by Blue Saffire
“Glenda,” Bianca says tightly. “It’s your father’s birthday day, silly.”
I look at Bianca and scoff. It was my father’s birthday. Before I upgraded a few months ago. I changed the password on a gut feeling. I guess I now know why I had that feeling.
Glenda pouts. This dummy doesn’t even remember my father’s birthday. So much for the clue.
Princeton plucks the phone from her fingers. He holds it out to me, but not far enough for me to reach. I have to move closer. I side-step Glenda, stopping before him to take my phone from his long fingers.
“Can you unlock your phone for me?”
“Yes,” I reply and unlock the phone on the first try.
I look up just in time to see him lowering his face to mine. It’s too fast for me to react. He cups the back of my neck and places his other hand on my waist.
I open my mouth in surprise and he groans as he proceeds to devour me. I wrap my arms around his neck and he deepens the kiss. My toes curl in my shoes.
Wow. He can kiss. His hand tightens on my waist as if he’s trying to draw some restraint. Breaking the kiss he places his forehead to mine.
“Now that was the perfect first kiss,” he croons. “I truly enjoyed our walk in the garden last night.”
“Wait, what the hell? I thought I recognized you last night. Before you rushed into his car,” Glenda seethes.
“Yet, you sat here and lied to my face?” Princeton says with so much venom, I go to take a step back.
He doesn’t allow it. He tightens his hold and pulls me into his side. His grip is nothing less than possessive.
“This is unprofessional of you, Cinder. How dare you engage in such behavior with a client? You weren’t supposed to be at the ball. You slacked on your responsibility to lust after a client. I’m so disappointed in you.”
I snap. I forget that I want to buy these three out and that I’ve been playing nice to do so. As I think of my mother’s ruined dress in my office it all comes out.
“Unprofessional? Unprofessional? I almost missed the ball because you three plotted to keep me from going. Spilling wine on my mother’s gown?”
“Of all the evil things you could’ve done, that was the lowest of the low. You all know what that gown means to me. You ruined it. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to have it restored.”
“That was the last piece of her I have other than this business. You three have done your damnedest to cost me this place as well. Overbooking clients, making promises you don’t know how to execute, leaving me to handle the messes that you make.”
“None of you have a clue how to run an event planning business. Good thing my father closed that international office. I couldn’t even imagine what you guys would have done with that much reach.”
“I’m done. You guys can have this shit. I’ll start over. It will kill me more to try to save this place from you than it will to let my family’s legacy go,” I bellow.
“Why did you call her Cinder?” Princeton asks, causing me to turn to look at him.
His face is white as a sheet. I don’t have time for this shit. I turn and head to clean out my office. I’m done.
“Mr. Blake, Mr. Blake,” Bianca calls after Princeton, but I keep moving for my office.
I storm inside and grab my purse. Tears of frustration have started to roll down my cheeks. When I look at my mother’s gown still stained and hanging, I breakdown.
The door to my office closes, but I don’t look to see who closed it. I wrap my arms around my middle and bawl like a baby. Strong arms wrap my waist.
“This is your mother’s gown?”
“Yes,” I whimper.
“We will fix it.”
“It’s ruined. I have nothing left of my mother or father. I can hardly remember her anymore. All I had was the memories of dressing up in this dress and even those are fading with time. I don’t remember her face,” I murmur.
“You don’t have pictures?”
I shake my head. “No. After my father remarried to Bianca, my mother’s things started to disappear and then there was a so-called accidental fire that burned only things that had belonged to my mother, including photo albums.
He sighs and rests his chin on top of my head. “So, you don’t know,” he murmurs.
“Know what?”
“Nothing.”
I turn to face him, swiping at my tears. “I don’t know what?”
He searches my eyes. “You said that the international office is closed. Where’d you get that idea from?”
“The lawyer that read the will said Daddy sold off that office before he died. I was away on a tour of Greece just before he died. It’s was a birthday gift from him. I’d been gone for months. No one told me he was ill. When I would call he would put on airs.”
“Bianca fired anyone that would tell me. Staff that were like family to me, all gone. I arrive the day he passed away after our old butler was able to reach me with the news that I needed to rush home.”
“The lawyer said my father made a few changes to the will during that time and sold the other company,” I explain.
Princeton tilts his head at me. I have no idea what he’s thinking and the look is starting to make me nervous. I wrap my middle again.
“What?” I whisper.
“I would like you to come to Europe with me. I think the trip would be quite revealing.”
“I don’t have time to run away with you. I need to figure out what I’m going to do without a job. I have savings but I can’t live off of that forever. I… I don’t know what I plan to do now. I wanted to buy them out, but their petty asses will never sell to me now.”
He cups my face and tilts my head back. “Cinder, I need you to trust me. Come with me to Europe. Everything will work itself out.”
With that he crushes my lips with his. This kiss is a bit different from the one earlier. It’s more like someone that has found something lost. Someone eager to claim something that belongs to them, or in this case, someone.
When he breaks the kiss, I’m dazed. I guess that’s why I open my mouth and babble like a fool. “Okay, I trust you.”
Princeton
Cinder.
It’s not a common name at all. However, it’s a name I know well. My mother has a lot of explaining to do. I don’t know how to feel about this.
I have so many questions swimming in my head, but I pushed that back as I watched her fall apart in her office. Something inside me wanted to do nothing more than protect her and get to the bottom of what has caused her pain.
I don’t like Bianca Estevez and her daughters. I get a feeling that they have lied about more than a phone. I plan to find proof of just that.
“Are you all set?” I ask as Cinder enters the living room of her apartment.
“Almost. I need to go let my neighbor know I’ll be gone for a while. She’ll worry. She’s always looking out for me,” she says with a small smile.
I nod. “Mother has decided to travel with us.”
“Oh, okay. I won’t be long. Do you need to make a stop for your things?”
“No, I’ll have all I need when we arrive.”
She palms her forehead. “Right, it’s your home.” She pauses for a second. “I can recommend some great planners for your event.”
“Why on earth would I need another planner? You will do just fine. I love your work,” I say with a smile.
She beams back at me. The ball from last tonight truly was a gala to be remembered. I have no intention of finding someone else. Although, I question the need for having the event at all. However, I won’t be telling her that yet.
I reclaim my seat as she heads for the door. She jumps a little when she opens it. I go to stand, but she releases a laugh.
“Hello, Ms. Randell. I was just coming to knock on your door.”
“I heard noises coming from your apartment. I thought you were at work. Was the ball that amazing that you had to take the day off?” the woman says.
“Actually, I quit this morning. It’s a long story. I’m heading to Europe for a while. That’s what I was coming to tell you,” Cinder replies.
“Europe?” Ms. Randell says, her voice peaking with interest and dare I say excitement.
“Yes, I… wait. I don’t know where exactly I’m going. I just know it’s Europe,” Cinder says with apprehension in her voice.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve given you more details,” I say and stand to walk over to the door.
“Oh, my. I left the water going for tea. I’ll see you when you get back, dear. You call me if you need anything,” Ms. Randell says in a rush.
By the time I get to the door, I only catch the back of a little woman with gray hair. I furrow my brows. When Cinder closes the door and looks up at me, her expression mirrors mine.
“What was that about?”
“I’m not sure. That’s the fastest she’s ever run off. Usually I have to hint that I’m exhausted before she leaves.” She shrugs. “Well, I think I’m ready. I have all my things packed.”
I wrap an arm around her waist and tug her into me. I’ve been dying to kiss her again. I search her eyes before lowering my head to capture her lips.
All else goes forgotten as I deepen the kiss. Her small moans wrap around me and draw me in. I have a mind to lift her and carry her to her bedroom.
However, when I take her to bed I want time to savor her. We don’t have time for that at the moment. We have a plane waiting for us.
Yet I don’t rush to break the kiss. I take my fill of her as she shoves her fingers into my hair and tugs. I glide my hands down to her ass and palm her full curves.
She whimpers into my mouth. I swallow the sound, drawing her body into mine. I can’t get her close enough and I can’t kiss her deep enough. The more I take the more I want.
I don’t pull away from the connection until her small hands push at my chest. I press my forehead to hers and catch my breath. She clings to the lapels of my suit jacket.
“Princeton… I’m not sure what you think we’re doing, but I’m not the type to just throw myself at anyone. I’m not going to jump in your bed. You’re a crowned Prince. I’m not a fool.
“You could never do more than sleep with me and move on. I have enough going on in my life. I’m not trying to complicate it any further,” she says softly.
I’m amused at her words. I should have known she did her homework to find out who my family truly is. We go by Blake in the States, but we are the royal family of Verlez.
I lift her chin until her eyes meet mine. “You have no idea what you’re talking about so I’ll excuse your words. You’re mine. I dare anyone to tell me otherwise.”
A gasp leaves her lips. I peck them, then her nose and smile. She has a lot to learn and I plan to teach her.
I spot the crown she wore to the ball on the coffee table. “You should bring that along,” I say and nod at it.
“What?”
I peck her lips again. “Humor me. Bring it along.”
Chapter 7
Kingdom of Verlez
Cinder
I truly don’t know what I was expecting. However, this isn’t it. This place is beyond breathtaking. I thought the castle back in New York for the ball was something.
Princeton’s palace is twice the size and three times as grand. This is what fairy tales talk about. It dawns on me that I’m in the presence of royalty. Not snobby socialites and entitled rich folks. Royalty.
“You know when the file for your event landed on my desk and I did the research, it took a while for me grasp the fact that you’re a prince. It’s only the second time I’ve gotten to plan a royal party,” I say sheepishly.
“You do know I never meant to deceive you. We prefer not to use our titles when in the States.”
“I respect my client’s privacy. Honestly, if I were royalty I don’t think I’d want to be made a fuss over either. It seems a little pretentious,” I say the words and blush when I realize I said them out loud.
Princeton snickers. His mother grins at me. Her eyes dance with mirth, but in a regal fashion she holds the laughter in.
“It comes with its pros and cons, love. I’m sure you would make a fine queen. There’s nothing pretentious about you,” she says with amazement clear in her voice. “I’m off to my chambers. You two get some rest.”
Princeton kisses her on the cheek. “We still have a conversation to have,” he murmurs to her.
“Yes, dear. I know we do. You just take care of the gift you’ve been given,” she says and pats his cheek.
I observe the two in curiosity. Something about the smile on her lips reads of mischief. Princeton looks frustrated but he says nothing more.
Turning his attention to me, he searches my face without saying a word. I think back to that kiss and his words back in my apartment. My lips are still tingling and my brain is still trying to figure out how I became his.
“Our chambers are on this side of the palace.” He holds out his arm toward the stairs to our right.
“Ours as in your room and my room, right?”
“Yes, your room and my room,” he says with a crooked grin.
“Wait, I didn’t say that right.”
“You said it perfectly correct. Come, let me show you to your room.”
I hesitate for a moment before walking ahead of him as he gestures for me to do. We move up the stairs as I marvel at my surroundings. Elegant sconces, gorgeous chandeliers, gold and red damask wallpaper and gleaming mahogany stair railings.
The story of regal wealth lines every inch. Halfway up to the next level, Princeton places a hand on the small of my back. His palm scorches right through the fabric for my blazer and blouse.
I ignore how comforting his touch feels. It warms me from the inside out. I want to lean into him and his warmth.
When we reach the top of the stairs, we turn left and move down the long, wide hallway. More beautiful sconces line the walls along with paintings and ornate furniture and real life knights armor.
“This is all so beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as watching you take it all in.” He stops in front of double doors at the end of the hall. “How rude of me. Welcome to Verlez, Cinder. My kingdom is your kingdom and my bedroom is your bedroom.”
I don’t miss the heat in his words. It causes my cheeks to warm. I fold my arms over my chest.
“Princeton, I have a hard time believing that there isn’t I room I can call my own in this place,” I say firmly.
“You can call this room whatever you like.” That wolfish grin is on his lips once again.
“Would it be possible to have a room I can sleep alone in?”
He crowds me until my back hits the doors. His blue eyes light with something I can’t quite place. Something between lust and possession, but there’s something else.
“I spent years thinking I wouldn’t find you. I won’t be letting you out of my sight. When I take you, it will be because you beg me to. So we won’t have a problem sleeping in the same bed,” he says huskily.
Yup, speechless. Did this guy go to school for the art of melting panties. I fidget, sternly informing my body that I will not be begging this man for a damn thing.
I can’t even think straight to comprehend what he has said. When he brushes his hand along my hairline, I get the feeling that’s his intention. He intends to rob me of all thought.
“It’s been a long flight. You look tired. Come, there are his and her baths. You can freshen up in peace. Your things have been brought up for you,” he says before softly kissing my lips.
Like a lamb to slaughter, I follow him into the room. It’s huge with one of the biggest beds I’ve ever seen. Princeton leads me to the bathroom on the right side and flicks on the lights.
My gaze falls on the huge soaker tub and that’s all she wr
ote. I move to it and start the water. Princeton releases a low chuckle.
“You’re very easy to please, princess,” he says.
“You shouldn’t call me that here. Someone may get the wrong idea,” I say and frown.
He snorts. “I have a few things to attend to before bed. Enjoy your bath, Princess.”
With that he turns to leave. I stare after him for a few minutes before I shake off the feeling I’m missing something. I start to strip from my clothes and step into the tub to sink down into its warmth.
“What in the world have you gotten yourself into, Cinder? This is so not like you,” I mutter to myself.
With a heavy sigh, I close my eyes. He promised to help me. I’m trusting a guy I don’t know to fix my crazy life.
Opening my eyes, I look around this luxurious bathroom. I’m no stranger to living well, but this is a new level. Yet I don’t feel as out of place as I thought I would. It feels more like coming home.
Just enjoy it. You’re living like a queen.
Princeton
“Yes, your highness, Beauty for Ashes International still has offices in London and Milan. Ms. Ellis is listed as the owner, although there is a law firm in Edinburgh that’s managing the assets and interests of Ms. Ellis,” Williams says as he reports the information I asked for.
I sit at the desk in my study, eager to learn more about Cinder. She hasn’t a clue about so many things and I need answers. Answers I won’t be getting from her.
“How long will it take you to get me more information on her interests in the States?”
“I’m working to get you that as soon as possible. There are some layers to be pulled back.”
To be honest, he has turned over this information more quickly than I expected. I had mentally prepared myself for the wait.
“Very good, Williams. And the Heathworth Manor?”
“It is in her name. The staff has been keeping the grounds and caring for the manor. You are right, your highness. Something seems to be untoward. I will continue to look into it all.”
