by Ali Parker
It was a simple black dress, but the cap sleeves hung across her shoulders, exposing her collarbones. The dress fit her exact measurements and hugged her breasts and hips so well, I was sure I would have to peel it off her later.
She wore a pair of red high heels that clicked over the marble floors as she neared. They were almost the exact shade of her lipstick. Her red lips curved into a smile. “Do you like the dress?”
I pulled her close to me, smoothing my hand over the soft fabric of her waist. “The dress is perfect.”
14
Sophia
Trying on the little black dress again created a wave of tingling to move across my skin. Seeing my reflection in the full-length mirror in the bathroom showed a whole other Sophia. Surrounded by expensive fixtures, marble tiles, and the sparkling surfaces, I felt like a princess about to meet her prince for the ball.
Smearing one of my more daring shades of lipstick and adding another pop of color with my shoes, I felt a little more like a Southern lass. Even in this unreal situation, I had to be myself as much as possible. I didn’t intend on shedding my roots, but the more time I spent with Luke, the more I wanted to be a part of his world.
Stepping out of the guestroom, I wobbled on my heels a little. My best friend Matt’s voice popped into my head, along with his smiling face. If he saw me, he would call me out on being a bit of a tomboy. Though going out with Luke, I would have to get used to wearing fancy things. At least in the UK. In Qatar, it was perfectly acceptable to wear flats. This dress required a higher heel. My calves looked amazing, and I would suffer for the evening so Luke could stare at me in the way that gave me giddy feelings in my stomach.
Luke’s hands were in his pockets, but he pulled them out and dropped them to his side when he saw me. His mouth was open slightly, and I was reminded of older cartoons when a character’s tongue lolled out of its mouth and red hearts beat from its eyes.
I started to believe that Luke did love me. Hell, I was almost certain that I was falling in love with him, but I kept going back and forth. Love wasn’t that easy, nor should it be. But who was going to say it first?
“Do you like the dress?” I asked, a little nervous when he didn’t say anything. I almost snapped my fingers to break him out of his trance.
He blinked and pulled me against him. His fingers moved across my back and rested on my waist. “The dress is perfect.”
“You look great,” I said, touching the soft fabric of his suit. He wore them all the time, but they never got old. It was a good thing he went with black, or we might have clashed.
His hands brushed against my bare shoulders. “I wish we would have bought some accessories for you. A diamond necklace would have been perfect.”
A breath of air whooshed out of me. He tilted his head, questioningly.
“I thought you were going to bring me into some secret room where you had a stash of jewelry.”
He laughed and kissed my forehead. “Unfortunately, no. But you did give me an idea.” He waggled his eyebrows.
I swatted his chest.
“Come to think of it,” he said. “I’m sure my mother has a room like that.”
“Then, I’ll have to try harder to get on her good side.”
His smile faltered for a minute, and I hoped I hadn’t said anything out of line. I didn’t want to intrude on his life, assuming that I would stick around for some time.
“We should go,” he said, extinguishing the awkward moment.
He took my hand, and I was able to put much of my weight on him to balance myself.
On the way to the restaurant, Luke slowly became his chatty self again, and by the time we were seated, his smile had returned.
I was able to relax as well.
“Let’s hope this dinner won’t end up like the last one,” Luke said, placing his napkin across his lap. “I’m looking forward to dessert this time.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m never going to be able to live that down, am I?”
He reached across the table and took my hand. “I won’t mention it again. I’d prefer not to bring up depressing times.”
I nodded. “I agree.”
The waiter appeared at the perfect moment and took our order. Luke ordered champagne for the table and some appetizers. I wasn’t sure what I wanted for dinner yet, but I never turned down apps.
“How was Dallas?” Luke asked.
If I’d had any food in my mouth, I might have choked on it. “It was fine.”
In the time we had spent together since reuniting, we had avoided the subjects of home and the article. It might have been a sore subject for him, and I certainly didn’t want to talk about the real reason I had come back. It all seemed so distant now that I was with him. I supposed it had to come up eventually.
“Sophia,” he said in a warning tone. “Honesty, remember? Here, I’ll go first. I’ve been stalking your newspaper’s home page before your arrival. I fully expected to see an article about my family. At the very least, it might have explained why you left.”
“I thought stalking was my thing?” I asked him.
He smirked and then opened his hand, gesturing for an explanation from me.
I sighed. “I couldn’t write the article.”
“Because you didn’t interview me?” he asked.
That would have been the easiest excuse. Even though he wanted us to be honest, there was no way I would tell him that I knew about Erol and allowed Luke to be unaware of his father’s illness for almost a week. I wasn’t sure we would ever move past it if he knew.
“You know I came here the first time to find out about you taking your father’s place on the throne,” I said.
“Yes?”
“You hadn’t answered whether you would or not,” I said. “I was confused about us, and with the whole situation with your mother, it was too much.”
“Is that why you came back?” he asked. His eyes were wide, as if he could see through into my soul. I glanced at the empty plate in front of me as if it held all the answers.
“I wanted to see you,” I said. It was as honest as I could be at the moment. “It was stupid of me to run away in the first place.”
“You’re here now,” Luke said, raising his glass of champagne. “That’s all that matters.”
The bubbles popped over the rim of my glass as I lifted it to touch his. I had promised Mr. Fraser an article, and I was going to get him one. I would have to rely on inspiration, though, because at that moment, there was nothing about Luke that I wanted to expose. He’d done so much for me. It was only fair that I repaid the favor by not revealing his family’s secrets to the world.
“Have you put any more thought into becoming king?” I asked. I hoped I didn’t sound too much like a reporter, but I was genuinely interested. The last time I left him, he was close to saying yes, but he hadn’t done it yet. I thought his father’s illness would force him to accept, but here we were, instead of being at the palace.
Luke finished his glass of champagne and placed the glass flute on the table. “I’ve given it a lot of thought.”
“And?”
“And I’m no closer to saying yes,” he said firmly. “After seeing how Abir acted this week, I don’t know if I can leave the throne to him. I keep thinking he will step up, but I don’t believe that’s in his nature. The council would push him around to get there way, and I would feel terrible if that happened. It’s not what my father worked for.”
“I know how much your family means to you,” I said. “I think it’s admirable that you’re willing to sacrifice the work you’ve done with your company to save your brother from having to be in a position that he never wanted.”
“I’m not necessarily sacrificing the company,” he said.
“But your position,” I said. “That’s what I meant.” I had to slow down on the champagne. Being with Luke, mixed with the delicious drink, I was starting to get a little lightheaded. Where the hell were the appetizers?
“Maddox will be a fine CEO,” Luke said as if he were already the king and speaking of his many business ventures. “What I’m mostly worried about is losing my independence. Even though I’ve only had it for a little while, compared to a majority of my life, I’m unwilling to let it go just like that.”
I wanted to tell Luke how lucky he was. Either way, he had billions of dollars at his disposal. I doubted he would be able to disappoint his father, but if he wanted to rebel, he had enough income and talent to take himself elsewhere and still live an amazing life.
I, on the other hand, had no other options available. I wasn’t going to push my issues on him, but if he knew how badly I needed a story about his family, he would either give one to me, or he’d force me on the first plane home for thinking I was using him. Either way, the article wouldn’t be mine. And with the second option, I would have nothing—no Luke and no job.
“You must think I’m an ungrateful human being,” he said.
“Not at all,” I said. “Everyone, no matter their station in life, has issues. I can’t say I relate, but I get it.”
“I wish there was a simple solution.”
“Is there ever?” I asked.
“There could have been if Father wasn’t sick. I could have pushed the decision to a later date, but time got away from me I suppose.”
Speaking of his father, Luke’s demeanor changed. That smile of his was almost gone, and I desperately wanted it back.
I squeezed his hand. “I’m not doing a very good job of changing this date from last time, am I?”
He shook his head and exhaled. “It’s not you. I’m sorry. This week has been crazy.”
“I know what you mean,” I said. And I did. Even having Luke in the trenches with me, I was no closer to fulfilling the goal of this trip.
“Let’s just enjoy tonight,” Luke said.
I wanted to. So, I pushed away all thoughts of Mr. Fraser and the article, and I focused on Luke, the handsome man in front of me that loved me.
I was reminded of the conversation between him and his mother. All through dinner, I was convinced that he would tell me he loved me. His mood significantly improved, and by the time the check was dropped in front of him, desire flickered in his eyes.
A warmth spread through me. As much as I enjoyed making love to him the other night, we were heading back to his place that was completely devoid of people. We could indulge in whatever fantasies we wanted to, and no one would have anything to say about it.
After paying the bill, Luke helped me get my coat on. As the heavy material draped over my shoulders, his hand brushed against my bare chest. An electric pulse moved through me as we walked out of the restaurant.
The driver was already waiting for us outside, and we quickly got into the backseat, a blanket of warmth wrapped around us.
As we drove away, Luke’s hand never released from mine, even when he put his seatbelt on, which impressed me. His thumb made delicious circles over the top of my hand as we anticipated getting back to his place.
While every nerve ending in my body was in overdrive, I wondered if I should take the first step and tell him how I felt. In modern times, it was entirely acceptable for a woman to make the first move.
The words were on the tip of my tongue the entire ride. Even when Luke started kissing me. The way that his tongue pressed against mine made me think that he wouldn’t be doing this with me if he wasn’t in love, right?
By the time we made it back to his place and the cold night air slapped sense into me, I knew I wasn’t going to play my hand yet. Playing games with people’s hearts wasn’t something that I did. I had to be sure he loved me before I said anything in return. I still wasn’t one hundred percent sure if he really meant what he had said to his mother or if it was just for show. I pressed my lips together, stifling those life-changing words from spilling from my mouth.
15
Luke
I wasn’t sure if it was due to jet lag or how comfortable I felt sleeping next to Sophia, but after a repeat of the other night, we fucked twice before we both passed out, and then neither of us woke until early evening on Sunday.
I awoke too late to get any real work done, but I called Maddox to figure out what needed to be done before I left again. Then I checked in with my father, who was still feeling good and energetic.
While I took care of those responsibilities, Sophia insisted on preparing dinner for us. Having her in my house, flitting around the kitchen as if she belonged there all along was playing tricks with my mind. This was the life I wanted, but choosing this life was no longer an option for me.
I tried to conceal my disappointment at that fact, while keeping it from Sophia. As much as I preached to her about being honest, she didn’t need to know about the worries going through my head. Forcing my insecurities upon her over and over might end this relationship before it even started. If I finally agreed to become king, then Sophia would be my queen. Was that something she wanted?
Selfishly, I wanted to hold on to what little time we had left together before we returned to the palace. There, we would have to deal with my mother disapproving of our relationship and the likely chance that Father would give up the throne to me. Sophia’s decision would be her own, but I wanted to influence it if I could. I couldn’t deal with Father’s passing, becoming king, and losing Sophia all at once.
On the other hand, I wondered if I could make the prospect appealing to her. We had a strong connection, so I didn’t see why she wouldn’t want to be with me. Sure, it was a quick transition from the subject of an article to fake boyfriend to real boyfriend and husband, but I couldn’t go into being the king without knowing her plans.
When I woke up Monday morning, I had zero desire to get out of bed. I wished I had drunk too much the night before so I could skip work, along with all my other responsibilities, and lounge around my flat with a half-naked Sophia.
She was curled up next to me, her ass inches from my crotch. I wondered if I had time for a quickie before work, but the pressure of responsibility forced me out of bed.
I hopped into the shower and changed. I hoped Sophia would still be sleeping when I finished so that I could sneak out without her eyes and sexy as hell body beckoning me back to bed.
I had no such luck.
When I entered the bedroom, she rolled over and faced me. The blankets covered her body—which was a shame—and she was wide awake. “Heading to work?”
I straightened my tie and nodded. “For a bit. As much as I hate to leave, it’s the only reason we came back to London. There’s no avoiding it.”
She jutted out her lower lip, and I crossed the room to kiss it. I dragged my teeth over her lip so she could know how much I wanted to jump back into bed with her.
“I’ll try to get out early so that we can have a late lunch,” I said.
“Let me know,” she said. “I know you have a lot to cover with Maddox. I’ll make my way around on my own.”
“There’s a spare key in the table by the door,” I said. “Grab it if you go anywhere.”
“A key to your apartment?” she said, placing her hand on her chest and fluttering her eyelashes. “Is this serious?”
I laughed, and I kissed her again. “I’ll see you later.”
* * *
I couldn’t stop smiling on my way to work. Thinking of Sophia’s naked body in my bed gave me all sorts of feelings that rushed much of my blood supply to my lap.
Once I pulled into my spot at work, I put on my game face. Maddox’s Maserati was parked next to me, and I was happy he was here to meet me like I asked him to. He was rarely late, but he also tended to arrive just before the rest of the employees. I wanted to have a private conversation with him before alerting anyone that I had arrived back into town.
Heading up the elevator, the sound of the elevator music made me tap my toe in time with the beat. No matter how hard I tried to appear completely professional and like the workaholic that everyone at the company kn
ew, Sophia had changed me. For the better, I thought. As happy as I was, I couldn’t help but wonder what our future held. We were walking a tightrope together, and I needed her to firmly grip my hands or risk losing her and our relationship.
I thought back to the first time I met her when she barged into my office for an unwanted interview. Back then, I had no idea we would end up in this situation together. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Getting out of the elevator on my floor, I headed in the direction of Maddox’s office. Outside, the sun hadn’t risen yet, so the lights in the hallways seemed bright against the darkened rooms I passed on the way to my best friend’s secluded corner of the building.
My stomach growled as I rounded the corner into Maddox’s office. I’d forgotten to eat that morning, and two cups of coffee sat on Maddox’s desk next to a large bag filled with delicious smelling pastries.
Maddox was fit and rarely indulged in junk food, but when he did, it was over the top for anyone, never mind someone as in shape as he was.
I leaned against the door frame and attempted to stifle a smile. Maddox sat in his chair with his head leaned as far back as comfortably possible. His eyes were closed, and his mouth was slightly open.
I rapped a hand on the door, and Maddox jolted in his chair. He blinked a pair of blurry eyes at me. “Morning, mate.”
“Out late last night?” I asked, stepping into his office. The food beckoned to me.
He grabbed one of the cups, and I took the other. “Not really. You got me up so bloody early that I didn’t do my workout. That usually wakes me up.”
“You might be missing a lot more workouts,” I muttered to myself as I took a swig of the coffee.
“What’s going on with your dad?” Maddox asked, not hearing my remark.
I opened the bag and grabbed a chocolate croissant. The very mention of my father made me lose my appetite, but if I was going to function at all, I needed fuel. “It’s not great.”
