"I really hope we nailed this one," Holden says.
"Every bone in my body says that we already have, but you know how it is with governments. Between rigid protocols and the required mountain of paperwork, it's a lengthy process." I loosen up my tie, remove it and fling it on the counter. Fuck, that thing was choking me.
"It's hard to keep that in perspective when you're as eager as we are," Holden says. “Well, I can only speak for myself."
"I want this as much as you do," I remind him. "I’m not here in London for the balmy weather," I joke. “How was the meeting with Carter?” It's my turn to inquire about his day.
“Very promising. I doubt he'll need much more convincing.”
We’ve been chasing after Carter for months now. He owns Wyndham Hotels and Rockhampton Hotel & Apartments. With a huge portfolio of five-star luxury accommodations located in Melbourne and Sydney, he’s a force to be reckoned with in the hotel business.
“I'm not surprised. He’s the ideal client.”
“During our meeting, I found out that he also owns boutique hotels in Ireland and Scotland,” Holden says.
“Seriously?”
“It’s serendipity that we’re here and he made a last-minute decision to stop in London before heading to Dublin to see his granddaughters,” Holden says.
“I guess that’s why they call it the luck of the Irish.”
We both laugh.
“It’s too bad that luck hasn’t rubbed off on us when it comes to figuring out who that mysterious brunette with the hypnotizing green eyes is,” Holden says.
“Damn, that girl was sweet,” I say.
"She was sizzling hot,” Holden corrects me.
Since last Friday night, Holden and I have been carefully avoiding any mention of the elusive beauty. Neither of us was ready to broach the subject. Well, until now that is.
"Fuck, yeah,” I agree.
Five days ago it never occurred to me that I’d bump into a woman so enigmatic I just wouldn’t be able to get her out of my head. That exchange between us was way too short. I want more. Way more. It’s like she cast a spell on us. Although we attended a number of events last weekend where a bevy of thoroughly fuckable women were literally throwing themselves at us, we didn’t succumb. Normally, that would mean a steady string of pussy, but my interest is at an all-time low. Holden was also home all weekend long. Alone. That says it all.
“So we’re finally going to talk about the elephant in the room?” Holden asks.
“What are you talking about?”
“Royal, don’t even go there with me. We’ve known each other too long for you to bullshit me like this.”
I avert my gaze. I let out a long sigh and shift my eyes back to him. “All right. Let’s talk about it.”
“Listen, we can keep sticking our head in the sand or ’fess up to the fact that we’re both attracted to her. I saw the way you were looking at her. I’m pretty sure you could read the same burning desire in my eyes. I know it doesn’t make any sense whatsoever considering we don’t even know this woman, but that doesn’t change the facts,” Holden says.
I exhale loudly, raking my fingers through my hair. “I immediately noticed the curves of her shapely waist in that body-hugging dress she was wearing, right before my eyes were drawn to her hips. Don’t get me started on those eyes, those perfect lips or her perky tits. I’m sure they’re glorious and they’re the perfect size—not too big and not too small.” I reveal all that with a dead serious look on my face. “That kind of body needs to be dominated. You don’t have sex with a woman like that, you fucking ruin her for all others.”
“I agree,” Holden says.
“I haven’t been able to shake off the thought of fisting all that silky hair around my wrist and pulling it back just enough for her to feel a tingle as I drive through her sweet pussy, fucking her like an animal while she’s on all fours,” I blurt out.
“Finally, the truth comes out,” Holden grins.
“She was a lot to process,” I offer as an explanation.
“I won’t argue with you. There’s no two ways about it, she’s drop-dead gorgeous. I was completely mesmerized by her. The way her legs were exposed by that short dress, taunting me...” he pauses. “I can still see it vividly,” he closes his eyes and grins.
“Damn,” I say, “Did you see how her dainty toes painted in a soft shade of pink were poking from those sandals?"
Holden pops his eyes open and shoots me a side-glance. "I don't even know how you managed to notice that. I was so transfixed by those sexy as all hell heels that nearly had me on my knees. All I could think about was those digging into my ass as I fucked her tight pussy.”
“From where I was standing it gave me a perfect view of just enough of her cleavage to leave me wanting to grope her tits and tease those tight little nipples that were poking through the sleek fabric of her dress until she moaned.”
“Damn, Royal,” Holden growls.
“And that accent,” I add.
“Oof,” Holden exhales. “I don't know if I could survive hearing my name on her lips. I'd come then and there."
"I doubt I'd be much better at keeping it together," I say.
Holden laughs. Slowly, his wide grin fades and he starts shaking his head as if he’s having an internal battle.
“You’re right, though,” I add, “None of this makes sense. We don’t know her. Heck, we can’t even find her.”
“If you knew how many times I’ve reminded myself of that,” Holden says, “Yeah, every time I had my fist wrapped around my cock, jerking wildly with visions of her on her knees, mouth open and ready to swallow every single drop of my cum.”
“I guess we’ve been having the same fantasies,” Holden laughs.
“Fuck, the way she was practically throwing herself at me... at us... I just wanted to fling her over my shoulder and walk right out of there to put her out of her misery,” I chuckle.
“It was a blatant cry for help if you ask me,” Holden says.
“In what sense?”
“A beautiful woman like that wouldn’t say that she wasn’t in need of a good fuck. Sounds like no one’s taking care of her pussy. I don’t care how many drinks she’s had— Actually, what am I saying? Remember what that Chief Petty Officer who was in command during our first deployment used to always say?”
“Hard Ball Rawlings?”
“Yeah.”
“In vino veritas,” I say.
“Exactly. Booze is the ultimate truth serum,” Holden concludes. I snort. “What?” he asks.
“Here we are lusting over a woman we may never see again. It’s crazy. It’s unlike us.” I snap back to reality.
“Don’t I know it?”
“Damn. She’s the type we’d share.” Holden’s eyes widen in surprise. "What's that reaction about? It’s not like we haven’t had our fair share of threesomes in the past,” I remind him.
“I don’t know. I can’t put my finger on it. She gives off that untouchable vibe.”
“I think there’s more to her than meets the eye.”
“I think she might be a little too innocent for us,” Holden quips.
“That hasn’t stopped us before.” He nods. “Fuck, this is so frustrating. Did you try calling the club again?” I ask.
“I did and this time I spoke to an Alistair Mickelson. He’s the club’s manager. He’s as tightlipped as his assistant.”
"That girl is turning out to be harder to find than some of the barbaric monsters we’ve pinpointed hiding in sand shacks in the middle of nowhere in some pretty unfriendly countries."
“I hear you,” Holden says.
“Now that we’re honorary members at the Warwick, you’d think Alistair would be more willing to help you out, especially after the ‘rough’ way we were treated.” I say that last part with air quotes.
"Trust me, I tried hard. Alistair always feeds me the same line, ‘We pride ourselves on the privacy of our members, Mr. Barclay’.”
"Talk about hitting a dead end," I conclude.
"As much as I hate to admit it, it does seem that way.”
I open my mouth to say something, but change my mind. Instead, I squint, narrowing my eyes and stare at Holden without saying a word. I’m processing. "Maybe there's a shred of truth in the comment that blonde made." Holden looks at me confused. “The one about the brunette’s father having her skinned,” I explain.
"That was a strong statement, don't you think, Royal?"
“Maybe that girl's father is a mobster, Viking. Maybe that's why everyone is keeping quiet."
Holden shrugs. "At this point, anything is possible. But the way I see it, we have two options left. We either serendipitously bump into the brunette or that blonde again." I meet Holden’s gaze as a thought pops into my head. My left eyebrow arches. "What?” he asks cautiously.
"There’s a third option we haven't considered..."
"Which one?"
"The great Dane."
"Duke?"
"The one and only." I smile.
Holden snaps his fingers. “Of course.”
"He’s a very influential figure and I’m pretty sure he rubs elbows with the who’s who of this city. If nothing else, he’ll know someone who might give us a clue as to this girl’s identity.”
“You’re right.” Holden’s wide smile matches mine.
All is not lost. We might be able to track this girl down after all.
CHAPTER 3
Amelia
There are a lot of great things about Japan—coffee isn’t one of them. They know a thing or two about tea, but when you visit the Land of the Rising Sun, you go into withdrawal. Anyone who knows me knows that I drink coffee to protect others. It's a recurring joke between my best friend and I. Five days without a single shot of espresso is unbearable. I was literally counting the hours since I left the hotel for Tokyo Haneda Airport. At least in Seoul, I’m guaranteed a decent cup of espresso. Mentally, I was already psyched at the idea of diving, headfirst, into the largest cup of coffee I could find. Things didn’t quite turn in my favor. My flight was delayed due to a terrible storm. As a result, I ended up arriving at my hotel at ten instead of four. That pretty much negates the possibility of injecting my veins with caffeine if I intend on sleeping tonight.
When I arrive at the Blue Lotus Hotel Seoul—my pied-à-terre when I’m here on business—I discover my shitty day is about to get worse.
“I’m terribly sorry, Ms. Cavendish.” This is the fourth time Mr. Koo has said that in the last couple of minutes. One more time and I’ll scream. I'm soaking wet from the downpour, I'm exhausted, I'm famished and as sexy as these heels are, they’re bloody killing my feet. “I can’t believe this happened.” He only pauses long enough between his apologies to tap furiously on his keyboard.
“What exactly are we talking about here?” I ask carefully.
"I'm afraid your room has been assigned to another guest."
"My assistant made the reservation two months ago—the second after she booked my ticket. Someone at your hotel confirmed the room was mine. As you know, Mr. Koo, I always reserve the same room," I remind him.
"Yes, I'm fully aware of that, Ms. Cavendish. It appears that the newer team member who took care of this reservation made a mistake."
"Well, that's not good." It’s more like a royal screw-up if you ask me.
"It certainly isn't, Ms. Cavendish. We pride ourselves on offering impeccable service, especially to faithful patrons such as yourself."
"Is there anything left?"
He shakes his head. "All the rooms on the top floor seem to be booked and it’s the same for the lower levels."
"A broom closet, maybe?" I suggest. “I might also need one for my friends,” I point to the two women standing guard behind me.
Mr. Koo gasps. "I'd never allow that to happen."
"Do I have to find another hotel at this time of the night, Mr. Koo?"
"I understand your disappointment, Ms. Cavendish." He's beating around the bush without giving me a straight answer. I hate when people do that. Just lay it on me. "If you and your... entourage would take a seat in the lounge area, I’ll see what I can do."
"Okay." I sigh. I was hoping to be soaking in a hot bath by now. Instead my still damp clothing is uncomfortably stuck to me. I've already given up on what I must look like. Even if my hair is pulled back, I'm sure I look like a hot mess.
The woman standing to my left takes a step closer to me. "Madam, it’s getting quite late. Restaurants will be closing soon. Should I make arrangements for dinner for you?" she asks.
This isn't part of Officer Roderick’s list of duties, but bless her for caring this much. I open my mouth to respond, but Mr. Koo precedes me.
"I won't hear of it. Forgive me for interrupting, madam, but that’s unacceptable to me. If you'll allow me a few minutes to sort things out, I’ll make sure dinner is on us," he smiles nervously.
"If the hotel is booked solid, how are you going to do that? It's not as if you can add any more rooms," I point out. I know everything moves fast in Seoul, but come on.
"Ms. Cavendish—” Another employee approaches Mr. Koo. She pulls the head of Customer Service to the side and huddles in a hush-hush meeting with him.
A few short minutes later Mr. Koo is back. "My colleague has just informed me that the storm in Tokyo is getting increasingly worse. The airport has officially closed until further notice. All flights are grounded.” Phew. I was lucky I got out of there in time. "That means, a number of our guests won't be able to make it for tonight. We might be in luck. Let me see what I can do for you.” Finally, a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dreadful day. “Please," he gestures towards the lounge area. "Have a seat. I'll have someone bring you a platter of warm appetizers and a bottle of our finest wine. White or red?”
"Thank you, Mr. Koo." I sigh in relief. “I’m in the mood for white.”
“French?” he asks.
“Bordeaux if you have any.”
“I’m sure we do. Of course, I’ll make sure to order a few bottles of sparkling water for your entourage." A smile stretches his face.
I always get a kick out of how Mr. Koo refers to the two women who are my shadows.
CHAPTER 4
Brandon
I’m checking my emails when my iPhone rings, pulling my eyes away from my laptop. I look down, quickly grab my phone and accept the call we've been waiting for.
“Hey, Nikolaj,” I say.
Holden lifts his eyes up and grins from across the kitchen island.
“Hey, mate, how are you?” Nikolaj asks.
“I’m good. I'm very good in fact. And you?"
"I really can't complain. I’m sorry I missed your call earlier. It’s been a bloody busy day.”
"I can understand that. Where are you now?"
"I’m in Copenhagen. From the number, I’d say someone has crossed the pond," Nikolaj jokes.
I laugh. "Yes. I'm right here in London. Quite frankly, I'm very disappointed.”
“Why?”
“I was expecting you to be my guide, but because of your jet-setting lifestyle, I'm forced to discover the city on my own," I tease.
"What? You’re lonely, Buckingham? Did you leave your partner in crime behind? Is that it? You have no one to play with?"
"Funny."
"I thought so," Nikolaj teases.
“To answer your question, Holden is right here. Let me put you on speaker phone.”
“All right,” Nikolaj says.
I nod at Holden to let him know he’s on. “Hey, Duke. It’s good to hear you.”
“Same here, Viking.”
We all laugh.
Holden is the one who christened Nikolaj von Henningsen with his nickname. We met the Danish billionaire when we were just getting our feet wet in the tech world. Back then he was only a multi-millionaire. We were all attending a weekend-long training session at the Facebook headquarters in Silicon Valley. Nikolaj was the
re with his best friend Martin. They own a company that's trailblazing the gaming industry. After the long days of brain cramming, we’d take a cab to San Francisco to go drink and chase skirt. Back in those days both guys were still single. The four of us together was something to be seen. Both Martin and Holden are blonds. Nikolaj and I have dark brown hair. We all have blue eyes and we’re all very tall. Let’s just say that getting pussy was too easy to be legal. On the third night of partying where we were throwing back too many glasses of Grey Goose on the rocks, Nikolaj bared his soul about how much his brother Jakob was a giant pain in the ass. That's when he revealed more about his family’s business and his royal lineage. Holden and I had never met anyone with that kind of background or wealth. Heck, we never even grew up around anyone who was well off. Everyone we knew in the old neighborhood was struggling. That's not the only reason why we were so taken aback. Nikolaj is surprisingly down to earth.
"So, how’s the wife?" Holden asks.
"Ciara is my queen. It doesn't get any better than this." Even though I can't see him, I can just imagine the triumphant grin on his face. I'd be pretty cocky myself if I was in his shoes.
We met the Duke’s then fiancée several months before he walked down the aisle. He invited us to his New York townhouse for dinner. I almost tripped all over myself when I first saw Ciara. I've never even dated a woman, but I would've popped the question to a stunning hottie like Ciara Herrera had I met her first. She's the perfect combination of beauty and brains. Lucky dog.
"So how long have you been married again?" I ask.
"It's been seven glorious months since the most beautiful woman on the planet became my wife." Nikolaj gushes.
"Spoken like a man who's completely pussy whipped," I tease.
"Says the guy who has no clue what he's missing," Nikolaj volleys.
"I like my freedom, thank you very much," I reply.
"Same here," Holden chimes in.
"I may be married, but I'm still very free. Both Martin and I are ridiculously in love. There are loads of benefits of tying the knot, mate—”
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