Tangled Up in Princes (Royal Romances Book 1) by Molly Jameson Read Free Book Online Page A

out, they moved. In the dark, they bumped, shoved, and pushed people out of the way. Edward knew where an emergency exit was. He always did. He dragged Carrie out of the bar and down an insanely narrow alley. At the end of the lane, they tripped over a vagrant, a drunk from the smell of him, and nearly tumbled into the street.
    "Here,"--Edward hastily handed the drunk some pound notes--"when a man and woman come looking for us, we went that way."
    He pointed down the street. When the now happy drunk agreed, Edward led Carrie and Jamie in the opposite direction.
    "How are you holding up?" he called over his shoulder to Carrie.
    "Fine," she gasped.
    "I could carry you," Jamie offered.
    "James," Edward said in his best imitation of their father's disapproving voice.
    They stopped at another street crossing to catch their breath. They heard the drunk behind them, then footsteps pounded toward them.
    "Bloody hell!" Jamie said, “Edward, you clearly didn't pay the man enough."
    "Pardon me for not knowing the going bribery rate among Highland drunkards."
    "What now?" Carrie asked.
    "Now, I'll handle things,” Jamie said.
    "Whatever you're planning, it's a bad idea," Edward said.
    "You don't know what I'm planning."
    "No, but I know you."
    The footsteps behind them were growing near.
    "Fine. Whatever it is, just do it."
    Jamie straightened his tie and smoothed his hair. "How do I look?"
    When Carrie didn't answer, he winked at her.
    "On with it, James," Edward ordered.
    Jamie watched the narrow street. He ignored the first two cars that passed, but when a third car, a Fiat with a single female occupant, pulled to the intersection, Jamie stepped into the street. He tapped on the driver's window.
    "Hello, miss. My name is Jamie. His Royal Highness James, the Prince of Wales, to be precise. I find myself in a spot of bother, and I could use your help. This is my brother, Edward. Edward, come and introduce yourself. There's a good lad," he said when Edward bowed.
    "This is a family friend, visiting from America. We find ourselves in need of transportation. I'm in a hurry, so I'd like to buy your car or perhaps just beg a ride of you."
    The woman stared from Jamie to Edward and back again.
    "You really are the princes, aren't you?"
    "We are, and also in a rush. Could we impose on your generosity?" Edward said.
    Jamie opened his wallet, but the woman shook her head. "I don't have to keep this a secret do I?"
    As if she would, Edward thought.
    "Not at all," he said.
    "Get in."
    They did. Carrie and Edward in the back and Jamie up front, giving directions and flirting shamelessly. This time, though, Edward could hardly fault him for it. Jamie's use of his charm and good looks had done what Edward's money and show of force had failed to do.
    "It's to Drummond Castle you'll be going then?" The driver, a middle-aged woman with a thick Scottish burr, asked.
    "I heard there was a posh do up at the castle this week. My cousin, her sister-in-law is with a swish catering outfit doing the food. It's neither of you getting married is it?"
    "No," Jamie laughed, "Not one of us. Just feel free to take a scenic route back if you please."
    Jamie was buying Edward some time. That or he was hoping their meandering would lose Dinah and Daniel. Either way, Edward was grateful. That was new. How many times had he found himself grateful to Jamie? None that he could recall, not since they were boys. Although his brother was a good sort, he was hardly the type one depended upon for help.
    Edward took Carrie's hand. He leaned in closer to her.
    "I'm sorry for all this…the walk earlier, and the dance, it was--"
    I felt like myself and not just a member of the royal family . But he couldn't say that. She'd think him mad. One simply did not say such things to someone you'd only met a few hours ago.
    "I think it best that Jamie and I leave, lest we turn Phillip's wedding into a spectacle. We're needed back at the palace now, but I'd like to see you again."
    "I'd