“Alright. I’ll prepare you a bath then.”
“Sounds good.” Izzy gestured at her, then left the room and at last closed the door behind her. Her shoulders dropped and a sense of relief spiraled down her body. At last, she’d be able to make some leeway and—
“Ms. Lima,” the bulky bodyguard said, surging to his feet from the chair in front of her room.
His raspy voice startled her, and she clapped her hand to her chest. “Whoa. Yes, that’s me.”
“I apologize, I didn’t mean to scare you. King Regent told me to be at your disposal.”
Oh crap. This again? She scratched her head. “I really appreciate your assistance, but I’m only going to the lobby to take some pictures. Whenever I decide to leave the castle, I’ll let you know.”
“I understand, miss. But you’re a royal guest and the lobby is a public area. It’ll be my pleasure to accompany you there to keep you safe.”
“Of course,” she said, and started walking. He followed a couple of steps behind her. She strode through the lavish hallways, not paying too much attention to the pictures on the textured walls. Apprehension trickled down her spine. How the hell would she get rid of this bodyguard bullshit? Not only today, but during her entire stay—to be able to get answers to her questions about Mary.
“I’ll find a way,” she said out loud.
“Pardon me, Ms. Lima?” the bodyguard asked.
She cleared her throat. “Oh, I was singing an American song. It’s stuck in my head.” She slanted him a look. When she reached the lobby area, her heart beat in staccato. A sizeable crowd occupied the space, with a guide talking to children in a foreign language, and several folks milling about the statue of a former king.
She walked to the intricate podium stand where she’d seen the guest book at check-in. Back then, she couldn’t flick the pages and search through a year’s worth of signatures with Nassor next to her. Now, she’d come up with a stupid excuse and hope the bodyguard pegged her for some airhead tourist who enjoyed turning pages and learning people’s names.
A couple of women talked in front of it, and she gently nudged them, whispering “excuse me.”
When she glanced at the podium, the guest book was…missing.
Cold sweat sheened her palms. What? She looked for a sign explaining what had happened, but didn’t find anything other than brochures crowding the shelves by the guest services booth. She walked up to the heavy, dark wood counter and signaled at the attendant. “Sorry, what happened to the guest book?”
The male attendant smiled. “Oh, we removed it because a tourist accidentally dropped some water and some pages got wet.”
“I’d like to see it.”
He fixed his glasses. “It’s at the Royal Library now.”
“That’s inside the castle, right?”
“Yes, but the library is closed in preparation for the coronation ceremony. They need to switch the framed pictures inside, plaques to the name of the new king.”
“I understand. Are you sure I can’t take a peek? I’ll be quick, I just really wanted to—”
“I see you have a bodyguard. You’re the king’s guest, is that correct? If you’d like, I can ask him—”
Izzy lifted her hands in denial. “No. That’s fine, I don’t want to bother him. I’ll wait until after the coronation,” she said, turning around. If anyone contacted Nassor about this, he’d wonder why she wanted to see the guest book so badly. She looked up at the ceiling and the curvy stairs leading to other parts of the castle. A diminutive red blink caught her attention.
Cameras. There were cameras strategically placed everywhere. If she wanted to go to the library unnoticed, she’d better scout for them to make sure she found a blind spot.
“Where to next, Ms. Lima?” the bodyguard asked behind her.
Determination flowed in her veins, hot and thick. The library being closed didn’t stop her from taking pictures in front of it, did it? “Let’s go for a walk.”
…
“Thank you for talking to me, Your Highness,” the employee whose nametag read Vadik said, bowing. “I won’t take much of your time.”
Nassor looked at the desk calendar. In less than twenty-four hours, he’d attend the crowning ceremony. He should focus on talking to the IT technician who’d begged Guban for a time with him to talk about an urgent matter, and not think about how delicious Izzy had felt in his arms the previous night.
How he had her, and how he lost her at the end of the night—she’d been able to put her hair down, but, for some reason he couldn’t detect, she lifted her walls again after they had sex.
A part of him wondered what it’d be like if she wanted him without any money or transaction involved. His stomach clenched. What a stupid idea.
“Your Majesty?” The short, average-built man coughed.
Nassor gestured for him to sit across from him. “Go on.”
Vadik sat on the oversize chair. Sweat covered his upper lip and forehead, and he fixed his square glasses. “I’m afraid we have a situation. Some members of royalty have been spending time online, using a secure network to meet women.”
Ah. Nassor relaxed in his chair. He’d never be so carefree, but he understood the reason behind it—some men enjoyed chatting with women who had no idea about their position. Maybe it made them feel…different. “Dumb, but not illegal.”
“Yes. Well, I came across some information—”
He opened the manila folder he was carrying, retrieved some pictures, then handed them to Nassor.
Nassor studied the photos of beautiful women, in all stages of undress, lying on a bed surrounding Rasheed, one of his uncle’s oldest friends and longtime royal advisers. Nassor lifted the photograph, noticing the drug paraphernalia and the amount of empty bottles on the floor.
Frustration clogged his throat. He should fucking publish that picture online to embarrass the old man. “I’m sure his wives would be upset, but that’s his personal life.”
“Not if this was taken inside the castle, with drugs, using the contributor’s money.”
“How do you know?” He glanced at the picture again, recognizing the carving of the bed. Sometimes, after long meetings, senior advisers were allowed access to guest rooms to refresh themselves if they lived out of town. At least one of Vadik’s claims is true.
The man shifted in his seat. “It’s my job to keep the network secure.”
“Do you have evidence he used the people’s money to buy these drugs?”
“No, that’s a guess.”
Nassor rubbed the back of his neck. After a day full of meetings, this was the last thing he needed. Annoyance zapped down his spine. Rasheed had been irresponsible, and he’d deal with him after the coronation. But having an affair at your place of work—as bad as it sounded—didn’t mean you’d stolen money from the company. Or, in this case, the kingdom. Nassor stared at Vadik, who had been quick to make claims. Was he looking for a job with the new administration? “What do you want?”
“What?” Vadik ran his fingers through his hair. “Oh. I didn’t come here with this intent, Your Highness.” He blushed. “I wanted to bring this subject to you and for you to do as you will. I promise I won’t tell a soul.”
“You’re such a good Samaritan.” Not a lot of those around these days. Nassor snorted. Ever since he’d become an official royal, old friends had come out of the woodwork for a chance in the spotlight. People whose names he didn’t even remember, from parts of his life he’d rather forget, called and emailed. He hated being used.
“I just…” Vadik started, then cleared his throat and looked at him. “If you are grateful, there’s one thing you can do for me. I understand you’ll be choosing wives soon, and if I may, my sister Angelic may not come from nobility but she is a great—”
Nassor’s blood pounded hotter. “Get out.�
�
The man stood, gesticulating with his hands. “Your Majesty, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to disrespect you. I swear I didn’t walk in here with this goal in mind.”
“Then you’ll leave without it. Thanks for the heads-up.” Nassor stretched out his hand, showing him the way out.
Vadik scurried out of the office, leaving the envelope with the pictures behind. Nassor scratched his chin. What a pathetic way to secure a good marriage for his sister. Nassor stood. He greeted Guban as he left the office and marched toward the south wing of the castle.
In search of Izzy.
His heart skipped a beat. When he’d taken her the previous night, he’d enjoyed seeing the pleasure in her eyes when she came. Hell, he wanted to see a whole lot more—but they kept most of their clothes on, so he only appreciated glimpses of her delicious body.
When he’d called the helicopter pilot to pick them up, he decided they should each go to their respective rooms. Stretching the night would be a good idea, but he didn’t want to turn their interaction into something it wasn’t.
He walked past a couple of employees who nodded at him. At last, he stared at the heavy oak door. Besides a couple of text messages, he hadn’t talked to Izzy today. But, with his coronation looming, he had to tell her what she was in for. The meeting with his mother would be unavoidable, and she had to carry herself in such a way as to not draw much attention. Not for his sake, but hers.
Anticipation flowed through him, like he was a smitten boy about to meet his first crush, and not a grown man on the brink of ruling an entire kingdom. He knocked on the door and walked in, a smile forming on his lips, but when he found the maid who’d been assigned to her, the smile died.
She bowed to him. “Evening, Your Majesty.”
“Good evening. Where’s Ms. Lima?”
“She’s in the tub. Would you like me to get her?”
“No, thanks. I’ll do that myself. If we need anything, we’ll let the night staff know.”
“Of course. Excuse me.”
He stalked into the large bedroom. It was one of the nicest in the south wing, with a four-poster bed taking center stage, filled with frilly pillows and linens embroidered with the royal monogram. The cursive letters haunted linens, towels, and several furniture pieces—a harsh reminder of where they were. Fresh flowers occupied vases on the dresser and nightstands, giving the room a nice scent.
“Izzy?” he called out to her before barging into the bathroom. The door to the spacious bathroom was wide open, and he didn’t wait for a response.
He strode on the marbled floor to find Izzy in the lavish bathtub, the jets spraying vigorously around her. The tub was the size of a small pool and a luxury available in only a few selected suites in the castle. Candles of different sizes were scattered through the area. “Relaxing?”
She lifted her chin. “It’s been a long day, what with getting my mani-pedi and a facial. Being a king’s lover is hard work.”
“I’ll say. Mind if I join you?”
“Please do.”
He peeled off his clothes. She watched him, approval flashing in her eyes. The bathtub could easily fit two more comfortably, though the idea of sharing Izzy with anyone cooled his bloodstream.
Willing such ridiculous thoughts aside, he joined her in the tub. Soon, hot water surrounded him, and he pulled her into his arms. The feel of her bare body against his provoked a short circuit inside him. He covered her lips with his, and she parted her mouth, welcoming the relentless invasion of his tongue. Each time they kissed, his body stirred quicker, the rush in his blood heating faster.
She lowered her hand to his abs, and he sucked in his breath. She touched his belly button, then explored him lower, above his groin, and lower still. He wrenched his mouth from hers, his breathing labored.
“What are you doing?” he asked, even though he damn well knew what she was doing—he just didn’t know if he’d survive it.
“Go to the step and stand up,” she said, cocking her head in the direction of the shallow area of the tub where he could stand and his dick would stick out of the water. Hmmm. She nipped his chin, and a shudder rolled within him.
His cock sprung, the underside veins pumping with need. Lightheadedness stabbed at him, and he blinked, almost losing his balance for a moment.
“I want to catch up with you on giving oral sex.”
He followed her command, heading to the shallow area, and she did the same. “I didn’t know you were keeping tabs.”
“I’m a teacher. Keeping tabs is in my DNA,” she said, then slid her tongue down his neck, peppering kisses between licks all the way to his chest. He reached for the edge of the tub, clenching it, aroused as fuck.
“You’re so hot,” she said, caressing his taut nipples.
He groaned in response, and she gave a triumphant little chuckle, obviously enjoying the power she had over him. Not over me, he reminded himself. Over their attraction—his cock. That’s it.
She dropped to her knees, at eye level with his cock. With a sound of excitement, she clasped his dick, her warm palm gliding over his flesh. He thrust his hands in her hair, massaging her scalp vigorously. She began stroking him while playing with his balls with the other hand. Hell, his balls had never felt this full, heavy with want, throbbing.
If her touch had been tentative at first, quickly she learned what drove him insane. She closed her lush lips around his rod, taking as much as she could into her mouth. Her warm, sweet, sexy mouth.
“Fuck, Izzy. I want to fuck your mouth.”
“Soon,” she whispered, lazily running her tongue over his length. He glanced down at her, and a twinkle gleamed in her stunning, intriguing eyes. Why would anyone hide those beautiful, uniquely colored marbles?
She covered part of his cock again, this time sucking him deeper into her throat. He tugged at her hair, teasing her, desperate to remind her—and himself—who was in charge.
She grazed her teeth over his skin, enticing him until she reached his tip. Pre-cum bubbled, and she licked it, savoring it, earning another groan from him. She thrust the tip of her tongue in the slit in the middle of his head. At the same time, she cupped his balls tighter, without hurting him but sending a jolt of arousal through him.
He caught a handful of her hair with each hand and thrust his cock deeper inside her mouth. She gasped a little but didn’t deny him. She placed her hand on his ass, not only accepting his wicked move but actively participating.
Eagerly, he fucked her mouth, driving his cock into the wet abyss past her lips, then retreating midway only to slam back inside. Pleasure built in his core and a powerful pressure pumped through his body. He kept on thrusting. Once. Twice. Then, his heart tattooed against his rib cage, and after one long beat, he let go, emptying himself into her, as she swallowed every drop.
His body jerked forward, and he reveled in the crazy sensation taking over him—a lustful, possessive need to keep this woman for far longer than he was allowed to.
…
Izzy glanced at his relaxed profile.
Ever since she swallowed him a few minutes ago, he’d submerged next to her without saying anything.
She swallowed, still savoring his cum in her mouth. She hadn’t known what she expected it to taste like, but in the end, it’d been good. Tangy. Salty. And better, she had enjoyed the thread of female empowerment still sizzling in her stomach.
She’d wanted to give him pleasure, to see if she could have any kind of power over him. He’d come undone, the glimpse of desire in his eyes bringing a smile to her face. “I was wondering…is it okay if I explore a little bit?”
“You mean the city?”
She glanced away for a moment. The feel-good emotion shifted into guilt, and a lump lodged in her throat. Damn it, there wasn’t another way. If she told him the truth, he’d not only kick her out of her coun
try, but also possibly make sure she never returned. A call from him, and the homeland security department would ensure she never entered Gwokon again. Mary deserved better. “Yes. I know you’re a public figure so I don’t expect you to tag along. But I’d love to see the sights, take some pictures.” Once she found the address, she’d need to leave the castle.
“Of course. Just take the security guard with you.”
She waved him off. How was she supposed to learn more about her stepmother if she had a trained, oversize babysitter on her tail? A man who could physically overpower her, or take notes and hand them to Nassor. “There’s no need. No one knows me here.”
He inched closer. “It’s part of the protocol. Since you’re a guest.”
“I won’t tell,” she whispered in a low voice.
A frown deepened in between his eyebrows, warning her she had to drop the subject. “No. Being a royal guest means being a possible target. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“Alright. But the bodyguard may fall in love with me and then you’ll have a real pickle on your hands,” she said, nudging his shoulder playfully. Man, he was rock hard. Her pulse fluttered.
His eyes darkened. “No one dares to take what’s mine.”
She chewed her lower lip. Her pre-sex self would never be turned on by that kind of language. But, fuck, the way he said it…heat spread into her stomach. Why couldn’t Nassor be a regular guy, maybe a high school principal or researcher, and live in Nevada?
Don’t go there.
“I have to tell you about tomorrow. The coronation.”
Ah. Her maid, Candace, had been talking about the following day nonstop. She’d done her best to listen and engage, since Candace could potentially be her ally. The more the maid knew, the better.
He clenched his jaw. “I won’t be able to give you a lot of attention tomorrow. The coronation is a big event.”
Sold to the King Page 5
