A teacher matched the innocence he'd tasted. Marco crossed his arms. "Well, I'll be sure to keep her busy so you can win over your computer date."
Antonio paused. "About that..." He massaged his neck, his face slightly paler than normal. "Please do not mention the search I ran to find Kristin."
Hmm. He'd find a way to avoid the topic with her friend. "Does that mean you didn't tell her?"
"No."
Now, that wasn’t the best idea. Secrets had a way of exploding, but he kept the thought to himself. At the door to the grand hall, where ancestors had thrown elegant galas and the paint was embedded with specks of gold, Marco tried to understand the full picture. "Then why does she think you flew across the globe and asked her to marry you?"
"Because she applied for a job. Secretary. She knows I actually required a wife."
None of this sounded like much of a secret. Perhaps his initial instincts were off the mark. Marco shrugged and wondered what color bra her friend wore under that turquoise top. He nodded. "I'll keep your secret, but you must tell her the truth."
"I will, when the time is right. When I'm alone with her..."
Marco didn't move and wondered why his brother's voice trailed off. Finally Antonio turned toward Kristin’s door. "Never mind."
"Never mind what?" Marco wasn’t budging until his brother answered.
Antonio backed up. "She's nice. I like her."
Laughter built up in his chest. "You like her. Well, that is an improvement. I hope she says yes then," Marco said. "Maybe Mom won't demand you marry Sophia."
Antonio's face soured. Marco got it. She'd been in the castle and chasing his brother since Marco could remember. Antonio asked, "Sophia?"
Marco nodded. "Didn't they tell you? She's in the castle, staying with us and still available."
He channeled his mother in that last sentence. Hopefully, his brother found a nicer option than Sophia Venko. Antonio shouldn't marry the daughter of a woman that their father had skipped over in favor of their mother. He should get his own choice too.
Antonio shuffled in place. "I'm sure she's hanging out with Victor Amadeus. They seem like close friends now, and besides, she's the last person I'd ever marry."
"They are still friends." Marco answered in the affirmative, recalling how often he’d discovered Sophia and Victor whispering together. "But she's been a possibility since you were thirteen. You must have realized that Mother would bring her here now in desperate times."
Antonio patted his arm and passed him toward the hall that led to the women's rooms. "I'm going to see Kristin and tell her about this dinner, and then we’ll be out for the rest of the day. What do you intend to do with Renee?"
"Have fun. I'll entertain her friend." Marco winked and nodded. "Because I'm the good brother."
"It doesn't hurt that Renee is very pretty." Antonio continued, "I'll summon both women to the great hall. Meet me there if you mean it."
"I always keep my word." Marco made his way to the hall at the front of the palace. He'd gladly arrange for his brother to court Kristin and soon he'd seek out Renee. It was healthier to let the physical attraction flame bright. He knew desire but the sweet taste of her kiss hinted that perhaps there was more… Physically Renee had all the right curves and he'd uncover every single inch of her tender flesh.
He couldn’t wait to see her again.
4
Renee had been out on her balcony taking in the view of the river, her mind on Marco’s kiss. She’d heard her door close and went back inside to find rows of dresses that had appeared like magic. Renee chose a summer dress of dark green that hugged her curves.
Excited, she knocked on the adjoining door between her and Kristin’s room.
"Come in!" Kristin called.
She saw that Kristin had even more of the designer dresses to choose from. Her best friend looked beautiful and romantic in a cream dress with pink flowers. "Are you feeling like a princess yet?"
"No." Kristin seemed uncertain about her role with Antonio, if she agreed to marriage. She gestured to the racks of lace. "This is the stuff dreams are made of."
"Dreams and love both exist if you just listen. Kristin, when is the last time you did anything for yourself?"
Kristin crossed her arms, a frown on her face. "I don't know."
"Oh, hon." Her friend had been unhappy at her job, constantly striving to be the best. Her parents had drummed it into her that success could only be earned by hard work. And yet here she was now, ready to become a princess. Before Renee could say anything else, there was a knock on Kristin’s bedroom door. For a split second, Renee hoped it was Marco, though she was in the wrong room for that to matter.
All afternoon, she'd kept her promise, and Marco’s mind-numbing kiss a secret.
A young, dark-haired maid entered, her head lowered. She announced, "His Royal Highness has requested an audience with both of you in the great hall."
"We're coming!" Renee waved at the maid, who nodded and slipped deferentially out of the chamber to wait outside the door. If her friend found romance, Renee might find a good time. "Kristin, are you ready?"
"Yeah, let's go."
Was it wrong to want another chance to taste heaven?
Renee tried to stay at the same pace with the maid, who kept trying to be in front. Kristin was right behind them. Soon it became a race to see who would walk the fastest. Renee's heart started pumping with adrenaline and she inched out the maid until she walked into the room and saw Antonio. Marco was not there so she backed out and let Kristin pass.
Renee whispered to the maid, "What's your name?"
"Anise, Miss."
Renee gave the maid a smile and followed her friend into the gilded ballroom of a royal palace. The chandelier was the centerpiece and the floors were polished. At the end, she saw a huge red velvet curtain that divided the room. She assumed if the curtain was pulled back, the space doubled—she’d read about it in her history books.
Kristin looked up at the prince who was clearly into her. Renee backed away, but then saw Marco walk in with another man.
Marco stopped mid-stride the moment their gazes met and straightened his shirt collar. Antonio made introductions, as if she and Marco hadn't met yet. "Kristin, Ms. Brown, meet my brother, Marco. And this is his friend, Victor Amadeus."
Renee saw the sparkle in Marco's gaze when she bowed her head. "Your Highness."
Marco stepped closer to Renee and placed his hand on her back. "None of that." Her head shot up and she stared at his strong profile. His hand gently rubbed the silky fabric above her tailbone. "I'm the spare of the spare and my title is just a formality. You are both royal guests of our house and I expect you to call me Marco."
Of course, he hadn't mentioned their secret kiss. The secret made it hotter. The air around her hummed with energy. Kristin asked, "How is your father?"
"Getting better," Antonio said.
"Good." Renee clasped her hands so that she wouldn’t reach for Marco.
Antonio spoke in a cultured voice, "Kristin, I was hoping you were free for lunch?"
"She's free!" Renee answered for her friend. Maybe the date with Marco might start earlier. She should probably clamp down on her enthusiasm, but she couldn't help it.
"Renee..." Kristin started but then turned to Antonio. "Yes, I'd love to go."
Good. Renee wasn't being a bad friend because her libido was out of control near Marco—Kristin wanted to get to know Antonio better.
"My mother has invited you both for a formal family dinner," Antonio said. "She's offered her assistance in ensuring that you're properly attired."
"The dresses—thank you." This was like a dream.
Marco whispered, "Would you like to get out of here and spend the day with me? I can take you through the maze outside."
"Absolutely," Renee answered.
Without another word, Marco escorted Renee toward the patio area. The lush green of the garden complemented the slow-moving silver-blue river.
Far off in the distance majestic mountains with white peaks loomed.
Marco's friend, Victor, walked out of the side door without a goodbye. What was his problem?
Before she could ask, Marco said, "The afternoon sun makes your hair shimmer with gold. You are beautiful, Renee."
A sultry laugh escaped her throat. Renee pressed her back to the panel door while he leaned against the other. She wasn't a good flirt in a crowd, but Kristin and Antonio had already left the balloon. She heard the lock of closing doors. "You're normally surrounded in pictures by truly gorgeous women, but thank you for the compliment."
"Renee." He offered his hand. She took it and energy coursed through her. He lifted her fingers to his lips. "I don't notice most of the women around me. You sparkle like a star in the night sky that guided me home in another life."
"Now that is poetry, though a little outrageous." She sighed and reached out to fix his slightly crooked collar.
He wrapped his arms around her waist. "Do you like poetry?"
"It's like seduction, I think." She stopped pretending with his collar. Instead she pressed her hands to his rock hard chest and prayed he'd kiss her again. Her lips tingled for more.
He traced her back, holding her gaze. "Seduction is an interesting word coming from an innocent school teacher."
A slow smile curved on her lips. He must have asked his brother about her because she hadn't told him her profession. "It's not like I'll be packing you in my suitcase to bring home. Are you going to call parents of students I've not met yet and tell them I'm flirting with a sexy prince?"
His right eyebrow lifted. "So you are flirting with me?"
"Absolutely."
His lips covered hers with masculine heat that made her weak at the knees. He'd help her forget rules and lists and just live in the moment. He pulled her closer and she could feel the outline of his desire. "We could go to my room and order room service and skip the maze."
Even one night would be worth it. So when she married someone her parents approved of, she could close her eyes and remember this, remember him. She squeezed his shoulder in agreement. "Now that sounds like a plan."
He took her hand and led her upstairs. No one saw them or interrupted their progress. They passed a green hall that was similar to the blue one near her room and went through a large oak door. She was inside Marco’s royal chambers. The four-poster wooden bed must be hand-carved, she noticed, the blue and white comforter soft and inviting. She swallowed and heard the door close behind them.
This was it. Her one night with the prince. She unfastened the single button on the back of her neck which loosened the silky fabric.
Marco’s warm hands brushed against her spine and she arched her back to let him unzip her dark green dress. His fingers made her body tremble with excitement. At the cool rush of air on her bare skin, she turned and kissed him while unfastening each pearl button of his shirt until she’d exposed the broad expanse of golden, muscular chest. "How are you this hard, everywhere?" Warmth flowed through her.
"You haven't even felt the better half of me yet." His slight five o'clock shadow tickled her throat as he kissed her and helped her out of the dress.
"Mmhmm." She stepped toward the bed.
He took off his pants in one swift move. As she lowered onto the bed, she threw off her bra and panties while he moved her legs, so he could reach down and kiss her intimately.
As she arched, she felt like she was in heaven itself. A place where dreams come true.
5
Renee let out a quiet moan as she shifted in the bed to be more comfortable. Marco's warm muscles all over her made her insides still beg for more. However, when she tried to move her sleeping arm, she found it stuck.
She pulled harder, but a handcuff scraped against her bare skin. Her arms were wrapped around Marco's torso. She tugged again, but she realized her legs were also wrapped around his legs. She nipped his shoulder. "Marco, wake up."
"What the..." Marco tried to move his arms but they were cuffed to the posters of the bed. He scowled down at her. "Renee, I don't like being tied to a bed."
She jingled her own cuffs at his back. "I didn't do this. My arms and legs are handcuffed too."
He pulled his leg, but he was tied face-down on the bed with her under him. He couldn't move either. He groaned with frustration. "I never sleep after sex. This will teach me why."
She wasn’t sure if she should be afraid, or if this was someone’s idea of a prank. They were in his castle, for heaven’s sake, so nothing bad could actually happen. Except that Kristin had told her about the old king being sick and the country in civil unrest. History had taught her that unhappy people tended to do awful things.
Footsteps echoed in the hall. Servants? She could hear her own heart beating fast, but she whispered, "Shh, listen."
She made out the soft murmur of a man who spoke in a language Renee didn’t know.
Marco's muscles tightened. No other sentences came and the footsteps continued on. "What did he say?"
"I don't know." He pulled on one of the posters of the bed, the muscles in his arm bunching with effort. "Renee, I'm sorry you're here right now."
Every part of her not underneath him shivered. She shook her head. "If someone stormed the castle while I was alone, I'd be terrified." She kissed his neck and felt her body blossoming for him. "Marco, these could be our last seconds on earth."
He kissed the top of her forehead. "Don't be scared, Renee."
"I can't stop that." Her arms, around his waist, lowered to his sexy rump.
"Try." His erection stiffened.
Now this was the way to die. She licked her lips and met his gaze. "Kiss me."
He grew even harder, but didn't move.
She lifted her hips, encouraging him.
He inched closer to her opening, then stilled. "Am I crushing you?"
She brought her heels up to his backside, on fire with need. "I like being crushed by you. Don't stop."
He entered her, then pulled out. A master of control he said, "Renee, we shouldn't. I don't have protection."
Death could be waiting in the hallway. She scoffed and kissed his neck again. "Marco, I don't care right now. I want my last moments to feel how I did last night."
He pushed inside her and she heard his groan. "Renee, you're tight."
"Wow. Yes." He was harder and his movements were even more intense than she remembered. She wanted to scream, but sealed her lips. Soon, she forgot where she was as she felt herself leave her body. No orgasm had ever been so immense.
"You're my angel." He found his release and his body pulsed faster inside of her.
She closed her eyes and listened to his heartbeat. She had no idea how long she slept, but she roused when she felt his right arm moving. She groaned a little as a wonderful shiver passed through her. "Marco, I don't care if I die now."
He kissed the top of her head with a satisfied grin. "I won't let anything happen to you. I've almost broken the post. Help steady my shoulder if you can."
She used her strength to hold his shoulder. With a last tug, his hand came free and rested on the mattress. She turned and asked, "What the..."
He took his arm and slid it under her so her hands went around his neck. "Okay, I'm going to unwrap half of you from me."
"I can move my arms." She was now looped only to his still-tied hand.
She scooted to sit. He asked her, "Can you lift my other hand off the bed corner?"
Right. If she used both of her hands, she’d push him off the frame. "Give me a second."
Once he was freed he said, "Thanks." His arm slid out from her handcuffed wrists, and he unhooked his legs from the edges.
He stood and held her steady as she slid off of him, her ankles still cuffed together. Outside the hall it sounded like a hundred footsteps marched in precision. She grabbed the sheet off the bed. Now that they weren’t going to die, she remembered her modesty. "Marco! The door!"
"Get behind me." He
stepped forward, not caring if the whole world saw him naked. Without a protest, she slipped behind him. The door opened with a slam but Marco shielded her from view as he talked fast in a language similar to Latin. Then he wrapped an arm around her waist. "We're safe, Renee."
One of the soldiers handed him a key and Marco motioned for her to sit on the mattress. He immediately unlocked the handcuffs at her wrists and ankles. She massaged her chaffed skin and whispered, "Hand me my dress."
"None of your clothes are here." He shrugged and walked over to the bureau in his room, not caring that soldiers were still there and watching them. He threw on a pair of sweat pants and a shirt. "I have to get to my father. Come with me."
She tugged on his sheet that she wore like a toga. "I don't have my clothes."
He rummaged through his drawer and pulled out elastic-waist gym shorts and a blue shirt. "Here, put on my t-shirt and let's go."
Right. The soldiers all kept their gazes respectfully averted. She wiggled into the shorts and turned while she drew the shirt over her head. He took her hand and led her through the soldiers who turned to make room for them. Once they reached the front, men with shields brought them down the green hall. She laced her fingers with his and whispered, "Everyone knows we were together."
He tightened his grip on her hand. "I don't care. Do you?"
Well if the world knew, her parents would too. Her father was addicted to cable news, even if he complained half of it was fake. She’d known about the exiled Aussa brothers all of her life from news snippets. Last night had been great—she was an adult with no ties and she’d done nothing to be ashamed of. "I'll grow thicker skin if gossip is the only worry we have now."
"Good." He held her palm a little tighter and guided her down a flight of stairs. "I want you to know you're safe with me."
Marching forward with trained soldiers made her feel safer than she'd be without them. If she'd gone to her room, she'd have probably panicked her way into needing medication. Once they reached the bottom, one of the soldiers turned on the lights and she saw they were now in a stark white office. Marco urged her forward to a door wrapped in electronic wires. "Marco, why did they want to kill you?"
Forbidden Prince (Princes of Avce Book 2) Page 3
