The Billionaire Princess

Sara froze in her tracks. She hadn’t heard his voice in more than two years, but she recognized it immediately. Phillip. Before turning around, she slowly counted to ten. “I’m Senator Healy’s chief of staff, so it’s expected.” She forced herself to use a courteous tone, even though more than anything she wanted to toss her drink in his face.

“I’m glad you’re here. Why don’t we find a table and sit down? Catch up.”

Phillip took a step closer, and she could smell his aftershave. Her stomach rolled at the scent and memories of their relationship sprang from their hiding places. She’d rather sit and visit with a rattlesnake than her ex. “I don’t think so. We don’t need to catch up.” When she ended their relationship, she thought she’d made her feelings crystal clear.

Phillip ignored her words and reached for her hand. Ice-cold fear shot through her, and she glanced around for the Secret Service agents assigned to her. She’d asked them to hold back tonight. After all, everyone in the room had gone through security on their way in and the event was by invitation only.

“Let’s put the past behind us, Sara. We’re both here alone tonight.” Ignoring her response, he pulled her toward him.

It’s a room full of people, I’m safe. Sara tried to pull her arm away without making a scene. If she made a lot of commotion other people would notice. If possible she wanted to keep her run-in with Phillip under the radar.

“She’s not alone.”

Sara whipped her head around fast enough to give herself whiplash at the sound of Christopher’s voice.

“Sorry I was gone so long. Congressman Roberts stopped me. You know how he can go on.” Christopher took her free hand and pulled her possessively against his side. With no other choice, Phillip released her hand.

Sara felt Christopher drape his arm around her shoulder. The feel of his hand on her bare shoulder sent shivers of excitement down her arm, extinguishing the fear she’d felt moments earlier.

“Is there a problem here, Sara?” Although Christopher asked her the question, she noticed that he never looked away from Phillip.

“Phillip Young,” Phillip said extending his hand. “We were just catching up. Sara and I are old friends.”

Sara counted the seconds that passed as Phillip stood with his hand extended and Christopher made no move to accept it. She wanted to smile at the cut by Christopher. Phillip wasn’t used to being ignored. He thought highly of himself and figured everyone else should too.

“It didn’t look that way to me,” Christopher said coldly.

When he looked over at her, Sara shook her head hoping he’d get the hint she wanted to drop the issue.

“Everything is fine. I was wondering where you were, but if Roberts got a hold of you that explains it.” On impulse Sara dropped a brief kiss on Christopher’s cheek hoping the tiny display of affection would add to the charade.

The second her lips left his cheek Christopher turned his head toward her, his chocolate brown eyes taking everything in.

“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Phillip asked letting his hand fall back to his side.

Phillip’s voice pulled her attention away from Christopher. Before she answered she snaked her arm around his waist comforted by the feel of his body next to hers.

“Phillip, I’m sure you’ve heard of Christopher Hall of Hall Technology.”

Sara forced herself to contain her smirk as the demeanor of the man before her changed. His eyes became the size of saucers, and he pulled his attention off her and turned it toward Christopher.

“Yes, I have. It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard great things about your company.”

Sara half expected Phillip to fall to his knees and worship Christopher. It was all about money and power to him. All he cared about was who could help him get the most of both.

“Senator Healy wanted to see us before we leave, and I’m ready to go now.” Christopher infused just the right amount of seduction in his tone.

“I better find him then. Goodnight Phillip.”

She didn’t wait for an answer. Instead she allowed Christopher to lead her toward the other end of the grand ballroom where tables had been set for dinner.

“Thank you.” Sara stopped at an empty table in a far corner. “You arrived at just the right time.”