by Nana Malone
His lips tipped in that sexy smirk I'd noticed at the wedding. His dark lashes fluttered on his cheeks, and then he lifted his gaze to meet mine. My stupid heart ticked up several beats faster, I could have sworn he heard it. Those clear gray eyes blinked at me as if he knew exactly what was going on in my body. "Talk to me, bright eyes. Who are you anyway?"
"No one interesting. I'm just someone trying to do a job."
He chuckled then. "Oh, right. Just a robot?"
I shook my head. "Yep."
He was silent, as if waiting for me to elaborate more. When I didn't, he shook his head. "Come on, I'm trying to get the grogginess out of my head. I still have some work I need to do. You might as well talk to me while we wait."
“Fine, what do you want to know?”
His smile was slow. "So, it's just you and your sister?"
I nodded. "Yeah, she's in Uni now and changing her major every two minutes."
He chuckled. "Okay, what is it now?"
"Oh my God, right now it's photography, with super expensive equipment, and she has never shown an aptitude or an interest in photography before. But of course, she has to have everything required for the course."
"Just how many majors has she had?"
"Uh, four?"
He shrugged. "Maybe she's just having a hard time finding her thing."
"I don't really understand her. I knew exactly what I wanted to do and what I needed to do to make it happen, you know? I had a lot more responsibility, and I deliberately made it so that she could focus on being a kid? I wonder if I did the wrong thing, because right now, she can't make decisions to save her life."
"What were some of her majors?"
"Well, she wanted to be a linguistics major despite never having taken any languages before. She speaks French, but she doesn't even practice it. And then she changed to psychology, but she didn't enjoy that. Then there was philosophy. Apparently, there were too many dense books in that one. And now it's photography."
"She's a kid, right? She's supposed to change her mind."
"Well, she’s twenty. She has a little time, I guess, but at the end of the day, she's got to figure it out. I won't always be there with a safety net."
"You're her sister. Something tells me, you'll always be there."
I shrugged. "Yeah, but just once I wonder what it would be like to be completely free of responsibilities, you know?"
Why was I talking to him? When he was like this, it was too easy to let my guard down a little bit. Too easy to relax into it. Too easy to talk to him. When he wasn't being a dick, I actually liked the guy.
"What about a boyfriend? You're reasonably attractive. I assume with the assignment you have now, that means you're not with anyone."
"I could have a boyfriend."
"Wouldn't that make it awkward for him? You being assigned to me?"
"This is like an acting job. None of this is real."
His gaze lifted again and held. The stormy gray of his eyes measuring mine. "You're right, none of this is real."
I couldn't help but wonder if I'd somehow cracked our very thin lines of truce by pointing it out.
"I don't have a boyfriend."
I don't know why I said it. But a part of me wanted to soothe his concern. That was dumb. All of this was dumb. I should stop talking to him, immediately.
"What about you Mr. Billionaire? From all the magazine articles I’ve seen, it seems that you've never had relationships. Nobody special. Except Miranda."
He shrugged. "You shouldn't believe everything you read."
"Well, what's the truth?"
"Relationships are tricky. You never know people's intentions or motivations. You never know what's real and what you can trust."
And wasn't that the truth? In the silence of the penthouse, the late-night lights of the Winston Isles twinkling on the horizon somewhere, he seemed real. He seemed like someone I could talk to. But I should know better because he was just like Garrett. Garrett had seemed great, but I knew that player type. The ones who gave you their undivided attention for a limited period of time.
"So, no one special, huh? Ever?"
He frowned then. "Ah, once, but it didn't last."
I shrugged. "I wonder why."
"Like I said, it's hard to hold on to people."
"Yes, it's always hard."
"Maybe, maybe not."
I almost wished he would go back to the brooding, irritating, barking asshole he was before. That was easier to deal with. I didn't know how to reconcile these two versions of him.
"So your sister… Is she doing okay?”
"Oh my gosh, don't tell me, you, Derrick Arlington, care about someone other than yourself?"
He lifted a brow. "That's not an answer."
"It's fine. She just wants more money, which I'm determined not to give her."
"What if she needs it?"
"Well, I’ve got to teach her responsibility. I'm not a bank account. I'm not an atm. If she wants to switch to this new major, she's going to have to figure it out. I gave her some money for equipment, but I told her that was it. If she wants to do it, she'll find a way. That's how I did it."
"Well, she's different."
"I know, so I'm worried. But she's my sister and I probably spoiled her too much, so I'm paying the piper now."
"Are you sure you're doing the right thing?"
I shrugged. "I have no way of knowing."
"Something tells me you’ll handle it just fine."
"And you know me so well?"
"You might be surprised, you might not be her mom, but you're the closest thing she's got now, right?"
I shrugged. "Yeah."
"Well, I know all about good moms. You seem like the type."
"Oh shit, Mr. Billionaire, don't tell me you're starting to actually like me."
He gave me a wolfish grin then. "Oh, I like you."
"Really? Hard to tell with all your barking."
"I just want to see if you can handle my bite."
Oh boy, several problems with that statement.
One, I absolutely wanted him to bite me. Secondly, he actually could not bite me. And third, I wouldn't allow myself to be bitten. Not by someone like him. Never again.
Sixteen
Zia…
My feet hurt. And then the stupid spanks were making it so I couldn't breathe. But on the plus side, I looked amazing.
When I stepped out into the living room, Theo did a double take. "Wow."
I spun around, showcasing my dress’s pockets. "See? Pockets. I can hide my weapons."
"Why do I get the impression that every single thing you own has pockets for this exact reason? To conceal your weapons."
"Because they do. It makes it easier, especially if I'm not wearing a blazer or something. The guys have it easy. They just put on a jacket and then bam! Weapon concealed."
He shook his head. "You know, I've never met anyone quite like you."
"That's because I'm an original. Accept no substitutes."
He laughed. "You really do look amazing."
“Is that a compliment?”
His eyes went wide in mock surprise. “I’m always complimenting you.”
"Except when you're not. I believe when you first met me you called me obstinate and out of my mind."
"To be fair, you did try and goad the kidnapper. How was I supposed to know you were a badass?"
"You know, in the future, you should just assume I'm a badass."
"That’s not how I built a business."
"Yeah, I know. But still, I'm awesome."
He smiled and laughed, and when he did that, he was stunning. He'd left some of the scruff from the weekend and wasn’t completely clean shaven. "Why do I get the impression that if you didn't have to be an industry tycoon you would just wear a beard?”
"Well, maybe. There was a time that I had a beard."
I blinked up at him. "Really?"
"Yeah, for a while."
"I feel like I've never seen a single picture of you with a beard."
He frowned at me. "Yeah well, I guess it didn't last long."
"I want to see pictures."
"One day."
"Are you ready?"
"Ladies first."
The Arts and Education Gala was Sebastian and Penny's baby. Before she'd been a badass Royal Guard, she'd been an artist. And Sebastian, before he'd finally become king, had been a photographer. With their duties now, neither one of them got to use their skills very much, but they'd set up a whole trust to help kids like them who never would have a chance to go to art school or have careers in the arts. Derrick, Theo, was a sponsor.
The event, for once, wasn't being held at the palace, but instead at Neela's gallery. Her former best friend had been an art gallery dealer who turned out to be a criminal who’d faked her own death. But before that, she willed all of her estate to her baby, whom Neela and Jax adopted. So the event would be held there with the sparkling vistas of the Islands as our backdrop. When we arrived, the party was in full swing. The entire Royal Elite team was in attendance. Everyone had their jobs. The Royal Guard were mostly guarding the king and Penny. I was on Theo duty. Trace was my backup. Tamsin was on Prince Tristan as backup for Ariel.
It got a little complicated. We had the new trainees act as double protection for the king and queen, if necessary.
When we walked in, Sebastian and Penny greeted us. Penny looked splendid. She was wearing jade green, which highlighted her tawny-colored skin, and her baby bump was showing. She'd been bumpless for so long we were all teasing her that she wasn't really pregnant but was just using a fake baby to get Sebastian to be at her beck and call. But she was showing now, and her hands rested protectively on her belly. I loved how pregnant women automatically did that. When we approached, I curtsied low. "Your Majesties."
Both of them waved me off as if they weren't interested in formality. Despite me having kicked both their asses at the last family game night, I stopped to show respect.
Penny gave me a warm hug, as did Sebastian.
Sebastian and Theo shook hands. Their exchange was downright friendly. Why was it that I didn't know that they were close?
Penny was as surprised as I was. "Well, that's new," she leaned in and muttered.
I glanced at her. "What? They didn't get along before?"
She shook her head. "Nope. Derrick has always been around, but Sebastian never liked him. He was always a full-on pompous prick, so I wonder what's going on here?"
"Maybe it's like his housekeeper said; he's had a personality transplant."
She laughed. "Body snatched. Either way, this is better."
"Don't worry, sometimes he can still be a pompous ass."
She laughed. "Well, he's still a man, right? Can’t they all?"
We left them to greet the rest of the guests, and Theo’s hand slid down my back to gently guide me through the crowd. It was meant to be an impersonal touch, but somehow, it was oddly intimate. The zing that chased up my spine had lust pulling low in my belly as he led me toward a tray of every delectable treat I could possibly want in the world. "Go on. Pick one. I know you want to."
"How did you know I have a sweet tooth?"
He laughed. "You think I haven't noticed that Elena has been serving you Madeleines, chocolates, and baking fresh croissants for you?" He shrugged. "I figured she knew something I didn't know. Have a treat."
God, I was desperate for the chocolate ganash. "You've been noticing what I've been doing?"
His gaze narrowed on mine. "You know I have."
What was that supposed to mean?
This was already too tense and weird for me. Was Tamsin right? Was he paying special attention to me?
Yes girl, yes. Now jump on it.
No. I was not going to jump on it. I’d learned my lesson after all.
Theo was Sebastian's cousin, a billionaire, and a client. There were a million reasons why this was a really bad idea.
My libido did not agree, but thank God she wasn't in-charge. After we helped ourselves to treats and snagged glasses of champagne, Theo led me outside.
"I'm pretty sure you're supposed to be inside mingling."
He shrugged. "Nah, maybe in a bit. I'd rather just stay out here and talk to you."
I studied him again. "Why do I get the impression you don't want to do this? That you're not really down for the whole jet set crowd tonight."
"Because I'm not. It's exhausting."
"Yeah, I can imagine."
"But it's an important cause. Penny and Sebastian asked us to be here, so I came. Besides, it was a good chance to see you dressed up. I would have hated to miss it."
I laughed and shook my head. "There you go with the flattery again. I'm starting to think maybe Sebastian and Penny are right; you have been replaced by a pod person."
He frowned then. "Is that what they said?"
I laughed and nodded. "Yup. Hell, even Elena said something similar."
He ground his teeth then. "I'm just trying to be... I don't know, better."
I shook my head. "Oh, I don't think it’s about today or anything, it’s just... everyone's noticed you’re not being a hundred percent jackass.”
He lifted a brow. “Oh what? Just 80%?”
“Hey, the 20% matters.”
He laughed. “Fair enough. Maybe it’s you.”
I flushed, the heat creeping up my neck making me too warm. “What, I have given you a personality transplant?”
“Well, you’re calling me on my bullshit, and now there’s less of it.”
"Hey, who knew I had that kind of power? If I’d known, I would have been using my powers for evil."
"I'm pretty sure you're already using them for evil." He winked as he spoke, and I nearly choked on my ganash. What a waste that would have been.
"You might be right about that."
I took another sip of my champagne and noticed how closely he was watching me. Direct and clear. No wavering. "Zia."
"Theo," I murmured.
His eyes fluttered closed. "I really fucking love that you call me that."
I shifted on my feet. "Well, you asked me to, right?"
"Yes, but you didn't have to listen. I know it's weird that you know about the trouble between me and my dad. The level of disdain is real."
"Trust me, I get it. I mean, if you want, you can have your name legally changed. But if it was that unbearable, I figure you'd probably want to change the Arlington part."
He shook his head. "No. I sort of like you being the only one who calls me Theo."
"Careful now, Theo. Someone might think that you're flirting with me."
His grin was brief. "Well, I'm doing a piss-poor job of it if you didn't notice."
I swallowed hard then. "You probably shouldn't be flirting with me. What is it they said in that movie? ‘Relationships based on intense situations never work out.’"
"Oh, the girl is quoting Speed at me. I think I'm in love."
"You fall in love too easily."
"That's probably true."
"What's this? Derrick Arlington falls in love easily?"
"Well, I never have before, but I'm pretty sure the right woman could work her magic on me and completely ruin me."
I swallowed hard. I don't know what game he was playing, but part of me wanted to play.
Yeah, you do.
The other part of me wanted to run.
Brain: That's a better move.
"So… ah, we should get back inside."
He took my arm and led me into the shadows. "Not before I break the rules again,” he whispered, voice soft.
I froze. Holy hell. He was going to kiss me. Tamsin had been right.
Libido: Hell yes.
His lips were firm but soft as they grazed ever so gently over mine. He hesitated, pausing, giving me a chance to back away. Giving me an opportunity to say no. Giving me a way out. Did I want it?
God, no. I did not want a way
out. I wanted to feel the full press of his lips. I wanted him.
You'll get hurt. He will hurt you and it will be bad. Just like Garrett was bad. This will be catastrophic.
I was already at that point where I would do anything to have his hands on me. I would do anything to feel his lips over mine. I would do anything to stay in the moment. His lips dipped over mine and I couldn't breathe. I couldn't function. I was kissing him back, sliding my tongue over his and losing just a little bit of myself.
Theo slid his arms around me. His lips were gentle but demanding. A spike of the electricity flared between us, scorching my lips when his tongue dipped inside. With a low groan, he shifted our angle, kissing me deeper and ripping a moan from me as my body started to melt.
I didn’t have the defenses to fight off these feelings. Somewhere in the far recesses of my mind, alarm bells rang, starting as a low buzz, but quickly intensifying to a sharp clang.
But just as the sirens started to wail with impending doom, Theo dragged his lips from mine and stared at me. His muttered curse echoed my own feelings.
I was toast. This man could own me.
I told myself it was only a small part. I told myself that I could recover. I told myself all the things so that I could have this moment with him. But even as I told myself those lies, I knew what would happen. Derrick Theo Arlington was going to break me.
With my lips still burning and my mind spinning, Theo led me back downstairs, comm unit back on and broadcasting. My emotions were complete mush because he’d proven just what kind of expert kisser he was.
The gala organizers had so many people they wanted him to meet. Every time he spoke to someone, he was charming, confident, clever, while pulling me along and introducing me. It was hard to study the crowd from any vantage point. Luckily, I had my team in my ears.
"You look so pretty, Zia." Tamsin said.
Trace coughed as he muttered. "Oh yeah, because that's what matters to Zia right now, how pretty she looks in her dress."
I could almost picture Tamsin scowling at him. "Shut up! She does look pretty. And I happen to know she's deadly. How are those knife sheaths working out?"
I smiled at no one in particular and muttered through my teeth. "They're working just fine. Now can you please shut up so I can focus?"