Royally Kidnapped by the Prince

KENNEDY

My life just takes a detour.

My playlist blasted on my Airpods. I didn't give a crap taking off my sunglasses as I entered the lobby of the 45th story building, ignoring the incredulous looks from the receptionist in a dark blue uniform throwing at me. At the back of my mind-what, bitch?

I punched my floor number as I entered the elevator. A few ladies and men in suits joined me.

I hoped Siena came to work early. I was not in a mood to answer her twenty questions right now.

Thankfully, I arrived on the 20th floor. I excused myself from where I stood at the back. As soon as the elevator shut closed behind me, I took off my Airpods and checked my watch-I was two minutes late, which never happened since I started my intern at Style four years ago.

My heels clomped heavily along the tile floor. Pairs of eyes pinned at me as I followed the aisle toward my cubicle, ignoring my bleeding heart. I threw my bag on my desk, took off my eyeglasses, and shoved it into my bag.

Taking a seat, I hit the power button on the desktop. I had been good at compartmentalizing. What was so hard of ignoring a bad breakup? It was not that he was the only one has a dick in town.

My hand froze around the mouse by the clearing of the throat. Not much of trying not to get someone's attention when you arrived late, eh?

"What?" I focused my gaze on the screen.

"You're late. It never happened. Ever." It was Serenity. We started our intern the same day.

"I woke up late," I lied. In truth, I barely slept last night. I had not gotten a blink on an empty stomach. I couldn't swallow the food when upset-no, raging mad like a bull seeing red.

"Don't you set your alarm like three hours ahead? Your alarm is on the nightstand, and you have a phone, Kenny."

I clicked the folder on the screen, even if I could feel her searing stare at me. "I'm working. I should compensate my two minutes late, Sere."

She snorted. At the corner of my eye, she crossed her arms over her chest. "Your eyes told me that you're right. You didn't get enough sleep, but that's not the Kennedy Gilby I knew, babe. What's wrong?"

I shut my eyes closed and inhaled deeply before I looked at her. Serenity was kind and loving. She was the kind of friend that you wanted on your side. The kind of friend who agreed to your terrible decisions because she didn't want to hurt your feelings. She was also adorable with her big bright blue eyes and curly long bronze hair. Of course, all of us working in Style was fashionable with free wardrobes weekly.

"He broke up with me." I sighed.

"What the freak-" She looked around when she figured her voice came out louder. "That freaking Gorilla Raoul?" Her eyes grew even bigger. "What happened? Didn't you just move in with him two months ago?"

That son of a bitch. He was persistent in asking me to move in with him. Then he just broke up with me with the clichest speech of the clichiest-it's not you, it's my crap. To be honest, something just shifted the moment I moved in. We'd been dating for almost a year now, and it was good. Then he just went cold feet on me.

"He told me it was not working." Well, he was right. We hadn't had sex in two weeks-either he said he was tired, or he had a deadline to meet. Apparently, working in one of the best architectural firms needed a lot of his time.

"He's an a-hole, Kenny. You deserve someone better." That was what I thought. Serenity was the kind of friend I wanted right now. She squeezed my shoulder. "I'll help you move out. I know just the right movers."

I pasted a small smile on my lips. "Thanks. Now can I get back to work?"

"I understand. You're still in the denial stage. If you need a drinking buddy, I'm here."

I rolled my eyes. "You could barely take a single shot. Siena and Faith are better drinking buddies, but you're welcome to tag along and be our DD. I could use a drink or two."

"Count me in then." She smiled.

My chest constricted again. I understood that sometimes, men freaked out when they used to be living alone. They needed some space, but I couldn't think of any reasons why he broke up with me. He was kind and considerate. Sex was great. So what had gone wrong? I didn't think there was a third party involved because Raoul had been thoughtful and faithful. He would never cheat on me.

"Asshole."

"Who?"

I jerked in my seat. "Hey, Sien."

"Is he the one who put eye bags under your eyes?"

I didn't have much time to put on eye patches. "I don't know what are you talking about, Sien. I just got insomnia last night."

"Wow! You looked lively without sleep. How much did you consume caffeine?"

I stared at Siena-the man-hater, but she had a strong personality. She could deal with difficult people. I always envied her strawberry blonde.

"I'll be fine tonight. I promise to take two cups of Camomile tea." I wanted to roll my eyes, but it was cut short when our big boss emerged from her glass office door.

I rose from my seat. Today, she would have a big announcement that I'd been waiting for for almost three years now. My skin tingled in anticipation.

If there was the Devil wears Prada, Madam Alessia Hearst, our Executive Editor wore Hermes from bags, scarves, and belts. Louboutin for her shoes, and I didn't have to mention the choice of her jewelry and watches. She had her own stylist, but she barely agreed to interviews. She took her private life seriously. If she did, it only focused on her job, not her personal life.

Alessia Hearst remained a mystery to me. But man, she was sophisticated, classy, and stood tall at least five feet, nine inches tall. She always kept her chestnut hair short. What I loved the most was her medium skin to my Porcelain.

"What the hell is wrong with your eyes, Miss Gilby?"

I gulped. I could feel everyone's gaze on me. My face heated when Alessia kept her gaze on me, waiting for my reply.

"I had a hard time looking for a new apartment last night. I was planning to move out of my asshole ex's apartment-" My hand clamped my mouth.

My colleagues chuckled around me, but I was also known to have confidence. So, I stood straight and rolled my eyes.

"What's funny with moving out? We women should never depend on men. When a relationship can't make you happy anymore, then get the hell out of it before it strangles you, depresses you. It's ugly. Your mental health is important, and the pain will heal than staying in a toxic relationship."

The entire floor went silent-a deafening silence.

Wow! She must be single.

"Now, my announcement. I'll be taking a week's leave starting on Monday. When I come back, I'll be announcing my chosen candidates for our new senior editors. Now back to work." She turned around.

Disappointment cut through me like a knife. I'd been working hard for the past years. I knew if I was good at it and not. What the hell was wrong with announcing it today? Was she planning to change her mind when she came back?

After a few seconds of excruciating silence, she called my name. Yay!

"Kennedy?" Alessia just called me by my name. She was still holding the door for me. Oh, my God. This is it!

Heat rose to my cheek.

"Yes?" I strode in her direction. "Alessia."

She did not reply but closed the door behind us. It was not the first time I was in her office. The creative lighting and geometric designs had her personal touch. Incorporated with bold colors, it added sparks of creativity, excitement, and at the same time, a calming effect.

I took a seat on the sofa a few steps away from her desk.

"I've checked your portfolio carefully. I admit that I was hard to be pleased and impressed."

"Thank you." I smiled.

"You're good at what you do-" But I felt there was a but at the end of her sentence.

Crushed by disappointment, I dropped my gaze.

"Oh, for God's sake, Alessia. Just get to the point."

THAYER

I'm doomed.

The moment I stepped out of the family jet, I only had one goal-to prove to my father that he was wrong. I knew my birthright, and I had a huge shoe to fill in, but I'd been molded since birth to take his place one day.

At the black-tinted limousine, I glanced at Lud and Ash. They'd been briefing me since we took off. I raised my hand to stop them from repeating what had been stuck in my head since I learned how to talk. I knew the protocol, but they were just doing their jobs. Aside from working for my family, they were also my closest friends, and they would surely take the bullet for me even if they were not in my family payroll, and so did I to them.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Lud asked warily. He was tall, stuffed with pure muscles with a strong jaw, and dark seated eyes.

"If you'll ask me one more time, you're going home." I looked out of the window. This was not my first time to be in New York-the city never really sleeps. Unlike from where I came from-less polluted, not overpopulated, and less crime. Thanks to our men in uniform.

"If he said it's a good idea, meaning, he got through with it a hundred times. You know him." Ash was more mature than Lud, the one-nighter.

"I just don't want him to home empty-handed and end up-"

"Man, you can't just shut up, can you? As soon as he settles in the hotel, you can go gallivanting in the nightclub. I got you covered."

"No way. He's my job. And I don't wanna be jobless because I shagged a pretty woman's brain's out."

"Jeez." Ash winced, shaking his head.

"We already talked about this. I don't care what you do with your life for the whole two weeks. Do whatever you like. Just leave me alone."

The car halted in front of the hotel. As we'd discuss, no grand entrance or convoy. We were just tourists like other tourists. And that was what we were doing. Of course, Lud and Ash were on their duties while I was with them. Their eyes were like hawks as they scanned for risk and potential that someone might recognize me.

My security details took two weeks to canvas this hotel for previous and possible guests. And I just lost two weeks of my time instead of looking for her.

I changed to white crisp shirts and pants after a quick shower. I was used to having someone prepare what I wore, but I was also taught how to be flexible and efficient.

I looked at myself in the mirror. I loved my long dark copper hair, but I had to cut it short to get into my disguised look. I hated wearing contacts, so it didn't matter if my eyes were forest green. Not that it was uncommon in millions of people in this city.

A soft knock before the door opened.

"She's here," Ash informed.

I took a deep breath before I faced my aunt Alessia. She always looked radiant and composed. New York did well on her.

"No, no, no." She shook her head violently. "What did you do to your hair, your high-Thayer?"

"You should practice a little more." My smile broke. I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her into a hug. "I missed you, Aunt Alessia." She was emailed ahead, including some details before my arrival.

"I missed you too, honey. How did you manage to come here unnoticed? Your disguise is poor." She chuckled.

"I beg to disagree, Ma'am. Maybe, it's because you know, you-"

"One more mistake, you're both fired!" I raised my voice. They looked down and shut their mouth. "You're not going to-what American used to say? Screw this up for me. I only have two weeks left, Ash, Ludovic."

"I apologize, Thayer." Lud eased.

"I'm sorry, Thay," Ash followed.

"Anyway, what's this is all about? You did not run away from your father or your duty, did you, honey?" She held my arms, tilting her neck. Aunt Alessia was taller for a woman, but I was also taller than the two wankers.

I slightly shook my head. "No. I would never do that and put you in trouble. And United States should be the last place I choose. Timbuktu or Maldives. I love beaches." I grinned.

"You're installing."

"I'm not."

"Then why did you cut your hair? I know you loved it. That was why you kept it long." She knew me well.

"You should stay and be with your family, Auntie. We need you there."

She chuckled. "You're lying. I don't have a place there, Thayer."

"That's not true."

She sighed. "I love my job here. And bastard daughter will forever be a bastard in the eye of your people. My life here is great, and this is where I belong."

My chest ached for here. Even if she was my grandfather's illegitimate daughter, my father and I had never treated her as a commoner.

"We should go." She walked past me.

"You two would not follow me," I warned them. They may be here because of me, but my family was still their employer.

"We'll check the coffee shop I saw on our way." Lud's excuse was poor, but I let it go when Aunt Alessia was out of the room.

I found her waiting in the lobby.

"What's going on, Thayer?"

"I'm surprised you haven't had any idea until now." I walked beside her towards the black Mercedes waiting for us in front of the hotel.

"I have a few ideas, but you're miles away from home."

"I love it when you called it home."

"Can't deny half of my DNA is running through yours. But I won't pry. Sure, I'll figure it out myself." We stuffed at the backseat of the car.

"When was the last time you pay him a visit?"

"Sunday. And he's deteriorating -"

I squeezed her hand. "So, I've heard."

"Now I understand why you're here."

She had no idea.

***

The last thing I wanted to be in was a publishing house or any media in any form. I just hoped my disguise would work before the end of the day.

"Don't worry, if anyone recognizes you, I have my lawyer for NDA," she said as we entered her private elevator. She must have noticed my sudden discomfort.

I knew she was also aware that my father had someone to keep a tab on her.

"I don't belong to a British Royalty, Auntie."

She raised her eyebrow. "Don't be too confident, Thayer. We have vast coverage in social media."

As she did a brief announcement with her staff, I checked out the stuff in her office. She built her empire without her blood influence. That was why I admired her so much. I stared out of the floor-to-ceiling glass walls that showcased the skyscrapers surrounding us. Magnificent.

We just had like this in my country, but mostly, modern classic architectural buildings.

I was still standing at the corner of her office when she entered, my gaze focusing on the building at the center.

My skin crawled up with goosebumps as soon as the door shut closed. The room was not even close to the coldness I was used to, but it felt like an icy wind was blowing my skin. Then my heart beat a little bit faster as if I dawn more caffeine.

I wasn't aware we were not alone until Aunt Alessia started talking.

I kept my stance, hoping her guest would not see me. But then, it was hard to ignore when she kept on taunting the poor woman.

"Thank you." Her voice was soft, melodic like a symphony at the Opera. Two words. Just two words, yet she caught my attention. It was clear in her voice the anticipation of good news.

I wanted her to talk more-to hear her voice. She suddenly intrigued me.

I turned my head to look at the woman with such an alluring and melodic voice. I could only see the side of her face with her honey blonde hair cascading down her shoulder. Her porcelain skin looked so creamy and soft.

From my vantage point, I swore she had sky blue eyes. She had high cheekbones with a small and straight nose. Her lips were full, painted in red lipstick. Right now, she was biting the bottom.

Damn.

I wanted to trace the rest of my lips with my tongue until she opened them for me to plunge it inside her mouth and taste her sweetness.

Jesus Christ.

My gaze traveled down her fitted blouse, which unbuttoned down her chest, revealing her well-rounded breasts. The hem of her deep red miniskirt ran up an inch higher half of her thighs, showing her well-toned legs.

I blinked my eyes to make sure my sight was not playing a trick on me.

So striking. Gorgeous.

This couldn't be her.

My American Girl.

No fucking way.

"Oh, for God's sake, Alessia. Just get to the point."

KENNEDY

Oh, my God!

Startling in my seat, I was on my feet as fast as lightning. My hand was on my chest. I thought I was alone with Alessia. Then a deep rich masculine voice just boomed in the office. The tone of authority was strong in his words.

I nearly lost my footing. The tall man-taller like the skyscraper outside the window in a curly dark copper hair touching the collar of his crisp white shirt fitted perfectly on his muscular but not too stuffy figure. His clean-shaven masculine jawline could cut the silence deafening in the room.

But his eyes-damn, the color of a forest.

I cleared my throat. "Hi. I didn't notice Alessia was not alone." Thank God. I got back my footing.

He met me in the middle. His lips were full, gorgeous, and red, spreading into a smile. God, his smile. His whole face lit up like brilliant lights.

"Thayer." He held his hand out-huge with long fingers. Veins protruded like a hand used to do hard work.

Nice name.

We stared at each other. My heart just stopped dead in my chest. I felt an unfamiliar feeling as this man broke the gaze and flicked down to my lips.

"Kennedy." I shook his large hand. God the sensation, and there was a distinct possessiveness in his grip.

I thanked God Raoul broke up with me because I felt like I cheated on him for admiring this Thayer guy with green forest eyes. So damn green now he was closer.

My skin warmed. I pulled my hand back when a throat cleared, indicating that we were alone. And for God's sake, I was here with my boss, whom my promotion depend on her.

I opened my mouth to speak, but before my words came out.

"I have a task for you. Think of it as your final test. If you pass it, then the position is yours."

I went back to my seat. Thayer took the seat across mine, crossing his legs like a classy gentleman.

"What is it? Thayer asked.

Alessia's warning look didn't go unnoticed, but I also noticed huge respect filled in her eyes.

"I apologize. I forgot I'm a guest."

"No apology needed." Alessia looked at Thayer before she averted it on me. "You're going to write an article on page thirteen-"

"Page thirteen?" My eyes widened. Page thirteen was for an exclusive interview with award-winning actors, famous players, billionaires, celebrities, royals, and high-ranking officials, but that was not what I applied for.

"In four days, you'll have what you need in your email," she said briefly.

"But I applied for a Senior Editor."

"Yes. You'll take it, or you will be a contributing editor for another two years."

I swallowed down my disappointment.

My face flamed. I could feel Thayer staring at me. I looked at him, and I didn't know why. Maybe I was asking for his opinion. He was staring back at me with an intensity that I'd never seen before. And he was already setting my body on fire.

"Take it." Just two words and I felt like I was ready to give in. Now I'd noticed an accent in his voice. Not Australian or South African, maybe British. "She wouldn't test you if she's not expecting you to pass it, Kennedy."

My name-the way he said it-I felt pretty. And the way he talked-everything about this man was sexy.

I turned my attention to Alessia. "Couldn't wait for it. Thank you."

***

"God, those damn green eyes!" I dawn another shot of tequila-it burned down my throat.

Siena, Serenity, and Faith looked at me in disbelief.

"Green eyes? Your stupid ex has dark brown eyes," Serenity was yelling at me at the bar.

"Damn." The sourness of lime burned my tongue.

"Hey, you've already moved on? That's great! But you still have to get to know him before he bangs you, Ken." Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from Faith-my fiery redhead friend.

"Nah. He's just hot! He makes me all tingly." I laughed out loud. I was an open-minded woman. I had one-night stands with men. I enjoyed sex. But I just felt different every time I thought of that stranger.

I sighed again. I almost forgot my recent heartbreak. I guessed I didn't love Raoul after all. "I need to look for an apartment."

"Don't worry about it. There's a vacant in my building," Siena offered.

"Can't afford your apartment, woman."

"Then we'll help you find an affordable one. But let's talk about our boss' offer?" I haven't given them any details yet. Because honestly, I didn't have any idea who should I be interviewing next week.

"Damn it. Why can't she just hand me in a silver platter? Besides, I deserve it. I know it." My heart was crushed. "Don't I?" I looked at their sympathetic eyes, staring back at me.

"You can still find more deserving of your talent and hard work if you won't get your promotion. And you're a wonderful, hard-working, self-reliant, and confident woman. I'm sure you will nail your interview with her recommendation."

Serenity agreed with Siena. "You don't need good luck, Ken."

"Thanks. I need to pee." I knew my way around Night Stalker. I left them on the bar. I was slightly drunk, but I could still find my way to the ladies' room.

Crap. The line was long, and I could hardly hold my bladder. I sighed deeply before I left.

"Miss?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not interested. I just broke up with my ex less than forty-eight hours ago. So no." I walked past him. He smelled expensive cologne and was so tall and huge, towering over me. Wow! This man was an elephant. No, a giraffe.

"I was just offering you a loo. A lavatory. I mean, a ladies' room. " Loo? Lavatory?

I stopped and turned around. He's huge as I craned my neck to meet his-dark eyes. "You brought your loo all the way from England?" I didn't know why I giggled, but he smiled as well. He was handsome, but Thayer outshone him by far.

Jeez, why does everything has to do with Thayer now?

Damn it. I'd seen handsome men, but Thayer couldn't get out of my head drunk or not.

"You're funny, my lady. But I'm not from England." He chuckled.

"Do you offer all women to use your loo?"

"No. Just you."

"Why me?" I could barely hold my smile.

"You poor thing, do you want to use the loo or not? My friend Ash and I have a VIP room."

I flinched. Did he really think of me that I would join them that easy? I just met him, and he did not even tell me his name. How convenient? He just happened to be here while I was waiting to empty my bladder.

"Oh, woman. I was merely offering." He raised his hands to surrender. "You can use the loo while we wait outside the VIP. If I scare you, madam."

"What's your name?"

"Call me Lud."

My brow raised. "Lud?"

"Stellan Ludovic. At your service." He vowed.

I laughed. "You're funny. Ken."

"Just Ken?"

"Not Ken and Barbie. Kennedy. My name is Kennedy." I held my hand out. "Like John F. Kennedy."

He squeezed my hand with his huge one. Good thing not so strong that he might break my bones. "Nice to meet you, Kennedy. The same as John F. Kennedy."

He was true to his words. He and his friend Ash that I was introduced to, stayed outside even if I told them that wouldn't be necessary.

"Thank you, Lud. Ash."

"You're welcome, ma'am." Ash was a little bit formal and old-fashioned, but they were both huge and good-looking. No, I was not going to compare them to Thayer. But they both had a thick accent that I couldn't point my finger on where they came from.

Serenity drove me home. Before I could enter my key to the keyhole, I changed my mind. I hailed a taxi and gave him the address where I would be staying for the rest of my weekend.

***

I woke up to the unfamiliar surrounding with a hammering headache. It was all coming to me bits by bits until I remembered checking in at the Lily Hotel.

I stripped off my clothes and enjoyed the warm water in the shower. Then it hit me. I didn't even have clothes to change to, other than what I was wearing right now.

Crap.

It was already two in the afternoon.

After I dried myself with the free hotel towel, I put on the robe and checked the nearest laundry on the app. But I still have nothing to wear. And my phone battery just drained.

What's wrong with me?

I wasn't this so disorganized, clumsy, and impulsive.

My stomach grumbled.

Great.

I knocked on the door next to mine. No answered. I knocked again and waited for a few seconds. I thought of using the phone to call Serenity, but I couldn't memorize her number.

Before I could turn away, the door swung open.