Marcello & Grace (Royals of Valleria #2) Read Free Page A

intelligence heads for the countries of Litva and Estoria, stood quietly behind him. Gregory, whose height was similar to Joseph, was growing nearly as wide as he was tall, and his balding head was covered with a disastrous comb over that no one ever commented upon. Danica, on the other hand, was a slim, raven-haired beauty. Once a spy for her country who was now involved in overt activities, she was still considered ruthless and an incredible asset to Estoria.
     
    “No need to be so formal,” Marcello replied as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Particularly considering our current location. ‘Marcello’ is fine.” He calculated the risk that they were there to physically attack him, and dismissed that as quickly as he had thought of it. Blackmail was the next potential threat that came to mind, though what the particular blackmail could be eluded him. Of course, it could be that they wanted something from him.
     
    “We need to discuss something with you,” Gregory said in a squeaky voice as he pulled up his pants, something he was prone to do every few minutes to keep them from falling from his rotund frame.
     
    “Clearly,” Marcello said. “Why else would you corner me in the bathroom? Get to the point.”
     
    “A little background, I think, would be helpful,” Danica said in her eastern European accent.
     
    After considering for a few moments, Marcello said, “All right. Let’s talk.” A sigh of relief seemed to echo through the small room. “Though perhaps another location would not look so suspicious.”
     
    “Coffee from the hotel lobby?” Joseph suggested. “Or someone’s room?”
     
    “Lobby,” Marcello said quickly before the others had a chance to respond; a public place where he could more easily walk out was preferable. “I’ll meet you there in a few minutes,” Marcello said, and walked past them to the door. When a hand grabbed his arm, he turned and faced Joseph with narrowed eyes.
     
    “I’d watch your hands, Joseph,” Marcello said. The fingers quickly released him and Marcello flipped the lock on the door.
     
    “I just wanted to be sure you’d come,” Joseph said.
     
    “I said I’d meet you there in a few minutes. Perhaps if you take me at my word, I may take you at yours.” With that, Marcello walked out and towards the elevator.
     
    Once inside, he pressed the number of a random floor. When the door chimed opened, Marcello stepped off and opened the door to the stairs. The stairwell had no cameras, unlike the elevator.
     
    Instead of heading up the few flights to his room, he began a slow descent downward. He pulled out his phone and used a scanner he had embedded inside to determine if any electronic devices or people were nearby. Once confirmed there were none of either, he also pressed the button on a jammer hidden in his pocket, which jammed the signal of anything his phone did not pick up. It was not the strongest jammer he owned, but it would have to do for now.
     
    After checking the time, Marcello called Alex, who picked up after the first ring.
     
    “Are you still visiting with the royals?” Marcello asked.
     
    “No, we’re just on our way to the airport,” Alex said. “The second car’s already got Cat and is taking her to her friend’s home in the country.”
     
    At Alex’s words, an image of a pale, blond beauty drifted into his head, but Marcello pushed aside thoughts of Grace to focus on the issue at hand. “We’ve got a problem.”
     
    “I know we do. Isn’t that why you’re there?”
     
    “A different problem. The intelligence heads of Byelorus, Litva, and Estoria cornered me in a bathroom. They want to talk to me and I’m meeting them in a few minutes.”
     
    “That is interesting,” Alex said in a tone that clearly stated he was not alone. If it had only been Rebecca in the car, Alex would have spoken freely but other non-clearance staff must be present. “Do you have any idea why?”
     
    “I have a feeling