by C. J. Miller
She lifted her mouth kissed him. The kiss spoke the words she couldn’t say and her body moved with his. “We’re together now, let’s make the most of it.”
* * *
That night, while Serena lay in bed with her laptop open, Casimir sat on the edge of the mattress. “Could you see our arrangement as more than temporary?”
He hadn’t planned to tell Serena he was falling for her, but the words, the truth, had sprung from his lips.
He had been disappointed that she hadn’t returned the notion. She’d made love to him as if she cared for him, as if he was important to her, but that could be reading between the lines. Casimir didn’t know what to think of her or of their relationship.
“So much of my life is not my own.”
It could be hers. Why couldn’t she see how far she had come in the past several weeks? How much further she would go in the next months? She had grown into a leader, and every day she was stronger, more dignified and confident. Casimir didn’t believe she could be easily manipulated. She had held her own against a powerful dictator and a lying, murdering king.
Why couldn’t she see that she could rule her country with grace and strength? That she didn’t need someone at her side, telling her what to do, guiding Acacia forward? Casimir dispensed what advice he could. “When you meet with DeSante and Warrington, you need to remember that you are their equal in every way. You owe them nothing.”
Serena closed her laptop. “Those are fighting words.”
“I don’t want you to fight with DeSante or Warrington. But I want you to stand your ground. Take what you want and give nothing, unless it is something you want to give.”
“Is that so?” She set her laptop on the nightstand and stood from the bed. She positioned herself in front of him and pulled his shirt over his head. She ran her hands over his shoulders and down his arms. The past several times they’d had sex, he had done most of the work, seeing that she was taken care of, picking the positions she liked best. He’d wanted her relaxed and he wanted to win her over. The nagging thought that she would sleep with Warrington would not let go.
She gripped his biceps in her hands. “Let me take what I want now. I want you.”
She wasn’t quite smiling, but the corners of her mouth were turned up. Her eyes seemed to see deep into his soul. She had his head turned around. When he was alone, he could think clearly, but when they were together, his resolve and his intentions flew out the window and he only wanted her. In his bed and in his life.
Giving into the attraction, knowing he couldn’t fight it, he let her push him back on the bed. She threw her leg astride him. With her knees on either side of his hips she lowered her mouth to his neck.
A sound of contentment escaped her lips and he went from intrigued and amused to rock hard.
He didn’t reach for her. He didn’t make advances to hasten it. He watched her, propped on his elbows, enjoying the show. “I had hoped this would happen. That you would see.”
“See what?” she asked, and kissed his chest.
“That we are good together. That you have power over me. Power of your own.”
She lifted her head and met his gaze. Taking the hem of her shirt in her hands, she pulled it over her head and tossed it on the ground. She removed her clothes, item by item, taking her time. When she was finished undressing, she unbuckled his belt.
She climbed into bed and threw some of the pillows to the ground. The bed had at least a dozen and they would be in the way. He and Serena needed room to maneuver. She slipped beneath the sheets. Casimir joined her, but he didn’t remove his pants.
His eyes were fastened to hers. “There are some lines that once they are crossed, there is no returning.”
“I don’t want to return. I like where this is going,” she said.
Serena grinned. She unzipped his pants and withdrew him. Her mouth came over him, hot and wet and slow. As she took him deep, he counted backward in his head, trying to control his release.
But Serena was persistent. Her hand and the suction of her mouth felt incredible. She moved faster, lifting and lowering her head. He touched the ends of her hair, threaded his fingers through the long strands, tangling them.
She moaned and the vibrations shot around his erection. Another few noises from her throat and she brought him to completion.
She moved onto the bed beside him. Casimir could have fallen asleep like that, with her tucked under his arm, her soft hair brushing the bare skin of his neck and her sweet scent surrounding him. But their time was limited and he had brought her a gift. “I have something for you.”
He left the warmth of the bed and grabbed his duffel bag. He removed the navy velvet box. The necklace inside had been his mother’s. It was a gift from his father to her on their wedding night. The king of Rizari’s seal was engraved on the back of it.
If Serena recognized the seal as authentic, she would be curious where Casimir had acquired such a rare treasure. Perhaps he wanted to tip her off, to expose his lies, so they could muddle through those dark waters and face the future with truth between them.
Serena opened the box and gasped. She removed the necklace from the satin liner inside, and held it up, letting it dangle between her fingers as she looked at it.
The necklace was platinum and diamonds. The setting was antique, but the style was becoming more popular. “What is this? It looks like there is a story here,” Serena said. As the necklace spun on her fingers, she stopped and looked at the seal on the back.
“It’s my family crest. The necklace belonged to my mother.”
Serena’s lips parted. “I don’t know what to say. I am so touched by this beautiful gift.”
It was the one item of value his mother had taken with her when she’d fled Rizari. She could have sold it, but she had been concerned someone would think it was stolen and she’d be arrested or her identity would be revealed because of it. “Take it. Wear it. It’s yours.”
Casimir was playing with fire. If Serena wore it and Warrington saw it, especially the back of it, he would question Serena about it. The necklace had to have been reported stolen due to the value of the diamond.
If Serena admitted the necklace was a gift from Casimir, this game would come to a head. Serena would know the truth and Casimir needed her to believe him and forgive him for keeping it from her.
“I can’t accept this. It’s so precious.”
“Please wear it. For me.”
He looped the delicate chain around her neck. She held her hair up while he fastened it.
Casimir reclined on the bed and Serena moved into his arms.
“What would you say if I told you I want to ride you?” Serena asked.
He tensed as jolts of anticipation shocked him. “I’d be surprised to hear such frank words from your lips, but I would happily oblige.”
She shifted on top of him. Casimir fumbled to find a condom quickly. He rolled it on and let Serena take charge. She rose above him, wiggling into position and sinking her body onto his. When he was deep inside her, she rocked her hips.
He held onto her, but let her set the pace. Like it was every time with her, emotions and feelings assailed him. Casimir placed his hand where their bodies were joined and moved them the way she liked, evoking as much pleasure from her as possible.
Release was just out of reach.
A tap on the door had her freezing. “Just a minute.” Her eyes wide with panic, she rolled away from Casimir.
“Serena? It’s Iliana.”
Casimir had half a mind to let Iliana see them. She knew they were carrying on an affair. She would keep Serena’s secret, wouldn’t she? Though DeSante hadn’t elaborated on the subject, he seemed to trust Iliana and DeSante trusted almost no one.
Serena gestured toward the bathroom. Though Casimir felt otherwise, he did as she asked. Still sporting a raging hard-on, Casimir darted into it and closed the door lightly.
* * *
Serena pulled on her robe an
d checked her appearance in the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair was a mess. She opened the door to her cousin.
Iliana was clutching a tablet in her hands. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I was surfing the web and I found something you should see.”
Serena braced herself. Iliana turned the computer toward her and she gasped.
Posted on the main webpage of a local media site in Acacia was a picture of her and Casimir at the wedding in Elion. This time, the photo clearly showed him and he had been named in the accompanying article.
“How should we respond?” Iliana asked.
“To what?” What could she say that would explain away a picture?
“The press will want an explanation. This picture makes it look like you and Casimir Cullen are involved. King Warrington will ask. What should we say? The press knows he was the man in the rose garden.” Iliana sounded distressed.
Serena didn’t want a lurid story about her and Casimir spread over the internet. “This picture was taken out of context. We were photographed at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Elion. I spoke to many people that weekend.”
That statement was loaded with lies, but she had no choice. To protect herself and Casimir, they had to deny their involvement with each other.
Iliana looked at the picture. “I will communicate that. But I have a hard time believing it and since the press connected the picture of the mystery man in the rose garden to Casimir, it will be a hard sell.”
“We’ll tell the press we’re friends. Nothing more,” Serena countered.
“You’re protesting too much.”
Serena wasn’t great with lies on her feet, but when she caught the thread of one she hung on for dear life. “I know this could turn into a media circus and an outright scandal.”
Iliana straightened. “I’ll speak to your press secretary and see if we can’t minimize the fallout. Would you like me to hire a local photographer to take pictures of you and King Warrington to counter what the news might print about you and Casimir?”
A good idea, even if the thought of acting as if she were in love with King Warrington made her sick. Could she fake that emotion? “That would be great. Please see if King Warrington is amenable.”
When Iliana left and Serena closed the door, Casimir stepped out of the bathroom. He looked flushed.
“Hot in there?” she asked.
“Cold, actually.”
He was still naked. It turned her on. “You know what game we’re playing.”
“I do,” he said. “But sometimes, the lines between lies and the truth become blurred and it’s hard to remember what’s real.”
“That’s why we need to stay focused on the endgame,” Serena said.
“The only endgame I can think about is the one tonight,” he said, gesturing toward the bed. He scooped her into his arms and plopped her onto the soft sheets. Parting her robe, he buried himself in her and Serena lost herself in his intensity and passion.
* * *
Iliana muted the television when she heard the knock on her door. “Come in.”
Her suite at the resort was top-notch. She was having a great time. Their host had mentioned that he’d have his butler check on her before bed to see if she needed anything.
Instead of the resort’s butler, Demetrius DeSante entered her room. He motioned to his guards to stay outside.
Iliana rose to her feet, grateful she was wearing fleece pajamas that, while not overly attractive, were decent. “Hi, Demetrius. Is everything okay?”
His dark eyes held her. “Everything is fine now that I can see that you are safe.”
“Why wouldn’t I be safe?” she asked.
Demetrius’s eyes narrowed. “Many reasons. But I did not come here to upset you. I wanted to make sure you were pleased with your accommodations.”
She shrugged. “Sure. I made the arrangements. This is a nice place.” Television, internet, spa-like bathroom and room service. Everything she needed for a relaxing weekend.
Demetrius clasped his hands behind his back. “Would you be more comfortable in one of the châteaus?”
Iliana hesitated. She had been to Serena’s château that night and it was gorgeous. The details and the luxury amenities were top of the line. “I am fine here.”
“I don’t want you to be fine. I want you to be happy. Pleased.”
“What are you suggesting?” She could have stayed in Serena’s château, but Serena liked her privacy and was insistent on having time alone. It was when Serena did her best thinking, so Iliana didn’t press the issue.
“Come stay in my château, in your own bedroom, but close enough that my guards can watch over you and I can know you are safe.”
Iliana wanted to say yes. She wanted to agree, toss her few items into her suitcase and follow him out the door. But how would that look to Serena and King Warrington? There could be no divided loyalties. “Your offer is very generous, but I need to remain here.”
DeSante sighed. “Then you leave me no choice but to also stay here. I will be across the hall should you need anything.”
DeSante turned and left the room leaving Iliana in stunned silence.
Chapter 9
Serena was filled with frustration when she returned to the château late in the afternoon. Warrington had abandoned the discussion with her and DeSante and was returning to Rizari, leaving many issues unresolved.
Casimir was sitting by the fireplace, a book open on his lap. “Rough day?”
Rough and unproductive. “No progress. I spent the morning dealing with two hotheads. Neither of them wanted to compromise or discuss anything. They shouted accusations. Waste of time.”
“Why do you think that is?” Casimir asked.
Serena slumped into the plush couch next to Casimir. He set his book on the coffee table and reclined, putting his arm around her. “That’s a matter of speculation. They don’t want to say out loud what they want for fear the other will resist on principle.”
“What do you speculate they want?”
“DeSante? I don’t know. He’s a blank slate. I try to read him and get nothing. Strangely, the only time I’ve seen him display any real emotion was in relation to Iliana. I’ve asked her if he’s revealed his thoughts on the leaders’ ability to reach an agreement, but she says their conversations aren’t related to politics.”
“What about King Warrington?”
Serena groaned. “My personal issues with him are coloring my judgment. DeSante suggested Warrington is planning to start a war between our three countries.”
“Do you think that’s true?”
“I can’t be sure. Whenever I’ve tried to talk to Warrington, we argue. I don’t see how our relationship will ever progress past that point.”
“Samuel’s mother’s sixtieth birthday party is tomorrow night.”
“I know.” Serena’s interactions with Katarina had been less than stellar. But Serena was planning to attend the party, especially since she wouldn’t have the excuse of the summit to give her a valid reason to cancel. “I was planning on going. Do you think I should snoop around his office? See if I can’t find something to hint at why he is resistant to talking and what exactly he wants out of our merger?”
“I don’t like the idea of you undertaking that task alone. Can you ask someone you trust for help?”
“Like you?”
“Like me,” he said.
She considered it. With her access to the party, she would be given more opportunities to move around the palace. Employees of the king, the king and his mother would be distracted by the party.
Her father’s birthday party crossed her mind and she shivered. She leaned into Casimir. “Do you think it will be safe to be in the palace?”
“I am sure Warrington is taking the necessary precautions. What happened at your father’s birthday is fresh in everyone’s memory.”
It was never far from her mind, and Serena wondered if Katarina’s birthday would be the stage
for another assassination.
* * *
Serena was accustomed to being unseen in social situations, but as queen, her status—and visibility—had shifted. By the nature of her position, people were interested in her. Katarina’s birthday party was no exception, making it difficult for her to operate in stealth mode.
If Samuel’s guards spotted her where she was not supposed to be in the palace, she would give the excuse that she’d needed time alone. If she was caught in the king’s bedroom, she would pretend she’d been planning a seduction. But Serena didn’t want to wave the black-and-white-checkered flag for him. Despite their mutual dislike, she had no doubt Warrington would sleep with her for kicks.
Then there was the matter of slipping past her guards. If she was out of sight, they would be worried and actively search for her. An idea popped into her head, so crazy that it actually might work. She would need to use Iliana to help distract them. From a certain angle, she and Iliana looked alike. If her cousin could fool her guards long enough, she could accomplish her goal.
A quick call confirmed that—albeit hesitantly—Iliana would help.
When Serena arrived at Samuel’s palace, she was immediately escorted to Samuel’s side. She would have preferred a few minutes alone to collect her thoughts, but she’d been running late.
“After what happened at the summit, I was worried you weren’t coming,” he said, patting the hand she had slipped over his arm. When he kissed her cheek, he smelled of cologne and scotch. The scent made her dizzy and slightly nauseated.
“We ran into some traffic from the airport.”
“My mother is anxious to see you.”
Anxious to dole out more criticism? Based on how Katarina had spoken to her every other time they had met, she would have no problem commenting on the recent scandal involving Casimir in the rose garden and in Elion.
Serena kept her shoulders pinned back and her head high. She was queen of Acacia. She wouldn’t be intimidated or cowed by anyone tonight.
She wished Casimir was beside her, but at least he was at the party, somewhere with Iliana, waiting for her to finish with her obligation. Samuel led her to where his mother stood, sipping from a glass of champagne and talking to the people around her.
