absolutelynot,”thePrincesaid,scoffing.“It’spartofthereasonIhidthemansionsodeepinthe
rainforest.Idon’twantanyphotographerstofollowmethere.Idon’twantanyonetoknowwhatIdo
there.IftheycatchmeinNewYork,sobeit.That’swheretheycatcheveryoneelse.Butnotinmyhome.”
Heshrugged.“That’stheonlyplaceIhavethesedays.”

Silencefellbetweenthem,andKateshovedherplateaway,suddenlynothungry.Atensionseemedto
growbetweenthem,andKatecouldn’tlookathimforfearoffeelingtooattractedtohim.Hewasfilled
withpain,andhewasdeliveringthetruthofthistoherwithunbridledhonesty.Hisdarkeyebrowswere
lowoverhiseyes,andhisbeardhadgrowninalmostcompletely,makinghimlookstrong,almost
animalistic.Shecouldhardlybreathe.

Butinthewakeofwhathe’djusttoldher,Kate’sthoughtsturnedsour.SherememberedhowEllahadsent
hertothemansiontodoonethingandonethingonly:takephotographsofPrinceFrancesco’sPanama
mansion,aplacenojournalisthadeverbeenallowedinbefore.NowthatKateknewthetruthofthe
matter—thathelikedhisprivacyandhefeltitwastheonlythingkeepinghimsane—sheknewsheneeded
totellhimthetruth.

Afterall,he’djustspenthisentiredaycatchingafishforher,usingnothingbutafewofherpantyhose
tiedtogether.Sheowedhimherlife,andhedeservedbetterthantobesoldoutbyabroke,agingmodel.

Herlipsparted.Shepreparedtoconfess;shepreparedtohearhiswrath.Shetoldherselfitwouldn’tbe
asbadasifshewaitedtilltheendoftheirtimeontheisland.IftheyarrivedinMiamitoseecountless
tabloids,theirfrontpagesscreamingwiththephotographsshe’dtaken,howcouldshetellhimthenthat
she’dbeenlyingtheentiretime?Afterallthey’dbeenthrough?

ButbeforeKatecouldgetherwordsout,itwasFrancescowhobrokethesilence.Heleanedtowardher
andkissedheronthelips.Surprised,butsuddenlyfilledwithpassionandlust,Katereturnedthekiss.She
wrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandtuggedhimclosertoher.Themoongleamedabovethemandthe
firecrackledbesidethemastheydoveintoeachother’slips,gratefulfortheirfullbelliesandthesafety
ofoneanother’sbodies.

Astheykissed,allthoughtsofherdyingmodelingcareer,ofherbetrayal,recededfromKate’smind.She
begantoundressFrancesco,lovingbeingsoclosetohisnakedskin.Heexploredherbodyaswell,
tracinghisfingersoverherpaleskin,herlonglimbs.

Theymadeloveonthemattressthey’dcreatedwithpalmfronds,surroundedbysand,themoonwatching
overthem.Aroundtheisland,darkwaterlappedupontothebeach,areminderofhowfarfrom
civilizationtheytrulywere.Butitdidn’tmatter,inthosemoments,astheygavethemselvesaway.

Afterwards,Katewrappedherarmsaroundhistorso,listeningtoFrancesco’sbreathing,andasshe
driftedofftosleep,sheallowedhermindtowander.

Inherfantasy,sheandFrancescoresidedatthePanamamansionandtookmonthlytripstoMonaco.
Happythathe’ddecidedtosettledown,hisfamilyhadwelcomedhimbackwithopenarms.Butsince
they’dfalleninloveinPanama,thecouplehaddecidedtomakeittheirhome.Theyhadseveralchildren,
wholovedtoplayanddanceonthebeach,andwhoensuredtheirfatherwasneverlonelyagain.

Sheknewnoneofitwasrealistic,butbeingadreamerwasthereasonKatehadgottensofarinher
modelingcareer,anditwasthereasonshecontinuedtopursueit,despiteeverything.Sheclungtoher
dreams,andsherefutedanyotherpath.

Finally,shefellasleepbesideFrancesco.Herbreathingmatchedhis,theirbodiesstretchedout,naked,
beneaththesheets.

TWELVE

Justafterthesunroseoverthehorizon,Kateheardaplanecareeningtowardtheisland.Hereyespopped
open,andsheburstfromtheblankets,panicked.Abovethem,asmallplanewaspreparingtolandonthe
airstrip.Theywerebeingrescued.

Immediately,herheartsankintoherstomach.Shewantedtohidesomewhere,totellthemtoleavethem
be.

ButshenudgedFrancescoallthesame.

Hepeeredupather,hiseyesbright.“Hey,beautiful,”hesaid.“Howdidyousleep?”

“Look,”shesaid,pointing.“Yourpeoplearehere.”

Hejerkedupfromthepalmfrondmattress,realitysmackinghimintheface.“Ohmygosh,finally,”he
said.“Webettergetdressed,then.Wedon’thavemuchtime.There’syourdress,overthere.Grabit.”

Panicked,Kategraspedherdressandlifteditoverherhead.SheputonhershoesasFrancescodonned
hispantsandaT-shirt.Theplanehaddisappearedbehindthetrees,ontotheairstrip,andKateknewthey
neededtogetmoving.Shegaveafinal,longinglookatthecampsitethey’dconstructedandthenbeganto
runwithFrancescodownthedirtpath.

“I’mgladyouspottedthembeforetheyspottedus,”Francescosaid,huffingasheran.“Canyouimagineif
they’dfounduslikethatbackthere?”

Katedidn’tseetheproblemwithit,butshenodded,remindingherselfthatFrancescovaluedhisprivacy.
“Itwouldhavebeenhorrible,”shewhispered.“Absolutely.”

Theyreachedtheendofthedirtpath,wherethesmallplanehadlandedontheairstrip.Thepilothad
alreadydescendedfromthecockpitandwasstaringatFrancesco’sabandoned,destroyedjet,scratching
hisforehead.

“Howard!”Francescocalled,hishandformingacirclearoundhismouthtoincreasehisvolume.“Hey!”

Thepilotclappedhishands,hisfaceturningjoyousandbrightred.“Fran!It’syou!Yousurvived!”

FrancescoandKaterushedtherestofthewaytothedilapidatedplaneandHowardwrappedhisarms
aroundFrancesco,shakinghishead.“Youalwayssaidyou’dbesafe,”hesaid,“andhereyouare,
wreckedonadesertedisland.”

“I’maboutassafeasyou,Howie,”Francescosaid.“Justnotaslucky,Isuppose.”

“Andlook,alittleladyhadtoputupwithyouforafewdays.Howonearthdidyoucope?”heasked
Kate,lookingherupanddown.

“Oh,itwasfine,”Katesaid,shrugging.“I’msurehehadaworsetimethanme.Hedoesn’tliketostay
withawomanlongerthanafewhours,youknow.”

“ThatIdo,”Howardsaid,punchingFrancescolightlyontheupperarm.“Ascoundreliswhatheis.Anda
darnluckyoneatthat.”

Katedidn’tspeakagainforawhile.Sheheadedtothecrashedplane,listeningtoFrancescoand
Howard’slaughterandbanter,andgathereduptheremainderoftheirsupplies.Sheliftedherbagtoher
shoulderandthenreturnedtotheairstrip,realizingthatshewouldarrivebackinMiamijustintimefor
herbabypowderphotoshoot.Heragentwouldn’tfireher,she’dliveouttherestofhermodelingdays,
andthenshe’dbecomeawaitress—justliketherestofthem.Whyhadsheeverallowedherselftodream?

SheandFrancescoboardedthetinyaircraftasHowardstartedtheengine.Heturnedtowardherwith
brighteyes,asking,“Areyousureyouwanttogoupintheairagain?”

“No,”shetoldhimwithcompletehonesty.“I’mreallynot.”

Howardlaughed,thinkingshewasjoking.“Trustme,Kate,I’mnotasdangerousasthisguy.Hetookyou
onadventureofalifetime,sure,butnowit’stimetogobacktoreality.”

Withthat,Howardrevvedtheengine,sendingthetinyaircraftdowntheairstrip.Katebroughtherhands
togetherinherlap,staringoutthewindow,feelingasifshe’dbeenrobbed.Besideher,sheknew
Francescowaslookingouttheoppositewindow,bothofthemwatchingastheirislandparadisereceded
fromview.

“Doyouthinkwe’lleverbeabletofinditagain?”shewhispered.“Onamap?”

“IcantellyouwhereitiswhenwearriveinMiami,ifyoulike,”Howardtoldher.“Wecanevengetyou
aposteroftheoverviewoftheislandifyouwant.Thenyoucanalwaysremembertheplacewhereyou
almostdied.”Helaughedathisownjoke,tossinghisheadback.

Kategrimaced,hopingtheirarrivalinMiamiwouldcomeswiftly.Shedidn’tlikethisman,their
supposed“savior,”andshewantedanothermomentalonewithFrancescosotheycouldsolidifytheir
desireforoneanother.

TheplanewhizzedovertheCaribbeanandtowardFlorida,FrancescoandHowardspeaking
companionablytheentiretime.ThemomentKateviewedMiamifromherwindow,herheartsankinher
chest.Itwasabrightandgleamingcity,especiallyfromabove,anditshouldhavebeenwelcoming,but
shewrappedherarmscloseraroundherbodyandpreparedherselfforanotherlanding.Shedidn’twant
togohome.

THIRTEEN

Theplanetoucheddownwithoutahitch,bothFrancescoandHowardcheeringraucously.Katerolledher
eyesandcollectedherthings,promisingherselftwelvehoursofsleepandmovies(andalong,long
shower)themomentshearrivedhome.Sheassumedthatwouldbetheonlycureforsomethinglikethis.

Howardlefttheplanefirst,leavingFrancescoandKatealoneinthebackseatofthecockpit.

FrancescoturnedtoKate.Hisfacehadlostalloftheenergyithadtakenonthemomenthe’dseenHoward
andtheaircraftthatwouldtakethemaway.Helookeddefeated.

“Kate—”hebegan,almostasifhewantedtoapologize,toexplain.

ButKatebowedherhead,breakingtheireyecontact.“Ican’tbelievewemadeit,”shesaid,hervoice
chipper.“Ireallydidn’tknowifwewould.”

Francescounbuckledhisseatbelt.Hefrowned,wantingmoreofherattention,butKatedidn’tgiveitto
him.

“Weshouldgo,”shesaid,pointingtowardtheopenhatch.“I’msureHowardhasamillionthingstodo
today.Don’twanttoholdhimup.”

Shegotupandboundeddownthesteps,tinytearsforminginhereyes.Onlyafewhoursbefore,she’d
beenwrappedsafelyinhisarms.She’dbeenjoinedwithhimlastnight,theircellssizzlingwithpleasure.

Onthepavementoftheairstrip,KatefelttheMiamiheatbarreloverher.Shereachedforhersunglasses
andplacedthemonhernose,becomingacaricatureofaMiamimodeloncemore.Francescorantoward
herandmatchedherstride,tryingtocatchhereye.

“Kate,Iwanttoseeyouagain,”hesaid.

ThewordsranginKate’sears.Shecouldn’timaginehowtheycouldbetrue.Shehaltedquickly,herknees
straightening.“Whatdidyousay?”shewhispered.

“Idon’twantthistobethelasttimeIseeyou,”heanswered.“We’vejustgonethroughsomethingbig,
biggerthanwecanevenimaginerightnow,Ithink.”

Katenodded,bitingherbottomlip.“Ineverwantedtoleavethatplace.Itwasstartingtofeelmorelike
homethananythingelse.”

Francesco’seyesgleamed.“Iknowwhatyoumean.Butwhenweseeeachotheragain,wecanrecreate
thatfeeling.”

“Doyouwanttocomewithmetomyapartment?”Kateasked,hervoicemeek.“Iknowit’sastrangething
toask,but—”

Francescolookeddown.“Idon’twanttoletHowardinonanydetailsofour,erm,relationship,”hesaid,
“whichiswhyIwanttogobacktoPanamawithhimrightnow—justtoavoidanygossipordrama.
RememberwhatItoldyouaboutavoidingthetabloids?”

Withastabofguiltinherstomach,Katenodded.Sheknewthatthemomenthelefttheplane,hewouldsee
thetabloids.Hewouldknowwhatshehaddone.

“I’mgladwemadeitoutofthere,”shesaid.“Wereallyprovedourselveswithoursurvivalskills.Call
meifyoueverwanttobeonagameshoworsomething.”

“Absolutely,”thePrincesaid,laughingappreciatively.Heleanedtowardher,kissingherdeeply,andKate
acceptedit,liftingherfingerstohischest.Butshedidn’ttouchhimanymorethanthat;shedidn’tallow
herselfto.Sheassumedshemightexplodeotherwise,fullofemotionforamanwhocouldn’treturnit.

“So,we’llseeeachothersoon?”thePrincesaid,hisvoicehopeful.

“Ofcourse,”Katesaid,feelingregretful.“I’llwaitforyou.”

Theywalkedalongsideoneanother,turningfromtheairstripandtowardtheterminal,meetingwith
Howardattheairportbar.Katebidthembothgoodbyeandthencontinueddownthesteps,towardthe
street.Shewavedherarmhighintheairtohailataxi,askingthedrivertosweepherfarawayfromaman
shecouldhavefalleninlovewith,ifonlyshe’dbeenallowedto.

Assherodeinthebackseat,thetaxidriverrattledon,askingherwhereshe’dflownfrom,whyshe
smelledsobad—hadshecomefromEuropewheretheydidn’tshower?Butshejustleanedherheadback,
acceptingtheinsultsandwishingshewashomeinbed.

Theminuteshearrivedatherapartment,shestompeduphersteps.Themanwhonormallywhistledather
fromacrossthewaydidnothing,despitehisappearanceonhisbalcony.Sheassumedhesawsomething
differentinher,thatsheseemedharderthanshe’dbeendaysbefore.Inreality,ifhe’dmadeasinglesound
ather,she’dhaveyelledathim.Shewasthatrattled.

Sheenteredherapartmentandstrippedherblackdressfromherbody.Shetosseditdirectlyintothetrash,
disgustedwithitinthelightofherapartment,andthenjumpedintotheshower.Sheturnedthetemperature
upashighasitwouldgo,andtheheatcalmedher,ifonlyslightly.Shestretchedherarmoutandassessed
hercrashwound,notingthatthescabwasthickerandpurple.Soontheskinwouldgrowoverit;all
memoryoftheirordealwouldbegone.Itwasonlyskindeep.

Sheshavedherlegswithprecision,hopingthePrincewouldn’trememberherhairyislandlook.Of
course,cleanlinessandfashionhadn’tbeenthefirstthingsontheirminds.He’dlookedlikearelative
mountainmanincomparisontothephotosnormallypublishedinmagazines.

Withthisthought,Katejumpedup.Halfofherleftlegwasunshaved,butstillsherushedtoherbackpack,
wrappingatowelaroundhertorso.Shedugthroughitandfoundhercellphoneandcharger.Sheneededto
contactElla.

Withthephonepluggedin,Katewaitedforittoturnon.Sheshivered,stilldamp,andhadafleetingwish
forthehot,inescapablesunfromtheisland.Allshe’dwantedonthatfirstdaywastoberescued—for
someonetofreeherfromthatterribleprince.Nowherfeelingsweremixed.

Thephonealertedhertoseveralmissedcalls:onefromhermother,onefromheragent,andtwofrom
Ella.Ellahadalsosentherseveralmessages,mostlyincaps.

“YOUDIDIT,GIRL,”thefirstoneread.

“WEPUBLISHED.IT’SAMASTERPIECE.”

“WEGOTOURCHECK.Moneyinthebank!Didn’tItellyouthiswouldbeworthit?Callmewhenyou
getthis,girl.Wherehaveyoubeen,anyway?”

Katesatdown,trembling.Sheliftedherlaptopfromitscaseonthecoffeetableandsearchedfor
Francesco’snameonline.Itwastimeforhertofacehermistakehead-on.

ThefirstarticlethatpoppedupwasElla’s.Kateenteredthesite,crossingherlegsandthenuncrossing
themagain.Wouldsheeverbecomfortable?

“Well,well,dearreaders,”Ellawrote.“Whatatimetobealive.PrinceFrancescoofMonaco,theunruly,
exiledroyalwelovetoloveandlovetohate,hasfinallyrevealedtheinteriorofhisgrandpalacein
PanamaCity.Andit’saknockout.

“Inanunrivaledexclusive,oneofourteamenteredthepalacethispastweekendtouncovertheshady
underbellyofthePrince’snotoriousparties.Whatshediscoveredwillshockandappallyou.Ifyou’re
squeamish,dearreader,lookawaynow.”

Katefrowned.Shecouldn’trememberasingleelementofthepartymakinghersqueamish.Noonehad
beenusingillegaldrugsorevendrinkingtoexcess.Therehadbeenmusic,sure,anddancing,andthose
circusperformers,butoverallithadbeenlesswildthanthepartiessherememberedfromherearly
twentiesinManhattan.

Asshecontinuedtoread,hermouthfellopeninshock.Ellahadcreatedanentirelyfictionalizedaccount
ofwhathadhappenedthatnight.And,duetoElla’sincrediblewritingtalents,thestoryactuallyseemedto
alignwiththephotographs.Inonephoto,thecontortioniststretchedforward,bringingherbacklegover
herhead,anditseemedlikethePrincewasleeringather.Butinreality,Katenoted,hewastalkingtoone
ofhismalefriendswhowasbesidehim.Inanotherphoto,thePrincewasleaningdownoveratable,and
lookedasifhewastakingdrugs.Butreally,hewascraninghisheadtohearanotheroneofhisguests,and
thedrinkinhishandwasonlypartiallyfinished.

Katepushedherlaptopawayfromher,reeling.ThePrincehadtoldherthathe’dtriedtomakehislife
moreprivateinrecentyears.Heprobablywantedtobacktrackonthedamagehe’ddonewithhisfamily
andtrytogetbackintheirgoodgraces.HedreamedofhislifeinMonaco.Nowshe’dbeensuckedinto

thesamemachinethathadforcedthePrincetobebanishedfromhishomecountryinthefirstplace.

NowthatyetanotherscandalhadrevealedapparentdruguseandX-ratedpartying,Katedoubtedthat
Francescowouldeverbeallowedbackhome.Anditwasallherdoing.

Shelookedatthetimestamponthearticleandrealizedithadalreadybeenonlinefortwodays,meaning
thedamagehadalreadybeendone.Shesweptherfingersthroughherredhairandthenyankedatit,
wakinghermindwiththepain.Justhoursbefore,she’dbeenwrappedinthatman’sarms.Now,shecould
onlyassumethathewouldneverwanthernearhimagain.

Butno.They’dsurvivedsomethingspecialtogether.Sheleapedtoherfeet,resolvingtocallthePrince.
Shewouldapologize.Shewouldtellhimthatthingsweredifferentnowandthatshewouldreleasea
statementabouttheparty.Peopledeservedtoknowthetruth,andthetruthwasthatthePrincewashonest
andkind,notthedecadentletchhe’dbeenmadeouttobe.

Shereachedforherphone,alreadyglossingoverthethingsshewantedtosaytohim.Shecouldonlyhope
thathewasn’talreadyintheair,onthewaybacktoPanamaCity.

Themomentsheenteredherphone’saddressbook,sheremembered.Duringalloftheirtimetogether,she
andthePrincehadn’texchangednumbers.

Shesmackedherselfonherthigh,watchingtheskinblotch.“No,no,no,”shemoaned.Technologyhadn’t
beenthefirstthingontheirmindsonthedesertedisland.Survival,yes.Butexchangingnumbers,when
theyweren’tsuretheywouldn’tdietheretogether?No,thathadn’tbeenatoppriority.

“I’lljusthavetogotohim,”Katewhispered.“Ihavetoapologizeinperson.”

ShedialedElla,andherfriendpickeduponthesecondring,soundingbreathless.

“Girl,I’vebeentryingtoreachyouforages.Wherehaveyoubeen?”

“That’skindofafunnystory,”Katesaid,gigglingslightly.Thelaughtersoundedstrangetoherears.

“Youdidn’tstayatthemansionallthistime,didyou?”Ellasaid.

“Ofcoursenot,”Katesaid.

“That’sstrange,becausemysourcesjustinformedmethatlessthantwohoursago,thePrinceentered
MiamiInternationalAirportwithawaif-like,redheadedwomanbyhisside.”

“Yoursourcesareprettygood,”Katesaid,herheartsinking.“Ourplanecrash-landedonthewaybackto
Miami.Wewerestrandedonadesertedislandfortwodays.”

“Ohmygosh.Areyouallright?”Ellaasked,hervoiceshrill.

“Ofcourse.YoursourceswouldhavetoldyouifIwaslimpingorsomething,”Katesaid,findingasmall
sliverofhumorinthis.Already,EllahadherthumbonthepulseofthePrince’severymovement.

“Well,Ihaveamillionquestions,”Ellasaid.

“Andmyanswersarestrictlyofftherecord,”Katesaid,suddenlyresistant,rememberingthearticle.
“Whatyouwrote,El,itwaslies,allofit.Ican’timaginewhatthePrinceisfeelingrightnow.”

“Sowhat?”Ellasaid.“YouknowIhavetodothatformyjob:createaworldforourreadersoutofthin
air.”

Katepausedforamoment,notwantingtohurtElla’sfeelings.“ThePrincemustbeshocked,though,”she
said.“Didyoursourcessayifhe’sstillattheairport?”

“Actually,theysaidhetookonelookatthemagazinestoryandstompedbacktotheplaneyoutwoflewin
on.Peoplewerefollowinghimandtakingpictures.Itwasabigspectacle.IwishIcouldhavebeen
there.”

Katebowedherhead,herheartgrowingheavy.“OhGod,”shemuttered.“Ican’tbelievewhatI’vedone.”

“Kate,whatdoyoumean?Whathappenedonthatisland?Didyounotgetmymessageaboutthehugehunk
ofcashwe’regettingbecauseofthis?”

“Itdoesn’tmatternow,”Katesaid.“ItookthosephotographsandI’vecausedthisscandal.He’snever
goingtogettoreturntohishomeinMonaconow.”

“Itsoundslikeyoutwogotprettyclose,”Ellasaid,soundingcurious.

“Idon’tknowwhatcouldhavebroughtustogethermore,”Katesaid.“Weweretrappedonadeserted
islandtogether.”

“There’sthatsaying,‘Ifyouwerethelastpersononearth,’”Ellasaid.“Andyoubothbasicallywerefora
while.”

“Hewasarrogantatfirst,ofcourse,”Katesaid,sponginghersweatingforeheadandtryingtocalm
herself,tryingtothinkclearly.“Icouldn’tstandhimwhenwefirstlanded.Iwasinjured,buthewouldn’t
stopmakingthesestupidjokes.Iwantedtotosshimintothewaterafewtimes.”

Ellalaughedappreciatively.“FromafewinterviewsI’vereadwithhim,itsoundslikehecanbe
difficult.”

“Right.Butthenwestartedtogettoknoweachother,”Katesaid.“Wetalkedallnightandhuddled
togetherforwarmthuntilmorning.Icouldn’timagineamoregenuinelysweet,caringman.”

“Buthethrowstheseparties,Kate,andhewasexiledfromMonaco.Thatdoesn’tmeanhe’sasweetman

throughandthrough,”Ellasaid.“Doyouthinkthere’sachancethatyouwereblindedbyyour
circumstances?”

“No,”Katesaid,shakingherheadvehemently.“Hewasdriventothishedonisticlifestylebecauseofhis
loneliness,Ithink.Hepartiesbecausehecan’tgohome,andhecan’tgohomebecauseheparties.And
now,becauseItookthoseshotsforthemagazine,hemightneverbeabletoreturn.”Tearsbegantoformin
hereyes.Hervoicecrepthigherandhigher,alertingEllatohowupsetshewas.

“Ohno,”Ellasaid.“Kate,I’msosorry.WhenIaskedyoutodothisjobforme,Ididn’tknowallthis
wouldhappen.”Shepausedforamoment.“I’msosorryformyroleinthis.”

“No.It’snotyourfault,”Katemurmured.“Ofcourseit’snot.Ididn’tknowanyofthiswouldhappen,
either.Itwascosmic,writteninthestars,orsomething.”

“Kate,areyoufallingforhim?”Ellaasked,breathless.“Becauseitsuresoundslikeyouare.”

“Ican’tsay,”Katewhispered.“AllIknowisthis:Ihavetofindhim,andIhavetoapologizefor
everythingI’vedone.Ihavetoatleasttry,orI’llneverforgivemyself.”

“LetmepayforyourticketbacktoPanamaCity,”Ellasaid,jumpingattheopportunity.“Thisismyfault.
Thatstupidmagazine.Ionlyworktherebecauseit’ssohardtofindawritinggig.Youknowthat.”

“Ido,”Katesaid.“Butthatdoesn’tmeanyoushouldpayformyticket.That’ssilly.”

“Iinsist.I’lltransferyourearningsforthephotographsintoyouraccount,andthenI’llpurchasethe
Panamaplaneticket.You’llbeonyourwaybytomorrowmorning.”

“Areyousureaboutthis?”Kateasked.

“Ofcourse.IknowI’masnarky,celebritymagazinewriter,butIactuallydohaveaheart,”Ellasaid.
“AndIcanseeyourloveforthisguyfrommilesaway.Let’sgetyoubacktohismansion.Plus,Ican’t
waittocoveryourweddinginthemagazine.Youcangivemeallthejuicyinsidegossip.”

“Let’snotgetaheadofourselves,”Katesaid,herchestnearlyburstingwithexcitement.

Shehungupthephoneafterabriefgoodbyeandthenracedtohercloset,searchingfortheperfectoutfitto
wearforherarrival.Shepiecedthroughcolorfuldaydressesandblackmodelingdressesbeforechoosing
alightgreendressthatperfectlyaccentuatedherhair.Shelaiditout,readyforherearly-morningcalltime
thefollowingday,andthenretreatedtoherbed.Shecollapsedbeneaththesheetsandyawneddeeply,
certainshewouldfallasleepinstantly.

Butinsteadshestayedawakeforhours,hermindracing.Thenightbefore,she’dbeenwrappedupwith
thePrince,sleepingwithoutdreams.Now,withouthiswarmthatherside,shefeltabandonedandstrange.
HerarrivalinPanamaCitycouldn’tcomesoonenough.

FOURTEEN

Bymorning,EllahadtextedKatethedetailsofherflightbacktoPanamaCity.Inthegraymorninglight,
Katedressedinhergreendressandflewoutthedoor,herbrightredhairflowingbehindher.Shetriedto
seeherselfthroughthePrince’seyes,rememberingthathe’dcalledherwaif-likeandinteresting,unlike
theothermodels.Andperhapstheirexperiencetogetherhadmadeheranexceptiontohisrule.Evenifthe
Princeabandonedwomanafterwoman,modelaftermodel,hecouldn’tverywelltradeinawomanwho’d
beenthroughsuchanintenseexperiencewithhim.Right?

Thetaxidrewclosertotheairport.Kate’sbreathscameinstaggers.Herfearwasmounting.Shepaidthe
driverandthenflungherbagontoherback,bookingittowardtheairplanecustomerservicecounter.She
receivedherboardingpass,walkedthroughcustoms,andwasseatedatthegatebeforesheevenrealized
whatshewasdoing.Hermindwaselsewhere;herfeetandbodyhadgoneonwithouther.

“IhopeIforgetwhoIamonthisvacation,”saidthewomanbesideKate.Sheworesunglasses,andher
dressfeaturedatropicalprint,linedwithflowers.“I’vebeenworkingforfourteenmonthsstraight.”

Kategaveherabroadsmile,returningtoreality.Shewashappytospeaktosomeonewhodidn’tknow
hername,orthefactthatshe’dbeenonadesertedislandforthepastfewdays.“Iknowthefeeling—
retreatingfromwhatyourlifehasbecome.”

“Exactly,”thewomansaid.“AndI’mgoingtodrinktonsoftequilaonthewaydown,justtogetme
halfwaythere.”

“Cheers,”Katesaid,laughing.Shelinedupwiththeotherpassengersinherboardingzoneandthen
slippedintoherwindowseat.ShewonderedifFrancescohadeverflowncoachbefore.Sheassumed,
withhisroyalupbringing,thathe’dknownnothingbutcaviar,plentyoflegroom,andendlesschampagne
sincehe’dbegunridingplanes.Andnowthatheflewhisown,hewasincontrol.Hewasneverasheep,
neverjustapartofthecrowd.

TheplaneliftedfromtheMiamiairportatnineinthemorning.Katewantedtoslipbacktosleep,butthe
sunshinewasbrightagainsttheturquoisewater,anditwasirresistible.Shestaredatit,allowingherself
todaydream.Inthebackofhermind,sherealizedshewastakingabigrisk.WhatifthePrincedidn’t
acceptherapology?Whatifhesentherfromhishouse,refusingtospeaktoher?Shewouldn’tbeableto
handleit,especiallyafterallthey’dbeenthroughtogether.Butshehadtotry.

Theplanereachedtheairstripwithoutasinglemomentofturbulence.Thecrowdofvacationersclapped
theirhands,rowdywithexcitement,astheplanerolledtoastop.Katejoinedthem,placingherpalms
togethersoundlessly.Itwastime.

Outsidetheairport,sheinhaledthehumidairofPanamaCity.Shehailedataxi,wavingherhand
maniacallyuntilayellowcarswoopedherway.

“Hello,prettylady,”thetaxidriversaid,duckinghisheaddowntopeerupatherthroughthewindow.
“Whereareyouoffto?”

“ThePrinceofMonaco’smansion,”sheannounced.“Intheforest.”

Thedriver’sfacechanged.Hiseyebrowsroseandheleanedback,huffing.“Ican’thelpyouwiththat.”

Katefrowned.“Whatdoyoumean?Ihaveplentyofcashforyou.”Shetappedherpurse,whichheldsome
ofthemoneyEllahadslippedherthepreviouseveningaftertheirphonecall.

“It’snotthat,miss.It’sthatnooneknowsexactlywherethatplaceis.Idon’tthinkanyone’ssupposedto
know,”thetaxidriversaid.Heturnedbacktowardhissteeringwheel,preparingtodriveaway.

Katesmackedherpalmonthecarwindow,gettinghisattention.“Wait.Iknowwhereitis,”shesaid.“I
canguideyou.”

Thetaxidriverlookedappalled.“You’vebeentothePalaciodePecado?”

“Thewhat?”Katesaid.Thedriver’swordshadbeenominous,likeawarning.

“ThePalaceofSin?Youknowwhereitis?”heaskedher.

Shenodded,pressingherlipstogetherintoathinline.“Idon’thavemuchtime,”shesaid.

Hegesturedtowardthebackseat,andKatehoppedin,grateful.

ThetaxidriverdroveoutoftheairportandKatedirectedhimtotheright,towardtheforest.Thedriver
seemednervous,cuttinginandoutoftrafficasheboundedtowardthegreenwalloftherainforest.He
didn’tspeaktoher,andheonlygavehersimplegruntseverytimeshetoldhimtogoleftorright.

Afterabouttwentyminutes,Katespottedthedirtroadthatwouldleadthemdirectlytothepalace.She
clenchedherfists,feelingbothrelievedandpanicked.“Turnrightatthisroad,here,”Katesaid.

“Miss,thisisn’taroad,”thetaxidriversaid.“It’sapath.Forfeet.”

“It’stheroadtheyusetogettothemansion,”Katesaid.“Please.Justdrivealittlelonger.Idon’tthinkit’s
morethanamileaway.”

Butthetaxidriverhaltedatthedirtroad,refusingtogoanyfurther.

Heturnedtoher,hispalmoutstretched.“Sorry,miss.ThisisasfarasIgo.”Hepointedtowardthefee,
whichshepaidquickly.Thenshepoppedoutofthebackseatandturnedtowatchthetaxidriveswiftly
away,leavingatrailofrubberbehind.Therealizationstruckher,then.Thedriverhadbeenfrightened.

Assheturnedbacktothedirtroad,however,shecouldn’tblamehim.Theroutewasdarkandshadowed
duetothetreecover.Thefamiliarhowlsofmonkeysandtwittersofstrangebirdsmetherears,reminding
heroftheisland.

“Timetofacethemusic,”Katewhispered,tryingtoconcentrateonherbreathing.Shebegantowalk
towardthemansion,slippingherbagontohershoulders.Sheeyedthedarkforestaroundher,conscious
thatsomethingcouldspringoutatheratanytime.Throughoutallherendeavors,shestillhadn’tseena
snake.Shesupposeditwasonlyamatteroftime.

Halfwaydownthepath,shespottedthemansion,uponthehill.Withoutthelight,music,andrevelersof
thenightdaysbefore,theplacelookeddarkandforeboding.Sheswallowedsharply,startingto
reconsider.SheimaginedherselfandthePrinceinside,bickeringaboutthearticle.Theirvoiceswould
echoagainsttheglasswalls.

Theroadgrewevendarker,withstillhalftherouteleft.Shehunchedhershoulders,feelingfarawayfrom
everythingshe’deverknown.ShetriedtoimaginewhatFrancescohadfeltwhenhe’dmovedhereafter
hisexile.She’dreadbeforethatlonelinesscoulddestroyaperson,andcertainly,surroundedwithnothing
butforest,hislonelinessmustbedeeperthanmost.

Thatwasprobablywhyhefilledhishomewithcountlesscelebritiesandmodelseveryotherweekend—
toallowhimtoforgetjusthowlonelytheplacecouldbe.

Katereachedthetopofthehill,andfoundherselffacinganenormousmansionofglassandstone.She
hadn’tremembereditcorrectly,andshehalfquestionedifitwasthesameplaceinwhichshe’dspentthe
nightjustdaysbefore.Butshewentaroundthehouseandthebackentrancewaslabeled“staff”andthe
parkinglotwasfilledwithtiretracksfromthepreviousparty’srevelers.Thiswastheplace,oratleastit
wastheghostoftheplace.

Katewentbacktothefrontdoor.Shecrackedherknucklesandpracticedwhatshewouldsayoncethe
Princeopenedthedoor.“I’mso,sosorry,”shewhisperedtoherself,herheaddown.“I’mso,sosorryfor
whatIdid.ButIcanexplain…”

Finally,sheliftedherknucklestothedoorandrappedthemashardasshecould.“Francesco?”she
called,knowinghervoicewouldn’tcarryfar.“Areyouhome?”

Shestoodandwaited,feelingvulnerable.Sheshiftedherweightfromonefoottotheother,promising
herselftherewasahappyendingattheendofthis.Therehadtobe.

Sheknockedagain,hearingthenoiseechowithinthehouse.Thensherangthedoorbell,whichshehadn’t
noticedtobeginwith.Shefeltlikeshewasbeinginvasive,likeshewasanosyneighborcomingtospy.
Butshe’dcomesofar,andshewouldn’tleavewithoutresults.

Ithadbeenseveralminutesnow.Frustrated,sheturnedhereyestowardthepatchofblueskyabove.Ina
lastmomentofdesperation,shewrappedherhandaroundthedoorhandleandpushed,findingitunlocked.
Shesteppedforward,blinkingwildly,realizingshe’dgottenin.Thiswasunexpected.Now,shewas
officiallybreakingandentering.

Frowning,Kateclosedthedoorbehindher.“Francesco?”shecalled.“Areyouhere?”Hervoiceechoed
offthefoyer’swallsandwindows.“Francesco?I’msorrytojustcomeinherelikethis.”

Shecreptfromthefoyertoadarkhallway,sensingitwouldtakehertothepartyroomandthestaircase
thatledtothePrince’squarters.Butasshemoved,callingouthisname,shefoundonlymoredarkness.

Attheendofthehallway,shefoundthepartyroom,justasshe’dsuspected.Allofthecurtainswere
drawn,andKatecouldhardlyseeanything.Alarge,ominouspaintinghungonthefarwall,amanwho
appearedtobeFrancesco’sfatherinthecenter,holdingasword.Sheblinkedseveraltimes,bringingit
intofocusdespitethedarkness.PerhapsFrancescohadtakenitdownfortheparty;perhapshe’dbeen
worrieditwouldhavebeendamaged.

Asshestood,shespottedashadowyfigureonthestaircase.Shehalted,herjawtensingwithsudden
apprehension.Thefigurewasoversix-feettall,withdarkhairpiledhighonhishead.Sheswallowed,
searchingforthewordsshe’dpracticed.

“Francesco,”shesaid,“Ineedtotalktoyou.IhavesomanythingsIneedtosay.”

Shecontinuedtowardhim,herpalmsoutstretched.Hereyesfilledwithtearsasheremotionscoursed
throughher.“I’msosorryformyroleinthis,”shesaid.“WhenItookthosephotographs,Ionlyknew
whatIhadreadaboutyouinmagazines.Butyourevealedyourselfontheisland,Francesco.You’renot
whatyouseem.”

Asshespoke,shewassurprisedtoseethatFrancescodidn’tmakeamove.Heheldback,andhekepthis
mouthclosed.Perhapshewantedtoremainangrywithher—shecouldn’tblamehim.

Katehesitated,tryingtosearchhisfaceinthedarkness,thengaspedasaglovedhandclosedoverher
wrist.Thehandyankedherbackward,causinghertofallontothemarble.

Shecriedout,panicked.Butinthatmoment,thedarknessgrewdeeper.Someoneforcedaroughpieceof
fabricoverherheadandthentieditatherneck.Thetiewastight,nearlycuttingoffherairsupply.Tears
rolleddownhercheeks,butshecouldn’tfindwordsofprotest.Shewasrattled,confused,andinthose
moments,shemadepeacewithhercomingdeath,justasshehadontheplane.

Sheblinkedseveraltimesandwasliftedintosomeone’sarms.Herlegswouldn’tcooperate.Sheflungher
headagainsthercaptor’spointedshoulderandimmediatelypassedout.Theworldwasblack,andtime
wasmeaningless.

FIFTEEN

Inwhatcouldhavebeendays,hours,ormereminuteslater,Katefeltherkneescrashagainsthardmarble.
Whoeverhadbeencarryingherhaddroppedher,rattlingherawake.Sheblinkedrapidly,feelingsunshine
onherback.Theclothsackwasstilloverherhead,obscuringhervision,andherwristsweretiedbehind
herback.Hermouthwasusable,unbound,butshefelttoofrightenedtospeak.

MalevoicesbegantospeakinSpanish.Kateconcentratedonherbreathing,herchestrisinghighwith
eachinhale.Shemarveledatthestrengthofherbody:thisvitalforcethathadbeenwithherforthepast
fewdays,pumpingbloodandthrivingandgrowing,allfornothing.Nowthatshewasgoingtodieinthe
middleoftherainforestinPanamaCity,shecouldn’timaginewhatitallhadbeenfor.

Finally,thevoicesstopped.Thenaglovedhandwasonherthroat,untyingthesack,whichwasthen
rippedfromherhead.

Oncehereyesregainedfocus,Katerealizedshewasinthebrightlylitfrontroomofthemansion,which
wasdecoratedwithroyalflairandhousedamassivefireplace.Foramoment,hermindflashedbackto
herselftryingtolightafireontheisland,tryingandfailingcountlesstimes.

Ashereyesgrewaccustomedtothelight,Katefoundherselfsurroundedbyeightmenwithtautbicep
musclesbeneathblackT-shirts,mustaches,andheadsofrowdyblackhair.Theylookedroughandmean,
likethey’dbeatenandkilledmenbefore.Andtheprecisionwithwhichthey’dtiedheruptoldherthat
they’ddoitagainwithoutthinkingtwice.Crueltywastheirnorm.

Asshegazedatthem,sherememberedsomethingshe’dreadinpassingontheplane.Inabrieftourist
safetyguidetowardthebackoftheairlinemagazine,she’dreadaboutanotoriouscriminalgang,the
Panamaniacs,thattormentedPanamaCityandwere“tobeavoidedatallcosts.”Theymadealivingoff
robbingtourists,haddecoratedthetownwithcountlessgangsymbols,andhadbeeninvolvedinafew
kidnappings.AndnowtheywereinsideFrancesco’spalace.

Toherleft,KatespottedFrancesco.Hewasonhisknees,justlikeshewas,withropesaroundhiswrists.
Hegrimacedather.Hischeekswerebeetredandhiseyeswerebulgingwithpanic,hischeekbloody.

AfreshlineoftearsrandownKate’scheeks.Shemouthedthewords“I’msorry”tohim,deliveringher
apologybutnotreallyrememberingwhatshewasapologizingfor.

Thenshebegantosob.Whathadshegottenherselfinvolvedin?WhywasFrancescoinvolvedwiththe
Panamaniacs?Andhadthisallbeenaset-up,ordidshereallyhavesuchbadluck?Inlessthanaweek
she’dbeeninvolvedinaplanecrash,strandedonadesertedisland,lovedbeforelosingthatlove,and
thenkidnapped.Theemotionofitoverwhelmedher,andshenearlypassedoutagain,almostlosingher
balanceandtippingforward.

“Bequiet.Stopcrying,”oneofthegangmemberssaid,steppingforward.Hisvoicewasdeep,pounding
intoKate’sears.

Oncue,Katestoppedcryingandpeeredupathim,herfacered.Shecouldn’tspeak,andsheknewshe

wasn’tmeantto.

“Imeanit.Ifyoumakeanothersound,we’llputthisbagoveryourheadagain,”themanboomed.

Katestoppedyankingattheropesthattiedher.Shefocusedonherbreathingagainanddroppedhereyes
fromthelargemaninfrontofher.Francescohadn’tmadeanymovement.Theywereentirelyatthemercy
ofthesemen.

“NowthatIhaveyourattention,”thegangleadersaidcoolly,“Icanexplainalittlebitaboutwhat’sgoing
on.”

KateandFrancescodidn’trespond.Theyknewbetter.

“We’vetakenFrancescohostageonaccountofarecentrequestfromourfriendsinItaly,”theleader
continued,breakingintoKate’sreverie.“TheItalianmafiahasrequestedweholdthePrincehostageuntil
hisfamilyagreestopayabillion-dollarransom.Iftheydoasweask,we’llleavethePrinceunharmed.”

TheItalianmafia?WhatdotheycareaboutFrancesco?Katewondered.Hereyesturnedtowardthe
Prince,expectingtofindhimshocked,buthecontinuedtostarestraightahead,hisfaceneutral.

ThePrince’spassiveexpressionseemedtobotherthegangleader.ThemanstompedtowardFrancesco
andtoweredoverhim,glaringathim.Hepunchedafistintohisopenpalm,waiting.“Whatdoyouthink
aboutthat,littleprince?”heasked.“Theyorderedustofindyouyearsago,andnowwefinallyhave.
Afterallyourtrialsandeffortstokeepusaway,andwe’refinallyhere.”Hiseyebrowsdancedacrosshis
forehead,showingoff.

Francescobrokehissilence,then.“Fine.Ifyouwanttobragaboutit,howthehelldidyoufindme?”he
asked.“Goon,tellyourinspiringtale.”

Thegangleadertossedhisheadback,laughing.“Oh,isn’tthatdelightful,seeingabillionaireoutraged.”
HepointedtowardFrancesco,bringingtherestofhisgangtoraucouslaughter.“Oh,howthemightyhave
fallen.”

Theleadercontinued,happytoboast.“Thebeautyofthemodernageisthis,PrinceFrancesco:
photographs,theinternet.Canyouseewherethisisgoing?”

Astheleaderspoke,Kate’sheartwiltedinherchest.Photographs?Hecouldn’tpossiblybespeaking
abouttheonesshe’dcapturedattheparty,couldhe?Francescohadtoldherthathetriedtokeephis
mansion’slocationoffthemaptoavoidthetabloids.Hehadn’tmentionedanythingaboutthemafia,nor
thePanamaniacs.

“Thephotosofyourlatestwildpartyweresuchfuntolookat,weren’tthey,boys?”themanasked,and
therestofhisgangagreedinchorus.“Andinoneofthosephotographs,wespottedsomeonewe
recognized:themayor’sassistant,Sandy.WeknowSandyquitewell,don’twe,boys?”

Again,thegangagreed.Oneofthememberslickedhislips,asifhewerepreparingtogobblethemup.

“WehadnoideaSandywasfriendlywithyou,YourHighness.Otherwisewecouldhavegottentoyou
much,muchsooner.”ThegangleaderleanedtowardFrancesco.Hewassoclose,spittlelandedon
Francesco’slipswhenhespoke.“Ratherbeautifulgirl,thatSandy,wouldn’tyousay?”

Francescodidn’tmove.Hiseyeslookedbleary,asiftheycouldreleasetearsofrage,butheheldthemin.

“I’mnotgoingtogoonuntilyoutellushowprettyyouthinkSandyis,”thegangleadersaid,gloatingnow.
“Comeon,now,wealllikeSandyalot,andwe’dlovetopassthiscomplimentontoherthenexttimewe
seeher.”

Francescoswallowed.Theairaroundthemwastense.Katewantedtoclosehereyes,butshewaited,
watchingasFrancescofinallyopenedhismouthtospeak.

“She’sgreat,”hewhispered.“Arealcatch.”

“That’smyboy,”thegangleadersaid,clappinghishandonFrancesco’sbacklikeabaseballcoach.
“Wasn’tsohardnow,wasit?Anyway,theminutewespottedSandy,wewenttoheranddemandedto
knowwhereyoulive,Prince.It’scrazyhowquicklysomeonewillgiveupsomeoneelsetheminutea
knifeappears.I’vebeeninthisbusinessforalong,longtime,anditstillamazesme.”

“Metoo,”anothergangmemberjoked.

“Andme,”saidanother.

Katebowedherhead,gazingatthefloor.

“Butwe’vealertedyourfamily,Francesco,andwe’recertainitwon’tbemuchlongerbeforewehear
fromthem,”theleadersaid,hisvoicechipper.“Asforthislittleextrapiecewehaveoverhere,”he
gesturedtowardKate,turningherbloodcold.“Ihavetoadmit,shewasquiteasurprise.Ididn’t
anticipatehavinganotherhostageonourhands.But,themorethemerrier,Isay.Right,boys?”

Kateswallowedbutfoundthathermouthwasdry.Shelookedeverywhereintheroombutathercaptors’
faces,willingherselfnottobeseen.Moretearsrusheddownhercheeks.

“Shejustwandereduphere,cryingoutthePrince’sname.‘Francesco!Francesco!’”Thegangleader
mockedher,scrunchinguphisface.“I’veoftenwondered,Prince,howyougetsomanywomentofallin
lovewithyou.Isityourgoodlooks?Yourcharm?”HeturnedtoFrancesco,lookingonwithfakeinterest.
“Isupposeifwekeepyouherelongenough,youcangivemesomelessons.Whatdoyousay?”

ThePrincedidn’tspeak.Hiseyeswerecastdownward,fatigued.

“Isee,”theleadersaid.“Itappearswe’verunthemraggedwithtoomuchplaytime.Isupposethismeans
weshouldletthemrestforabit.Grabthemsomechairs,Randy.Let’sgetthemofftheirknees.”

ThegangmemberwhoansweredtoRandyreturnedmomentslaterwithtwodiningroomchairs.Helifted
FrancescoandKateupfromtheirkneesandpositionedthemonthechairs.Aknifeflashedathishipwhen
hemoved.Hetiedthemupquickly,turningthemtofacethewindow.Theirchairswerestillsixfeetapart,
alienatingthem.

“Miguel,I’llhaveyoustayback,”theleadersaid.“Guardthemwhiletherestofusgetsomerest.I’msure
they’lldonothingbutcrytheireyesout,anyway.”Hecackledandthenturnedtowardthefoyer,therestof
thegangfollowinghim.Theytrudgedupthestepstothesleepingquarters,leavingKateandFrancesco
alonewiththeirguard.

“I’vegotmyeyesonyou,”Miguelsaid,scowling.Hetappedhisgunwithhisrightfinger,makinga
clinkingnoisewithhisnail.“Don’tmoveamuscle.”

TheterrorwasagonizingandmadeKatefeelasifshewereoutsideherbody.Shesatinsilence,listening
toFrancesco’sstaggeredbreathing.Outside,theblueskyhadbeguntograywiththebeginningsofastorm.

Tearsbegantoflooddownhercheeksagainasherpanicrecededandpure,coldterrorsetin.Theywere
beingheldhostage,anditwasallherfault.

SIXTEEN

Afteraboutthirtyminutesofsilence,Katedecidedshe’dhadenough.Shedidn’tcareabouttheguard
pacingtoandfro.Shedidn’tcareaboutthegangmembersupstairs.Shefeltasifherthoughtswouldburst
outofherskullifshedidn’tspeaktohim.

Tearsrollingdownherface,Kate’slipsparted.“Francesco,”shesaid,“I’msosorry.Icameheretotell
youthat,totellyouI’msorryItookthephotographs.Ididn’tthink—Ididn’tknow—”Shecouldn’tfinish
hersentence,asshedissolvedintosobs.

Francescosighed.Hiseyeswereblank,tired.ThesightofhimforcedKatetoregroup,toconfessmore
truths.Whatelsedidtheyhave,besidesthetruth?Theycoulddieinmereminutes.

“Idon’tquiteunderstandwhat’shappening,”shesaid,stillsobbing.“Idon’tunderstandwhytheItalian
mafiaisafteryouorwhytheyhavesomekindofagreementwiththisPanamagang.Butit’sclearthatI
playedaroleinthemfindingyou,sinceIleakedthosephotographs.AndGod,I’msosorry.Ididn’tknow.
Inmywildestdreams,Icouldn’thaveimaginedthis.”

Sheswallowed,wishinghewouldsaysomething,anything.Shefeltasifshewereyellingoutintoavoid.
Theguard,Miguel,continuedtopace,stillwatchingthem.Hishandremainedonhisgun.

Ifshewasgoingtotellhimatall,shewasgoingtohavetodoitnow.

“Whenwewereontheisland,afterI’dsentthephotographs,IrealizedIwasfallingforyou.Despite
everythingIthoughtIknewaboutyou,Istartedtoseetherealyou—theonetheydon’twriteaboutinthe
tabloids.Itwasremarkable,likeuncoveringburiedtreasureorsomething.Andeversinceyoudropped
meoffattheairportyesterday,Ihaven’tbeenabletogetyououtofmythoughts.I’mfallinginlovewith
you.Francesco.Onehundredpercent,forreal,Iamfallingforyou.”

Katecrackedasmilethroughhertears,realizingshesoundedcrazy.“AndIknowthathavingbetrayed
yourtrust,nothingmorecanhappenbetweenus,butIcameallthewayherejusttotrytoconvinceyouthat
I’mtrulysorryforwhatIdid.AndI’llspendtherestofmylifetryingtoproveittoyou,ifthat’swhatyou
want.”

Shesobbedagain,closinghereyes.“That’swhatIwantedtosay,”shewhispered.“Takeitorleaveit,but
knowthatIwon’tfalloutofthislovequickly.It’snotthekindyoushake.”

Silencefelloverthemonceagain.Katecontinuedtocry,holdinginhersobsyetallowingthetearsto
flow.Francescocouldn’tleavehercryinglikethis,couldhe?Hecouldn’theartheadmissionofherlove
andnotrespond.Butastheminutestickedby,shewonderedifshe’dcreatedtoomuchdamage,orif,
giventheirstatusashostages,Francescodidn’tcareaboutherfeelingsinthatmoment.

Afterwhatseemedlikealong,longtime,Francescostartedtolaugh.Itbeganquietlybeforeturningintoa
gut-bustingchuckle.

Hesmiled,hiseyesflashing.“I’vemetcountlessmodels,Kate,butyoumustbethecraziestoneI’veever

known.”Hecontinuedtolaugh,andKatejoinedhim,findingthesoundofitinfectious.

Finally,herstomachsorefromlaughter,Katespoke.“Whyarewelaughing?”sheaskedhim,incredulous.
“Idon’tunderstandit.”Shecontinuedtosmile,waitingforhisresponse.Wasthisreallyhappening?Or
weretheyhavingsomekindofpsychoticbreak?

“Kate,”hesaid,tearsrunningdownhischeeks,“it’salljusttooridiculous.Allthetimeyouwerelyingto
meaboutthephotographs,Iwaslyingtoyou,too.”

Katetiltedherhead,curious.“Whatdoyoumean?Whencouldyouhaveliedtome?”

“Theentiretime,”headmitted,shruggingslightly.Theropesheldhimtightly,andhecouldn’tmovemuch.
Hegrimaced.“Ilietoeveryone.It’stheonlywayIcankeepmyselfsafe.Atleast,untilnow.Ithadbeen
workingwellenough,untilyoucamealong.”Hesaidthesewordswithoutanger,butKate’sstomach
lurchedwithpanic.

“Youliedaboutthemafia?”Katewhispered.“Butweneverevenspokeaboutthemafia.”

“IconfessedtoyouthatIwasexiled,”thePrincesaid,“andthatmybrothermovedtoDenmarkbecause
hedidn’tcareabouttherestofus,butnoneofthatistrue.”

Kate’simaginationbegantorunwild.Shebitherlip,waiting.Hereyesgleamedinthelightstreamingin
fromthewindows.

“Iwasn’tsentawayforbadbehavior.Growingup,mybrotherandIwereinconstantfearofbeing
kidnapped.TheItalianmafiasentcountlessthreats.”

“OhmyGod,”Katewhispered,hardlyabletobelieveherears.“Howdidyoulivelikethat?”

“Myparentsdidn’ttellusaboutituntilwewereoldenoughtounderstand,”Francescosaid.“Theytoldus
thatwehadtostayclosetoourguardsandnannies,thatwecouldn’tgooutlateatnightwithourfriends.
Butthateventuallybecamestifling,andsotheyhadtotellusthetruth.”

“Butyoucouldn’tremainthere?”Katesaid.“Evenwithguards,peopletoprotectyou?”

“Itwasgrowingtoodangerous.CorruptionwasrifeinMonaco,andtheItalianmafiawasinfiltrating.We
didn’tknowwheretogoandbesafe,orwhowecouldreallytalkto.”

Katelookeddown,feelinghelpless.“Soyoucamehere?”shewhispered.

“Notbeforetheynearlykidnappedme,”thePrincesaid.Ashadowpassedoverhisface.“Iwaswalking
backtothepalacewiththewomanIwasdatingatthetime,Monique.”Heshivered.“Theycameoutof
nowhere.Iwasabletogetaway,butMoniquewashurtinthescuffle.”

“Whathappened?”Katesaid.

“Theycutherarm,”hesaid.“Shebledquiteabitbutdidn’tdie.Icouldn’tbelieveIhadputherinsuch
danger.DespitewhatItoldyouaboutnotwantingtobewithawomanformorethanafewhours,Ireally
doliketogettoknowwomen.ButIcan’tputthemindangeranymore.”

“Soyouescaped?”Kateasked,incredulous.“YouandMonique?”

“Ifoughtoffourattackers,”Francescosaid,eyeingMiguel,whocontinuedtopacenearthewindow.“I
gotMoniquetothehospital.Thatnight,myparentssentmetoPanama.They’dalreadypurchasedthis
place,unbeknownsttome.”

“Itakeityoudidn’twanttocomeallthewayhere?”Kateasked.

Francescosighed.“InthebeginningItriedtoworkoutseveralwaysIcouldremaininEurope,orperhaps
gotoManhattan,aplaceI’vealwaysloved.Butintheend,Panamaseemedthesafestoption.Themansion
waswellhidden,andIfeltIcouldslipinandoutviathatprivateairfieldasoftenasIpleased.Ijust
couldn’treturntoMonaco.Toomuchhadalreadyhappened,andIdidn’twanttoendangeranyoneelse.”

Katestaredoutthewindow,tryingtoprocessthisinformation.“Moniquemadeitoutallright?”she
asked.

“Ihearshe’sdoingwell,”Francescosaid.“Shegotmarriedlastyear,andshe’spregnant.Shewasa
musician,playedtheguitar,andshehasarecordcomingoutnextyear.Ihopeourattackdoesn’thaunther
thewayithauntsme.”

“IwishIcouldtouchyourightnow,”Katemurmured.Thewordscameoutoftheblue.

Francescolookedather,almostshocked,butheheldhergazeforseveralmoments.

“IwishIcouldtouchyou,too,”hewhispered.“Morethananything.”

Theguardglaredatthemandstompedhisfeet,causingbothKateandFrancescotolookelsewhere.

Kateswallowedsharply.Herbrainfeltchaoticandstrange,andshestartedtolaugh,justasFrancesco
had.Shewhippedherheadbackandclosedhereyes,lovingtheconfidencethatthemomentofuproarious
laughterbroughther.

Aftershecalmeddown,sheturnedbacktoFrancesco.Sheshrugged.“It’sratherridiculous,isn’tit?”she
said.

“What?”heasked,lookingamused.

“Ifwehadn’tliedtooneanother,weneverwouldhavegottenintothismess,”shesaid.“Iliedtoyou
aboutwhyIwasreallyatyourparty,andyouliedtomeaboutwhyyouwereinPanama.Ifwehadbeen
upfrontwithoneanotherfromdayone,wemighthavesurvivedthis,butintheend…”Sheshrugged,

turninghernosetowardtheguard,whotensedhisbicepmusclesandlookedathercruelly,clearlyableto
tearherapartifhewantedto.

“Isupposeyou’reright,”thePrincesaid.“Ifweevergetoutofhere,Idon’tplanonlyingtoyouever
again,butthatseemslikeabig‘if’atthispoint.”

Katesighed,acceptingthistruth.“Nowthatwe’rehere,Imightaswellaskyousomethingelse.Whyin
theworlddidyoucomebacktothemansionwhenyouknewthosephotographshadbeentaken?Whenyou
sawthephotographsinthetabloidsinMiami,whydidn’tyougosomewheretheycouldn’tfindyou?
Surelyyouknewthephotographshadgivenyouaway.”

Shedidn’tthinkhewasfoolishfordoingit,butperhapshe’dbeentiredofrunning?Perhapsthiswashis
wayoffindingpeace?

ButFrancescoshockedher.“Iknewthey’dfindme,sure,butIalsoknewhowupsetyou’dbeaboutthe
photographs,especiallyafterwe’dgottentoknoweachother—afterIcouldtellwewerefallingforone
another.”

“Youweren’tangrywithme?”

“Icouldn’tbe.What’sdoneisdone,”Francescosaid.“Intheend,Iknewyou’dtrytoreturntoPanamato
apologize,andIdidn’twantyoutocomeallthewaybackhereonlytofindthePanamaniacsinmyhouse,
waitingforme.Icouldn’timaginewhattheywouldhavedonetoyouifyou’darrivedwithoutme.”

Kate’sjawdropped.Shecouldn’tbelieveFrancescohadsacrificedsomuchforher.“Youcamebackto
protectme?”sheasked.

“Icouldn’tlivewithmyselfotherwise,”Francescosaid.“You’retheonlypersonI’vebeenabletotalkto
inyears.Youmean—youreallymeansomethingtome,Kate.”

Katebowedherhead,feelingthetensioninherchest.Shecouldhardlybreathe.Sheknewthenthatthey’d
beencapturedbecauseofheractions.She’dallowedthephotographstobepublished,andshe’dreturned
toapologize.Withouttheirattractiontooneanother,shewouldbesafelyinMiami,livingoutthe
remainderofhermodelingcareer,andFrancescomightbeinManhattan,makingoutwitharunwaymodel
withoutacareintheworld.

“Whentheytellyouwhatfallinginloveislike,”Katesaid,“theynevertellyouthatyou’llhavetogetinto
aplaneaccident,winduponadesertedisland,andthengetkidnappedtofindit.”

Francescolaughed.“You’reright.Maybetheyworryit’llputpeopleoff.”

Astheylaughed,Miguelstompedbehindthemandcollapsedontothecouch,clearlyboredbythe
affectionbetweenthem.HemurmuredsomethinginSpanishandbegantotextonhiscellphone,reducing
hisfocusonthem.Kate’seyebrowsrosehigh,andshefeltcogsturninginherbrain.Perhaps,withenough
ingenuity,theycouldescape.

“Anyway,Kate,”Francescosaid,“sincewe’renotsureifwe’regoingtogetoutofthis,thisisprobably
asgoodatimeasanytotellyouthatI’mfallinginlovewithyou.”

TearsformedinKate’seyes.Sheswallowedsharply,realizingnoonehadeversaidthattoherbefore.
She’dbarelyallowedherselftodaydreamaboutfallinginlovesincehermodelingcareerhadstarted.

“Metoo,”shesaid.“Ican’timaginebeingonadesertedislandwithanyoneelse.Ican’timaginebeingin
thissituationwithanyoneelse.Iwanttobebyyoursidefortherestofmylife,eveniftherestofmylife
isn’tlongerthantoday.”

Francesconodded.Hegaveherasadsmile.“Ihavetosay,thisrelationshiphasmorebetrayaland
dishonestytoitthananyI’veheardofbefore,andyetallIwanttodorightnowiskissyou,holdyou,tell
youeverythingisgoingtobeallright.Canyouimagineifweactuallygotoutofhere?I’ddoliterally
anythingforyou.Itwouldbedangerous.I’dhavetobecommitted.”

Katelaughed,allowingmoretearstofall.“I’llneverlietoyouagain,”shesaid.“Fromhereonout,I’ll
becompletelyandtotallyhonestwithyou—nomatterwhat.”

“Metoo,”Francescosaid.Hisvoicegrewdeeper,moreominous.“AndIvowtogetusoutofhere.That’s
nolie.”

Katepressedherlipstogethertightly.Sheturnedhereyestowardtheguard,whoseheadhadbeguntobob
withfatigue.Shepausedforamoment,hesitantaboutsayingthewordsoutloud.“Youknow,IthinkI
mighthaveanideaforourescape.”

Francescoseemedimpressed.Hegaveheraslightsmile.“Whenshouldwebegintoexecutesaidplan?”

“We’llneedtogiveitalittlemoretime,Ithink,”Katewhispered,nudgingherheadtowardtheguard.
“Whenthebigmanovertherefallsasleeponceandforall.”

“Can’tbetoolongnow,”Francescosaid.“I’vebeenwaitingmyentirelifeforsomeonelikeyoutocome
along.Icanwaitalittlebitlongertogetoutofhere.”

Kategrinnedandturnedhereyesbacktowardtherainforest,wherethesunhadbeguntodivebelowthe
trees.“Ican’tbelievehowlonelyitisuphere.WhenIfirstarrivedtoday,Icouldn’timaginehowyou’d
livedhereforsolongwithoutanyoneelse.Ifinallyunderstoodtheparties.”

“It’sastrangefeeling,beingallalone,”Francescotoldher.“IstartedtoforgetwhoIhadbeenbackin
Monaco.IwasgratefulIstillhadallthosephotographsandpaintingsupinmyprivatequarters.They
wereremindersofapastI’doncehad,oneIfeltIcouldn’treturntoanytimesoon.Itkilledmetolookat
them,anditkilledmenottolookatthem.Idon’tknowifthatmakessense,orifyoufeelthatwayabout
yourcareeratall.”

“Myearlymodelingcareer?Maybealittle,”Katesaid.“ImisshowontopoftheworldIfelt,butIdon’t

knowthekindoflossyouendured,leavingaplaceandpeopleyouloved.Yourentireworldisin
Monaco,butyou’rehere,hidingout.Itmustbeterrible.”

Shepaused,rememberingthatdayonsetwhenshe’dlookedatphotographsofFrancescointhemagazine.
“Iusedtobesojealousofyou,ofallthemoneyyouhad,”shesaid.“Itseemedlikeyoudidn’thaveacare
intheworld,hoppingfrompartytoparty,notcaringaboutanyoneenoughtokeepthemaroundforlong.I
feltlikeyesterday’snews,andyouwereinthenewseverysingleday.”Sheshookherhead,incredulous.
“It’sremarkablehowyourperceptionchangesonceyougettoknowaperson.Nooneishowtheyseem.”

“That’sbeenourconstanttheme,hasn’tit?”Francescosaid,laughing.“Although,themomentIsawyouat
myparty,Iknewyouweren’tliketheothers.Iknewyouwerespecial.IknewIwasinforsomethingbig,
especiallywhenIfoundyoupassedoutonmychaiselounge.”

Katelaughedatthememory.“That’swhenallthisstarted.IfonlyI’drememberedtosetmyalarm!”

“ButI’msogladyoudidn’t,”Francescosaid.“Ithinklivesbeginandendwithaccidents.Ifweeverhave
kids,though,wecan’teveryellatthemforwakinguplate.It’stheveryreasonwewereabletocome
together.”

Katefeltlightandfreeashespokeaboutafuturetogether,oneshewasn’tentirelysurecouldhappen
giventheircurrentpredicament.Butshe’dlongheardthatprisonerswerehealthierandhappierifthey
madeplansfortheirfuture,iftheylookedtowardtheirtimeoutsidetheprisonwallswithhope.Perhaps
Francescoknewthatandwantedtoinstillhopeinher.

“Ihopewehavesomanykidsthatwe’reneverlonely,”Katesaid,playingalong.“Ihopetheyallpileon
usintheeveningsaswewatchtelevision.Ihopetheyneverfeelfearbeforetellingmesomething,likeI
didwithmymother.AndIhopetheyneverlosetouchwithme,likeIlosttouchwithmine.”

Shebowedherhead,rememberingthestiltedphoneconversationshe’dhadwithhermombeforeflying
outtoPanamathefirsttime.They’dhardlyspoken,asKatehadalwaysassumedhermotherdidn’t
approveofherlifestyle.Butperhapstherewassomemiscommunicationbetweenthem?Perhapsher
motherassumedKatewasangrywithher?Kateshivered,resolvingtocallhermotherassoonastheygot
outoftheirpredicament.

“I’msorrytohearthat,”Francescosaid,hiseyesdarkandsincere.“IhopeIgettomeetheroneday.If
she’syourmother,I’msuresheisaremarkablewoman.”

“Shesupportedmeinherownway,”Katemurmured.“Shedidn’tlikethatIbecameamodel,asItold
you,butshedidvisitmeofteninNewYork,andIknowshelovedtotellherfriendswhatIwasupto.”

“Shewasproud.That’sthewayofparents.Theyyellatyoubehindcloseddoorsandthenbragaboutwhat
youdotootherpeople.It’sacomplicatedrelationship,andoneIcan’twaittohone,ifIeverreturnto
Monaco.”

“Youwill,”Katesaid.“Ijustknowit.”

FrancescoeyedMiguelagain,andhiseyebrowsnarrowed.“Youknowwhat?Ithinkhemightbe
officiallyasleep.”

Kateturnedherheadasfarasshecouldandnotedthattheguard’schinwasslumpedontohislowerchest.
Hisbellyprotrudedoverhispants,andhishandwasempty,hiscellphonedroppedontothecouch
cushion.Immediately,adrenalinepulsedthroughher.“Okay,Ithinkyou’reright.It’stime.”

Francesconodded.“Youhaveaplan?”hewhispered.

Katedidn’tanswer,notwantingtowastetime.Sheclosedhereyes,rememberingtheflexibilityskills
she’dhadasachild.Beforetheairplaneaccident,shehadn’tusedherhypermobilitysinceshe’dbeena
girl.Now,boundatherwristsandelbows,shecouldn’tthinkofabettertimetoputittouse.

Shefrowned,wrinklingherforehead.Sheliftedherrightarm,tryingtoloosenthetensioninherbones
andligaments,whichwasdifficult,duetoherstresslevel.Francescosawthis,realizingthatherpanic
waspreventingherfromfreeingherself.

“Justlistentothesoundofmyvoice,okay?”hewhispered,hisvoicesoothing.“Justlisten.”

Katenodded,butthemovementwasalmostunnoticeable.“Okay.”

“You’regoingtogetthroughthis,”Francescosaid.“Youjustneedtotakeafewdeepbreaths.Doitwith
me,okay?”

Francescoinhaleddeeply,allowingthenoisetoreachKate’sears.Katefollowedsuit.Heinhaledfor
eightcountsandexhaledforanothereight,forcingKatetoconcentrateonsomethingbesidesherrushing
heart.

“Ohwow,”shemurmuredafterthethirdbreath.“Ithinkit’sworking.”

“Fourmore,”Francescosaid.“Comeon,justfourmoreandthenyoucandoit.”

Theybreathedtogether,becomingmoreofateamwitheverysecondthatpassed.Astheybreathed,the
guardbegantosnore.Itrattledthroughhim,soothingKateevenmore.Hewasmilesandmilesawayinhis
mind,andhesurelywouldn’tnoticethattheywerefleeing.

“Okay,”Francescosaid,“Ithinkyou’reready.”

Katenoddedandloosenedherarmsagain,nudgingherrightarmuntilshefreedherwrist.Withherright
wristfree,herleftwristhadroomtofreeitselffromtheropes.Whenbothwristswerefree,hereyes
poppedopen.

ShestaredatFrancesco,elated,asmilestretchingbetweenhercheeks.“Ohmygosh,”shewhispered.“I
didit.”

“Justyourelbows,now,”Francescosaid,nodding.Hewasglowingwithhope.“Justyourelbows,and
thenwecangetoutofhere.”

Katenodded,closinghereyesagain.Shefocused,frowning,andthenworkedonlooseningherelbow
fromtherope.Sheliftedherarm,whichwasstillabittwisted,intotheair.Shecorrecteditandthen
pumpedherfistintotheair,feelingblissful,hardlyabletobelieveit.

Quickly,withoutlosingtoomuchtime,Kateremovedherleftelbowfromtheropes.Sheusedbothhands
tountietheropearoundherwaistandthenstooduponshakinglegs.Francescodidn’tspeak.Boththem
weresuddenlyfartooafraidtomakenoise,giventheyweresoclosetobeingfree.

KatewalkedtowardFrancescoandinhaledhisscent,immediatelyfeelingneedy,wantingtowrapher
armsaroundhimandkisshim.Instead,shewenttothebackofhischairanduntiedhiswrists,thenhis
elbows.Shewatchedashewoundhishandsaroundhisredwrists,whichclearlyached.He’dbeentied
upevenlongerthanshehad,andhisskinshowedtheforcethekidnappershadusedonhim.

Withhisarmsnowfree,Francescountiedtheropearoundhiswaist.Hewatchedastheropesfelltothe
ground,andthenhespranguponhistoes.Heswipedhiswet,sweatingpalmsacrosshislegsandgrinned.

Buthismotionswerejustabittoofast.Ashemoved,thechairbehindhimwaspushedbackward.It
collapsedontotheground,clankingonthemarble.

Themomentthechairfellback,Katedreadedwhatwouldfollow.HereyesmetwithFrancesco’sasthey
heardthenoise,whichechoedoffthewindows.

“OhmyGod,”Katewhispered.“No.No.”

Ithadallbeentoogoodtobetrue.

SEVENTEEN

Theyturnedtowardtheguard,whoseeyessnappedopen.Immediately,heswipedhishandoverhisdrool-
coveredmouthandliftedhisgun.Heswunghisfeetoffthecouch,lookingaroundthedarkenedfrontroom
beforefinallyspottingthetwocaptivesinfrontofhim.Thecaptiveswhowerenowfree.

“Hey!Whatdoyoutwothinkyou’re—”Miguelsaid,wavinghisgun.

Gratefulhedidn’timmediatelyshootthem,KatesqueezedFrancesco’sfirmbicep.“Wehavetorun,”she
said.“Wehavetogo.GO!”

Francescodidn’tmove.Heturnedtowardtheguard,wholookedconfusedandstillhalf-asleep.“Sit
down,”Francescosaid,growling.Hestompedtowardtheguard,whowasafullhalffoottallerthanthe
alreadytallFrancesco.“Sitbackdownandpretendyoudidn’tseeathing.”

Theguardgrippedhisgunevenmoretightly.Hepointedtowardthechairs.“Yougetbacktoyourstations,
immediately,”hetoldthem,“orI’llcalltheothers.”

“Youcan’tshootme,”Francescosaid.“Beforemyfamilypaysyou,they’llwanttomakesureI’malive.If
youshootmerightnow,you’llhavenothing.Whatwillyourbossessayaboutthat,huh?Whatdoyouthink
they’lldo?”

Theguarddidn’tknowwhattodo.HecontinuedtopointhisgunatFrancescoevenasthePrincecrept
closertohim.Katewaswildlyfrightened.Shegrippedherelbows,wishingtheycouldjustrun,asshe’d
wantedto.Shehadn’tthoughtmuchbeyondherplantogetoutoftheropes.Now,itseemed,Francesco
hadtakenover.

Francescobroughthisfistuphigh,levelwiththeguard’sear.“Putthegundown,”hesaid,hisvoicelow.
“Anddon’tyoudarescreamoutforyourfriends.”

Theguardvisiblyshook,eyeingKate.“Icanstillshoother,”hewhispered.“Youdidn’tthinkofthat,did
you,myprince?”

Inaflash,theguardtrainedhisgunonKate.Hefiredasingleshot,andthebulletwhizzedpastherleft
ear,missingherbyafewinches.Kateheldinherscream,knowingtheycouldn’tmakeanymorenoise
thanwasabsolutelynecessary.Shedidn’tknowwheretheothergangmemberswere.

Nosoonerhadtheguardfired,FrancescopunchedMiguelintheface.Theguardflewbackontothe
couch,bloodsquirtingfromhisnose.Hecriedout,placinghispalmsoverhisface.

Bloodoozeddowntothecouch,causingFrancescototurntoKate.“Doesn’theknowthatcouchcostforty
thousanddollars?”hewhispered,halfjoking.

Atthatmoment,theyheardnoiseatthedoor.Theothergangmembershadcomeforthem.Francesco
grabbedtheguntheguardhaddroppedandpointeditathim.

“Everythingallrightinthere?”oneoftheothermenaskedfromoutsidethedoor.“Weheardashot.”

FrancescoeyedMiguel,lookingathimominously,likehewaspreparedtostrikeagain.“Tellthemyou
firedthegunbymistake,”hesaid.“Tellthemeverything’sfine.”

TheguardblinkedupatFrancescoandpeereddownthebarrelofthegun.Heswallowed,bringinghis
handbackuptohisnose.

“It’sallright,”hecalled.“Ishotthegunonaccident.Stupid,really.”Hiswordswereclearandsure,even
asbloodcontinuedtodrawalinedownhisface.

“Idiot,”thegangleaderhuffed.“I’llsendEduardodowntokeepaneyeonyou.”

FrancescoandKatemadeeyecontact.Theydidn’thavemuchtime.Theyrushedfromthecouch,
Francescostillholdingthegun.HegrabbedKate’shandandledhertothefireplace.Heplacedhishand
onthebeautifulstonefinish,gazingatit.

Katewasimpatient.“Wehavetogetgoing,”shewhispered,tuggingathishand.“Please.”

ButFrancescoremainedatthefireplace,gazingatitwithcuriosity.Katedidn’tknowifoneofthe
photographsontopofthemantlewasimportanttohimorifhejustneededtopauseandtakealastmental
pictureofhisone-timehome,butshefeltiftheywaitedanothermoment,theguardwouldriseandknock
thembothtotheirfeet.

“Comeon,”shetriedagain,hervoicequivering.

Finally,Francescoreachedtothesideofthemantle,wherealargecandlesticksat,dustyandnever
burned.Hetuggedatthecandle,bringingittowardthem.Immediately,alatchbrokeonthesideofthe
wall.

Katewatched,astonished,asagapgrewbetweenthewallandthefireplace,Francescoyankingatthe
stonetoripitfromthewall.Afterseveralmoments,he’dtuggeditsofarfromthewallthathe’drevealed
asecretexit,atunnelthatseemedtoheadintotheground.Theairinsidewasdankandmuggy,mixingwith
thebrisk,air-conditionedenvironmentofthemansion.

“Doyoutrustme?”Francescoasked,wrappinghisfingersaroundKate’s.

“IsaidIwouldtrustyouforever,”Katesaid,rememberingtheirconversation.“Ofcourse.”

“Good,”Francescosaid.Thenhedraggedherforwarddownthetunnel,leadingherdeeperanddeeper
intotheground.

Theydidn’thaveaflashlight,andthetunnelwaspitchblack,ominous.Katestumbledseveraltimes,
trippingovertheblackheelsshe’dchosenearlierthatmorningduringanotherlifetime.

“Kickthemoff,”Francescosaid,stoppingforamomentsoKatecouldremovehercumbersomeshoes.
ThegroundwassoftbeneathKate’sbarefeet,comprisedofsoil.Itfeltgood,coolandalmostsoothing.

Afterrunninginthedarknessforseveralminutes,Katespottedlightattheendofthetunnel,whichshe
fixatedon,watchingasitgrewbiggerandbrighterwitheachpassingmoment.

“We’realmostthere,”Francescotoldher.“Justkeepmoving.Iknowyou’retired,Kate,butyoucando
this.”

Katecontinuedtofight,pickingherkneesupashighastheywouldgo.Sheremembered,yearsbefore,
whenshe’dbeenexercisingtoloseweight.She’dtoldherselfsheneededtolosejustthreepoundsand
thenshe’dbeonthecoverofEllemagazine.“Justkeepgoing,”she’dwhisperedtoherself,dayinandday
outonthetreadmill.She’ddoneit,butshe’dnevermadethecoverofElle.

Finally,afterwhatseemedlikeaneternity,KateandFrancescoburstintotheundergroundgaragebeneath
themansion.Kateturnedbacktowardthetunnel,peeringdownit,andheardthebeginningsofthegang
memberscomingafterthem.

“Ithinkthey’rechasingus,”shesaid,pointing.“Wehavetohurry.”Thewhitesofhereyeswerevisible,
makingherlookcrazedandpanicked.Sweatbeadshadformedatherforehead,andtheyswamdownher
cheeks.

“Let’staketheFerrari,”Francescosaid,notmissingabeat.“It’sthefastest.Comeon.”Hegrabbed
Kate’shandagain.Kate’sheartrattledinherthroat,herbloodpumpinginherears.

TheFerrariwasparkedonthefarsideofthegarage,neartheexit.Katewasgratefultoseethatthegarage
doorwasalreadywideopen.Justthedirtroad,windingoutoftheforest,greetedthem.Assheracedto
thesideofthecar,sheheardthecawofatropicalbirdandthescreechofamonkey.Theyweresaying
goodbye.

KategotintotheFerrari,turningquicklytowardFrancesco.“Ihaven’tseenyouinthedriver’sseatsince
ourplanecrash-landed,”shesaid,hervoiceteasing.“AreyousureIcantrustyou?”

“You’regoingtohaveto,”Francescosaid,raisinghiseyebrows.Heshotthecarintoreverseandswept
backfromtheparkingspot.

Kateeyedthecarstheywereleavingbehind,includingseveralBMWsandMustangs.Shetouchedher
fingertipstotheglass,feelingstrangethattheywereleavingallofFrancesco’sbelongingsinthehandsof
thosemonsters.Therewasnothingtheycoulddonow,though.

Francescodrovequicklydownthedrivewayandthenturnedright.Themomenttheyturned,Kate’sjaw
dropped.Oneithersideoftheroad,gangmemberswerewaitingintheircars,preparedtoblockany
potentialescape.

Katescreamedwildlyandslappedahandoverhermouth,butastheypassedthecars,sheandFrancesco

sawthatallfourcarscontainedhalf-asleepguards,theirgunscollectedonthedashboards.

“Theyaren’tevenpayingattention!”Francescocried.

Theywhizzedpastthemakeshiftblockade.ThenoiseoftheFerrari’sengineimmediatelywokethegang
membersup,andtheyreachedfortheirguns.TheyfiredattheFerrarifromadistance,clippingthedirt
andtreesaroundthem.

Francescowhoopeduproariously.“Weshowedthem,baby!Theycouldn’tcatchusiftheytried!”

Kategrinned,bringingherhandtoFrancesco’supperarm.Happytearsstreameddownhercheeks.“That
wasmasterful,”shesaid.“Ican’tbelievewegotoutofthat.”

“Allthankstoyou,Kate,”Francescosaid,laughing.“Withoutyourskills,wewouldstillbebackinthere,
justwaitingtodie.”Heswallowed.“Kate,yousavedmylife.You’vesavedbothofourlivescountless
times,fromthedaywhenyoubuiltthefiretonow,whenyoubroughtustosafety.Thankyou.”

Katecouldn’tfindthewordstospeak.Sheleanedherheadbackheavily,watchingtherainforestaround
themastheyrevvedbacktowardthecity.Thedirtroadbumpedbeneaththeirtires,spittingstonesbehind
them.

“Youdon’tthinkthey’recomingafterus,doyou?”Kateasked.

“I’mnotsure.That’swhyI’mtryingtocomeupwithaplanforwheretogo,”Francescosaid,grippingthe
steeringwheeleventighter.“Muchofthecityisn’tsafe.ThePanamaniacshavecountlessconnections,
andeveryone’sfartoofrightenedtodisobeytheirorders.”

“Evenformoney?”Kateasked,glancingsidewaysathim.

“Iwouldn’twanttoriskit,”hesaid.“Wedon’thavemuchtimeasitis.”

Oncetheyreachedtheendofthedirtpath,theyfoundthemselvesonthemainroad,whichledthemback
toPanamaCity.Katespottedthecitylitupinthenight,beneaththestars,andherbreathcaught.“It’seven
morebeautifulatnight,”shewhispered.

“It’sbeenawonderfuladoptivehome,”Francescosaid,poundinghisfootonthegas.“Butnow,allIwant
todoisleaveitbehind.”

Katelaughed,clappingherhandstogether.Attheforkintheroad,Francescoturnedright,awayfromthe
cityandtowardthecoast.Theroadsnakedouttothewaterandthendownthewaterline.Katepeeredout
overthedarkwater,watchingasthewavesrolledin.Shewasremindedoftheirdaysontheisland,
listeningtothewaves.Nowthatsoundwasthemostbeautifuloneintheworldtoher.Itspokeoffreedom.

Francescocontinueddriving,racingdownthecoastalhighwayandpasttherainforestformilesandmiles.
Katelosttrackofthehoursandwassurprisedtoseetheskybegintoturngraywiththemorninglight.Her

stomachgrowled,andshecrossedherarmsoverit,embarrassed.

“We’llfindfoodsoon,”Francescosaidcalmly.“We’llneedtogetgasaswell.Thisthingisaguzzler.I
justdon’twanttostoptoosoon.Thoseanimals,they’llrideforhoursbeforetheygiveup.Iknowit.
They’regreedy.They’reoutforblood.”

“Whichwayarewegoing?”Kateasked,stillunabletoseepreciselywherethesunwascomingup.

“We’reheadingeast,”hetoldher,“towardLaPalma.Iknowofaplaceoutsidethecitywecanstayin,at
leastforabit.”Heflashedhiseyesather.“Youknow,theydon’tknowwhoyouare.Theydon’tknow
yourname.”

“ThePanamaniacs?”sheasked.

“Yes.Theycouldn’thaveknown.Theydidn’tcheckyourwallet,either,didthey?”

“No,”Katesaid.

“Thismeansyoucancallyourfamily,andanyfriendsinMiami.Youcantellthemyou’resafe.Justdon’t
tellthemyou’rewithme,ofcourse.Notuntileverythingclears.”

Kate’sheartwarmedatthethoughtofhearinghermother’svoice.ShegrippedFrancesco’swristashe
drove,hishandonthemanualstick.“Thatwouldmeantheworldtome,”shesaid.

“Iknowit’swhatIwanttodorightnow,”Francescosaid.“TellmymotherhowmuchImissher,andthat
I’mokay.”

Theycontinuedtodriveasthesunroseintheeast,makingtheseaglowpink,yellowandorange.Kate’s
eyesflutteredseveraltimes,butshekeptherselfproppedupandawake,asshedidn’twanttoabandonthe
Prince.Hiseyesremainedfocused,hisnosepointedstraightahead.Thepartyanimalwasnolonger.This
Francescowasfirm,stoic,savingtheirlives.Hewasahero.

EIGHTEEN

Ataroundseveninthemorning,Francescostoppedatagasstationoutsideasmallruraltown.Kateset
herfeetonthepavement,feelingwoozy.

She’dhadherfeetonthegroundfornolongerthanasecondbeforeFrancescowasinfrontofher,
wrappinghisarmsaroundherandliftingherofftheground.Shesquealedindelight,lovingthefeelingof
himholdingher.Sheputherarmsaroundhisneckandclungtohimashespunheraroundinthegasstation
parkinglot,kissingherashedid.

“Oh,baby,”hewhisperedastheyspun,thesunlightglowingonthetopsoftheirheads.“I’msogladwe’re
heretogether.I’msogladwe’reallright.”

Kategiggledashesatherbackontheground.Shewaseuphoric.Sheadjustedherdressandpeeredupat
him,feelinggiddy.“Ofallthemessesyou’vegottenusinto,”shesaid,placingherhandsonherhips,“this
hastobethemessiest.”

“Don’tworry,Kate,”Francescosaid,slippingastrayhairbehindherear.“Ipromise,whenwefinally
makeitoutofthiscountry,wecandoitinaplanethat’sflownbysomeoneelse.Soundlikeadeal?”

Katelaughed.“IthinkIcanagreetothat,ifyoudon’tmind.”

“Aslongasyou’rebesideme,I’llgowherever,”hesaid,kissingheragain.Withtheirlipslockedand
theireyesclosed,theydidn’trealizethatasmallcrowdhadleftthegasstationandwasnowwatching
them,clappingtheirhands.

Alarmed,Kateendedthekissandstaredatthem,hereyeswide.“Whatiftheyknowwhoyouare?”she
whispered,alarmed.“Whatifoneofthemtookaphotograph?Itcouldalertthemen—”

Francescojustraisedhisarm,actingcool,unruffled.“Thankyou,everyone,”hesaid.“Gracias.Wearein
love,it’strue.”

Oneofthewomenwhoworkedatthegasstationblewthemakiss.Anotherdabbedathereyes,
murmuringsomethingtoanother.AsmallboychompedonhisCheetos,gettingorangedustalloverhis
cheeks.KateandFrancescowereaspectacleinthistinytown,butnoneofthesepeopleknewthePrince’s
name.Ofthat,Katewascertain.

“Youfillup,”Katesaid,placingherpalmsflatonhischest.“I’llgrabsomesnacksforus.Wearen’ttoo
farawayfromtheplaceyouweretalkingabout,right?”

“Nomorethantwohours,”Francescosaid,runninghisfingersthroughhishair.Heturnedbacktothe
Ferrari,lookingfatiguedashewalked.

Katefeltanacheinherchestfromnotbeingbesidehimforamoment,andthensheturnedswiftlybackto
thegasstation,scoldingherselfinternally.Shestillwasn’tadamselindistress.Shewasastrongand
capablewoman,abletobuildfiresandtwistoutofropesandrundownatunnelunderneaththerainforest.

Shejusthatedbeingtornfromherloveforevenamoment.

Thegasstationwasageneralstore,withfruits,vegetables,cereals,desserts,andcoffee.Katesmiledat
thecashier,rememberingherfromoutside.Thewomangrinnedback,gesturingtotheroomaroundher,as
iftosay,“Please,helpyourself.”

Katecollectedenoughitemsforafewdays,knowingthey’dprobablybehidingoutforawhile.Shewent
uptothecounterwithabasketfullofbread,avocadoes,apples,oranges,andlemons,feelingalittlelike
shewasgoingcamping.

Asthecashierbegantocalculatehertotalviaanold-fashionedcalculator,Katepointedbehindthe
woman’sheadtoasmallselectionofwinesandchampagnes.Thewomangesturedtowardthem,her
eyebrowsraisedinquestion.

“Yes.Champagne?”Kateasked,unsureifshecouldmakeherselfunderstood.

Thewomansmiledagainandbroughtadustybottledownfromtheshelf.Sheplaceditinthebagwiththe
othergroceriesandwavedherhands,palmsflat,asiftosay,“It’sonthehouse.”

“Thankyou,”Katewhispered,gratefulforthewoman’sgenerosity.Shelookeddownatherbody;her
dresswastornanddirtyfromgettingoutoftheropes,andherfeetwerestillbarefromwhenshe’d
removedhershoesinthetunnel.Thewomanhadn’tmentionedit.“Noshoes,noshirt,noservice”was
apparentlynotapartofPanamaprotocol.

AsKatestoodatthefrontofthestore,waitingforthecashiertotallyupherotheritems,sheturnedher
eyestowardthemagazineracknearthewall.Suddenlypanicked,shemarchedovertoit,knowingthatif
Francesco’sfacewasonthecoverofamagazine,shewouldhavetobuyitandhideitfromtheother
customers,justincasetheyrecognizedhimlaterandletthewordout.

Assheturnedthemagazinerack,however,shesawnothingbutSouthAmericanandCentralAmerican
celebrities,manyinbikinis,flashingtheirplasticsurgeryanddancinghalfnakedonthesand.Kate’sheart
slowedtoitsnormalrhythm.Theyweresafehere.Eventhetabloidsdidn’treachthisarea.Sheand
Francescowerejusttwonobodiespassingthrough,andtheywouldn’tberememberedinfiveminutes,
maybeless.

KatepaidforheritemsandmetFrancescooutfront,whereshefoundhimsmokingacigar.Helooked
pensive,filledwithdarkthoughtsashestaredoutatthewater.ThemomentKateappearedbesidehim,he
removedthecigarfromhismouthandtosseditontothesand,stompingitout.

“Youdidn’thavetoputthatoutonmyaccount,”Katesaid,abithesitant.

Francescoshrugged,hiseyesbrightagain.“AsIsmokedit,IrealizedIdidn’treallyneedit,”hesaid.“I
wantedto,atfirst,asacelebration,butthetasteofitwasstaletome.Youlook,tasteandfeelsodelicious
incomparison.”Hewrappedhisarmsaroundher,peeringdownather.“Whatdidyoubuyus,baby?”

Kateopenedherbag,revealingthealcohol,thefruits,thevegetables,andthechickenshe’ddecidedto
purchaseatthelastsecond.“We’llhaveafeasttonight,”shesaid.“AlthoughIdon’tknowhowitcould
comparetothefishyoucaughtforusontheisland.Thatwasthebestmealofmylife.”

“Iknowwe’llneverbeatthat,”Francescosaid,laughing.“Butthisseemslikeagoodstart.”

TheygotintheFerrariagain,Francescoalittlemoreenergized.Hestartedtheengineandturnedupthe
radio,bringingvibrant,SouthAmericantunesintothecabofthevehicle.

Katedancedinherseat,bobbingherheadintimetothemusic.Francescomadefunofher,dancingand
imitatingher,andshelaughedoutrageously,clutchingherstomach.Duringaballadthatcameonlater,
Francescosangalong,tellingherithadbeenoneofhismother’sfavoriteswhenhe’dbeenachild.“She
lovedCentralandSouthAmericanmusic,”hetoldher.“It’sprobablypartofthereasonshesentmehere.
SheknewthataslongasIhadthemusic,Iwouldbeallright.Maybehearingitnow,it’sasignthatwe
willbe.”

Theydrovefornearlytwomorehours,untilFrancescoexitedthehighwayandturnedontoadirtroad,
approachingthebeach.Katepeeredoutthewindowatthenowvibrantdaylight.Thebeachgrewcloser
andcloser,andsheanticipatedwhatthecoolwaveswouldfeellikeonhertoes.

“IknowItoldyouIcan’tswim,”shesaid,“butIwasthinkingImightliketotrytoday,ifyou’reupforit.”

Francescosmiledashedrove,hisfacefilledwithpromise.“IthinkIcanteachyou,”hesaid,hisvoice
confident.“Wedon’thaveourswimsuits,though.”

“Idon’tthinkthatwillmatter,”Katesaid,laughing.“We’reinthemiddleofnowhere.Wecanmakethisa
nudebeachifwewantto.Don’tyouthink?”

“Icertainlydon’tthinkanyonewilltellonus,”Francescosaid.

Heparkedthecarnearasmall,rundownshack,whichhadthenumberonepaintedonitsdoorinbright
pink.Hepointedtoit.“Thisiswherewe’regoingtobeforalittlewhile.Iboughtthisplaceaboutayear
ago,justincasetheyeverfoundme.Iknewtheywouldn’tsuspectI’dcomehere,ofalltheplacesinthe
world,andit’snotbad.SometimesIcomeoutheretothink.”

“Doyounormallybringagirlwithyou?”Kateasked,teasinghim.

Francescoshookhishead.“Ineverhave.Notuntilnow.”

Theyleftthecar,notbotheringtolockitbehindthem,andmeanderedtothefrontoftheshack.Kateheld
ontothegroceriesasFrancescosearchedhispocketsforthekey.Hefounditquicklyandslottedit,taking
severallungesatthedooruntilitopened.“Ihaven’tbeenhereinafewmonths,”hesaid,thefreshair
swirlingthedustinsidetheshack.“Itmightbeabitunkempt.Ihopethatdoesn’tbotheryou.”

Kateshrugged,justhappytobewithhim.Sheenteredbehindhimandtookstockoftheinterior,findingit

tobepreciselywhatshe’dimagined.Theshackhadtworooms,onewithalargemattressandtheother
withlinesofbookshelves,acouch,andasmalltelevisioninthecorner.Thekitchenwaspartoftheliving
room,andithadasinkandatinyrefrigerator,butnostove.

Shepointedatthecountertop,slicingherfingerthroughthedust.“Howdoyouexpectwe’regoingtocook
thechicken,dearprince?”sheasked.

“Aren’tyoutheonewhocanmakeameanfire?”thePrinceasked,laughing.

“Weneedtocleanthisplaceupfirst,”Katesaid,smackingherhandonthecounter.Ahugewaveofdust
flewupintotheair,startlingher.

“We’lldoitlater,”Francescosaid,takingthegroceriesfromherarms.“First,Iwanttopopthis
champagne,andthenIwanttodiveintotheCaribbeanSea.Iwasn’tsosurewe’dbeabletodothat
again.”

“Agreed,”Katesaid.

Thecouplestrolledoutontothesand.Francescoheldtwoglasses,takenfromthecupboardandscrubbed
clean.Kateclungtothechampagnebottleasshewanderedoverthesand,relishingthesensationofthe
granulesbetweenhertoes.“Itdoesn’tfeelreal,”shesaid.“Itfeelslikeweshouldbedead.”

“Butwe’renot,”Francescosaid,takingthechampagnebottlefromher.Heuncoiledthewireandthen
poppedthetop.Theywatchedasthechampagnebubbledup,drizzlingoverthesidesofthebottle.He
pouredthembothaglassandthensetthebottleinthewetsand,sothatitwouldn’ttoppleover.

Theyclinkedtheirglassestogether,makingintimateeyecontact.“Cheerstogettingoutofbadsituations,”
Francescosaidsoftly,“andtoescapingwiththemostbeautifulwomanI’veeverseen.”

Katesearchedhisface,wantingtoimprintthismemoryinherbrainforever.“Thankyouforsavingus,for
savingme,andforchoosingmeallthoseweeksagofromthepagesofamagazine.Youchangedmylife
forever,truly.”

Theysippedtheirchampagne,feelinggiddy.Aftertheyfinishedtheirsmallglasses,Francescoreached
forward,kissedher,andthendrewherdressoverherbody,bringingherpaleskinintothesunlight.

Katehadn’twornanythingbeneathherdress,asasmallpartofherhadbeenhopingsomethingmagical
wouldhappenwhenshearrivedatFrancesco’smansion.Shecrossedonelegovertheother,feeling
vaguelyembarrassedtobenakedbeneaththecloudlesssky.

“You’regorgeous,”Francescowhispered,lookingherupanddown,causinghertosmileandrelax.

Hesoonjoinedher,takinghissuitoffandstandingnaked,showingherthestrong,passionatemanshe’d
triedtomemorizebackonthedesertedisland.Kateplacedherpalmsonhischest,feelinghispectoral
muscles.Asheinhaledandexhaled,herpalmsmovedbackandforth.Shegiggled.

“Ilovefeelingyourlungsandmusclesatwork,”shesaid.“You’resoveryrealtome.Inthemodeling
world,forsolong,nothingwasreal.”

Francescokissedher,then,theirtwoshadowsbecomingoneonthesand.Thenheturnedtowardthewater
andran,leapingintothewavesoncehehitthem,yellingoutwithjoy.Hewastheveryportraitof
freedom.

Heburstfromthewaves,searchingforherontheshore,andKatewaved.“Areyoucomingin?”he
called.“Icanteachyou.I’mhereforyou.”

Nervous,Kateplacedhertoesinthewater.Thesmellofsaltenteredhernose,andsheshivered.Butshe
keptgoing,feelingconfidentwithFrancescowaitingrightinfrontofher.Asshepushedforward,the
watercrepthigherandhigheruphertorso,becomingchillyonherstomachandbreasts.

Whenshewasstandingwiththewateroverhershoulders,sheshookherheadatFrancesco.“Idon’tknow
ifIcangounder,”shesaid.Aroundher,herredhairhadcreatedakindofhaloatherneck,floatingontop
ofthewater.

Francescoreachedforwardandgrabbedherhands.“We’lldoittogether,”hesaid.“We’llgounder
together,andthenwe’llcomebackup.Areyouready?”

“Okay,”Katesaidsoftly,bitingherlip.

“Countwithme,”Francescosaid.“One,two…”

“Three,”Katefinished.Shesubmergedherheadcompletelyunderthewater,allowingherpanictoebb
away.Sheclosedhereyes,blowingbubblesfrombetweenherlips.Afterwhatseemedlikeaneternity,
sheliftedherheadabovethewater,flippingherhairback.

Shegasped,gazingatFrancesco.Hegaveheramightysmileandwrappedhisarmsaroundher,pulling
herintohim.“Baby,you’regoingtobeaswimmeryet,”hemurmured,kissingher.“Icanjustseeit.
You’vegotthebraveryforit,andthebody.”

Katelaughed,tiltingherheadback.Theygazedupatthebluesky,feelinglikeasingleorganism.Asthe
wavescontinuedtocrashuponthem,theyremainedsteady,lockedtogetherasone,andinthefuture,they
knewtheywouldhaveoneanotherforever.

Insidetheshack,afteraboutahalfhourofswimming,theycollapsedonthebed,stillnaked.Theyslept
soundlyfornearlytenhoursandonlyroseafterthesunhadduckedbeneaththeocean.Katenudged
Francesco’storso,watchingashiseyelidsflutteredopen.

“Doyouwantmetobuildthatfire?”sheaskedhim,kissinghimtenderly.“Wecouldhaveafeast,finish
offthechampagne,andthensleepsomemore?”

“Thatsoundslikeadream,”Francescosaid,gettingupoffthecrookedmattress.Herubbedhiseyesand
peereddownather,clearlyinlove.“Doyouwanttojuststayinthisshackforever?Hideoutfromthe
mafia,swiminthesea,andeatchickenwithourfingers?”

Katelaughed,liftingherselfuptokisshimagain.“Thatsoundsbeautiful.I’mgameifyouare.”

NINETEEN

Afterablissfultwenty-fourhoursatthecabin,duringwhichtheydrankandsang,kissed,madelove,and
swaminthesea,Katerealizeditwastimeforhertomakeatriptothenearestpayphone.“Ineedtocall
mymother,”shetoldFrancescooverbreakfast.“Shemustbesoworried;Ihaven’tspokentohersinceI
leftforPanamathefirsttime.”

Francesconodded.Hetookabiteofappleandchewedslowly,thinking.“Well,wehaven’tseena
glimpseofthePanamaniacsoverhere,andifwe’rejustatthestationforabit,wecouldloadupon
supplies.Wine,namely,andperhapssomefoodaswell.”

Kateleaneddownandkissedhim,takinginthesmellofhim.“Thankyou.”

Theyleftwithinthehour,Katehoppingintothepassengerseatbarefoot.Shefeltnervous,herstomach
flippingastheFerraridrewclosertothegasstation.Whatwoulditbeliketospeaktohermotheronthe
phone?Whatcouldshepossiblysaytoclosetheriftthathadopenedbetweenthem?

Sheslippedthecoinsintothepayphoneandwaited,listeningastheringsblaredoutacrossthecontinent,
allthewaytothattinyhouseinOhio.

Afterthefourthring,Kateassumedhermothermusthavefallenasleeponthedeckorelsewasout
shopping.Shedidn’tkeephercellphoneonheroften,andshelikedtoremainanonymous,outsidethe
boundsoftechnology.

Butfinally,afterthefifthring,hermotherpickedup.ThesoundsentchillsdownKate’sback.

“Hello?”hermothersaid,hervoicehigh-pitchedandfriendly.ShewasincrediblyMidwestern.

“Hi,Mom,”Katesaid,hervoicequivering.“It’sme.”

“Katie?”hermomasked,incredulous.“Ohmygosh,Katie.You’realive.”

“Iam,”Katesaid,nearlycollapsingintothewallbesideher.Thedistancebetweenthemfeltexhausting.
“Howareyou?”

“HowamI?”hermotherasked.“Ihaven’theardfromyousinceyouwentofftoPanama,overaweekago
now!Andthen,goodnessme,Isawyourphotoonthenews!Itsaidyou’dbeenstrandedonanislandwith
thePrinceofMonaco,thatmanIalwaysseeinthetabloidsatthegrocerystore.Mygoodness,Katie,you
wereinaplanecrash?”

“I’mallright,”Katesaidquietly,stunnedthatshe’dbeenonthenews.

“Itriedtocallyou,butyoudidn’tanswer,soItriedthatfriendofyours,Ella.Shetoldmeyou’dreturned
toPanamatoseethePrince.Icouldn’twrapmymindaroundit,Katie.WhenIturnedonthenewsthenext
time,theyweresayingthatsomePanamaCityganghadkidnappedhim,andthattheyweredemandinga
ransomfromtheMonacoroyals.Katie,areyouwrappedupinthis?”

Kategrimaced,hatingthathermotherhadhadtogothroughthis.“No,Mom,I’mnot,”shesaid.“I’msafe.
I’mfine.FrancescoandI,we’vefoundagoodplacetohideout.Ijustcan’ttellyouwhereitisright
now.”

Hermotherbegantocry.Katecouldpicturethetearsoozingdownherface.Shebitherlip,hopingher
mothercouldn’thearthatshewascrying,too.

“Katie,IfeellikeImissedsomuchwithyou,”hermothersaid,bitingbacktears.“Youmovedoffto
Manhattansoyoung.Iwasn’tabletoraiseyouthewayIwanted.Youweresweptupintothatworld,andI
feellikeIlostyou.”

“Youdidn’tloseme,Mom,”Katesaid,hervoicecatching.“I’vebeenyourstheentiretime.”

“Katie,you’llcomehomesoon,won’tyou?You’llletustakecareofyou,ifonlyforaminute?”her
motherasked,herthroatclenched.

“Iwill,whenwecangetoutofhere,”Katesaid,flashinghereyesatFrancesco.Hewascollectingwine
andcheesefromtheconveniencestore.Hegaveheraconcernedlookwhenhecaughtherexpression,
realizingthetalkwasn’tgoingwell.“Ithinkyou’llreallylikeFrancesco,Mom,”Katesaid.“He’staking
careofme.AndIfeelgood,forthefirsttimeinalong,longwhile.”

“Well,honey,I’mhappytohearthat,”hermothersaid,sighing.“AllI’veeverwantedisforyoutobe
happy,andsafe.”

“Iknow,Mom,”Katemurmured.ShewatchedFrancescoplaceseveralbillsonthecountertopayfor
theirfood.“Ihavetogonow,Mom.I’msorry,butIcan’tstaylongatthephone.Iloveyou.”

“Oh,Katie,Iloveyou,too.Thankyouforlettingusknowyou’resafe.Keepyourselfwell.”

“Mom,there’sonemorethingIwantedtotellyou,”Katesaid,swallowingsharply.“I’mlearningto
swim,finally.It’soneofthethingsImissedasakid.InevercaredaboutitbecauseIwantedtofocuson
mymodeling,butnowI’mlearning.It’samazing.Maybe—maybewecantakeadipinthelakewhenI’m
back.”

“I’dlovethat,”hermothersaidsoftly,soundingsurprised.“Ican’twait,Katie.”

KatehungupthephoneafterafinalgoodbyeandjoinedFrancescooutsidetheconveniencestore,bleary-
eyedandfatigued.Shesighed,swipingherfingersthroughherhair.“It’snoteasy,talkingtoher.Itnever
is.”

“She’sseenyouonthenews?”Francescoasked,raisinghislefteyebrow.

“Shehas,”Katesaid.“Howdidyouknow?”

“Iassumedwewouldbe,”hesaid.“Idon’tknowwhatmyparentsdidinthewakeofthiskidnapping,but
I’mcertaintheyalertedthepolicethemomenttheylearnedthatthePanamaniacsdidn’thavemeany
longer.”Heshrugged,openingachipbag.Theplasticsqueakedbetweenhisthumbs.“We’llknowmore
soon,baby.We’llknowmoresoon.”

ButKateandFrancescospentanothertwoweeksattheshackbeforelearningthatthehuntforthegang
memberswho’dbeenresponsiblefortheirkidnappinghadended.Accordingtoalocalnewspaper,which
Francescotranslatedforthem,themenhadbeentakenintoquestioningregardingtheirconnectiontothe
Italianmafia.

“Thisisphaseone,”Francescotoldher,tappingthepaperexcitedly.“Thismeansthatit’llonlybea
matteroftimebeforeIcanreturntoMonaco.Thingsarelookingup.”

Katejumpedexcitedly,herbrowningskinmakingherlookwholesomeandhealthy.Shekissedhimand
foldedthepaper.“DoesthismeanwecangototheStates?”sheaskedhim.“WecanflyoutofPanama
City,backtoMiamiifwewantto?”

“Ifyou’dlike,”Francescosaid,runninghishandsthroughhishair.Hiseyesmethersasheturnedhis
thoughtsover.“AndIthinkIknowwhereweshouldmove.”

Katetiltedherhead,surprisedhehadn’tmentionedthisbefore.“Where?”sheasked.“Surelynot
Panama?”

“Ofcoursenot.Idon’twanttokeepyoucoopedupthere.No.”Hepaused.“Ihaveabeautifulapartment
inManhattan.It’sabsolutelystunning,andIhardlyuseit.”

Kate’sjawdropped.Herdream—toliveinManhattanagain,beneaththelights—hadseemedelectricand
yetoutofreach.Sheknewshewouldn’tbeabletoafforditwithhermodelingsalary,notanylonger.But
Francescowasofferinganotheroption.

“Areyousure?”sheasked,nervous.

Francesconodded.“I’veneverbeenmorecertainaboutanything,Kate.WecanmakeManhattanourhome
whiletherestofthisblowsover.”Hewrappedhisarmsaroundherandclungtohertightly.“Ithinkthisis
thestartofsomethingwonderful,”hewhispered.“SomethingInevercouldhaveimagined.”

Aftergivingtheirshackapropergoodbye,witharoundofswimmingandsleepingintheirmakeshiftbed,
theygotintotheFerrariandpreparedtodrivebacktoPanamaCity.Kateplacedherfingersonthe
windowastheydroveaway,sayingadifficultfarewelltoaplaceshe’dgrowntoholddear.She’dgrown
intoastrongswimmer,withmusclesgrowingroundandfirmonherlegs,andherloveforFrancescohad
grownevendeeperasshe’dgottentoknowhimandhisveryhumanquirks.Hewasn’tacartoonprince;
hewasaman,andshelovedhimallthemoreforit.

Attheairport,KateandFrancescopurchasedfirst-classticketstoNewYork.Theykissedastheplane
liftedfromtheairstrip,bothofthemgratefulnottobeinthetinyplanethey’dcrashedin.

“Youknow,IthinkIneedtogetmypilot’slicenserenewed,”Francescotoldherastheyendedthekiss.

“I’veneverheardamoreunnecessarystatementinmylife,”Katesaid,laughing.“Wecanpayother
peopletoflywhileyouandIenjoychampagne.”

Sheorderedtwoglassesofchampagne,alongwitharoundofchocolate-coveredstrawberries.Francesco
fedonetoher,andshepiercedtheredfruitwithherteeth,closinghereyesatthesweetness.Itwasa
tendermomentbetweenthem,amomentthatsolidifiedtheircomfortwitheachotheraftersomuchtime
aloneonthebeach.

TheplanelandedinMiamiforalayoverbeforesendingthemtherestofthewaytoNewYork.The
momentKatesteppedintoJFKairport,shefeltathome.Thecityhadbeenwaitingforherallalong.
Despitethefactthatshewasn’tarrivingbackinNewYorktomodel,shewasarrivingwithsomething
altogethergreater:theloveofherlife.

Francesco’spenthouseapartmentontheUpperWestSidewasbrimmingwithlightduetofloor-to-ceiling
windows.Therewasalsoasecondfloor,whichhadamassivebedstretchedoutinthecenteranda
skylightsotheycouldfeelthesunontheirfacesthroughouttheafternoon.

Katecollapseduponthebed,Francescodrapinghisbodyaroundherashejoinedher.Shegiggledintohis
chest.“Ican’tbelieveyoudidn’ttellmehowbeautifulthisplaceis,”shesaid.“Youshouldhaveseen
whereIlivedinQueenswhenIfirstmovedhere.Itwaslikeashoebox.”

“Youcanfittonsofshoeboxesinhere,ifyouwant,”Francescotoldher.“Thisisyourhomenow.You
candowhateveryouwantwithyourMiamiapartment.Sellit.Keepitasyourvacationsuiteforwhenyou
wanttogetawayfromme.”Hesmiled,tuckingastrandofherhairbehindherear.“Whateveryou
please.”

Katepausedforamoment,herlipspressedtogether.ShesuddenlyrememberedthatFrancescohadonce
vowednevertosettledownwithanyone.

“Areyousureyou’rereadyforthis?”sheaskedhim,hervoiceawhisper.

“Forwhat?”heasked.

“Foreverything.Forsettlingdown.Forbeingtogether,perhapsforever.”

Henodded,placinghisnoseagainsthers.“Ipromise.ThisiswhatIwant.”

Theyheardaloudrappingatthedoor.Kate’seyesnearlypoppedoutofherhead.“Whoisthat?”she
whispered.“Francesco—”

Francescokeptcalm.“It’sprobablyjustmybodyguards,”hesaid,hisvoicesoothing.“Comewithmeto
thedoor.Let’smeetthem.”

Atthedoor,Francescopeeredintothepeephole.Immediately,hisshoulderseased.“Itistheguards,”he
toldher,bowinghishead,grateful.Heplacedtheguntothesideandopenedthedoor.“Grant.Mike.
Thanksforcomingbyonsuchshortnotice.”

Theguardsenteredwithoutsayinghello.Theywerehulkingmenwithbroadshoulders.Theyworeonly
blackandtheirhairwascloselyshaved.Theyreekedofaftershave.

“Sir,wemustinformyouofsomedevelopmentsregardingyoursituation,”oneofthemsaid,hisvoice
booming.

“Goon,”Francescosaid,hiseyebrowsfurrowing.“ThePanamaniacs—didtheygetwindIwasin
Panama?”

“No,sir,”Grantsaid.“Asyouknow,thoseinvolvedwithyourkidnappingwereapprehended.However,
thelinktotheItalianmafiawasincrediblycurioustothoseonyourcase.TheypushedthePanamaniacsto
theirbrink,andultimately,theygaveupthenamesofseveralItalianmafiamembers—theveryonesafter
you,sir.”

Francesco’sjawdropped.Hishandsswungathissides,asifhe’dlostallfeeling.“Whatareyousaying?”
heasked,breathless.

“We’resaying,sir,thatyoucanreturntoMonacosometimeinthenextfewmonths,”Mikesaid.
“Congratulations,sir.You’refinallygoingtogohome.”

KatewatchedasFrancesco’sfaceshowedconfusionandthenunadulteratedjoy.Heturnedtowardherand
liftedher,drawingherinacirclearoundtheroom.Shelaughed,feelinghisemotionssizzlethroughhim.

“We’regoinghome,Katie!”hecried.“Youcanmeeteveryone.Wecanrejointhefamily!”Hesether
down,shakinghishead,asiftryingtoshakeoffadream.“Ican’tbelieveit.Ireallycan’t.It’slikeever
sinceyouenteredmylife,I’vebeenlivinganalternatereality.”

“Thisisreal,”Katesaid.“Ipromiseyouthat.”

Theysealedthenewswithafinalkiss,GrantandMikeleavingthemtotheirprivacy.Thentheyjoined
togetherinthebedroom,makingloveintotheeveningontheirfirstdaybackinManhattantogether.The
worldhadchangedrapidly,andtheywerereadytomeetithead-on.

TheEnd

Wanttoreadwhathappensafterthehappily-ever-after?Signuptomymailinglistbelowtodownloada
FREEbonusepilogue,aswellasnewsanddiscounts!

CLICKHERETOSIGNUP

Ihopeyouenjoyedthestory.Asanaddedtreat,herearethefirstfewchaptersofmyprevious
novel,

ThePrince’sTripletBabySurprise

ONE


LisaGarciasnappedhercopyoftheNewYorkTimesbackonhercoffeetable,sighingaudiblyasthe
Brooklynnightchurnedonoutsideherwindow.She’dscouredthepaper,studyingthevarious
photographs,thewaythefeaturesusedstunningpicturesthatdidn’tjust“complete”thestories,but
breathedlifeintothem.

Shesweptherlongfingersthroughherwavy,white-blondhair,whichgleamedinthelightfromthestreet
lamps.Protectedwithintheconfinesofherone-bedroomapartment,shefeltfarfromtheroving20-
somethingsonthestreet,wholivedtodrink,toparty,toyell.

Lisahadn’tmovedfromherhometown,Detroit,toNewYorkinordertosleeparound,tobather
eyelashesatstrangers,ordownshotstilldawn.She’dmovedtheretobecomeatop-tier,professional
photographer.

Andnowthatshewas26yearsold,shesensedthatfinally,thatfuturewasjustaroundthecorner.Shejust
hadtoacceptallopportunitiesthatcameherway,andberuthlessinsniffingoutherpathtothetop.Asof
late,thoseopportunitieshadbeenpurelytabloid-based.Buteveryonehadtostartsomewhere.

Lisapaddedtoherkitchen,justafewfeetfromhercouchinhercloset-sizedone-bedroom,andsetthe
kettleonherstove,waitingasthestovetopturnedabrightorange.Itwasautumn,andtheNewYorknight
wascrisp,itstreesturningcheeryyellowsandreds—mereweeksfromdyingsad,browndeaths.Asshe
waited,shiftingherweightfromonefuzzy-sockedfoottotheother,shewasremindedthatshehadn’thad
asizeableprojectinweeks.Herbankaccountdwindledawaywitheachpassinghour,withtheelectricity
thatpumpedintoherlightbulbsandtheheatthatpouredfromthefurnace.

Sheneededsomething.Anything.Shecouldn’tphonehermotherforaloanagain.Thathadbeenadark,
terribleday—knowinghermotherhadbeenstrugglingtoputfoodonthetableherentirelife.“Idon’thave
aPrinceCharming,”hermother,Diana,hadscoffed,swipingcrumbsfromthetable.“Ionlyhaveyou.
Andme.”

Lisabobbedherteabaginhercup,watchingthebrownliquidspreadlikelazytendrilsinthewater.She
hadbeenfeelinglonelylately;homesickforfriendswhowerenolongerlikeher,whonolongerheldthe
samebeliefsaboutlife,loveorhappiness.

Herbestfriendfromhome,Anne,hadrecentlyhadababy—atiny-toed,tiny-fingeredthing,withsoft
cheeksandafunnysneeze.Andnow,herentireliferevolvedaroundhim,andpostingsillyphotographs
overFacebookwhiletellingLisatheyshould“catchupsoon.”

Lisahadneverputmuchstockinthemarried-with-childrenscenario,anyway.Sinceasfarbackasshe
couldremember,hercareerhadheldabsolutepriorityinhermind,alongsideadeep,entrenchedhopeto
saveupenoughmoneytogotocollegeandusetheskillsshe’dlearnedasapaparazzoinamore

traditionalenvironment.

CueherendlesssubscriptiontotheNewYorkTimes.Cueherrefusaltodatearound.Cueherlongwalks
throughCentralParkandBrooklyn,takingstreetphotography,hopefulthatshe’dfindoneortwo
celebritiesaweek,mindingtheirownbusiness,sippingcoffee,clingingtotheirlastbitofnormalcy.She
wouldrobitfromthem.Because,inherindustry,itwaseatorbeeaten.Andshe’dcometoofartoquit.

Sheliftedherphonetoherear,knowingthatthesoundofhermother’svoicealwayscalmedher,assured
herthatshecouldpullthrough.“Ialwaysdid,honey,”she’dmurmur.“Ialwaysmadesureweate,andno
oneelsemattered.Andnow,it’sjustyouagainsttheworld.”

Butasshepaused,hereyesclosedtightlyandhereyelashesflickeringagainsthercheeks,Lisafeltthe
suddenvibrateofherphone,alreadypressedtoherear.Callingouttoheratthisincrediblylatehour,
thereinhercaveinBrooklyn.

Immediately,thephotoIDgavehimaway.Lisadonnedherarticulate,professionalphonevoiceand
twirledhernear-silverlocks,smilingbrightlyasshespoke.“Rocco,”shesaidtoherboss.“Howareyou
thisevening?”

RoccoSalvador,editor-in-chiefofnotorioustabloid,theDailySneakwassmugandsleek:afiercegay
manwho’dneverhadastrayhairorinhislife,andwhogrewangryquickly,whetheritbeataone-hour
tardyphoto,oranoff-angleshotofacelebrity(boththingsthathadhappenedtoLisamorethanonce).

“Fine.Actually,betterthanfine,”Roccobegan.“We’vejustreceivedabitofinformation,andIthought
I’dpassitontoyou,Garcia.You’vebeenbustingyourtailforthepastfewmonths—everyonecanseeit
—soI’mentrustingyouwithsomethingbig.”

Lisa’seyebrowsrosehighonherforehead,excitementbrimmingwithinher.Roccohadneveronce
complimentedhercommitmenttothepositionintheyearssinceshe’dacceptedit.Washershipfinally
comingin?

“ButIshouldemphasize,doll,thatthisisaveryimportantjob.Ifyoudon’tthinkyoucanhandleit,sayso
nowsoIcanpassitalongtooneofourmore—shallwesay—accomplishedphotographers.Doyou
understand?”

“Ofcourse,”Lisawhispered,almostbreathless.“OfcourseIdo.AndI’mupforit.”

“Fine,fine,”Roccosaid,withoutpause.“Haveyournotebookready.”

Lisawasalreadypoised,herpenhoveringaboveherpadofpaper.Sheshiveredwithanticipation.

“PrinceFrancescoofAluzzi—thattiny,mega-richcountrydownthecoastfromItaly—darling,I’msure
you’veheardofhim.PrinceFrancescoofAluzziandPrincessRoseoftheNetherlandsareengagedtobe
married.”

Lisaeyedherwordsonthepage.Thescribbleswerebarelylegible.“Mm-hmm,”shemurmured.
“Engaged.Gotit.”

“Butthere’ssomethingdifferentaboutthisengagement,”Roccocontinued,pushingahead.“Thecouple’s
courtshiphasbeenrathertumultuous.They’vebeenspottedfightingallovertheworld.FromAmsterdam,
toBerlin,toMoscow,thesetworoyalscan’tseemtoagreeonanything.IreadjustlastweekthatPrincess
RoseleftthePrinceinPariswithouttellinghim.Hewasrunningthroughthestreets,drunken,demanding
peopletellhimwherehisprincesswas.Andthen,dayslater,theybecameengaged.Now,doesthatsound
liketheportraitofahappycouple,orwhat?”

Lisa’sheartthumped.“No,itdoesn’t,”shewhispered.“Andperfectfodderforus.Hasanyoneelsegotten
tothemyet?”

“That’stheverything,mygirl,”Roccoaffirmed.“NoAmericantabloidhascapturedthempost-
engagement,andcertainlynotinthemiddleofoneoftheirfamousrows.

“Andwherearetheynow?”Lisaasked,continuingtoscribble.Thiscouldbeherbigbreak,ifonlyshe
twistedmany,manyarmsacrosstheworldtoreachit.Shesizzledatthethoughtofsomuchwork,
knowingthatshe’dhavetoscam,cajole,andbribeherwaytothebestscoop.

“That’snotaquestionIcananswer,darling,”Roccosaid,scoffingslightly.“You’rethereporter,areyou
not?Gettothebottomofwheretheyareintheworld,rightnow.Ifyoucangetapictureofthemarguing
somewhereromantic-looking,thenyou’llbeseeinganicefive-figuresuminyourbankaccountnosooner
hasthepaperhitnewsstands.Capeesh?”

Lisa’seyeswidenedattheproposition.She’dneverbeenpaidmorethanathousanddollarsfora
photograph,andherstomachflippedatthethought.Herbankaccountwasdwindlingevertowardzero,a
reminderthatfailurewasconstantlyhovering.

“Ido,”Lisasaidwithconviction.“Iunderstandcompletely.AndIwilldeliver.”

“Good,”Roccosaid.“I’llexpectthephotographsonmydeskwithintheweek.Iwishyouthebestofluck,
Garcia.You’regoingtoneedit.Ciao.”

Withthat,heendedthephonecall,sendingahigh-pitchedbeepintoLisa’sears,anaffirmationthatshe
wasaloneagain.

Sheeyedherphone,herbloodpumpingquickly,herearsringingslightly.She’dneverbeenhandedsucha
bigassignmentbefore.Shefeltthatthemoneywasalreadyinherbankaccount;herbillswerealready
paid;hercollegetuitionfund(preferablyforNYU,soshecouldcontinueherphotographyinthecity)was
finallysetup.Ifshewasgoingtocompeteintheworldofphotography,shewasgoingtohavetostretch
herspine,crackherknuckles,anddiveintothetrenches.Shewasready.

TWO

Despitethelatehour,Lisasettoworkimmediately,pullingoutalistofsourcesshe’dusedpreviously—
taxidrivers,flightattendants,restaurantservers,andcoffeebaristas—peopleofallprofessionswho
blendedin,butwhosawandheardthingsduetotheircamouflage.Thesesourcescameacrosscelebrities
onanear-dailybasis,andforasmallprice,theylittabloidphotographers’ways.

“Marco,”Lisasaidbrightly,speakingwithoneofthebaristasatahipstercoffeeshopinBrooklyn.“How
haveyoubeen?”

“Gettoit,”Marcohuffed,clearlydrunk.Lisaimaginedhimatacornerbar,cigarettesmokeoozingfrom
betweenhislips.“Whodoyouneed?”

“Igetit.Notimeforpleasantries,”shesaid.“IneedtogettoPrinceFrancescoofAluzzi.Yougotany
wordofhimbeinginthecitysoon?”

Marcosighedevenly,thesoundcracklingthroughthephonespeaker.“Youdon’twanttomessaroundwith
that,Lisa.Badpeople.”

Hecutthephonecallshort,then,allowinganominousfeelingtofoldoverLisa.Sheshivered.

Butstill,shecontinued,hermindfocused.Shewouldn’tbedefeated.ShedialedMelanie,anairline
attendantshe’dmetwhenpursuinganactionhero,andsheansweredthephonecheerily,clearlywell
caffeinatedduetoherlonghours.

“DarlingLisa,”shebegan,hervoiceliltingwiththeslightBritishaccentshe’dpickedupinheryears
workingforaUK-basedairline.“Howhaveyoubeen?Andwhoareyousearchingfor?”

Lisagrinned,onthehuntnow.“Hi,Melanie.I’mlookingforPrinceFrancescoofAluzzi.Haveyouheard
anything?”

Melaniehummedforamoment,parsingthroughthemanyconversationssheoverheardeveryday.“Prince
Francesco.I’veactuallyseenhimbefore,youknow.”

“Really?”Lisasaid,beginningtoscribble.SheonlyhadavaguememoryofwhatthePrincelookedlike.
Black-haired,olive-skinned,remarkablyhandsome,withaslightlycrooked,alluringgrin.“Whatwashe
like?”

“Oh,love,Ionlysawhimfromafar,”Melaniecontinued.“AtHeathrow.Ihaven’tseenamoreattractive
maninallmylife,Iswear.FartoohandsomeforthelikesofthatPrincessRose.Thatslob.Isawhereat
anentirehotdogonastickonce.Disgusting.”

Lisahadtostiflealaugh.“Sure.Thatsetsawonderfuldynamicforme,”shesaid,half-joking.“Anyword
thatthey’llbeinNewYorksoon?Otherwise,IsupposeIcantravel…”

Sheimaginedheremptybankaccount,anassurancethatshe’dhavetotakealoanfromhermotherifshe

neededtohigh-tailittoEuropeatamoment’snotice.Thethoughtcurdledherstomach.

“Letmesee,”Melaniemurmured.“Youknow,IthinkyoumightknowthePrince’sNewYorkdriver.He
usedtodriveforthatbasketballer,whenyoutookthoseshotslastyear.Doyouremember?”

Lisadid.Theamountpaid—awhoppingonethousandbucks,herbiggestpaycheckever—hadbeenforan
imageofthesamebasketballersaunteringthroughthecrowd,anicecreamconeheldhighabovepeoples’
heads.

“Sergio,”shemurmured.

“Theveryone.Andabrightfellow,Ithink,”Melaniesaid.“Isawhimattheairportandaskedhimwho
hewasdrivingforthesedays.Michaelfiredhim.SaidhewantedtosticktoChicagoforawhile.The
poorthing.”

“Wow.IthinkIhaveSergio’snumber,actually,”Lisasaid,flippingfranticallythroughhernotebook.“We
spokeatlengthlasttime.Ithinkhe’drememberme.”

“Ofcoursehewill.Buthewon’trememberyoufornothing,”Melaniesaid,hertonehardeningslightly.
“Anddarling,neitherwillI.”

Lisasighed,pursingherlips.“Sure.Absolutely,”shereplied.“CanIofferyou—”Shepaused,working
outwhatfundsshecouldpossiblyspare.“Ahundreddollars?”

“Perfect,”Melaniesaid,andLisacouldhearthesmileinhervoice.“Thankyou,darling.Youcantransfer
metheamounttonight.Untilnexttime!”

Andwiththat,Melaniewasgone,leavingLisatosimmerinherownthoughts.Shewalkedtoher
computerandsentthefundstoMelanie,thankfulthatthewomanhadhadanyinformationatall.Andthen,
shesearchedthroughherspreadsheetofprevioussources,notingthatithadbeenyearssinceshe’d
contactedsomeofthem.God,she’dbeenscamperingaftercelebritiesforfartoolong.

PrinceFrancesco’sdriver,Sergio,hadgrownupjustoutsideofRomebeforecomingtoNewYorkCityas
a21-year-old“withdreamsthesizeofFloridaoranges.”Whenthey’dfirstmeteachother,forthe
basketballerassignment,Sergiohadbeenreserved.Butafteranhourormoreofspeaking,he’deasedinto
agrandfatherlydemeanor,tellingherhe’ddo“whateverhecould”tohelpher,andnottohesitatetocall
himagain.

Lisadialedthenumber,notexpectingSergiotoansweratsuchalatehour.Butaftertworings,the
familiar,grumblingvoiceburstthroughthespeaker.

“LisaGarcia?Isthatyou?”

Lisasmiled,laughingtoherself.“Itis.Howhaveyoubeen,Sergio?”

“Oh,fine.Fine.Thebasketballplayerlostme.ButIsupposeyoualreadyknewthat.”

“Yougotme,”Lisasaid.“Nothinggetspastyou,huh?”

“Nothing,”Sergioaffirmed.“So,youwanttoseethePrince,now,doyou?”

“AndpreferablythePrincess,too,”Lisasaid,tappingthetipofherpenagainstherpadofpaper.
“Guessingthey’renotintheStatesrightnow,sinceyou’reavailableforthiscall?”

“Aucontraire,”Sergiosaid.“Infact,IlistenedtothembickerjustthisafternoondrivingthemtohisNew
Yorkapartment.You’vecalledatawonderfultime,MissLisa.Maybeyouhavetheearandtheeyefor
thisbusiness,afterall.”

Lisabrimmedwithsuddenexcitement.“They’reintowntonight?”

“Ibelievethey’rearoundforafewdays,”Sergiocontinued.“ButIcanfeedyousomething.Alittlebitof
extrainformation,ifyouwanttomeetmetonight.”

Lisa’sheartjolted.“I’mguessingyouwantmetobringsomethingalong,foryourtrouble.”

“Suredo,Lisa.Idon’tworkforfree.Youknowthat.”

Lisabowedherhead,disappointmentfillingher.She’djustpaidMelanieahundreddollars,andSergio
wouldrequireatleastdoublethat.Outside,someonesmashedtheirbeerbottleagainstthesidewalk.She
heardthepiecesofglassscatteracrosstheasphalt.

“Let’smeetatthecornerofBroadwayandBleecker,then,”Lisamurmured.“I’llbringcash.”

“Threehundred,mylittlepaparazzo,”Sergioaffirmed.“Andnotadimeless.”

Lisafeltthewordslikeaknife.Butsheagreed,beforehangingupandclingingthephoneclosetoher
chest,simmeringwithpanic.Theworldhadbeguntospinforher.Shehadpaytocontinuetheride.

Shedressedquickly,paintingonredlipstickandswipingmascaraoverhereyelashes,beforedonning
jeansandablackV-neck.Sherusheddownthesteps,herlongcoatflappingbehindher,andswepttothe
ATM.Sheclosedhereyesasthemachinespitoutathickwadoftwenty-dollarbills.Sheclungtothe
money,herhandpusheddeepinhercoatpocket,assherushedtothesubway,herheelsclackingonthe
pavement.

BythetimeshereachedthecornerofBleeckerandBroadway,shewasbreathless,harried.Sergiostood,
hisrotundbodyleaningagainstthebrownbricks,slidingatriangleofpizzabetweenhislips.Hisbeard,
curledandgreying,wasspeckledwithgrease.Hegrinnedatherassheapproached.

“MyladyLisa,”hesaid,usingaheightenedItalianaccent.“You’relookingmoreravishingthanever.”

Lisasmiled,holdingthebillsoutforhimtosee.ShewasgratefulthatthesurroundingGreenwichVillage
partiersweretoocaughtupinthemselvestonoticethem.“Goodtoseeyou,too,”shesaid.

Sergiofoldedtherestofhispizzaintohismouthandlickedhislips,wagglinghisthickeyebrows.“Isee
youwanttogetrighttobusiness.Absolutely.”

Lisanodded.“Ifyoudon’tmind.”

Sergiopausedforamoment,theairgrowingtensearoundthem.Apolicesirenblareddownthestreet,
causingLisa’searstoache.Thecitywasneverquiet.

“ThePrinceandPrincesswillbediningattheManhattanrestaurant‘Matador’tomorrowevening,”he
said,extendinghisfingers,hispalmgleaminginthelamplight.

Lisaslippedathirdofthebillsuponit,aquestionappearinginhermind.“Willtheybealone?”she
asked.

“Theyboughtouttheentireestablishmentforthenight,”Sergiorevealed.“Apparentlythey’reso
pretentioustheycan’tdealwithcommonpeoplediningwiththem.”

Lisastifledagiggleassheplacedmoreofthecashinthedriver’shand.“Andwhattimeisthisgrand
dinnertakingplace?”

“Eight,onthedot.ThePrincessdoesn’tliketobelate,ever.And—Lisa?”

Lisatiltedherheadinresponse.

“Goodluckgettinginthere.That’sanexclusiverestaurant,forfancypeople.Ican’timaginethey’llletyou
inwithyourcameraonshow.”

LisafrownedwithsuddenapprehensionasshedroppedthelastofthemoneyintoSergio’spalm.Her
limbsfeltlimp,buthervoicestillhummedwithprofessionalism.“IthinkI’llbeallright,youknow,”she
saidprimly.“I’vebeendoingthisforalongtime.IknowwhatI’mdoing.”

“Ifyousayso,”Sergiosaid,tuckingthemoneyintohiswallet.Heturnedfromher,slippingacigarette
betweenhislips.Hetookasteptowardthecurb,wherethelimousinewasparked.“Goodluck,”hesaid,
withoutlookingback.

Withthat,hedroveaway,histiressqueaking.HeleftLisaalone,withthesmellofgrease-ladenpizzaand
thememoryofhistired,money-hungryeyes.Withfourhundreddollarshavingbeenstrippedfromherin
theprevioushour,shefeltnaked,barren.Fatiguepushedhertowardthesubwaystation,backtoherone-
bedroominBrooklyn.

Inthemorning,she’drectifyherpredicament.Withherindustry-honedsurvivaltactics,she’dbehalfway
tofivefiguresinlessthan24hours.Andaboutamillionstepsclosertoaprofessionalphotography

career.Whichwouldmakeeverythingelseworthit.

THREE

Thefollowingevening,LisaarrivedattheMatadorwithherblondponytailsweptcleanlybehindher
head,herbodycinchedintotightblackpantsandablackbutton-downshirt,andhermindbuzzingwith
knowledgeofthemenu,thewinelist,andthenecessarycocktails.She’dstayedupallnight,butherbright
eyesshowednosignoffatigue.

Sheenteredtherestaurant,herchinhighandherskinglittering.Asshesteppedintothekitchen,sheheard
thefranticyellingofachubby-facedmaninthecorner,tellingthechefthatthiswas“themostimportant
night”oftheircareers,andthathebetternotscrewitup.

“You’renewhere,kid,”thechefsaidtothechubby-facedman,scoffingbeneathhisgrey-tingedbeard.
“Sositbackandrelax.Letthebigkidsdothecooking.”

Thechubby-facedman,whowasclearlyamanager,tookastepback,frazzled.Butthechefturnedaway
fromhimbeforehecouldsneakinanotherdig,andhebegantosizzlesomevegetables,whistlingatune.

Inthatmoment,themanagercaughtaglimpseofLisa,behindthepotsandpans.“Whatareyoudoing
here?”hesaidgruffly.Hepoweredtowardher,hisbellybouncing.“Getout.GETOUT!”

ButLisaheldupherfingers,herexpressionapologetic.“Oh.I’msosorry.Isuppose—IsupposeIdidn’t
meetyouyesterday,”shestuttered.

Themanfrowned.Beneathhisnametag,whichread“Hank,”wasamustardstain.Helookedchaotic,
strained—andlessthanreadytogreettheroyaltythatwouldbeappearinglaterthatevening.

“Yesterday?”hesaid.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“I’msorry.Myname’sLisa,”shesaid,smilingandextendingherhandtoshakehis.“Theothermanager
hiredmeyesterday.Quizzedmeonthemenuandeverything.I’mproudtosaythatI’muponallmy
truffles,Wagyubeef,andcaviar.AlthoughImightgetthetwowinesfromtheFlorenceregionmixedup.”
Shesmiledsheepishly.

“Walterhiredyou?”Hankasked,tiltinghishead.“Hedidn’tmentionanything—”

“Well,heseemedratherbusy,”Lisasaid.“Buthesaidheneededmethisevening.Thatyouhadsomebig
event,andyouwereunderstaffedanyway.”

Hanksighed,swipinghisthickpalmoverhishair.“Isupposethat’strue,”hesaid,scoffing.“Allright.
Let’snotwasteanytime,shallwe?Thediningroomneedsorganizing.It’sagoddamnmess,frankly,and
ourheadserverseemstobegoingthroughsomekindofpersonalcrisisthatcouldnothavecomeata
moreinconvenienttime.That’sEvelyn.You’llfindherweepingaboutherboyfriendoverthesilverware.”

Lisanoddedandturnedtowardthediningroom,stoppingwhenHankgraspedherelbow.

“Wait.Getyourselfinuniform,atleast,”hesaid,turninghisfingertowardthesidecloset.“We’re

expectingPrinceFrancescoandPrincessRosetonight.Thisisbig!Imean—thisisroyalty.Doyou
understand?”

Lisadid.Shenoddedquickly,acceptingtheuniformfromHankbeforemovingtothestaffbathroomwhere
shedonnedatightblackdressandablackapronwithredstitching.Shewasinthediningroomlessthan
threeminuteslater,drapinglong,linentableclothsoverthetables,consolingEvelynaboutherbreakup,
andsettingforksandknivesandplatesupontablesthatwouldn’tbeeatenat.ThePrinceandPrincesshad
askedthateachtablebeset,soastogivethemaselection.Howridiculouslysnobbish,Lisathoughtto
herself.

Fiveminutesbeforetheclockstruckeight,LisalinedupatthesideoftherestaurantwithEvelyn,another
server,abartender,andabusboy.Anticipationsimmeringthroughthemall,andthroughLisaforvery
differentreasons.Hercamerawastuckedwithinherserver’sapron,aheavyreminderofwhatshewas
theretodo.

Evelynwhisperedinherear.“Ican’tbelievethisisonlyyourfirstdaywithus.Italreadyfeelslike
you’vebeenonajourneywithme.”

ButLisacouldn’trememberanyspecificsshe’dtoldthewoman.Shesmiledblankly,lookingstraight
aheadasshespoke.“Let’sjustgetthroughthistogether.”

Inthatmoment,therestaurantdoorsopened,andacrispautumnbreezerushedoverthesettables,
sweepingacrossLisa’scheeks.ThePrinceandPrincessstoodinthefoyer,dressedluxuriously.Prince
FrancescoremovedthePrincess’furcoat,sweepingitfromherthinshouldersbeforehandingittothe
cloakroomboy.

AshewalkedclosertoLisa,shecouldn’ttearhergazefromhisattractiveface.Hishighcheekbones
gleamedinthecandlelightabovethefiveo’clockshadowthatoutlinedhisjaw.Hisdarkeyesrevealed
clearintelligence,andhisblackhairwaswavy,wrappingaroundhisears.

“Lookatherdress,”EvelynbreathedtoLisa,causingLisa’seyestoflickerrighttoassessthePrincess.
Rose’sdresswaslongandglittering,sweepingaroundhermodel-likelegs,andallowingjustabittoo
muchcleavagetospilloverthebodice.Herhairwascurledandadornedwithjewels,whichhighlighted
thesharpnessofhercollarbones,andtheheightofhernoseasshewalked.

“Shelookslikeabulldog,”theotherserverwhispered,andLisastifledagiggle.

ThePrinceandPrincesssatatanoff-centertable,thePrincepullingachairoutforthePrincess.She
blinkedathim,lookinglikeaselfishchild.

“We’lltalkaboutitlater,”thePrincesaiddarkly,referringtosomethingLisaandtheothershadn’t
overheard.

“Go,”EvelynmurmuredtoLisa,gesturing.“Askthemfortheirwineselection.Wecan’tkeepthem
waiting.”

Afterabeat,Lisatappedforward,deliveringadazzling,Americanservicesmile.“Hello,”shegreeted,
tryingtorememberheroldserverdays.“I’mLisa,anditwillbeanhonorservingyouthisevening.How
areyou?”

“Justfine,”thePrinceaffirmed,givingherawarmglance.ThePrincessdidn’tmove.Herexpressionwas
icy;hereyeslikeglass.“Andyourself?”

Lisanodded,sensingthetensionbetweenthem.“I’dlovetogetyoustartedwithabottleofwine.Our
finestfromtheChateaudeLyon,perhaps?”

“Whichone?”PrincessRoseasked,scoffingslightly.

“I’msorry?”Lisaaskedbrightly,recognizingthegapsinherknowledgeofthewinemenu.Shehadn’thad
enoughtime.

“WhichchateauofLyon?”sheasked,lookingatLisathesamewayalionwouldstaredownamouse.
“Thereareplentyofthem,yousillyAmerican.”

“Enough,”PrinceFrancescosaid,swipinghishandthroughtheairinacuttingmotion.“We’llhave
whateveryourecommend,Lisa.”

“Absolutely,”Lisasaid,turningswiftlyfromthetableandmakingeyecontactwithEvelyn,overbythe
kitchen.Evelyngavehertwothumbsup,evenassheblinkedbacktears.Eventhemaniaofher
restaurant’sbiggestnightcouldn’tdistractherfromherpain.

Thebartenderdeliveredthewinetothecouple,uncorkingthebottlewithprofessionalprecision,and
pouringthembothheftyglasses.Thecoupleseemedtohaveturnedtoamoreamicableconversation,with
thePrincespeakingrapidlyandgesturingexcitedlywithhishands.HiswarmtoneswaftedoverLisaas
shestoodinthecorner,assessingthem.

Herfingerstwitched,yearningtosnapafewphotographsofthisat-timeshappycouple.Evenifthey
didn’tbickertonight,aphotooftheminthisromanticsettingwouldnetheracouplethousand.Andshe’d
alreadyclimbedmountainstogetthatfar.

Inthatmoment,thefirstcoursearrivedatthecouple’stable.ThePrincerefilledthePrincess’wineglass
withabriefsmile,andshecutapiecefromherquicheandstuffeditintohermouth,remindingLisaof
Melanie’sspottingofherscarfingahotdog.Shechewedsloppily,andeyedherfiancéwithoutpleasure.
ShesaidsomethingthatLisacouldn’tquitemakeout—somethingthatseemedtomakethePrince’shair
standonend.

Lisa’seyeswidenedassherecognizedwhatwasgoingon:shewaswitnessingthebeginningofoneof
theirfamousarguments.Almostanythingsetthemoff.Anywordcouldbeusedasamatchtostartthefire.

AsPrincessRosebegantoargue,herfacebrimmingwithred,herengagementringflashedbeneaththe

chandeliers.Shewasspeakingsorapidly,inaccentedEnglish,thatLisacouldn’tworkoutjustwhathad
irritatedhersomuch.Butshewasspittingwithangerandresentment,clearlypushingitalluponthe
Prince.

Theotherserver,Jenny,begantowalktowardthetablewiththePrinceandPrincess’secondcourse,but
Evelynheldherback,mouthing:“Can’tyouseewhat’sgoingon?Don’tgonow.”

Lisameanderedtowardherfellowservers,eyeingthesteamingbowlsofsoupthatJennyhadmeantto
deliver,whisperingtoEvelyn.“Whatisthisoneabout?”shewhispered.

“Shedoesn’tlikethefood.Canyoubelieveit?”Evelynasked,hereyeswide.“Thesnob.Doesn’tshe
knowhowhardourchefworks?Doesshethinkthateverythingcomeslinedwithgold?I’veneverseena
morespoiledprincessinallmylife.”

“Haveyoueverseenaprincess?”Lisaasked,hervoicebarelyaboveawhisper.

“Imean.No,”Evelynadmitted.

Lisanodded,justasJennysweptbacktothekitchenwiththesoup,totheuproarofthechef.Hank,the
manager,hadbeguntosweat,eyeingtheserversfromthekitchen.

“IsHankgoingtosurvivethis?”Lisawhispered.

“He’snew,sono.Thiswillkillhim,”Evelynaffirmed.

Lisaeasedtowardacornerthatwasclosertothetable,withafullviewofboththePrinceandthe
Princess.Fromhernewposition,shecouldheartheirbickering—whichhadevolvedfromacomplaint
aboutthefoodtosomethingdeeper.

“Idon’tunderstandwhyyoutreatmethisway,”thePrincesswailed,stabbingherfingeronthetable.
“WhenIsaythatIwanttostayin,Iwanttostayin.Butyoudon’ttakemeseriously.It’slikeyoudon’t
evenhearme!”

“Ithoughtitwouldbenicetospendsometimetogether,isall,”thePrincesaid,hiseyesflashing.“We’ve
beentravelingseparatelyforweeks.Andwehaven’texactlybeengettingalong.Ithought—ifwetook
sometime—”

“Well,youdidn’tlisten,soyou’vealreadymesseditup,”thePrincesssaid,crossingherarmsoverher
chest.Sherolledhereyeslikeaspoiledteenager,flippingherhair.

Sensingthatthiswashermoment,Lisaliftedthelensofhercamerafromherapronpocketandsnappeda
fewshots,thankfulfortheliltingclassicalmusicwhichmaskedthesound.Shemovedaroundlanguidly,
gettingseveraldifferentangles.Witheveryone’sfocusuponthefightingcouple,shewasallbutinvisible.

Suddenly,thePrincessrosefromherchair,allowingittofallbackonthefloor.Shestabbedherfinger

intothePrince’sface,challenginghim.“Ifyouwanttofindme,I’llbeinHolland.Iwon’tspendanother
wretchednightonthiscontinentwithyou.”

Andwiththat,sheturnedfromthetable,herglitteringdressflashinginthelight.Thecloakroomboy
scrambledtograsphercoatandwrapitaroundhershouldersbeforeseeinghertothedoor.AsLisa
stood,shockebbingthroughher,shewatchedPrincessRosecollapseintothebackseatofSergio’scar,
whichzoomedoffintothebustlingManhattannight.

PrinceFrancescosatalone,hiseyesuponhishalf-finishedglassofwine.Withaflourish,heliftedhis
handandwrappedhisfingersaroundthestem,downingtherestofit.Evelynshotforwardandfilledhis
glassforhimbeforeracingbacktohercorner,notwantingtobeintheshadowofhissureanger.

AlleyeswereuponthePrince,wonderingwhathewoulddonext.EvenHankhademergedfromthe
kitchen,hisexpressiontense.EvelyncreptovertoLisaandwhisperedtoher,herbreathhotinherear.
“ThisisjustlikewhathappenedbetweenmeandTylerlastnight.Everyonebreaksup.Everyonefallsout
oflove!”

ButLisawasn’treallylistening.Arealizationhadwashedoverher:theknowledgethathercareerhad
justopenedup,thatsheheldthekeytoherfuturewiththephotographsshe’djustsnapped.Shecouldn’t
believeherluck.

Shebegantotugoffherapron,sensingthatitwastimeforhertosneakout,wantingtodelivertheedited
photographstoRoccobeforemidnight.Shecouldhavethefundsinheraccountbeforetheweekend.

Jesus.Theworldwasheroyster.

LisaandEvelynwalkedbacktowardthekitchenasthePrincefinishedoffthebottleofwine.Evelyn
mutteredthatsheneededtospeakwiththechef,andLisabegantoplottossingheruniforminthecloset
andrushingfromthepremises.Butastheyturnedfromthetable,Lisaheardhernamebehindher.

Thedeep,broodingvoiceofthePrincecarriedhernamesowell,itmadehershiver.“Lisa.”

Lisaspunaround,herbackcracking.Hereyeswerewide,likeadoe’s.Didheknowshewaspaparazzi?
Whathadgivenheraway?

Sheeasedtowardhim,nervous.“CanIgetsomethingforyou,YourHighness?Perhapsyournextcourse?”

ThePrince’seyeswerefaraway.“Themealisoff,”hesaid,gesturing.“Forobviousreasons.I’llpaythe
billnow,andthere’snoreasontobringtherestofthefoodtothetable.Iapologizeforwastingyourtime.
Allofyourcoworkers’time,aswell.”

Lisabowedherhead,unabletofindwords.Shefelttheweightofthecamerainherapron,areminderthat
thisman’sprivatelifewasabouttobeplasteredacrosstheDailySneak,withhernameonthe
photographs.He’drememberherface.He’drememberthisconversation.He’drememberapologizingto
her,momentsbeforesheruinedhim.

“That’squiteallright,”Lisamurmured,turningbacktowardthekitchendoor.Shepressedherpalm
againstEvelyn’sback,leadinghertothekitchen,wheretheyfoundthechefhavingatantrum.Hesmashed
potsandpansagainstthecountertop,mutteringinFrench.

Evelynsteppedback,frightened.ThechefturnedhiseyestowardLisa,themessenger.“He’sdecidedhe
doesn’twanttoeattherestofthemeal,”sheannounced.“Buthe’sstillgoingtopayforit.Andhegives
allcomplimentstothestaff,and,ofcourse,tothechef.”

“Hedoesn’tknowwhathe’ssaying,”thechefsaidhaughtily.“He’smissingoutonthebestdining
experienceinManhattan.Andyouknowit.”HestabbedhisfingertowardLisa,almostdeclaringherthe
problem.

“Ido,”Lisalied.Shehadn’ttakenasinglebiteofthefood;hadn’tevenbreathedthename“Matador”
beforethepreviousevening.“Nooneknowsmorethanus.Butisn’tthisthebest-casescenario?Weall
gettogohomeearly.Weallgettorelax,foronce.AndIbethe’llevendropaheftytiponthewayout.”

PerhapssensingthatLisahadtakenoverhisroleasmanager,Hankmovedinfrontofher,smackinghis
palmstogether.“Yes.Precisely.Let’salltaketherestofthenightoff,shallwe?Andeveryone,takethe
foodtogo.Foryourfamiliesoryourfriends.Thisshouldbereadasagift.”

EvelynprintedoffthePrince’sbill,blinkingbacktears,clearlythinkingaboutherbreakuponcemore.
Shehandedthebook,withthebill,toLisa,winkingather,herfacestilltightwithsadness.“Heseemsto
havetakenalikingtoyou.Winusthattip,girl.”

Lisagrinnedsheepishly,knowingshehadnorighttothetip.Sheacceptedthebillandwalkedslowly
towardthePrince’stable,whereheheldhischeeksinhishands.Hisshoulderswereheavy,slumped
forward,butthemomenthesawLisaoncemore,heseemedtobrighten.Heopenedhispalmandaccepted
thebill,offeringherabright,opensmile.Asingleblackcurlcoiledfromthetopofhisheadanddownhis
forehead,bouncinglightly.

“Lisa,”hesaid,eyeingthebillinhishands.“Ihaveonefinalrequestforyou,ifyoudon’tmind.”

“Whatisit?”sheasked.Hervoicewasquietinherears.

“Iwonderedifyoumightwanttojoinmefordinner,”thePrincesaid.“I’vebeenreadinggoodthings
aboutMatadorforyears,andhavealwayswantedtovisit.”Hepaused,hismouthformingasingleline
acrosshisface.“IhopeI’mnotbeingtooforward,buttonight,Iamalone.AndIseenoringonyour
finger.I’dlovetospendanight,here,withyou—gettingtoknowastranger.Whatdoyousay?”

Lisafelthishonesty,sostark,inhiswords.Shehesitatedforasecond,sensingEvelyn’sgazeuponher.
Sheliftedherfinger,askingforasinglemoment.“I’mjustnotsureifit’sappropriate.I’vebeenserving
youallnight,yousee.Andyouobviouslyhaveafiancéethatyouloveverymuch.”

Asshespokethewords,shefearedshe’dbecaught.Perhapshewasonlyaskinghertositwithhimto

interrogateher.Shecouldimagineit.“Whyareyouhere?Whatdoyouwant?Givemethecamera.”

ButthePrincesaidnothingtothateffect.“Listen,feelfreetoleaveifyouwant.ButI’dliketoofferyou
someremarkablefood.Andofcourse,anotherbottleofwine.Whatdoyousay?”heblinkedrapidly,his
darkeyelashesbrushingagainsthischeeks.

Lisasighed,realizingthatthethoughtofsittingwiththePrince,speakingwithhim,filledherwith
pleasure.Hercheekswerehot;hershouldersrelaxed,withouttension.

Finally,shespoke.“Ijusthavetocheckwiththekitchen.”

Lisarushedback,herheartsoloudinherchestshefeltlikeeveryonecouldhearit.Shepoppedbackinto
thekitchen,notingthatHankhadalreadybeguntoeataplateofolives,suckingthemdownwithgusto.

Heblinkedathercuriously.“Whatisit?”hescoffed.

“Hewantstostay.AndI’mgoingtoeatwithhim,”Lisaannounced,whippingherapronfromherthin
waistandwindingitup,beforetuckingitintoherbag.

Thechefassessedher,beforewinking.“You’reinforatreat,then,newgirl,”themansaid.“Gooutthere.
Sitdown.We’lltakecareofeverything.”

Lisapulledherhairtiefromherponytail,allowingherblondlockstoflowdownherback.Shewas
momentarilyhesitant,knowingthatshewasn’ttheroyalbeautywho’dsat,sorecently,acrossthetable
fromthePrince.Butsomethingpushedherforward,abrightsmileuponherlips,evenwiththeknowledge
thatwhatshewasdoingwasreckless.

FOUR

ThePrinceleapedfromhisseatandpulledoutLisa’schairforher,gesturing.Shesatprimly,crossingher
ankles,andnotingthathe’dalreadyorderedabottleofthewineshe’dsuggested,fromLyon.Hercheeks
burnedwiththereminder:shewasn’tclassyenoughtoknowmuchaboutFrenchwines.Notlikethese
royals,who’dgrownupwiththem.HerDetroitrootshadgivenheraloveforcheapbeerandfastfood.
Andalthoughshe’dshelledtheseloveswhenshe’dmovedtothebigcity,shefeltlikeaclown,
masqueradingassomethingshewasn’t.

ThePrincepouredheraglassofwine,theliquidgluggingasitfilledtheglass.Lisalifteditandclinkedit
withhis,theireyestwinklinginthesoftrestaurantlighting.

“Cheerstoyou,”shemurmured.“Andthankyouforthisinvitation.”

“Absolutely,”hesaid.“You’rereallydoingmethefavorrightnow.”

“Why’sthat?”Lisaasked.Asshespoke,Evelynplacedtheirsecondcourseinfrontofthem—thesoup
fromfifteenminutesbefore,onceagainhotandsteaming.Finelychoppedvegetablesliftedtothesurface
oftheliquid.Lisakeptherhandsonherlap.

“Thislookswonderful,”thePrincesaid,thankingEvelyn.Evelyncouldn’tkeephereyesfromLisa,likea
proudmother.Butinamoment,shewasgone,leavingLisawiththePrince,andhisdark,churning
thoughts.

“IsupposeyouwitnessedthesceneleadinguptothePrincessleavingtherestaurant?”heaskedthen,
slippinghisspoonbeneaththesurfaceoftheliquid.Hedrewupaspoonful.Smalldropletsleakedback
intothebowl.

“Idid,”Lisaaffirmed.“I’msorryyouhadtogothroughthat.”

ThePrincedidn’tspeakforamoment.Lisafeltshehadtofillinthegaps,toaffirmthateverythingwasall
right.

“Buteveryrelationshiphasitsupsanddowns,”shesaid,leaningheavilyuponherelbows.“Evelyn—the
waitresswhojustdeliveredthis—she’sgoingthroughabreakuprightnow.Can’twalkthreefeetwithout
crying.It’shorrible.Myheartbreaksforher.”

ThePrinceraisedhislefteyebrowhigh,listening.“Well,fortunatelyforEvelyn,thecontinuedexistence
ofanentirekingdomdoesn’thingeonherrelationship.”

“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”Lisaasked.Hersoupcooledbeneathher,butshewastooengrossedtocare.

“MyengagementtothePrincessisasham,”thePrincerevealed.

Lisa’slipspartedslightly,acknowledgingtheshockvalueofhisstatement.“Oneofthoseroyal
arrangements,youmean?”sheasked.“Ididn’tknowthosestillexisted.Notinthisdayandage.”

“Well,there’sprobablyalottheaveragepersondoesn’tknow,”thePrincesaid.“ThePrincessandIwere
introducedwhenwewerejustfourteenyearsold.Thatwasfifteenyearsago—meaningI’veknownher
longerthanalmostanyoneelseinmylife.”Hescoffed.“Andyet,she’sstillastranger.Everythingshe
saysseemslikeanightmare.Like,Ilookather,andIcan’tbelieveshe’sinmylife.Haveyoueverfelt
thatwayaboutanyone?”

Lisashookherhead,wantingtotellhimthatshepurposefullydidn’tfillherlifewithpeoplewhomade
herfeelbadaboutherself.Sheblinkedrapidly,urginghimtogoonwithhereyes.

“Thetiesbetweenourcountries,theNetherlandsandAluzzi,arehistoricallyratherweak.Afewyears
ago,however,ItalyandtheNetherlands,hadafallingout,whichlefttheNetherlandslookingforanearby
allyinordertoreaffirmtheirtieswithItaly.Allofthisisratherboringforyou,I’msure.Andprobably,it
doesn’tmakeagreatdealofsense.Afterall.YouliveinAmerica.Youdon’thavetoworryaboutsuch
things.”

“JustbecauseI’manAmerican,doesn’tmeanI’muninterestedinworldpolitics,”Lisasaid,tryingto
makeajoke.“Although,Icanimaginewhyyouwouldthinkthat.”

“Allright,”thePrincesaid,acrookedsmilestretchingacrosshisface.Foramoment,helookedather
likehe’dknownherforalongtime—withendearment,withgleamingeyes.“Touché,Isuppose.”

“Ididn’tmeantointerrupt,”Lisasaidsoftly.“Please.Continue.”

“Anyway,”thePrincesaid,pushinghissoupaway,clearlynolongerhungry.“Ourparentssetupthe
relationshipinanattempttoreinforcethediplomatictiesbetweenourtwocountries.”

“Right,”Lisasaid,feelingaflirtatioussmileonherface.“Diplomacy.Politics.Yes.”Shewinked.

“Ican’tspeakseriouslyaboutthiswithyou,canI?”thePrincelaughed,extendinghislongfingersacross
thewhitetablecloth.“Youmakemefeeltooserious.And,Isuppose,that’swhatIwant.Everysingleday
ofmylifefeelsfartooserious.Andyouseemtolaughinthefaceofit.”

“Notnecessarilylaughing,”Lisasaid.“Justtryingtokeepyourheadabovewater.Toomuchsadness
won’tdo.”

“No,Isupposeitwon’t,”thePrinceaffirmed.Hiseyesglinted.“Whatyouneedtounderstand,Lisa,is
thatIdon’tlovethePrincess.Idon’tloveheratall.”

“Iunderstand,”Lisamurmured.“Youfeeltrapped.”

“MyfathertoldmethatifIdidn’tproposetoherthisyear,he’dforcemeoutofthekingdom.Myfather
andIhaveneverbeenparticularlyclose,butIknowthatfamilyisoftheutmostimportancetohim.Iknow
thatI’mtofollowinhisfootsteps,andI’mtomarrythewomanwhohasbeenchosenforme.ButIcan’t
imaginethisistheonlyoption—”

“This,beingPrincessRose?”Lisaasked.

“Right,”hereplied.“She’sawful.”

“Youdidmentionthat,”Lisasaid,stiflingasmile.“Ican’tsayshelookslikeamassmurderer.Butinyour
words—”

“Justafewstepsawayfromthatseverity,”thePrincesaid,laughing.“You’refunny,Lisa.Ihaven’tmet
anyonefunnyinalongtime.”

“Inthisbusiness,youhavetohaveasenseofhumor,”Lisasaid,takingaslightsipofhersoup,allowing
theflavorsandspicesandwarmthtofoldoverher.“Youshouldreallyeattherestofyoursoup.Thechef
willbemortifiedifyoudon’t.Youdon’twanthimtoleavehisjob,doyou?”

“Ofcoursenot,”thePrincelaughed.Hetookanotherheartybite,chewingeasily.

Acomfortablesilencefoldedoverthem,allowingLisaamomentwithherthoughts.Sheappreciatedthe
easewithwhichthePrincespoketoher,deliveringthetruthofhislife,andthelackoflovewithinit.

Asakid,she’dunderstoodthattheworldwasrichwithsecrets,withpeoplewhowantedtohidewith
theirownthoughts.She’drecognizedthathermotherhadn’twantedtodivulgemanyofhertruths—how
tiredshewas,howsadshewasafterthedeathofherfather,orhowworriedshewaswhenLisastayed
outtoolate.Butwasn’tithealthier,freer,tolivevibrantly,wearingthetruthofyouremotionsonyour
sleeve?

LisaslippedherhandoverthePrince’sonthetable,sensingelectricitybetweenthem.Thelaughterand
sillinesshaddiedoff,revealingthestrangecompatibilitybetweenthem—aprince,andagirlfrom
Detroit.

Shepeeredintohiseyes.“Whatareyougoingtodo?”shewhispered.

ThePrincepaused.Theemotionbetweenthemwasasdeepasawell.“I’mgoingtocallthewedding
off,”hebreathed,hisvoiceheavy.“Idon’tseeanyotherway.We’retooincompatible.Wecan’tagreeon
athing.”

Lisanodded,hereyesfilledwithunderstandingandsympathy.“Thenyoumust.Youhavetofollowyour
heart.Whywouldyoudoanythingelse?”

ThePrincenodded.“Thankyou,Lisa,”hesaid.“Ican’tthankyouenough.Ican’tbelieveIjusttoldyou
allthat.Carryittoyourgrave,won’tyou?”

“Iwouldn’tdreamoftellinganyone,”Lisasaid.Shesmiledthroughthemomentsofsilence,asthe
classicalmusictrickledaroundthem.Inthedistance,shesawEvelyn’seyesthroughthekitchenwindow.

ThePrincetiltedhisheadback,then,sippingtherestofhiswine.Hesettheemptyglassbesidehisnear-
emptybowlofsoup,andgesturedtowardher.“Whatareyoudoingafteryourshift,Lisa?”heaskedher.

Lisabalked,hermindsuddenlyracingforanexcuse.Afterall:sheneededtoreturnhomeandsendthe
shotstoRocco,toensurethatthefundsgotintoheraccountbytheweekend.Therentwasdueinjusta
fewdays,andshecertainlycouldn’tputfoodonhertablewithoutit.Forabriefmoment,hermind
flutteredoverthepossibilityofactuallyworkingattheMatador,rakingintips.Butultimately,she’dhave
toconfesstothelie.Andshewouldn’tbeabletohandleEvelyn’sdisappointmentwhenthetruthcame
out.

ButasLisasat,thesecondstickingon,shereasonedsomethingelse.Withalltheknowledgethatthe
Princewasdelivering—aboutthetruthofhisshammarriageandthefactthathewasgoingtocallthe
weddingoff—shecouldearnafewthousanddollarsmore,atleast,ifshesoldthestorytoRocco.With
moretimewiththePrinceatherdisposal,shecouldexpoundonwhatshealreadyknewanddeliverthe
biggest,mostsalaciousstoryofhercareer.

“Icanseethatyouwanttosayyou’rebusy,”thePrincesaid,laughing.“AndIcompletelyunderstand.I
do.”Hebegantowavehisfingers,affirmingthatthespacebetweenthemcouldremain.“Please.ForgetI
saidanything.”

“No,no,”Lisasaid,hereyesbright.“Iwanttocomewithyou.AndI’mfree.Ijustneedtorunhomeand
changefirst.Youdon’twanttobeseenoutwithme,wearingthisstupiduniform.Icanpromiseyouthat.”
Sheflashedasmile.

“Well,ifyoureallythinkyou’llbemorecomfortable—”thePrincebegan,leaningforward.

Lisacouldsmellhim,themuskmakingherspiritshum.Shefeltsensual,brimmingwithyearning.Fora
splitsecond,sheforgotthatshewasgoingwithhiminordertohoneherstoryandreapthebenefits.

“Iwillbe.WhereshouldImeetyou?”sheasked.

“AttheB-flat,inBrooklyn.It’satrendyjazzbar,perfectforus.I’mtiredofthesestuffy,expensive
restaurants,anyway.”Hiseyesbrightened,andheswipedhisfingersoverhisnapkin.Heslappednine
hundreddollarsintothebillthatshe’dbroughttothetableandgottohisfeet,abandoningtherestofthe
meal.“Givemycomplimentstothechef.Andtellthestafftokeepthechange.I’llseeyouinanhour.”

Lisablinkedrapidly,watchinghimrecoverhiscoat,evenbeforethecloakroomboycouldretrieveit.He
hailedataxianddisappearedintothechillyfallevening,leavingheralone,brimmingwithpre-emptive
pleasure.

Evelynappearedbesideher,then.Sheleapedupanddown,theninehundreddollarsclaspedinherhands.
“A200%tip,Lisa!Canyouimagine!Whatastrange,terriblenight.Buttonight,we’llpartylikeroyalty!”

Lisastretchedasmileoverherfaceandhurriedlycleanedthetable,suddenlyfeelingapartofthe
restaurantstaff.Sheacceptedhertipandthenracedfromtherestaurant,placingabriefkissonEvelyn’s

cheekasshewent.

Shehailedataxi,whichwhippedherbacktoherone-bedroominBrooklyn.Shefeltlightwith
anticipation,withintrigue.Theprevious24hourshadtakenseveralmanicturns,spittingheroutseveral
hundreddollarsricher,withadatewithroyalty—andapotentialfront-pagestoryforRocco.

“Whyareyousmiling?”thetaxidriveraskedher,liftinghischin.Hisaccentwasthick,placinghimasa
Middle-Easternimmigrant.

“Idon’treallyknow,”Lisamurmured.“IthinkI’mjusthappy.Forthefirsttimeinalong,longtime.”

“Good.It’sgoodtobehappy,”themansaid,stabbinghisfootonthebrakepedalandhaltinginfrontof
herapartmentbuilding.“I’llbehappy,too.Onceyoupayme.”

***

Lisarushedupthestepstoherapartment,feelingjittery.Sheleafedthroughherbag,graspedherkeys,and
thenburstthroughthefrontdoor,feelingstrangethatwhileherentireworldhadshifted,herroom,kitchen
andlivingareahadallstayedthesame.

Sheenteredherbedroomandsatonthemattress,unabletoimaginewhatfeelingtiredmeant.Inherbag,
shefoundhercamera,andthenbegantolookthroughthephotographs,feelingastrangesenseofprideat
theanglesofPrincessRose’sfaceasshescowledatthePrince.Lisahadbeenpracticinghercraftfor
years,andherewastheresult:gorgeousportraitsthatdisplayedattitudeanddisgustbetweenapowerful
couple.Sheknewthatwaswhatthepeoplewanted.

Sheglancedattheclock,then,realizingthatshehadonlytwentyminutesleftuntilshewasmeanttomeet
thePrince.Shewalkedovertohercloset,notingthatherselectionofdresses—mostofthemblack—were
listlesscomparedtothePrincess’garbfromthatevening.Butperhapsthat’swhatthePrincewanted:to
flyundertheradar,withanordinarygirllikeher.

Shecouldalreadypicturethetabloidheadline:“PrinceSpendsNightwithBrooklynGirl,SlummingIt.”
Sheshivered,knowingthatifshewereaskedtosellthestory,she’ddoit.Herdesperationforfundswas
constant.Nothingelsemattered.NoteventheelectricitybetweenherandthePrince,orhowmuchshe
lovedmakinghimlaugh.

Atleast,that’swhatshetoldherself.

Sheslippedintoashort,navybluedress—somethingshehardlywore,unlessshewassneakinginto
black-tieaffairstogoaftercelebrities.Asshezippeduptheback,sherememberedtearingaftersome
sex-scandalengulfedpolitican,hercameraflashing.Hershoehadflungfromherfoot,theheelcaughtin
theredcarpet.Despitehercurrentloneliness,herlifetodatehadbeenanythingbutboring.

Shepeekedintothemirror,then,andswipedonalayerofblackeyeliner,makinghereyesappearlarge
andblissful.Herhairwascurlednicely,flowingdownherback.Shetuggedhernicest,newest-looking
coatoverhershoulders,inhaledsharply,andmarchedtowardthedoor—feelingasifshewereina
dream.

FIVE

TheclubthePrincehadsuggestedwasamerefiveblocksfromLisa’sapartment,butherfearofbeinglate
forcedhertohailataxiagain,herarmshiveringintheairasshestoodonthepavement.

Ataxisquealedtoahaltinfrontofher,andshepoppedintoit,heavywiththecashfromtherestauranttip.

“TotheB-flat,”shesaid.“Thejazzclub.Please.”

ThecabweavedthroughtrafficanddeliveredLisaattheclubfiveminutesbeforethePrince’scalltime.
Shetippedthecabbiegenerously,donnedaconfidentsmile,andthenrushedpastthesmokerswho
hoveredaroundasteamingheatlamp.

Sheenteredthejazzclubandwasimmediatelythrustdownthesteps,towardacave-likearena,where
musicianswerealreadyplaying.

StandingatthebottomofthestaircasewasPrinceFrancesco,hissmilecrookedandconfident.Hishands
tuckeddeepwithinhispockets,itwasclearhe’dbeenwaitingforher—likeapromdateoutsidethe
bathrooms.Heseemedtoshiverwithdelightasshedescendedtowardhim,herheelstentativeonthe
steps.

Heextendedhiselbow,watchingasLisapushedherarmthroughit,connectingthem.

“Hi,”shebreathed.

“Youlookbeautiful,”hesaid,assessingher.

“Don’tgooverboard,”Lisalaughed,tippingherheadback.

Inthecorner,thesaxophonisthadbeguntoblarethroughhisinstrument,thenoisegrittyandguttural,
beforethedrumsjoinedandthetrumpetblasted.Asthemusicbeganitscolorfuljolting,Lisahandedher
jackettothecloakroomstaffmember,andshiveredatthesuddenchilluponhershoulders.

“Hardnottogooverboardwithascenelikethis,”Francescosaid,gesturing.

Heledhertoatinycornertable,withacandleinthecenter.Ashehadbefore,hesweptthechairback,
allowinghertositgracefully.Ashesatacrossfromher,sherealizedsomething:thePrincewasbyfarthe
mosthandsomeguyshe’deverbeenonadatewith—ifthatwasreallywhatwashappening.

Asshesat,sheforcedherselftocontemplatethetruthofhersituation:thatshewastheretosqueezethe
bestpaycheckpossibleoutofthisman,andthatnothingelseintheworldmattered.Nothisimpending
marriage,orhisunhappiness,orthefactthatthebassplayerbumpedalong,creatinganatmospherein
whichtofallinlove.

Afterapause,Francescoorderedabottleofwinefromtheserver,casuallyaddressingthefactthathe’d
alreadydrankoneandahalfbottlesthatnight.“InEurope,it’showyoulive.Youinhalewine.It’s

healthy.”Hewinked.

“AndIsupposenextyou’lltellmecheesedoesn’tmakeyoufat?”Lisalaughed.

“Itdoesn’t.AndwhatisthislowcarbdietyouAmericansarealwayson?Itdoesn’tmakesense.Pastais
awayofbeing.”

Lisarolledhereyesplayfully,watchingasthewaiterpouredheralargeglassofwine.Sheclinkedher
glasswithFrancesco,whosedramatictoastranginherears.

“Totonight.Tomeetingyou,Lisa.Thankyouforencouragingmetoacknowledgemyowntruth.”

Shebowedherheadslightly,sippingthedarkliquid.Foramoment,theysatsilently,allowingthejazz
clubambiancetomeltoverthem.LisafeltFrancesco’seyesuponher,tracingherprofile.Foronce,her
tonguefeltgluedtotheroofofhermouth,toouncertaintomakethefirstmove.

“Whereareyoufrom,anyway?”Francescoaskedthen.

Lisalookedbackupathim,suddenlyshy.Shesensedhiswordswerefarfromaboundaryshe’dset
betweenthem.Butsheofferedasingle,solitaryword,hopingitwouldhelpthemontoanecessarypath,
onethatwouldfuelhimtotellhermoresecrets.

“Detroit,”shemurmured.

“Isee,”hesaid.“I’massumingourchildhoodswereverydifferent,then.”

“Iwasn’troyalty,forone,”Lisasmiled,easingupslightly.

“Right.Ofcourse.Sometimes,it’sdifficultformetounderstandotherpeoples’realities;beingaprinceis
theonlylifeI’veeverknown.”

“Youcouldn’thavehadanormalchildhood.I’mguessingyourmotherandfatherhadanarranged
marriage,aswell?”Lisaasked.

Francesconodded,hiseyessuddenlyfaraway.“Hewasgoodtoher.Hedidn’thaveanychoice,of
course,butheensuredthatshehadeveryworldlycomfort,especiallyasIwasgrowingup.Idon’tthink
mymothereverwantedtohavechildren.Butofcourse,shedidn’thaveachoice.”

“Whynot?”Lisaasked,leaningcloser.

“Well,myfathergrewupasaprinceofAluzzi.Healwaysknewhewouldruleoneday.Mymother,by
contrast,wasaprincessinaneighboringkingdom,andshehadnolovefortheAluzzipeople.Shewanted
toremainwithherbrothersandsisters,especiallyafterthecrownturnedpowerovertothepeople,and
kingsandqueenswerenomoreinhercountry.Shehatedthenotionthatpeopleneededrulers.Shewanted
toliveanordinarylife.”

“Butshewasmarriedtoyourfatherbeforeallofthathappened?”Lisaasked.

Francesconodded.“Thepaperworkwasdrawnupwhenshewasagirl,andshewasmarriedtomyfather
whenshewas17.Bythetimeherhomekingdombecamearepublic,Ihadalreadybeenborn,meaningshe
hadafamily.Shewasstuck.”

“That’sterrible,”Lisamurmured,imaginingthatfeelingofbeingtrapped,knowingthathome,freedom,
andfamilywerejustafewhundredmilesaway.

“Thenextfewyearsweren’teasyforher.Shehadmysister,agirlwhofitsthe‘princess’titlefarmore
thanPrincessRose,even.Aspoiledbrat,”Francescosaid,scoffing.“Andafewyearslater,Ibecamea
teenager,andbegantoliveinthepubliceye.Itwasn’tnecessarilymychoice.Thepaparazzi.Theylatch
ontoyou.Theydon’tletyougo.”

Lisa’sstomachtwistedatthewords.“Isee,”shesaid.“Andwhatwereyouupto,tomakethepaparazzi
fawnoveryou?Surely,therewasastorythere.”Hereyestwinkled.Shehopedshewasn’tgivingherself
away.

“I’msureyou’drecognizethestories,althoughtheywereyearsago,”hesaid.“Iwassomethingofawild
teenager,alwaysthrowingpartieswithmodelsandactorsandtherichestoftherich.Nothingwastoo
grandforme,especiallyatthetime.IfeltIhadsomethingtoprove.Iwasn’tthesweet,littleprincethat
I’dbeenportrayedaswhenI’dbeenachild.Iwaswild.Iwasfree.AndIhadmoremoneythanagod.”

Lisafeltthesarcasmbeneathhislastwords.Hissadnesswasdeep.Shefeltherfingersinchtowardhis,
yearningtotouchhim.

“ButIdidn’treallywanttobefamous.Notafterthatfirstyearofthetabloidsfollowingmyeverymove,”
Francescocontinued.“Itwaspainful,knowingthatmyparentscouldseewhattheworldwassayingabout
me.Iwouldhideawayinmychambers,knowingthatIwasreckless,thatIwasruiningusall.AndI
couldn’tstop.”

Lisapaused,tracingherteethwithhertongue.“WasPrincessRoseattheseparties?”sheasked.

“Sometimes,”heanswered,hisvoicesomber.“Webothknewwhatourparentswanted,butweassumed
wecouldgetoutofit.Sometimes,we’dgetintoscreamingmatches—eachofuswithourownagenda.As
wegrewolder,shesaidmarryingwouldbegoodforourstatus.Nothinghasevermatteredtohermore
thanthat.”Hestabbedhisfingeruponthetable,almostintimewiththejazztunethatwasplaying.The
trumpetburstinLisa’sears,startlingher.

“Andnow,thewedding,”thePrincecontinued.“Paparazziareeverywhere,declaringtotheworldthat
RoseandIareconstantlyfighting.Cuemerentingouteverysingletableinthatrestaurant,justtoavoid
them.”Hebowedhisheadlethargically,heavywithsadness.“Idon’tknowwhattodo,Lisa.I’venever
beenatsuchaloss.”

Lisafeltentrenchedwithguilt.Ashespokeofthepaparazzi,shebegantofeeldisgustatherassignment.
Roccowasasleazy,ruthlessman,standinginhishigh-riseapartment.Andshewasasoldierinhisarmy.

Shedidn’tbelongwithRocco.Shelovedpeople.Shewantedtofightforgoodness,forart,fortruth.

Sheclearedherthroat,thewinerushingtoherhead.Shefelttipsy.AndFrancesco’seyesweretoo
alluring.

“Childhoodsarerough,”shemurmured,fillingthespacebetweenthem.“Nomatterhowhardyouworkto
escapeyourcircumstances,itseemsyounevercan.”

“YourcircumstancesinDetroit?”heaskedher.Hisintriguewasunexpected.Whatinterestcouldhehave
inhersillylittlelife?Andyet,shefoundherselfformingthewords.

“That’sright,”Lisabegan.“Irememberdayswhenwedidn’thavefoodonthetable.Mymotherworked
tirelesslyatonefactoryjobafteranother.Itseemedshewasalwaysbeingmaderedundant,alwaysgoing
totheunemploymentoffice,andalwaysdrivingmeafewminuteslatetoschool.Itwasourpattern.Itwas
ourlife.”

Lisasmiledsadly,divingintothedepthsofherpast.“I’msorryifit’stoomuchinformation,butI
remembertheotherchildrenmakingfunofme,tellingmeIdidn’tbelongwiththem.Itwasmyownform
oftorture.Itwasmyownformofpaparazzi.Anditwashorrible.”

ThePrincenodded,hiseyesfilledwithunderstanding—althoughhowintheworldhecouldeven
understandit,evenglimpseherworld,wasbeyondLisa.Butsheappreciatedthewayhekepthishand
overhersonthetable,thewayherefilledherglass,thewayhelistened.

“Andinhighschool,whenyoucouldbeginworking?Didthingsstarttogetbetter?”

Lisanodded,tearsbeginningtobriminhereyes.“Iwasawaitress.”

“Justasyouaretoday,”thePrincesaid,smiling.“Onlyatatop-tierManhattanrestaurant.Seehowfar
you’vecome.”Hiswordswerekind,buttheycameasapainfulreminderofhowmuchshe’dlied.

Sheswallowed.“Yes.Awaitress.AndImademanyfriendsthroughtherestaurant.Ilovedthem,you
know.Wegotintosomuchtroubletogether,as16-and17-year-olds.Butafterthat,Iwantedtofocuson
gettingtothecity,whiletheywantedtofocusonsomethingelseentirely.”

“Whatwasthat?”

“Theywantedtofocusongettingmarried,andonhavingchildren.Andthey’veallsucceeded,”shesaid,
shrugging.“NotthatIeverwantedthat.”

“Whatdidyouwant,Lisa?”

Francescoleanedcloser,andagain,Lisacouldfeelhisbreathuponherface.Shelickedherlips,tryingto
focusoncemore.

“Um.Iwanttomakeenoughmoneytogobacktoschool.I’vebeenfocusedonitforsolong,butIdon’t
alwaysknowifitwillhappen.”Shelaughedtoherself,tryingtoshrugitoff,tomakeitseemlikeitdidn’t
matter.ButthePrincesensedtheseriousnessofhertone.

“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”heasked.“Atschool.”

“Photography,”Lisasaid,beforeshethoughttwiceaboutit.Shecursedherselfinwardly,knowingthatshe
shouldhavepreparedalie.Butshehadn’tthoughtshe’ddivulgeasinglesecrettothisman.She’dmeant
todipintohim,togettothenitty-grittyofhispersonalityandpast.Buthereshewas,pouringitalloutfor
him.

“Oh?DoyouhaveanythingIcouldlookat?”heaskedher.

Lisanoddedhalf-heartedly,reachingforherphone.She’dpublishedseveralimagesofherpersonalstreet
photographyonherwebsite,whichshe’dsetupthepreviousyear,whenshe’dhadabitofcashonhand.
Shesweptthroughthembeforestumblinguponaparticularphotographfromthesummerbeforelast,taken
inCentralPark.

Thephotowasofathree-year-oldboy,leaningheavilyagainstabench,asuckerinhismouth.The
sunlightglintedonhishat,whichwascrookedonhisblondcurls.Helookedawkward,lost.Andyet:his
mother’shandswerewrappedaroundhisshouldersfromabove,lockinghimintoplace.

“Thisisit,”shewhispered,gesturing.“Myfavoriteshot.”

Francescotookamomenttoreallylookatit:toadmirethecolors,thepositioning,theperspective.“You
haverealtalent,Lisa,”hetoldherwithsincerity.“Ican’tsayI’veseenanythingquitelikethisbefore.
Andtrustme.Many,manypeopleacrosstheworldhavetakenmypicture.”Hewinkedather.

Lisa’sfaceturnedbrightpink.Shesmiled,acceptinghiscompliment.

“Seriously.Ithinkyouhavetogotoschoolforthis.Ifyoudon’tevershareyouramazingeyewiththe
world?Thatwouldbeatravesty.”

“Idon’tquiteknowwhattosay,”shewhispered.

“Justkeepdoingit,”hetoldher,asanotherjazztunefilledtheirears.“Don’tmakeexcusestoyourself.
Theworldisfilledwithpeoplewhogiveupandgivein.Includingmyself,ifIdon’tcallthiswedding
off.”

“Youshouldcallitoff,”Lisabreathed,notthinking.“Youhaveto.”

“Thenwebothknowwhatwehavetodo,now,don’twe?”Francescolaughed,hailingtheserver.“Now,

howaboutsomecocktails?I’mfeelingfartooexcitedforwine.Andtheyhavesomeofthebestcocktails
I’veeverhad.”Hisgazelandedonanearbywaiter.“Server?TwoFitzgeraldsplease.Andaplateof
olives,breadandcheese.We’vehardlyhadanythingtoeat,andIhaveasensethatthisisgoingtobea
long,interestingnight.”

LisafellintoeasyconversationwiththePrince,realizingthatshewasflirtingandgigglinglikea
schoolgirl.Astwohoursdrippedtothree,Francescoleanedtowardherandwhisperedintoherear,his
breathhot.

“Whydon’twegetoutofhere?”heasked.

AndLisafoundherselffollowinghim,almostasifherentirelifehadbeenleadingtothisdramatic
precipice—assheflungoffeverythingsheknew,andfollowedthisdreamman.

SIX

LisafoundherselftuckedinthebackseatofFrancesco’slimousine,pushingawaythoughtsthatthedriver
hadprobablyrecognizedherleavingthejazzclubonFrancesco’sarm.Herbrainhummedwithdrink,and
herbodyseemedtooperatewithasingularneedtobeheld,tobetouched,tobeseen—andonlyby
Francesco.

“Backhome,sir?”Sergio’svoiceboomedtothebackseat.

AndFrancescosaidyes,beforeturninghiseyesbacktoLisa,andtippinghisfacetowardher,brushing
herlipswithhis.Theirkisswastentative,yetfilledwithpassion.Lisawrappedherarmsaroundhis
neck,inhalinghisscent.Theywereconnected,withoutmemoryofatimewhentheyhadn’tknowneach
other.Theyfizzledwithstoriesandsecrets.Andtheyhadnoneedforanyoneelse.

ThelimousinestoppedindowntownManhattan.FrancescotoldSergiohedidn’tneedhimfortherestof
thenight,andheopenedthedoor,allowingLisatoexitontothesidewalk,hereyesbrightinthe
effervescentcitylights.

SheacceptedFrancesco’sarmoncemore,andtheyenteredthelavishfoyer,thedoormandressedinan
immaculatesuit,tiltinghisroundhattowardthem.“Sir.Ma’am.Goodevening.”Hepressedtheelevator
button,assessingLisa,theoutsider.But,likeagooddoorman,hemadenomentionthatshewasn’tthe
womanthePrincehadleftwith,earlierinthenight.Hewasnopaparazzo.Hewasinvisible.

Theelevatorwascoveredwithfloor-to-ceilingmirrorsthatperfectlyreflectedthepassionatekissesthey
shared.Theyeasedintoeachother’sbodiesoncemore,relishingtheprivacyofthefourwalls.Lisalifted
hertonguetohis,slippingitalonghislip,andsighingdeeply.Shehadneverbeenheldsotight.

Theelevatordingedandthedoorsslidopentorevealthepenthousesuite—theplaceFrancescocalled
homeduringhisNewYorkvisits.Themomenttheviewregistered,Lisa’sjawdropped.Thestarkcontrast
ofthisplacetoherone-bedroomapartmentgavehermomentarypause.

ButFrancescogaveheracoaxingsmileandplacedhisfingersatthesmallofherback,nudgingher
forward.“Makeyourselfathome.”

Lisagiggledassheentered,slippinghershoesfromherfeetandtrottingtowardthebroadwindows,
whichgaveastunningviewofthecitybelow.Lightssparkled;countlesswindows,allacrossthecity.

SheandthePrinceweretuckedawayintheirownlittleworld,safefromtheautumnwind.

“Whatdoyouthink?”Francescoasked,appearingatherside.“Ihadtheplacedecoratedbyafamous
Aluzziandesigner.”

Thelivingroomwasaperfectmarriageofmodernityandtradition,offeringsleekfurnitureandbright,
bold,Mediterraneancolors.Tapestrieshungonthewalls,alongwithseveralRoman-lookingpaintings,
whichcomplimentedthetrendylampsandmoderncoffeetablesstrewnthroughout.Shefeltbreathless,
unabletoputherimpressionintowords.

“Wow,”shefinallybreathed,feelingfoolish.“I’veneverseenanythingso—”

Francesconodded,cuppingherchinwithhishands.“Iknewyou’dlikeit.You,withyourartisticeye.”

Heleanedtowardher,then,andkissedheroncemore,wrappingherclose.Lisa’svisionoftheoranges
andbrightredsofhisapartmentfledfromhereyes.Shedidn’tneedthemanylonger.

Heliftedher,drawingherlegsupoverhisarms,andcarriedhertohisbedroom,withitsCaliforniaking-
sizedbed,itslampswiththeirsoft,romanticglow.Helaidheruponthecomforter,gazinglustfullyather,
beforedivingintoherneckandkissingher,tracinghisfingeroverhershouldersanddownthelengthof
hertorso.

Theyundressedeachother.Theyfellintoeachother’sarmsandmadelovebeneaththesheets,thereinthat
room.Trustmixedwithsexualpassion.InLisa’smind,theemotionedgeddangerouslyclosetolove.

And,asLisa’seyelidsfluttered,andshedriftedtowardsleep,allthoughtsofRoccoandofruiningthis
intelligent,beautifulmanforthesakeofafewbucks,fledfromher.Francesco’sbreathcameeasilyashe
inhaledandexhaled,leavingheralonewithherthoughts.Shecouldn’thavedreamedofabetterdayofher
life.

AnddespiteFrancesco’sverydifferentupbringing,hissenseoftheworldwasrathersimilartoherown.
Theyweresoldiers,fightingthroughexpectationsandresentments.Buttogether,theywereallowed
momentsofsheerpleasure.Andthatwasbeautiful.

SEVEN

SunlightdrapedinthewidewindowinthePrince’sbedroom,highlightingthegleamofLisa’sblondhair
andarticulatingthestrong,RomannoseofFrancesco,whosnoredeversoslightlyinhissleep.Lisa’s
eyesopenedeasily,hopefulinthebrightnessofthisnewmorningandnewreality.Despitehavingonly
hadafewhoursofsleep,shefeltstrong,sensual,andreadytotakeontheworld.

Assheshiftedbeneaththecovers,Francescoawokeandturnedtowardher,thewarmthofhimfolding
overher.Shewrappedherarmsaroundhischestandpressedherselfintohim,kissinghimhungrily.The
momentshebrokeawayfromhim,shewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist,whisperingtohim.

“Ican’tbelieveImetyou.”

“Ifeelthesameway.”

“Ineverwanttoleaveyourbed,”shewhispered.

“Thendon’t.I’llmandateit.I’maprince,afterall.”

“AndyourpowerextendstotheUnitedStates?”sheasked.

“IfIsayitdoes,”hesaidplayfully,kissinghernose.“Whynot?”

“YoupompousAluzzians,”shesaid,laughing.“Ican’ttrustyouasfarasIcanthrowyou.Whichisn’tfar.
Lookatthesehulkingmuscles.”

Shestrappedherfingersoverhisbicep,unabletowrapherhandaroundit.Shesqueezedasheflexed,
giggling.“It’salmostlikeyouhavethepowertogoallnightlong.Andmaybeallday,ifyoufeellikeit.”
Shepeeredintohiseyes,daringhimtoforgetthattherestoftheworldexisted,forjustafewhourslonger.

“WhatelsewouldIdotoday?”heasked.“Ifnotassesseverysingleinchofyourbody?Ineedtomake
surethatyou’refitfortravel.Iwanttotakeyouallovertheworld,toshowyousomeofthemostbeautiful
sights.HaveyoubeentoFiji?”

“Fiji?”Lisalaughed.“Ihaven’tlefttheEastCoastsinceIgothere.Justtheoccasionaldrivebackto
Detroit,whenIcanscrapethefundstogether.”

“WouldIlikeDetroit?”thePrinceaskedher.“Aretheremorepeoplelikeyouthere?”

“Sorry,sir.There’snooneelsequitelikeme,”Lisasaid,hervoicefaux-cocky.Sheliftedfromhim,then,
stretchinglanguidly.“Idon’tevenknowwhatdayitis.Orwhattime.”

“You’rebackattheMatadorlater?”heaskedher.

Lisablinkedrapidly,tryingtorememberwhatintheworldthe“Matador”was.Inamoment,thememory
trickledback:herpretendingtobeawaitress,meetingthePrince,divingintoanightofraucouspleasure

withhim,andimaginingitwouldneverend.Wasthistheending?Wasthisquestion—anaffirmationofthe
distancebetweenthem—thefinalstraw?

Butno.Itwasn’t.

Asshesat,nestlingintohim,sheheardherphone,blaringfromhercoatpocket.Sheshiftednervously,
panicking.

“Youcanletthatgo,”Francescosaid,kissingherear.“Remember.Imandateit.”

Shegavehimafalsesmile,knowingthatrealitywasbarrelingtowardher,likeatrain.Shecouldn’tstop
it.“I’msorry.Itmightbeimportant,”shemurmured.

Sheshiftedfrombeneaththewarmthofthecomforter,shiveringslightly,feelinghiseyesuponher.She
plungedherfingersintohercoatpocket,drawingoutseveralscrapsofpaperandreceipts,alongwithher
phone.ThecallerIDrevealeditwasRocco,andherheartseemedtosinkintotheacidofherstomach.

Shecouldn’tansweraphonecallfromRocco.Notthere,inthePrince’sbedroom.Hereyesdartedfrom
herphonetothenakedmanbeforeher,hismuscledbicepsvisibleoverthecomforterandhiscurlsdiving
overhisearsandforehead,makinghimlooklikeaRomangod.

“What’sthat?”heasked,pointingtotheground.

Lisaturnedhereyesdownward,then.Stillgrippingthephone,shefeltherlegsbendslightly,an
admittancethateverythinghadjustgoneterriblywrong.

Afterafinalringofherunansweredphone,sheshovedthephonebackinherpocketandreachedforthe
papersthathadfallen,unabletocatchthembeforeFrancescowrappedhisfingersaroundthem.

“Icanexplain,”Lisawhispered,wrappingherarmsaroundherbody,suddenlyself-conscious.“Ireally
can.”

Francescoheldanoldpresspass,fromwhenLisahadbeenonassignmentattheNewYorkpremiereofa
movie.She’dbeentaskedwithcatchingtheactresslookingherworst,topromotethestorythatthelead
actresswasagingpoorly.She’dchasedafterthepoorwoman,herflashblasting.Andthen,she’d
collectedherfivehundreddollars,knowingthatshe’djusttrashedawoman’sbodyforherownpersonal
gain.She’dhatedherselfthatday.But,she’dhatedherselfnearlyeverydayafterthat,aswell.Shejust
hadn’tthrownoutthepresspass.

ThepresspassinquestioncarriedtheDailySneaklogoonit,alongwithherphoto,inwhichhersmile
wasmorelikeajeer,andhereyesweresharp,hungry—muchmorelikeherjournalisticpersona.And
Francescohelditinhisoutstretchedpalm,glaringatthephotographofthewomanhe’djustspentthenight
with,hiseyesdarkandangry.

“Whatthehellisthis?”heaskedher.“ApresspassfortheDailySneak?Oneoftheshadiestsupermarket

tabloidsofthemall?Whatthehellisyourphotographdoingonit?”

Lisabalked,feelingexposedandsuddenlyterrified—sounlikethebribing,cajolingwomaninthephoto.
“Um…”

“Yousaidyoucouldexplain.Sostartexplaining,”hesaid,hiseyesflashing.“BecauseIhaveawholelot
ofwordstodescribewhatIthinkthisis.AndI’dloveitifyoucouldprovemewrong,rightnow.”

Lisaclosedhereyes,allowingamillionliestocometothesurface.Sheimaginedtellinghimthatshe’d
beenawaitressfortheevent,andthatthey’dgivenherapresspass,insteadofaworkerpass,becauseit
hadbeeneasier.Sheimaginedtellinghimthattherehadbeenamistake—thatshe’dbeenthereto
photographforVanityFair,butthatthepasshadbeenprintedfortheDailySneak,instead.

Buttheliesswirled,andnoneofthemstuck.Andshewasleftstuttering,unsure,withFrancesco’sdark
eyesuponher,demandingthetruth.

Asthesilencestretchedbetweenthen,Francescomarchedtowardher,shakingthepass.“Whydoyou
havethis?”hecried,hiseyeswidewithindignation.“I’mgoingwildhere,baby.Whyareyoureally
here?Comeoutwithit.Justtellmethetruth.”

Theword—baby—rangthroughLisa’sears.Tearssprangtohereyes.Guiltrushedthroughher.Shefelt
herselffalltoherknees.“I’mnotreallyawaitress,”shemumbled,speakingtothespotlessfloorboards.
“I’mapaparazzo.”

“Andyouweresentheretophotographme?”Francescoaskedher,incredulous.“Ican’tbelieveI’velet
oneofyourkindintomyhouse.You’reamonster.”

Lisaheldupherhand,wantingtoexplain.Herbreathwasuneven,andhertonguelackedarticulation.But
shefoughtforit.“IwastaskedwithgettingpicturesofyouandPrincessRosetogether.Thatmuchistrue.”

Francescosatdownonthebed,sighingheavily,butLisacontinuedherconfession,feelingthewords
tumblefromhermouth.

“IwastoldthatIwouldreceivemoremoneyandrecognitionifItookaphotographofthetwoofyou
arguing.”

Again,thePrincedidn’tmove.He’ddroppedthepresspass,anditcrumpledtotheground,likethetrash
itshouldhavebecomeweeksago.

“Ididn’thesitatetotakeit,”shebreathed.“I’vebeentakingjobslikethisforyearsnow,justtryingto
saveupmoneytogobacktoschool,likeItoldyou.That’sallIwantedoutofthis.Abitofextracash.
That’sall.”Sherecognizedthatthetruthwasugly;thatitstankofselfishness.

“Wastheentirerestaurantinonit?”heaskedquietly.“Youwereworkingthere,Lisa.Youwerean
employee.Howcouldtheynotknowwhoyoureallywere?”

“Isnuckontothestaffjustforthenight,”Lisamurmured,hercheeksreddening.

“Dammit,”thePrincebreathed,stabbinghisfistuponhisknee.“You’rejustliketherestofthem.Asnake,
slitheringthroughpeople’slives,withoutacareforthepainyouinflictontheway.Andit’snotlike
tabloidsuccessissomethingtobeproudof,youknow.Youcouldmakemoneydoingalmostanythingelse
—likeworkingatMatador,forexample—”

“It’snotthatsimple,”Lisaexplained.“Ineedtheexperience.Ihavetodothis,don’tyousee?”She
blinkedrapidly,feelinglost.

“So.Yougotyourphotographs.Congratulations,”Francescosaid,risingoncemore.Heyankedapairof
boxersoverhislegs,coveringhimself.Lisa’seyesflutteredbacktowardhim,admiringthestrengthofhis
abdomen.Thesunlightcastdeepshadowsthatemphasizedhissix-pack.Hewasafigmentofher
imagination;hewasunreal.

“Butlastnight,”shecontinued,wantingtochasehim,toforcehimtoretreatfromhisanger.“Ifound
myselftrappedinthelie,evenasIbegantodevelopgenuinefeelingsforyou—”Shestopped,and
Francescowhirledaround,hisdarkeyesconnectingwithhers.“Evenaswetalked,andIlearnedwhoyou
reallywere.”

“Youmean,youbecamethefirstpaparazzotolearnthatwe,ontheothersideofthecamera,arehuman?
Great,”Francescosaidcoldly.“That’sjustgreat.”

“Igenuinelyenjoyedmytimewithyoulastnight,”Lisawhispered.“Ididn’tmeanforittohappen.But
whenyouaskedmetoeatwithyou,IknewIcouldn’trefuse.”

“Becauseyoucouldlearnsomuchaboutme,myfamily,andmyrelationshipwithPrincessRose,”
Francescosaid,histoneaccusatory.“Youknewwhatyouweredoingtheentiretime.”

Lisashookherheadsadly,closinghereyes.Tinycrows’feetformedoneitherside,areminderofherage.
She’dspentthemajorityofher20sruiningpeoples’lives.She’dbecomesomethingshe’dneverdreamed
ofbeing.

“Itmayhavestartedthatway,”shesaid.“ButallthatfloatedawaywhenIrealizedthatyou—youwere
someonetrulyspecial.AndIwantedtocomehomewithyou.Iwantedtobephysicallyclose,even
withoutspeakingorlistening.And,God,Francesco.Itoldyouthings.Itoldyouthingsaboutmyselfthat
I’venevertoldanyone.”

Shepressedherpalmagainstherforehead,sensingshewasrunningincircles.“Doesn’tthatmean
anything?”shebreathed,tappinghertongueagainstthetopofhermouth,feelingoutsideofreality.Abird
flewpastthepenthousewindow,areminderthattheworldoutsidecontinuedtospin.

“Getout,”thePrincesaid,then.“Ican’thaveyouhereanothermomentmore.Iwantyououtofmylife
forever.Doyouunderstand?”

Hiswordsrangthroughherears,andshenoddedhesitantly,beginningtograbherthings.Shedressed
wearily,tugginghertightsoverherlegs,hookingherbrabehindherbackwithoutflourish.Shesensed
Francesco’seyesuponher,butshecouldn’tlookathim,couldn’tacknowledgehishatredofher.

She’dseenthewayhe’dlookedatherthatmorning—amerefifteenminutesbefore—andshe’dfallenfor
it.She’dfeltshe’dbeendozingonahill,beneaththesun,thegrassticklingherface.Butnow,shewas
bruised,kickedfromthehomeofthemosthandsome,fairy-taleprinceintheworld.Andperhapsitreally
wasbecauseshewasrotten,wretched,andundeservingoflove.

Lisaflippedthezipperuponherdress,andthendonnedhercoat,turningbacktowardthemanshe’d
sharedaperfecteveningwith.“Isupposethisisgoodbye,”shewhispered.

Francescohelduphisfinger,hisnostrilsflared.“Onemoment,”hesaid,liftinghimselffromhischair.
“Yousaidyoutoldmethingsthatyouhaven’ttoldanyone,”hesaid.Hecouldn’tbeartolookherinthe
eye,andhisgazesettledsomewherenearhertoes.“Doesthatmean—”Hepaused.“Didyoutellmethe
truthlastnight,atanypoint?”

Lisanodded,herheartjuttingupagainstherribcage.“EverythingItoldyouwasthetruth,exceptwhatI
doforaliving.Everythingaboutmymother.AndmylifeinDetroit.Andmyfriends.Andmyhopesand
dreams.”Shebitherlip,trembling.

Momentspassed.ThePrincesighedheavily,acknowledgingtheweightoftheirsharedsilence.Lisa
prayedthathewouldchangehismind.Thathe’daskhertojoinhimbackinbed.He’daskhertodelete
thephotographs,tounstrapherselffromhercommitmenttoRoccoandDailySneak.

Buthedidn’t.

“Youcanletyourselfout,”hebarked,hisvoicegruff,tiredwithdisappointment.Heturnedtowardthe
windowandgazedatthehorizon,whichseemedheavenlyinthedistance,itsedgegleamingwithlight.

Lisaturnedtowardthedoorandmarchedsullenlytotheelevator,tappingoverthefloorboardsandthen
themarble,tryingtomemorizeeverynookandcrannyoftheapartment,thebrilliantdetails,andthe
intricatetapestries,thelikeofwhichshe’dneverglimpsedbefore.

Sheduckedintotheelevatorandboundedtothefirstfloor,sendingasad,smallwavetothedoorman
beforeexitingthebuilding.

Outside,onthestreetcorner,LisanearlyrannearlyheadlongintoSergio,Francesco’sdriver.Again,a
cigarettesatbetweenhislips,andheblockedherpath,hisbreathcomingraggedly.

“Mygirl,mygirl,”hesaid,hiseyesglintingmischievously.“Don’timagineIwon’ttellthePrincejust
exactlywhatyou’reupto.”Hestretchedhispalmoutward,clearlydemandingfunds.

ButLisashiftedherweightandcrossedherarmsoverherchest,angersizzlingthroughher.“Getoutofmy

way,Sergio.I’vegivenyouenough.”

“Notenough.Ididn’tknowjusthowdeepyou’dgo.You’readirtylittlepaparazzo,aren’tyou?”he
sneered.

Lisafelttearsglimmerinhereyes,butshestoodfirm.“HealreadyknowswhatIdo,youass.Getoutof
mywaynow,orI’llcallthepolice.”Sheliftedherphoneanddangleditfromtwofingers,watchingthe
man’sfatfacefall,defeated.

“Itwasbetterworkingforthelastguy,”hesaidsoftly,gazingdownthestreet.“Fewerdemands,and
fewerpeoplelikeyou.”

Lisashuffledpasthimandboundedtowardthesubway,kickingupintoarun.Tearsstreameddownher
face,easingbetweenherlipsanddrippingfromherchin.Suddenly,shefeltshecouldn’tinhaleenough
oxygen,andfellintoafull-forcepanicattack,leaningheavilyagainstatelephonepole.

Witheachinhale,theworldseemedtospinfaster.Sheeyedherfeetontheground,andsensedthatshe
wastiltingawayfromthem.Theycertainlywouldn’tholdherup.Shewasn’tgoingtobeokay.

Anelderlymanstoppedbesideherandwrappedacrackedhandaroundhershoulder,holdingherupright.
Hiscataract-coated,cloudyeyespeeredupather,fromhisfive-foot-nothingstance.Andhiswordsfilled
herwithabriefburstofhope.

“Iknowitdoesn’tfeellikeitrightnow,butit’sdefinitelygoingtobeallright.Ipromise.”

ThePrince’sTripletBabySurpriseisavailableonAmazonnow.

OtherbooksbyLaraHunter:

TheSheikh’sCaptiveLove
TheSheikh’sGreenCardBride
AuctionedToTheSheikh
IWantYouForChristmas:ThePrince’sLostPrincess
TheBillionaire’sChristmasBride
TheSheikh’sTemptedProtectress
TheBrazilianBillionaire’sBlackmailBargain

ThePrince’sCinderellaLove
ThePrince’sTripletBabySurprise