Provoked: Palace Scandal, #2

By Jasmine Bell

She's trying to move away from a world of wealth and privilege. He's surrounded by a royal life and tabloid press. Staying away from each other seems like the best solution to the attraction between them. That is until the press forces them into a relationship that neither of them are ready for.

Maribel Ortiz has been in love with Prince Alonzo since she started high school. For years he didn't see her as more than his best friend's kid sister. And even though she's not blind to the chemistry between them, he represents the one thing she's trying to break free of. The aristocracy.

Alonzo knows the last thing Maribel needs is to be stuck in a relationship where her life is under constant public scrutiny. She's made a life for herself and doesn't need him complicating it.

So when they inadvertently find themselves the subject of media speculation, the fake relationship they're forced into is more than either of them can handle.

Their relationship may be fake, but the feelings are so very real. Will both of them survive with their hearts intact.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jasmine Bell
• Release date: Jul 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201130763

Book preview

Chapter 1

Alonzo

He didn't understand why his mother's stylist wanted a formal fitting. It was noon on a Thursday and Alonzo was stuffed into his perfectly fitted tuxedo for a reason that had yet to be explained to him. Okay, maybe the photographer hanging around at the periphery of the palace ballroom was explanation enough, but it didn't take away the caged-in feeling he was experiencing lately. Not something he wanted to think about since he didn’t know how to solve it.

It made more sense to focus on the problems he could solve. Like the reason he was wearing the tuxedo to begin with. His mother would be hosting the first annual Family First Foundation gala dinner and ball to raise money for families of long-term paediatric patients. Alonzo wasn't sure about the extent of the foundation's mandate, but he knew that the charity was his mother's first initiative as queen. It was precisely for that reason that he offered to fill in when his father had been relegated to bed rest with a severe case of the flu.

At his mother's insistence, the event was to be held in the palace ballroom, which was why they were doing the official photos ahead of time. At least that was the plan until his mother wouldn't stop coughing and her skin had gone pale. Beth, the stylist, had felt her forehead and determined she was hot enough to call in the palace physician. Despite his mother’s protest, she was hauled off to a private room which was how they all ended up waiting in the ballroom. All being Alonzo, Beth, and the photographer.

The delay meant he was stuck in the monkey-suit a little longer, but it couldn't be helped. He'd been enduring the closed-in feeling for months, surely, he could put up with it for a few more minutes. It wasn't just the tuxedo making him feel that way, though. He'd been feeling like the world was closing in around him for a good while now.

First, the pressures of transitioning from being a member of a near-unacknowledged royal family to becoming the most visible family in the country. His father was not only the king, but until Astoria could have a general election, he was also head of state. Alonzo may not have been next in line to the throne, but he was instrumental in helping his father run the country until the election could be held.

As if that were not enough, two of his brothers were still deployed. Both were special forces, so their deployment was unpredictable. Thankfully, Marco would be resigning his commission with the army sometime in the next two months. His other brother, Estefan, however, was missing in action. No one had heard from him, or his team, in about a month.

So much was out of Alonzo’s control and to make matters worse, he had to work side-by-side with the one woman he could never have. Well, side-by-side was overreaching a bit, but still. Maribel was his mother's executive assistant and the last thing his family needed was another scandal involving one of the princes and a staff member. His older brother, Alex and Beth, his mother's stylist, were officially a couple since their father made the announcement a few weeks back. Before that though, there were months of secret meetings involving photographs. And they were even outed in the press before they had announced it to his family. Alonzo had no intention of making the same mistake. Actually, he had no intention of ever being in their position.

Not only that, but Maribel was his best friend's younger sister and a friend of the family. The fall out would be far too great. It was like she had forbidden stamped on her forehead. That was ignoring the fact that the last thing she needed was to get involved with someone like him. She had worked hard to get out of her father’s clutches and the aristocratic expectations put on her. Alonzo wasn’t merely a member of the aristocracy; he was second in line to the throne.

Beth was pacing across the ballroom, the heels of her grey thigh high boot clacking on the black-and-white tiled floor. She circled around one of the decorative columns and returned to her original spot. She tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ears, then she repeated the process. He’d assumed—wrongly, of course—that once she was officially involved with his brother, the heir to the throne, that her style would change. There were certain elements of the press saying that she needed to be more subdued in her fashion choices. But Beth refused to conform. Her grey miniskirt and oversized grey jumper were proof of that. She was her own woman and so right for his brother.

She was also a submissive, and Alonzo was so glad he had never approached her at Luxe. Not that he would have recognised her since everyone wore masks at the club. The private, underground, BDSM club had been where Alex and Beth had met. It had been months since Alonzo had been there and he was starting to feel it.

There were usually two things that could pull him out of the funk he was feeling. Flying was one, but that was definitely not helping. He'd been in the air regularly over the last few weeks training some paramilitary special forces operatives, but it hadn't been enough.

No, the only other thing that could pull his head straight was spending an evening balls deep in a pretty sub, all trussed up for his pleasure. That was not going to happen for at least another week though.

Luxe was only open over the weekend and as far as he knew, Alex and Beth would be there while he was accompanying his mother to the charity event. Besides him being unavailable, the brothers made every effort not to attend the club on the same night.

Once again Beth checked her watch. We only have the photographer until lunch time.

Surely that could not be a concern.

Really? He lifted a brow at her. My mother's the queen. I'm sure he'll wait.

Oh, no doubt he will. Beth sat down on the bench next to him. But your mother will be mortified if she makes him late.

That was true. His mother was the epitome of politeness and good manners. Not that she hasn't been known to make the odd inappropriate comment from time to time. But inconveniencing someone else was something she tried to avoid at all costs.

Alonzo rested his head against the wall behind the bench. Just as he closed his eyes the large gold-trimmed double door to the ballroom opened. His brother Alex walked in. Before he said anything, he walked over to Beth and pulled her close. He kissed her on the mouth and gave her that stupid grin he always had when she was around.

Bad news. Alex looked over at Alonzo. Well bad news for us. Good news for you. Doc's put Mama on bed rest. She asked me and Beth to attend. Unless you still want to do it.

Alonzo couldn't pull the white bow tie from his neck fast enough. Are you kidding me? He loosened the top two buttons of his shirt. That's the best news I've heard all week. I was only doing this event for Mama.

Unlike Alex, Beth was positively beaming. This is so exciting. I have the perfect outfit.

Alex shook his head smiling at Beth. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Alonzo. Dude, are you okay?

Nothing that won't be solved the next time— Alonzo looked around making sure all the other staff were out of earshot. The next time I go to Luxe.

Beth's excited eyes widened. You should take Alex's slot. I mean, with us doing this event, obviously we won't be going. So, you could take his place.

Alonzo looked over at his brother. It usually wasn't that simple. But he supposed with Alex now having a permanent sub, he didn't need to let anyone else know if he wasn't attending. The club's app forum allowed members to anonymously chat with one another and make arrangements to meet up despite needing to wear a mask everywhere except in the privacy rooms.

He lifted a brow at his brother. You mind?

Not at all His brother shook his head. The booking is made. One of us should use it. I'm afraid you cannot take my sub with you, though.

Wouldn't dream of it.

Besides, what he needed was anonymity. If he couldn't have the woman he wanted, he'd find comfort in a sub who wasn't interested in exchanging names. A smile tugged at his lips. Yeah... the anticipation would do him some good. In a little over twenty-four hours, he'd find the release he needed.

What's the smile for? His brother sat on the bench on the other side of Beth.

He wasn’t going to tell his brother what was running through his head. Instead, he took consolation in his good fortune. You're going to have to change into a tux for this photoshoot. And unlike me, you have to be nice about it. Beth’s running this show. She’s using some of the pictures for her blog.

Unlike me. The person he wanted to be with was upstairs meeting with the event planner about the final arrangements for the same gala. It didn’t matter who was attending, it was his mother’s event, and she would make sure everything went smoothly.

Before he could leave the ballroom, his brother called him. Alonzo looked over his shoulder.

Alex smiled at him. Remember to make some time to spend with Maribel to find out which of Mama’s engagements you can take over for the next few days.

Give me a few minutes, though. Beth interrupted. I need to talk to her about something before you two ruin her mood.

Alex rolled his eyes, but Alonzo didn’t like the sound of that.

Why would we ruin her mood? He knew he was being a bit short with Beth.

Both of you are going to try and get out of as many engagements as possible. Beth darted a glare between him and his brother. Which means she’s going to have to go around phoning to make apologies.

He never thought about it that way. He didn’t want to make her job more difficult if he could help it. But he could make sure he wasn’t alone in the office with her. Alone time with Maribel was a dangerous thing.

Chapter 2

Maribel

Getting a text that your boss is too ill to attend the event she is hosting was never good. But having it happen while you’re having a meeting with the event planner only twenty-four hours before said event was a crisis. Fortunately, Prince Alex and his girlfriend were available to fill in for the queen at the last minute. Beth had joined Maribel for the last stretch of the meeting with the planner and thankfully understood how high the fundraising stakes were.

Once she greeted the event planner, Beth had lingered in her office, though. She watched as her friend twisted her hands while looking around her office. It wasn't like Beth to linger or be nervous. And here she looked like she was ready to explode.

Since it felt like Beth needed a bit of a push to speak her mind, Maribel decided to get the ball rolling. Are you okay?

Beth shook her head. I'm fine. I need a favour.

What do you need? Maribel removed her navy-blue blazer and hung it over the back of her chair.

It still didn't make any sense. Beth was the most confident person she knew. Why would she be hesitating? I need your Rolodex.

Maribel raised a brow. That, she wasn’t expecting. It was no secret that she had the most sought-after contact list in the country. Between her job and social circle there wasn't a telephone number she couldn't lay her hands on. Okay. Why?

Beth hesitated and then lifted her chin. It's not that I don't know what I want. I just don't know if I can explain it without getting ahead of myself.

Why don't you start at the beginning with me. And if I get confused, I'll stop you.

Beth let out a long breath and started speaking. I want to open a women's centre. Several actually. But I want to start with one. Only part of it would be a shelter. I want it to be so much more than that.

As Beth explained her grand plan, a spark ignited in Maribel. She listened as her friend laid out the outline for a foundation without going into too much detail. Instead, she told Maribel about her immediate plans to build shelters in each city.

If we can provide a safe place for them to go, maybe more women will leave toxic situations sooner. Beth looked hopeful. Still, the way she was fiddling, Maribel could tell the topic made her anxious.

The idea had the opposite effect on her, though. She nodded at her friend. I'll do you one better than giving you my contact list. I don’t actually have a Rolodex.  I'll make a few calls for you.

'Maribel, I don't want to—"

Look, we're going to need a network. Maribel went to sit behind her desk and smiled up at Beth. You’re going to need a team, and I’m volunteering. I'll make a few calls and get some women together and set up a brainstorming session for later next week. All things considered; we can make this happen.

Beth offered her a small smile. Thank you. I owe you.

That wasn't necessary, but Maribel was hardly about to argue with her. Besides, she had a feeling, the spark she felt when Beth started speaking about her plans was exactly what she needed. Something that was not about the favours that have been pulled for her, but rather what she could do on her own. She returned Beth's smile. Now, you're attending the gala tomorrow night. Have you decided what you're wearing?

Beth gave her a deadpan look. Of course, right down to the toenail polish. The bigger question is, what are you wearing tomorrow night?

What do you mean? It wasn’t as if she would even be at the event. She’d arranged for one of the junior doncella’s to be available for the evening.

Beth’s slow smile had her curious. You should take my slot at Luxe tomorrow night. I mean, someone should use it.

It wasn’t a terrible idea. A night away from the palace could be just what she needed. I suppose I could use a session. Actually, I think I just need to get laid.

Remember to keep an open mind. Beth leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms across her chest. Who knows? You could meet the man of your dreams.

Of course, that would be the way Beth saw things. After all, that was how she met her prince.

Just because you—

Before Maribel could continue, a knock sounded at her office door. Her breath caught as she met Alonzo's dark green eyes. He leaned against the door jamb, a small smile lifting the corners of his mouth. Do you have a few minutes?

His deep voice rumbled and sent a shiver through her. Maribel struggled to hold his gaze and not let her eyes wander down his body. Alonzo wasn't just handsome. He was that perfect combination of refinement with a hint of bad boy ruggedness. Like his brothers, he was blessed with dark hair and emerald green eyes. They were all handsome men, but Alonzo's angled cheekbones and strong jawline made him stand out. At least for her.

Without missing a beat, she smiled at him and waved him into her office. "Of course. What can I do for