Prince Albert: A Billionaire Stepbrother Romance by Sabrina Paige Page B

sister.
    “I don’t approve of all this traipsing about,” Lady Margaret says.  “Running off to New York City.  Or, worse, can you imagine?  Charity work in Africa?  Actually milling about with… those people ?”
    Irritation courses through me, as the table goes quiet, no one speaking.  When I open my mouth, I speak with an edge that surprises even me.  “By those people , I’m sure you must be referring to the children who don’t have adequate medical care or potable drinking water?”
    “Isabella,” my mother says, her gaze penetrating.  “Perhaps we’ll save this conversation for another time, since it’s not the appropriate place.”
    King Leopold clears his throat.  “Mother, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the fact that Isabella was working with a medical non-profit organization,” he says.  “I recall you traveling around Europe to visit hospitals during the war.”
    “Yeah, in World War I,” Rose snickers, and her sister covers her mouth as she giggles.
    “Hush your mouth,” Lady Margaret snaps.  “I’m old, not deaf.  And it was the second great war, for your information.”
    “This is definitely more interesting than the conversations we normally have at dinner,” Alexandra interrupts, popping a forkful of food into her mouth and raising her eyebrows.
    “Seriously,” Lily says, wrinkling her nose as she looks at her sister.  “If I have to hear about one more American designer…”
    “You’re such a snob,” Violet says.  “When you really just have no concept of design.”
    “Oh, why don’t you educate me, with your portfolio of work and –“
    “I trust you’re settling in, Isabella?” When the King interrupts, both cousins stop squabbling and immediately go silent, their expressions pouty, like children who’ve been scolded.
    “Yes, King Leopold,” I say. “Although I’m afraid I may not be able to stay for as long as I’d like.”
    “Oh,” he says, and the expression of disappointment that crosses his face is so genuine-looking that for a moment I feel badly even considering leaving.  “Your mother and I were hoping you’d be staying the entire summer.  I know that I’d like the opportunity to get to know you.  As would Alexandra and Albert.”
    “Yes,” Albie says.  “I’d personally enjoy getting the opportunity to welcome you to the family.”
    I can’t believe his brazenness, and I pointedly try to ignore him, focusing on my mother and the king.
    “Yes, well,” Sofia says.  “We’ll have to discuss the specifics of her summer plans in more detail another time.  I’m sure that Isabella intends to stay for quite a while.”
    “I’m considering it,” I say, irritated with my mother for speaking for me.
    “Isabella mentioned she’d misplaced her passport,” Albie says.  “I asked Ben to see if the household staff were able to find it.”
    “Oh?” my mother asks innocently.  “Well, how dreadful.  We’ll have to make sure that’s remedied.  And in the meantime, I’m sure we’ll be happy to show you why we all love Protrovia.  Maybe Alexandra or Albert would take you on a tour of the palace and the castle grounds.”
    “I know I’d be delighted to show her everything,” Albie says, raising a tumbler of amber-colored liquid to his lips.
    The edges of his lips curl up, his expression a promise of the things he wants to show me.

CHAPTER NINE
    Albie
     
    Belle excused herself from dinner early, feigning a headache and jet lag, obviously lying her sweet little ass off and trying to avoid a personal tour of the palace by yours truly.
    I’ll give credit where credit is due – she made it nearly ninety minutes in the middle of the cousins and my grandmother Margaret, who’s still mentally stuck someplace around the turn of the century.
    My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I slide open the screen to reveal a message.
     
    You can’t keep avoiding me, Albie.  I gave you enough time to play around after you got back.  Call