“To be fair, I never said I needed it to be romantic.”
“I’m just teasing you. Well, whoever your new, uh, friend is, he’s very cute. And I encourage you to jump into the world of dating.”
“Rian, you know he can hear you.”
She grinned. “You’re the one who put me on speaker.”
I rolled my eyes. “Thank you for letting me stay here. Um, do you have all the security manuals and stuff for this place? I want to make sure it’s all locked up securely if we need to go out.”
From where he was standing, Kannon gave me a thumbs up. At least he was happy with the way I was handling that.
“There’s a full manual in the library desk, bottom drawer. There’s also a secondary manual in my bedroom bedside table, bottom drawer. Do not look in the top drawer.”
I coughed a laugh. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you again for everything. I need to go now, though. I want to shower. And I’m sure you’re very busy.”
She rolled her eyes. “Last week of filming. Everything is tight and tense here. But mostly it’s hurry up and wait. I’ve been in my trailer for hours, so thank you for breaking up the boredom. I miss you, and I hope I get to see you in a week.”
I hoped someone stopped shooting at me before week’s end.
“Me too. Love you. Talk to you soon.”
“Oh, and London?”
I lifted a brow. “Yes?”
“Have fun. I know it’s been in scarce supply lately.”
I laughed. “I hear you.”
When I hung up with her, Kannon came back in. “The place has got really good security. I’ll take a look at the manuals. I think my team can figure it out, but it will be helpful to have all the instructions.”
“Great, thanks.” I didn’t know what else to say. I was so far out of my depth right then, I felt useless, something I never wanted to feel again.
When he went to go and find the manuals, I made one more call. It was Roman who answered, a scowl on his face.
“It’s about time. Are you safe?”
I didn’t know why that scowl made me so happy. I missed him. “I’m safe at Rian’s. Kannon and his team are on the job.”
My brother studied my face. “What else happened that you’re not telling me?”
“I’m fine, Roman. We’re figuring out what to do next.”
“I’m sending an update in a few minutes,” Kannon said from behind me, making me stiffen.
“Good,” Roman spoke over me.
“I’m right here,” I said, trying to remain calm while they talked around me.
“You are. And we’re working on keeping you safe.” Kannon met my brother’s gaze. “You working on what you need to on your end?”
“Yes.”
That was all my brother said before he turned his attention back to me. Cryptic was a family trait when it came to my brothers, apparently.
“Stay safe, London,” Roman whispered.
“I’m trying. What can I do from here to help you?”
“Nothing,” he said, and I deflated. “Just be safe. You’ll ignore this but stay out of trouble.”
Then he hung up, and I was staring at a black screen, wondering how the hell that had happened.
“You done making calls that could potentially let people know where the hell you are?” Kannon said, his voice tight and full of gravel.
I narrowed my eyes before turning and jabbing his very large chest with my finger. “I told you I’d stay put because I’m not an idiot. But now I’m in a safe place. My brothers will send our people. I’m good. You can go. You’ve done your duty. Mission accomplished. That’s what you care about, right? The mission?”
I was aware of how close he was then. I’d been jabbing him, but he hadn’t moved. Instead, I’d only been bringing my body closer to his.
Danger, Will Robinson, danger.
The tension and electricity crackled and swirled around us. His gaze dipped to my lips, and I could feel the hum of desire beneath my skin, making it tight and itchy. Making me want to rub myself all over him.
What is wrong with you, London? Get it together.
But I couldn’t. For the last several years, I’d haphazardly dated. No one really catching my interest. No one I really trusted to want me for me. No one I felt any pull to whatsoever. But this man. I wanted to throw things at him while simultaneously wanting him to lick into my mouth again. Why this guy? For the most part, I liked men who were refined, cultured, handsome, of course, but I’d never been one to fall in love. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a hedonist. Every single one of the men I’d dated had always treated me like I was too ambitious for my situation, which was BS. But Kannon… Kannon lit my skin on fire, and I didn’t know what to do with that.
“You’re too close.”
“You are free to move, princess.”
“Stop calling me that.”
“Well, you are a princess, aren’t you? A spoiled, pampered rich girl who doesn’t have to follow any rules, right?”
“You don’t know me. You think you have any idea who I am? God, you’re just a giant pain in the—”
“You talk too damn much.” And with that, his lips slammed down on mine.
Molding over mine in a perfect fit. Again, I’d like to pretend I stood shell-shocked for a moment. I would like to pretend that I even put up some kind of fight. I would like to pretend that I hadn’t been completely malleable and easy, but that would be BS. Total and utter bullshit. I didn’t fight. I didn’t put up any kind of resistance at all. Instead, I closed my eyes and savored the sensation of his lips on mine, having missed the contact.
His tongue delved into my mouth, stroking and licking. Mine danced in partnership with his, desperate for more, greedy, needing him. He backed me up against the counter and then he bent down slightly. His hands were suddenly on the backs of my legs as he hoisted me up onto the counter. Stepping between my knees, he angled the kiss better. My legs wound around his waist, bringing him closer. Oh so close. I could feel the hard length of him pressing against my cleft, and I couldn’t help but shudder. God, yes. This was what I needed. This was what I had been hoping for and needing, and… Oh my God.
He made a low growl in the back of his throat. He slid his hands into my hair, fisting gently, angling my head, completely taking over the kiss. My hips rolled into his, and another of those low groans rumbled against my chest.
Then my hands were on him, sliding up over his chest, over and around his shoulders, stroking every muscle. I slid my hands into his hair, my nails scoring his scalp. I could feel the shudder run through his body, and I almost smiled in satisfaction.
His hands slid up over my hips, under the hem of the shirt I wore. His thumbs gently grazed my belly before bracketing my ribs. Slowly, slowly inching up. I arched my back in silent invitation. God, I needed to just...if he could just—
And we had lift off.
He palmed both of my breasts, kneading them gently. And I could feel the pulsing straight down in my core. I rolled my hips over his erection again, and he met me roll for roll. One of his thumbs stroked my nipple, and I tore my lips from his. “Oh my God.”
He captured my lips again quickly as he continued stroking my nipple, pinching it lightly. The pleasure pulsed between my thighs and I could feel it. I was coming. That blissful heat chasing up over my spine, it was coming. I was so goddamn close. One of his hands slid away from my breast and scooped down over my ass, bringing me closer against him, making sure there was no room between us. That I had nowhere to escape.
Yes. This is what I had been craving during that whole drive from the city. This is what I’d hoped would happen last night without even knowing it. This was what I wanted. Kannon. With his hands all over me and his mouth on me, and—
“While it’s totally hot watching you two grope each other, we have work to do. Bone on your own time.”
Kannon whirled around. He had a gun in his hand. Where had that come from?
I whipped my
head around to find the woman I’d seen back at the hotel. The one Kannon called Sparrow. Now I was able to see her more clearly, and she was gorgeous. She was shorter than me. More average height. Her hair was dark and glossy, her skin a light brown. She also had the kind of cheekbones that made women jealous. Her eyes were wide-set and seemingly missed nothing. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, and she wore a cheeky grin, displaying even, white teeth.
A shuddering breath tore out of Kannon. “Jesus Christ, Sparrow, I could have shot you.”
“Hardly. You didn’t even hear Olly and me come in.” The woman smiled and waved at me. “Hi, I’m Sparrow. I work for him. We didn’t get to chat at the hotel earlier.”
Kannon turned back to me. His gaze landed on my lips once more, and then he backed away. His grip was firm on my waist as he picked me up as if I weighed nothing then settled me gently on the floor. “Formally then, London, Sparrow. Sparrow, London. Sparrow’s number one on my team.”
“How big is the team?”
“Total six. She’s one of my best bodyguards.”
I eyed her. She was small, but something about the glint in her eye told me that she was more than capable. I gave her a shy smile. “Hi. Sorry about this.”
She shrugged. “I’m just shocked to learn that Mr. Truth and Justice also has a heart. No one is going to believe this.”
Kannon scrubbed a hand over his face. “Christ, Sparrow, come on. Cut me some slack. Did you bring what we needed?”
She slid him a glance that fully said, “You’re busted, sucker.” But she turned around and opened a bag she’d placed on the island and then dumped out several things. “Olly is bringing the rest of the clothes inside.”
She turned her gaze to me. “I think I got your size right,”—she snickered—“but Kannon will have to tell me if your bra sizing is correct.”
Kannon growled. “Sparrow, that’s enough.”
She giggled. “I’m just saying. Last night, you told me 34C. But now that you’ve had the chance to further explore, is that accurate?”
My skin heated. “Oh my God, I’m actually a 32D, but it’s fine. I’m sure whatever you got will work. I can just wear sweatshirts.”
“Also, I’ve got a wallet in here for you and a new phone. It’s a burner, but it’ll do for now. And some hair products. I didn’t have anything fancy. Just a few things to get you through.”
“Thank you. My friend, this is her house, she’s taller than me, but we’re about the same size, so I have other options too.”
Sparrow nodded. “Well, I’ll leave you two kids to sort yourselves out. Or bum, you know. But, boss, you might want to clue us in on security before you get back to your extracurricular activities.” Then she turned and sauntered out of the kitchen.
Kannon’s gaze snapped to mine. “That can’t happen again.”
I stared at him. “Oh, don’t worry. It won’t.”
Chapter 10
Kannon
You can run, but the past can’t hide.
* * *
After extricating myself from London and getting the security brief from Olly, I tried my level best to stay the fuck away from London.
I was an idiot. But none of that was new. Twice now, I’d put my hands on London. It didn’t matter what I told myself... She’d start talking and we’d start arguing. And then I’d forget that kissing her was a terrible idea. Never mind that she was a princess and that I’d met her less than forty-eight hours ago. Oh, and some assholes wanted her dead, so I had more important shit to think about.
I was better than that.
Jesus Christ, the last time I had gotten close to someone I was supposed to protect, it ended in blood and screams.
That wasn’t going to happen again.
And it sure as fuck wasn’t going to happen to the Princess of Alden.
I paced around the monstrosity of a safe house and shook my head.
My team was on it, doing what they could to keep her safe, as well as coordinating with the royals back in her country.
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary there, other than an arcane rule that was going to make London a breeder.
I held back revulsion at that thought.
It wasn’t my business, and while her brothers seemed to be doing their best not to have to bend to that rule, London was on the run because of it.
And people were after her.
I hadn’t imagined those gunshots. Hadn’t imagined the threat. I needed to make sure London was safe. And then I’d walk away. Because I wasn’t going to fucking kiss her again.
“Why are you growling in the corner?” London asked, a frown on her face.
Speak of the devil and she shall appear.
I glowered at her. “I’m not growling.”
“You literally just growled the words, ‘I’m not growling.’”
I narrowed my eyes. “I don’t know what you’re trying to say. I’m watching the perimeter and keeping you safe. And if you’d stay away from the fucking windows, that would help me out.”
She raised a regal brow and looked pointedly over her shoulder.
“The blinds are shut. Sparrow already came through and gave me the spiel. Why are you acting like a dick?”
“I’m acting like the guy your brothers are paying to keep you safe. If you don’t like my attitude, then go to your fucking room and stay away from me.”
She narrowed her eyes at me, folding her arms over her chest.
Once again, I did my best not to look at her tits.
Liar.
It wasn’t easy.
I remembered the exact shade of her nipples, that gorgeous dusky pink, the way the water had slid down in between her breasts when her towel had fallen.
I could still feel the softness of her skin and the thickness of her ass when I spread her cheeks.
And now I was hard, and I was pissed off. I wanted her. She knew I wanted her. But just my luck, she was only having a bit of fun with me. Slumming it with the bodyguard.
Get it together. You’re not a teenager. You have self-control.
My heart rate increased. “You think maybe for the rest of the day we can give it a rest? I’m not in the mood.”
She lifted a delicately arched brow. “Excuse me? You’re the one acting like a dick. What is wrong with you?” she asked. I heard the hesitation in her tone.
I knew I was hurting her. But if I didn’t, she wouldn’t go away. And I needed her to fucking go away. Far away from me. She’d get hurt and I couldn’t carry that guilt on top of the other guilt.
“You said you’d do what you’re told. Now do it.”
“I said I would do what I needed to do to stay safe, and I would listen to your rules for that. But you going hot and cold on me? No, we’re not going to do that.”
“I don’t think you have a choice in the matter.”
She shook her head and came forward. Thankfully, she didn’t touch me. As it was, I could already feel the heat of her, and if she put her hands on me? I wasn’t sure what I would do.
“No, we’re going to talk this out. The thing between us.”
“We don’t need to. Nothing is going on between us.”
Hurt showed on her face, but I ignored it. I had to. I needed to be the asshole. I needed to push her away.
Because every time I looked at London, I didn’t only see her face.
And every time I heard her voice, there was another entwined with it.
And I’d be damned if I let what happened before happen again.
“No,” she said. You don’t get to do this. You’re the one who kissed me. More than once. You’re the one who had your hand on my ass. You’re the one who wanted more. And now what? You get caught by your team, and now I’m not good enough?”
How could she think that? “This has nothing to do with my team.”
“Of course, it does. It has to do with everyone but you.”
“I don’t even know what that means,” I muttered.
“What it means is you are running hot and cold, as I said, and I don’t know why. I get I’m not the woman you want. Fine. You’re not a guy that I would usually date either.”
I ignored the barb.
“Maybe you should just go fuck that duke then and begin making the babies. That would make things easier for you.”
She blanched, and I knew I deserved any slap that came my way. Only it didn’t. She just stared at me, kind of studying my face.
I hated it.
She saw too much. For a spoiled, pampered princess, she could see beneath the layers. Maybe that was because of the job she wanted. After all, she needed to see people through a lens in order to pull out the truth of her subject matter.
But I wanted no part of that.
I wasn’t her subject. She wasn’t pointing a camera in my face.
“Sparrow brought you your camera. Go take some pictures and get out of my hair.”
“Why are you acting like such an ass? What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Nothing’s wrong with me. I’m not that duke, so why don’t you just back the fuck off?”
I needed her to go. Because if she didn’t, I’d lean down and touch her. I’d need her. And I couldn’t.
Because even wanting her was a betrayal. And I knew that. And just looking at London reminded me of that fact.
“No. This isn’t how it’s going to work around here.”
“You may be royalty on your little island, but I’m the one in charge here.”
“And you don’t get to talk to me like that just because you’re the one with the dick. Remember, I wasn’t the only one with my tongue down someone’s throat. So tell me, why are you trying to push me away? I know you don’t want me. Or at least you don’t want to want me. Fine. I get it. But why are you lashing out like this? Because it’s not going to work for me.”
I didn’t say anything, just tightened my jaw and glared at her.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I wanted this conversation to end. I wanted her away from me.
“Tell me,” she pleaded, her eyes wide. “It’s just you and me. Sparrow and Olly are in the guesthouse.”
Royal Line Page 10