by Seyna Rytes
His thumb caresses the back of my hand in slow, lazy circles that resonate between my clenched thighs. I pull out my hand abruptly.
"Do you have someone?"
I shake my head, too flustered to speak.
"Neither do I."
I think back on the pictures Vanessa showed me.
"No, you don't have someone. You have someones, many of whom you share with your cousin." I don't even know why I bother, it's not like I'm seriously considering his offer. Right?!
His eyes roam over my face, studying me, taking his time to formulate a response.
"Have you ever been with more than one person at a time?" He finally says softly. His voice, gentle, enticing. A low, gravelly caress all over my body. His hand coming back to engulf mine. The tips of his fingers running over my palm, making me shiver with pleasure.
I shake my head, mesmerized.
"It's a unique experience. Exciting. The thrill of forbidden pleasure..."
He pauses for a second, eyes still holding mine captive, while my breathing accelerates.
"I don't need that type of excitement with you."
He gently pulls my hand into his lap and presses my palm on his erection. I gasp, pull my fingers away and he doesn't push it.
"Just the sight of you, fully dressed and completely decent gets me hard. Haven't felt this way in a long while."
"How come?" I can't help but ask.
He smiles with self-deprecation.
"I don't know. Could you explain your own reaction to me?"
I shake my head again, drowning into his beautiful eyes, drinking in his handsome features, taking my fill of his big, sculpted body.
"Still not sleeping with you." I finally let out, with a sigh.
He chuckles with amusement and I stand up from our table.
"Since you're not interested in going over your program, I'll just send a copy to your suite."
His cerulean eyes travel along my body, telling me all he'd do to me if he ever got a chance. I fight squirming and forge on:
"I apologize for my reaction yesterday, Your… Magnus."
"Which one?" He asks lazily. "The part where you stared at my dick? Or when you climbed me like a tree, pulled on my hair and pushed your tongue into my mouth?..."
I look around us, worried that someone might hear him.
Clearing my throat, I say in a whisper-shout:
"No, the part where I kneed you in the balls, Your Majesty!"
I keep grumbling, "might just do it again."
His amused smile doesn't falter and I shake my head, unable to repress my own grin.
"I have to go, now. Enjoy your stay. It was nice meeting you. If you need anything, please don't contact me."
He laughs again and as I'm turning on my heels, King Magnus stands up, towering over me with all his might. He catches my hand, holding me in place.
"OK, you win. I'll behave here." He puts an emphasis on the last word. "Under one condition."
I raise an interrogative eyebrow.
"See me outside of the hotel."
I'm surprised by his request, his insistence. Why me?! Yes, I'm amazing, but this almost-stranger doesn't know that. He has no clue how kind, loyal, generous, affectionate and just an overall decent human being I am.
"See you… as in?"
"Have dinner, a drink, hang out. Let's spend some time together. We're two adults attracted to each other: let's explore that."
Wow, it sounds so simple and tempting when he puts it like that.
"I thought you couldn't be seen in public. Incognito trip and all that…"
"I could rent us a restaurant, a bar, a movie theater… wherever you want to go."
I observe him with curiosity, wondering what life must be like, when the material limitations that apply to most of us don't exist in one's reality.
I'm intrigued, tempted beyond measure. And I know there's no way I'll wake up in two weeks asking myself "what if?"...
"I don't want to have sex with you." I blurt out, setting my limits. "That's too intimate: I don't do casual sex." I continue to elaborate.
He gets even closer, threads our fingers together, our chests only separated by the thin layer of our clothes. So close, I can smell his cleanly scented breath, see the nuances of azur in his pupils, the freckles on the bridge of his nose, the tiny scar hiding in one of his heavy eyebrows. Fuck! I have a to shake myself out of this trance: we might be standing in one of the alcoves at the back of the restaurant, far from the lunch crowd, but eventually someone will notice our interaction.
"No sex, if that's what you want." He agrees... almost convincingly.
I raise a challenging eyebrow.
"Really?"
"Yes, really." He says with a sly smile. "I can make you come countless times without fucking you."
I feel my pussy spasm. Oh boy… that could be fun. God knows I haven't had fun in a long time!
"Will I… will I have to do anything to you?"
He shakes his head, gaze turning soft.
"Nothing you don't want to. I'll only take what you give me, Ina."
I worry my lip again and Magnus lifts his hand, running the pad of his thumb over my mouth. Feeding the electric current crackling between us.
"Stop," I exhale against his finger, my eyelids fluttering with desire.
He bends over, mouth hovering a breath away from mine and runs the tip of his nose along the side of my face. Whispering in my ear:
"Say yes, Ina."
I inhale his scent, bask in his warmth and for a few seconds, I let my body rest on his. Let him carry my weight… let myself go and leave someone else in charge.
When I straighten back up, I pull a business card out of the folder I'm carrying. Holding it out between two fingers, I stare him straight in the eye.
"Do not make me regret this, Montescu. Or your balls will have more unfortunate encounters."
He chuckles again, pockets the card and raises my hand to drop a kiss on its back.
"There won't be any regrets. Or further unfortunate encounters."
He winks and I grin a strange mix of amusement and affection, excited at the perspective of spending more time with this fun, handsome man. Hopefully naked times...
MAGNUS
"What you got there, lover boy."
Alex's annoying voice pulls me from my reverie. I spare him a distracted look, before getting back to my thoughts. I'm playing with Ina's business card, passing it between my fingers and reliving our non-lunch. My head is filled with images of her: glossy, dark hair slicked back into a stern bun. Her gorgeous face lightly made up, bringing attention to her big, brown eyes and pouty lips. Her outfit professional, tasteful and fucking hot… Ina seems to favor those knee-length, high-waisted skirts that outline her perfect figure. Her beautiful legs adorned by a pair of sexy heels... Fuuuck, I'm starting to get hard! Not sure how I'll manage to concentrate on the video conferences we have today, with my dick as stiff as a rod. And, how I'll keep Alex from noticing and getting all over my business. But, I don't really have a choice: Ina's working till late afternoon and catching up with our team back home will keep my mind busy. At least that's what I hope for!
* * *
At four forty-five that afternoon, I throw an impatient glance at my Tag Heuer and decide I'm done for the day. Done with emails, phone calls and video conferences to and from New York, Zurich, London, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Done supposedly only touching base, and ending up spending close to four hours working, while on vacation. This is unbelievable! What's the point of being an honorary king if I'm de facto the full-time C.F.O. of my family's consequential trust fund?
Raising to my feet, I snap the laptop shut and turn my gaze towards Alex. He's engrossed in some Excel file, speaking in rapid fire German through his earpiece. Most likely with our Frankfurt office.
I shake my head with disgust. We can't keep going like this: two workaholics unable to disconnect, even five thousand miles away from home!
I
pull out my phone as well as Ina's card from my back pocket, and dial her cell number. She picks up after a couple of rings. Her throaty voice instantly relieving the tension in my shoulders and transferring it further down south...
"Ina speaking."
"Hi, Ina."
I can hear her sharp intake of breath, followed by a short silence, before she carries on bravely.
"Hi, Magnus. I wasn't expecting your call so soon."
"Why not? Are you still working?"
"I am, actually. But I meant I wasn't expecting your call today."
I smile and can't resist rattling her.
"We only have ten days, I wasn't going to make you wait."
She scoffs.
"Sure. Is this your number? I'll save it and give you a call back later, if you don't mind. I still have a good hour of work ahead of me."
I feel the side of my mouth hitch, but I'm too tired (and maybe a bit disappointed she's not available) to keep teasing her.
"Yeah, you do that."
"OK. Bye, Magnus."
"Bye. And, Ina?"
"Yes?"
"Call me, please."
"I will," she says softly this time, almost in a whisper. Reminding I'm not alone in this, that I haven't made up the incredible attraction between us.
And on that note, she hangs up.
Ineissa Camara might have a low opinion of me, think me a spoiled, vapid, privileged aristocrat, like most of the world, but her body does absolutely not think poorly of me. And that's all that matters.
Chapter Two
INA
I have no clue how I finished my tasks for the day, in the blurr of lust and incredulity my interactions with Magnus left me. The closer I get to clocking out, the more nervous I feel. What got into me, agreeing to this craziness? He's going to eat me alive! I wish… I shake my head, pushing away my naughty train of thoughts. All I know is I'm going to keep my word, call this man and see what tonight brings. It's not everyday I get propositioned by the most handsome guy I've ever met, and I'm not about to chicken out!
He picks up after a few rings.
"Montescu."
"Good evening, this is Ina," I respond nervously.
"Ah, just the person I wanted to talk to."
I can't hold back the smile that takes over my features.
"Lucky you."
"Indeed. You're off?"
I can hear the smile in his voice, like he's truly happy to hear me.
"Yes, just about to head home."
"Excellent. What time can I pick you up?"
I chew on my thumbnail for a beat, before responding:
"Give me an hour?" It's more a question than anything.
"Of course. What would you like to do?"
"I honestly don't know. You're the tourist. What would you like to do?"
"I just want to spend time with you. And, don't ask me 'doing what': we both know the answer to that…"
I feel my face heat up.
"Magnus, you're going to have to take it a smudge easier on me."
He chuckles.
"Dress casually and warm. I think I know the perfect place for us to go."
"Oh really? Where's that?"
"Tut-tut, it's a surprise, sweetheart. Text me your address, I'll pick you up in an hour."
I'm torn between irritation at his bossiness and the urge to swoon.
"Will do, Your Majesty!" I reply in a voice that expresses clearly what I think of his commanding tone.
He laughs softly.
"I apologize. Force of habit. Dear Ina, will you please text me your address?"
It's my turn to laugh at his playfulness.
"Will do. See you in an hour, Montescu."
"See you, honey."
I hang up with an accelerated heartbeat, sweaty palms and a pulsating pussy. Yep, tonight's going to be interesting...
* * *
Dressed in a cute pair of faded jeans, brown leather booties and my one and only cashmere sweater, I'm standing at my bathroom mirror, applying mascara with shaking fingers… My hair is tied back in a cute ponytail. I've managed to apply lip gloss, but my nerves won't allow the dexterity for eye-makeup! I've been an absolute mess since the moment my call with Magnus ended. Driving back home like someone who's leaving the DMV with their brand new driver's license... Emptying my entire closet on my bed and changing a ridiculous number of times. Checking my phone every few minutes for the time and/or a message from Magnus cancelling our meet… I'm a wreck!
When the bell to my front door rings, I jump ten feet in the air and smudge mascara all over my eyelid. Thank God, I didn't take my eye out!
Grabbing a make-up removing wipe, I make my way to the door and open it with more irritation than nervousness, now.
Of course, he looks perfect: tousled blond hair, deliciously overgrown scruff, pale blue sweater that enhances the color of his eyes, dark jeans and a pair of boat shoes. I can see the glint of a slim gold chain at his tanned, corded neck, disappearing under his collar. I just want to drag Mag' to my bedroom and lick him from head to toe. No! What am I thinking?!
I shake my head and throw him a stern:
"Come in, please. I need a minute."
Before turning on my heels to get back to the bathroom. He grabs my hand and pulls me back into his space, holding me loosely by the waist.
"Wait, what did I do now?"
Noticing my hand holding the wipe on my eye, he asks with concern:
"Are you OK? Did you get hurt?"
I sigh.
"No, it's nothing. I got startled by the doorbell and smudge mascara all over my face."
I feel dumb, but then he smiles softly, taking my mind off my embarrassment. Magnus gently pulls my hand away.
"Let me see."
He shakes his head, still smiling, and takes the wipe from my fingers.
"Allow me, please."
With a softness I wouldn't have expected, he cleans my eye. Takes a second to admire his handiwork, then drops a sweet kiss on my forehead. The touch of his full, warm lips feels so good, even in this chaste brush. It takes me back to our torrid kiss...
"All set. Go finish what you need to do. Take your time, I'll snoop around."
He winks and I pray to God he's joking.
"Thank you. Shouldn't be long."
"Take all the time you need."
When I return a few minutes later, Magnus is giving me his broad back, studying framed pictures of myself and my family covering a good portion of one wall. Without turning around, he asks:
"Is this your family?"
"Yeah," I answer with a smile. Feeling the usual warmth in my chest, at the thought of my parents and siblings.
Some of the shots were taken back home and others here, over the course of familial visits.
"Where do they live?"
"Bamako," is my non-elaborated response. One that's a test of his geographical knowledge.
"In Mali? I've always wanted to visit."
And once more, I am very pleasantly surprised by my hot king.
He turns to me with a curious glint in his azure gaze.
"Did you grow up in Mali?"
I nod with a nostalgic smile. His question making me think of home.
"I moved to California after highschool. Came here for college."
"Tu parles français, alors?" So you speak French? He asks in my second language, getting me super excited.
I know Montescu is situated in the Mediterranean, somewhere along the Italian coast and that they have their own local language, which also has Latin roots. I wouldn't have guessed Magnus speaks French, though!
"Toi aussi!" You too! I exclaim, resting my hand on his forearm, in my excitement.
"Meh, pas vraiment. Je l'ai étudié à l'école et je l'utilise avec mes partenaires de travail." Meh, not really. I studied it in school and I use it with my business partners.
"Seulement de travail?" Only business? I can't help but bounce back on his mention of using French to commun
icate with his business partners.
He studies me for a beat, before taking a step closer, right in front of me! And holds the sides of my neck with his large, warm palms. If I found him tall before, I feel completely dwarfed by our current proximity. His thumbs gently caress the lines of my jaws, and we just stand like that for a few seconds. Eyes glued to each other's faces, him drinking me in, seeming to think of the best way to express his thoughts. Me, falling even deeper in lust and wondering how I caught the eye of such a magnificent specimen of male beauty! And also, if it'd be OK for me to touch him the way he seems to have no problem doing to me…
"I've had French lovers, if that's what you were hinting at."
I swallow a lump in my throat. Oh boy… maybe I need to stop with the repetitive mentions about his womanizer ways.
One of his hands lets go of my neck and grabs me by the waist, sending shivers along my spine.
"But, Ina, I want you to know: I haven't been with nearly as many women as the scandal press makes it seem."
He keeps staring deep into my eyes, expression calm and patient. I can tell this is important to him, to our interaction.
"Every time I get photographed with a female, she's presented as my latest affair. Sometimes, it's as simple as someone I pass by at a function, or a lady who seats next to me at a restaurant."
Now, I kind of feel like crap for having insisted so heavily!
"Magnus…" I start apologizing, but he doesn't let me finish.
He shakes his head and forges on:
"Some of the women play the paparazzi game and lie about being with me. Others play the coy card and don't deny it. All in all, it's good publicity for Montescu so we don't bother. 'Come to the island of fun and pleasure, where even the royals indulge'…"
The light in Magnus's eyes dims a bit and I can tell I'm getting an inside view of what it's like to walk in his shoes.
"Will you please put aside your preconceived ideas of who I am and what my life seems to be?"
I nod, too ashamed and touched by his words to talk.
"Let's just enjoy who we are to each other. Please?"
A sad smile pulls at the corner of his full lips and I have to erase it. Have to bring back playful Magnus, because this wounded guy is definitely more than I can handle. I raise on the tips of my toes and press a kiss to his mouth. My way of apologizing for basically calling him a manwhore… But of course, Magnus doesn't let me stand back on my haunches. He pulls me up and takes over the kiss! His lips meeting mine, pushing them apart. His tongue licking, before poking into my mouth, finding my own and starting a delicious game of suck and stroke. All that, to the sound of his groans and my own moans… He lifts me higher, wrapping my legs around his waist, his huge paws palming my ass, kneading the soft flesh, pulling me against his growing erection. He detaches his lips from mine to ask:
