After just a few blocks, we stop, and he gets out. I follow him, and we go into the park. It’s the same one I first walked through with Pepper after meeting her for the first time. It brings back such good memories; I can’t help but smile as we walk over that same path down toward the lake.
“So what does she have planned?” I ask Thomas.
He just shrugs, ignoring my question. Either he’s forbidden to tell me, or he actually doesn’t know.
Right in front of us is the edge of the lake where I fell with TJ, and in front of it is a bench. Thomas sits down and pats it, inviting me to come sit down too.
“What are you doing?” I ask, confused.
“C’mon.” He beckons me, so I do what he asks.
I wonder what this is all about.
“Why are you being so secretive? And where’s Hailey?” I ask.
Music in the distance seems to come closer. Too close. Because the herd of people playing the music stops walking … right in front of me. And the music instantly stops … only to be replaced by something else entirely.
The moment I hear what it is, I begin to laugh.
“Sexy and I Know It.”
Shaking my head, I watch them dance, and suddenly, Thomas gets up from the bench and moves away. “Where are you going?” I ask, but he doesn’t respond; he just winks and walks off.
What the fuck?
That’s when the whole pack of people looks at me … and begin a synchronized dance.
My eyes widen.
In the middle of it all is Hailey, dancing alongside them.
What the hell is going on?
I feel lost in the sea of people, not knowing whether to laugh, cry, or run away … or all at the same time. Meanwhile, shirts are thrown overboard, and pants are flying everywhere. Soon, everybody’s stripped down to something that looks like swimwear, and all of them are doing vulgar dances.
After a while, I notice Flynn is in there too, dancing his ass off. With that body of his, he’s attracting most of the eyes that surround us. People from all over the park have gathered here to watch the show, and boy … it is one heck of a dance.
Near the end of the song, the group splits into two halves, creating an opening. In the midst of it all, a figure bursts out into the front.
It’s none other than TJ motherfucking Morrows.
He’s in a Speedo doing the wiggle-dick dance.
And I lose it.
Like for real, I’m laughing my ass off, crying so hard that I almost feel sorry. I should be embarrassed, but I’m not. It’s crazy. Too crazy, even for him.
He mouths the lyrics to the song while everyone goes nuts with their dance, breaking a sweat to impress me. But most of all, he’s doing his best to make me laugh and smile.
And when the song nears the end, he strides through the opening toward me. “Hi!”
“Oh, my god …”
“No, it’s just TJ,” he says with a wink, making me chuckle.
“Are you crazy?” I murmur, still laughing. “Am I dreaming?”
“No, I’m not crazy, and no, you’re not dreaming. This is real, and it is happening.”
Suddenly, he goes down on one knee.
My laughter stops immediately.
And my eyes widen the moment he grabs my hand and stares straight into my eyes. “Lesley Fischer … you know I love you.”
I wipe away a tear from what he’s doing right now.
I can’t believe this is happening.
“You probably remember this spot better than I do.”
I nod, biting my lip because I can’t stop grinning.
“Our first semi-date. With a dog. And some water running down our shoes.”
I nod. I don’t know what to say because I don’t want to ruin it, so I don’t say anything at all.
“I’m the guy who tried to rescue you. Your boss. But you didn’t need any rescuing. I did. Which is what you did … over and over again … you saved my ass. You still do. And my brother would say I was a fool if I didn’t make you my girl for real.”
His brother howls like a wolf at the moonlight, and everyone laughs, breaking the tension.
“So now I’m going to make it even harder for you to run.” He winks. “In full TJ Morrows’s style, I’m sexier than you know … and I don’t ever wanna let you go.”
I laugh at the cheesiness, but it’s exactly what I imagined he’d say.
Still, nothing prepares me for the moment he turns around and whistles … and both Pepper and Dozer appear from behind the pack of people. I cover my mouth in shock as I see them tied to each other by a thin ribbon and a box dangling at the bottom.
“Hey, Pep!” I say with a high voice, pushing the tears back.
The dogs both sit down in front of TJ, and he takes the ribbon with the box off them. Flynn whistles, calling the dogs back, and takes care of them while TJ focuses his attention on me.
“So I’m going to ask you for real now.” The box opens and a shining diamond ring prettier than anything I’ve ever seen, prettier than anything I could ever afford, appears. “Will you marry me?”
I smile. I don’t know what to say except what my heart has been wanting to scream all along.
“Yes!” I say, my voice softer than I expected it to be. It’s the nerves. Happens every time something this insane, this romantic happens. Except it normally happens to other people, friends, or on the television. But now it’s happening to me.
He puts the ring on my finger, and I watch it glimmer and shine, my eyes totally distracted by its size. “Now let’s fix that memory, shall we?” he muses, and I have no idea what he’s talking about.
He reaches for my waist, pulls me up from the bench … and runs straight to the water.
“What are you doing?” I scream.
Everyone behind us is cheering like they were expecting this.
Too late to jump. He’s already dunked both of us in the water with a big howl.
I splash around and splutter out the water as I come up for air. His hands slither their way up my body, and I squeal when he lifts me into his arms.
“Hi, gorgeous,” he murmurs, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Oh, my god, you insufferable douchebag,” I say.
“What’s worse is that you’re marrying him,” he replies, the left side of his lips curling into a smile when he sees my scrunched-up face. “And it only makes me love you more.”
“You really had to go and do that?”
“Yeah … so I can finally be the knight in shining armor and save you from the water. Like I should have all along.”
I roll my eyes at him, but the moment I open my mouth, I’m interrupted by him and his mouth. All over me. And all I hear are the cheering people behind us and his moans as he claims me for himself.
“Hmm, goddamn … such a nice piece of woman,” he groans, making me grin. “And now she’s finally mine.”
“Oh, shut up and kiss me,” I growl, grabbing his face to kiss him back.
“Your wish is my command,” he jokes, licking my top lip. “Mrs. Lesley Morrows …” He pauses. “How does it sound?”
I close my eyes as I feel his hot breath on my skin, wondering if anything could be better than this.
Months ago, I would never have dreamed to meet a guy like him in the way that I did, let alone actually like him … but now that I have, I can say I don’t regret a second of it.
Not him. Not Pepper. Not the soaking wet chase. Or the hiding underneath the desk. Not any of it.
All I can do is say, “I can get used to this.”
“To what? Me? The name? Or being dripping wet?” He wiggles his eyebrows again while biting his lip.
I grin and reply, “All of the above.”
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Bad Royal
Bad Royal © 2018 Clarissa Wild
Co
ver art by Clarissa Wild’s Booming Covers
Copy Editing by Editing4Indies
Bad Royal
By Clarissa Wild
Description
She doesn’t know I’m a prince.
I like to secretly hookup with random girls at a club.
Especially when they’re girls I can’t have.
Girls like Maya, who works for me.
My family hired her to design our outfits, but I want more.
In fact, I’d much rather see us together … without clothes and in my bed.
The only problem is … I’m a prince and she doesn’t know.
Too bad we already made out at the club.
When she walks into my room, she’ll find out just how hard I can be.
And how hard I’ll fight to win her over …
Chapter 1
Amir
“As your advisor, I have to be honest with you, and right now … I really think this is the worst idea you’ve come up with.”
I laugh as I look at Hassan through the mirror while buttoning up the blue shirt he brought. Every time he asks me a question, I wonder why I even brought him along. “Of course, it is. That’s why I’m doing it.”
“But My Prince …”
“Amir is fine, Hassan,” I say as I have so many times before, but it never seems to stick. Although he’s been my advisor for some time, he just can’t get past the official terms for some reason.
“Amir,” he says, “Do we really have to go through with this?”
I adjust my shirt and tuck it into my white pants before zipping up. “Yes. I’m going. End of story.”
There’s no way I’m pulling out now. Not when I’m already cooped up in this hotel far away from the busy palace. I need this night. Just one night.
“But what if the press finds out?” Hassan says.
“They won’t,” I say as I turn to face him. “It’s evening. The venue will be dark. Besides, I’m in disguise. It’ll be fine. Did you bring the scarf I asked for?”
“Of course, Your Highness.” He immediately fishes ten of them out of the oversized bag he brought. “Which color did you want? Size?” He holds them up as I contemplate.
“Red one,” I say, pointing at it, but then I lower my finger. “Or do you think blue would suit this better?” I look myself up and down in the mirror, wondering if this’ll work.
“That depends on what you’re trying to achieve,” he says.
“I want to look as normal as possible,” I say, frowning as I check myself in the mirror. Will anyone notice it’s me? I hope not. I’ll have to think of an excuse if they do question me; otherwise, I’ll just make a run for it. Simple.
“Normal …” Hassan clears his throat. “Well, you look outstanding to me, Your Royal Highness.”
“So do I look like you?” I ask.
“Like me?” His lips part, confused. “Um … well, I guess.”
“This is how you dress in your free time, right?” I ask, doing a twirl for him.
I’m only copying what I’ve seen him wear so many times.
“Yes, but … it’s not suited for a prince.”
“No, Hassan. Remember what I said.” I raise a brow at him.
He smashes his lips together and repeats what I told him like a parrot. “Right … You’re not a prince tonight.”
I wink. “Exactly.”
“Let’s just hope everyone else thinks that way too, or we’ll be in a world of trouble.”
I pat his shoulder, laughing. “It’ll be fine. Don’t worry about that.”
Even if I do get into trouble, I won’t drag him into it. That’s a promise I intend to keep.
I snatch the scarf from his hand and tie it around my neck.
“You always say that, yet things have always ended badly.”
“When? Where?”
“When your father finds out,” he says with a load of snark.
“He won’t find out this time, trust me,” I say. “And if, for some reason, someone does find out, I promise I won’t even mention your name. Your job is safe. I promise.”
“Thank you, My Prince. But if anyone recognizes you—”
“With this disguise?” I interject as I turn to face him, complete with a set of tinted glasses. “Nah, I don’t think so.”
“You look …”
“Dashing?”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that.” He folds his arms. “It’s so unbecoming for royalty.”
I grin. “Precisely what I was aiming for.”
“But you’re wearing the scarf around your neck,” he says. “Why not around your head?”
“Because that’s how I always wear it. People don’t even know what the top of my head looks like.” I shrug. “If I go out like this, I might get away with just being me.”
“I doubt it,” Hassan says, making me sigh.
“I just want to have a bit of fun, okay?” I say. “Just don’t tell my father.”
“Yes, yes, of course, I won’t. You have my word.”
“Thanks,” I say, winking as I shove a bill into his hand. “And do something fun for yourself too tonight.”
“Is this …? Are you buying my loyalty, Your Highness?” He attempts to shove the bill back into my hand, but I won’t allow it.
“No, Hassan. I’m just saying I want you to chill. Relax. Get out. Do something fun. Find a girl. Hook up. Go crazy.”
“Crazy? But you know that’s not—”
“Anything is allowed tonight,” I say as I turn around and grab my keys. “No rules. No judgment. End of story.”
He stays put in the middle of the room, looking a bit befuddled. “Wait. You’re going? Are you sure?”
“Yes. Now. And don’t even think about following me,” I say, before closing the door behind me.
Adrenaline surges through my body as I make my way through the crowded streets, clutching my scarf close to my lips, hoping no one will recognize me. I get the few odd stares every now and then, but by the time they turn to look again, I’ve already disappeared into the sea of people.
I love the thrill of going out in public like this, not knowing when or if someone will recognize me and scream my name from the top of their lungs. The danger excites me, making me do these sorts of things even when I know I’m not supposed to.
My father’s rules won’t stop me from chasing my needs, though. On the contrary, they only push me further into the limelight and further away from him and all the responsibilities that come with being the son of the king.
I’m trying to blend in when I finally spot the place I’m looking for. River NightClub. One of the few places in this city where men and women flock together without shame. It’s normally chock-full of tourists, and I sneak inside, pretending to be one of them.
The music is blaring, and I’m already in love with what I see. People dancing, drinking, fondling each other, or even kissing in full view. If Father saw this, he’d be out of his mind. Not that he’d ever come into a place like this.
He considers it forbidden. Out of the question. He only tolerates these businesses because they make him a lot of money, which is hypocritical, if you ask me, but I don’t mind. It allows me to have a fun night out without being tied to any royal obligations.
And boy, am I enjoying myself thoroughly … watching that girl dancing on her own in the far corner of the club. Her blond hair waving back and forth as she sways her voluptuous hips. Her skintight black dress a stark contrast to her pearly white skin, but mesmerizing nonetheless. And those pristine blue eyes that latch onto mine as I approach her seal the deal.
A smirk spreads on my lips. I wonder if she’s here for a purpose too. If she’s looking at me because she finds it just as hard to look away. If she likes what she sees.
Because I sure do.
I didn’t just come here to dance or drink or mingle.
I came here to find someone to spend the night with.
And I think I just found the perfect girl to play prete
nd with.
Lord, have mercy on my soul, because I’m about to sin.
Chapter 2
Maya
I tiptoe around on the music, trying to find my bearings, but the longer I do, the more I’m beginning to question why I even came to this club. Or why I even listened to my cousin Lesley when she told me to step outside my comfort zone and take a leap of faith. God, this is so unlike me. Questioning everything as though I’m in the middle of some sort of fucking identity crisis.
I’m not. I came to this country of my own free will.
I came because I wanted to do something different.
Because I dared to apply for a job halfway across the world, thinking I wouldn’t get it. But I did it anyway, with a tiny push from Lesley. She always has the best ideas. It’s true, because this whole place is magical.
I shouldn’t waste time feeling sad because I’m alone and literally know no one here. I should have fun, for crying out loud. That’s why I came here tonight anyway. I can sip drinks at the hotel too, but this place actually plays good music.
So fuck this emotional bullshit. Fuck this insecurity. I’m gonna do it.
In a bout of energetic enthusiasm, I walk away from the bar and find a small place to myself in the corner of the club where I can dance to my heart’s content. I close my eyes and let my body do what it does best. I turn off my brain and focus on the here and now. The sound of the beat drops so low I can feel it in my toes. I love it so much that I can’t help but let go in the moment, ignoring anyone and everything around me. I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks of the way I’m dancing, or that I’m alone in a foreign country, dancing in some strange club with people who don’t speak the same language as I do.
I dared myself to do this, and now I’m going for it.
With my drink still in my hand, I sway to the music, ignoring the voice in my head telling me it could be dangerous. Because who knows what could happen when you’re abroad and all alone. But I refuse to live in fear. Instead, I’ll enjoy every second of my time here while it lasts.
Unprofessional Bad Boys - Boxed Set (Contemporary Romance) Page 43
