Page 22 of The Bad Boy Prince in Love

Chapter 10: Why Don’t You Want to Play?

Luke didn’t care abouteither of these women.Of course, both Hallie and Eloise were pretty, and he was interested in Hallie, probably because she seemed like more of a challenge, but he wasn’t interested in either of them in a serious way.

His ploy to flirt with Eloise was working.It was clearly driving Hallie mad with jealousy, even if she didn’t admit it.

“You seem like a complicated young lady,” he added for better effect.Women love to be thought of as complicated and mysterious.Although this one seemed like she really was.He didn’t quite understand why she went to all the trouble of keeping him around since he wasn’t exactly the obedient chump she needed.

“I’m sure you don’t want to get your heart broken by someone you think is just a passing tourist,” he continued, warming up to his role as a ‘sensitive guy’, “but I assure you I’m going to stay in Texas for quite a while.My work is here, and who knows, maybe we’ll start something long-lasting?”

Suddenly, Hallie laughed out loud, completely ruining his flow of inspiration.

“You’re good.”She pointed a finger at him, her expression amused yet slightly wary.“You’re very, very good.You almost had me convinced for a split second that you were a decent person.But I know guys like you.”

“Guys like me?Ha!That’s where you’re wrong: there’s nobody like me.”

“A unique snowflake, are you?”she sneered.

There wasn’t anyone who had quite the same life as him, growing up in the royal family of Sarkadia, the heir to the throne.There had been too much attention placed on him, ever since he was a baby.

He couldn’t do anything out of the ordinary, or else he would be an embarrassment to the crown.Duty was like a giant grey cloud looming over him.It was exhausting.

Of course he couldn’t tell her that.And even if he did, what would she say?Poor little rich boy?

“Let’s just say there are things I’m not ready to talk about,” he said with a sly smile.“I have my secrets too.”

“Fair enough.”Hallie gave him a curious look as her honey-brown eyes softened.“But that doesn’t mean I’m going to fall for your bullshit.I’ve seen guys like you trying to work their magic.It’s like you’ve all read the same guide called ‘How can I get this girl to sleep with me?’What would work better, making her feel insecure or winning her over with flattery?It’s all a little game to you.”

“Maybe seduction is a game,” he admitted, “so why don’t you want to play?”

She huffed in exasperation.“I don’t have to explain myself.The point is, we had a deal.You stay here, you act like my boyfriend, a non-cheating boyfriend.”

He sighed.“But that still leaves me with a lack of female companionship.Couldn’t I just secretly see other ladies?No one would need to know.”

“Are you kidding?”Hallie’s eyes popped wide open at his naivete.“People around here love to gossip.Everyone will know!Anyway, Eloise is a devout Christian.You’ll never have the kind of fun I think you’re looking for.”

“Even better,” he said in a suggestive tone, “I like a challenge.A serious, well-behaved girl who goes to church?It would be fun to lead her into the temptation she secretly craves.”

“I thought we’d agreed!”Hallie exclaimed in frustration, “You said you wanted to help me.”

“Yeah, but it’s very hard to pose as a happy boyfriend if I’m not getting any action.”

Hallie folded her arms in front of her.“If I see you flirting or sneaking around with other women, you’re going to be out of here so fast that shiny hair of yours will get a free perm.”