She knew what she wanted to do. The wildly inappropriate stuff that her sisters did all the time.
“You seem to keep surprising me.” He became the first to break the silence with his admission.
She’d certainly surprised herself tonight. Uncertain how to reply to his comment, she gave a small smile and loosened her grip on the expensive fabric of his suit.
“Predictable can be boring.” The words were so foreign to her, she again wondered who she’d become tonight.
“Agreed.” Kostas chuckled and stroked a finger down her cheek. His lips moved near her ear now, his words soft and intimate, “Perhaps you’d reconsider your post-soirée plans of going to sleep and join me for a nightcap at my home?”
The breath in her lungs froze, and her heart, already pounding, went into overdrive. This went beyond a little harmless kiss. She wasn’t so naïve as to misunderstand what he was asking. Going home with Kostas tonight would undoubtedly lead to winding up in his bed.
While she’d been crazy enough to throw her inhibitions to the wind for a moment, she wasn’t sure just how far that lack of sanity should extend tonight. How far she would be comfortable taking this. Whatever this was.
He prefers strings-free.
How unapologetically he’d made the confession, though only after assuming she ran by the same code.
Her mind raced and she debated how to answer him. Deciding she could attempt to be vague and flirtatious, she murmured, “Perhaps.”
Yes, it was noncommittal and vague, but it was the best she could come up with for the moment.
Surprise flickered across his face, before something close to amusement settled. He assumed she was playing hard to get? If he only knew.
“For now, I should go say hello to my sister.” She cleared her throat. “And maybe at least have a glass of champagne as I make the rounds.”
“Of course. Why don’t I come with you? I could use another glass myself.”
Somewhat alarmed that he wanted to stay at her side, she could only nod as he guided them back into the house.
Her sisters would be beside themselves with shock and curiosity if they saw the two of them together. Especially with the way his hand rested lightly on the small of her back.
How many times had they teased her about being one step away from a convent? And now here she was, about to walk into the party with one of the most sought-after, yet infamous men, in the world?
Before uncertainty could make her turn tail and run, they stepped back into the house.
Chapter 7
As they rejoined the party, they were greeted by the roar of voices, laughter, and music. Several people slid glances their way and eyes all around widened with surprise and recognition.
More than used to being the focus of attention, Kostas always knew how to ignore it. He guided them toward a server carrying a tray of champagne flutes and took one for both Eva and himself.
There was only a moment’s hesitation before she accepted it and drank nearly half the content at once. Her eyes watered and she coughed for a moment, then she once again composed herself.
He narrowed his gaze and his lips twitched into a small smile. Unless he was wrong, he’d say that moment of intimacy outside had unnerved her. But why? It was just a kiss.
Even as he had the thought, another part of him whispered a quick denial. It should have been just a kiss, but somehow it had been anything but. Usually the kiss was a calculated gateway to seduction—one he was used to controlling and manipulating.
Only tonight that simple act had gotten completely out of hand. That kiss he’d shared with Eva was a powerful force that he’d lost control of. His tenacious hold on self-control had been pried away and he’d been dragged into the sensual depths of the kiss.
A little unnerved by that realization, he tightened his grip on the stem of the champagne flute and took a drink.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
The words reached his ear as Eva thrust her champagne flute at him and then darted across the room to younger woman who sat surrounded by men and laughing.
He recognized the young woman as one of the many who’d flirted with him this evening. But the age difference alone had made him uncomfortable. She still looked to be a teenager, while he was about to dip his toes into his thirties.
When Eva hugged the girl and offered a genuine smile, he realized she could potentially be the sister. Interesting, because the familiar shade of hair was where their similarities seemed to end.
Wanting to appease his curiosity, he took another sip of champagne and made his way over to the small group. The younger woman spotted him first and her eyes lit up with excitement.
Not wanting to give her any form of encouragement, he moved to Eva’s side and handed her back the glass of champagne. Incredulity shone briefly in Eva’s eyes before she gave him a tight smile.
“Thank you.”
The younger woman glanced between Kostas and Eva. “Hold on a moment. You two know each other?”
“We recently became acquainted,” Eva admitted with obvious reluctance. “Kostas, this is my sister Lilly. Lilly, I’d like you to meet—”
“Prince Kostas.” Lilly’s face was flushed with eagerness. “And please call me Lillian. I was so thrilled to hear you were visiting the Hamptons. And I can’t believe you actually came to the party.”
Had his potential presence been discussed? He gave another brief smile. “It was a pleasure to be invited. It’s been charming thus far.”
From beside him, he could hear the nearly inaudible snort of disbelief that Eva made. But when he cast a glance her way, she had her expression schooled into a polite mask.
“Anyway, Lilly,” Eva murmured, “I wanted to come say hello before I left. I hope you enjoy the soirée.”
Her sister pouted, a move that seemed all too practiced. “You’re leaving so soon?”
Eva hesitated. “I wish I could stay longer, it’s just…”
“She’s trying to be diplomatic,” Kostas intervened smoothly. “But I’m afraid I’ve monopolized your sister’s evening by requesting her assistance.”
“Work?” Lilly looked between the two of them, her frown deepening. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s always work with you.”
Eva started to say something, but was halted by the arrival of a young gentleman who scooped Lilly up into his arms and carried her off while she shrieked in delight.
“Is that her significant other?”
Eva sighed. “Unfortunately, I have no idea. It changes by the week. She recently turned eighteen and is enjoying every moment of it.”
His lips twitched. Eighteen was a time when everything was about finding pleasure and having fun. It felt like a lifetime ago, but he remembered all too well what it had felt like. It still felt that way sometimes.
The last thought slid through him along with a sense of discomfort. Wasn’t that the theme of his life though? Fun and pleasure? Certainly there was business, but it was never at the forefront. His work seemed to be the veneer that proved he’d grown up at least a bit from being a narcissistic teenager.
“Thank you for stepping in with that excuse about me helping you.” Eva gave him a grateful look. “I’m terrible at making getaways, and my explanations are always fairly thin.”
When she turned from him and made her way toward the outside once more, he followed.
“I sensed that.” Once outside, he caught her elbow and pulled her to a stop. “And it wasn’t entirely an excuse. This costume event is not much to my taste, but I stand by my invitation for you to join me for a nightcap.”
Her chest rose rapidly and her gaze darted up to his. The panic and hint of excitement in her eyes was perplexing to say the least.
She bit her lower lip and gave a small shake of her head. “I don’t know if I can.”
“And why is that?”
Her chin lifted and her gaze held his. “Honestly? Because I haven’t decided if I want to sleep with you
or not.”
A low, quick laugh escaped from him and he tilted his head as he tried to get a better reading on this woman. It was rare that someone surprised him, but she’d managed to do so more than once now.
“You’re quite full of assumptions,” he finally replied. “I haven’t actually propositioned you.”
“You wouldn’t need to. You’re the prince of a small country, Kostas. I’m sure most women don’t even bother with polite introductions until after they’ve gone to bed with you.”
Actually, she wasn’t far from the truth, so he couldn’t fault her logic. Many women he bedded made no attempt at small talk or formalities. It was almost as if he were a prized log in their diary. Sleeping with royalty was as exciting to some of these women as sleeping with a Hollywood celebrity. Perhaps more so.
It had never bothered him previously, but the way Eva phrased it made him seem somewhat tawdry.
“I’m inviting you over to spend time with me, Eva.” He caught her hand, threading his fingers through the softness of hers. “Yes, I’m intrigued and attracted to you. It would be impossible to deny that I haven’t thought about what it would be like to make love to you.” It all sounded so cliché, but for once it didn’t feel like one. Just as she was uncommonly blunt, he could be too. “I had a brief taste of you. And, yes, I’ll admit I want more.”
Her cheeks flushed and he watched her visibly swallow. He wasn’t wrong to assume that the kiss had shaken her as much as it had him.
“But if you don’t want more than conversation and a drink, then there needn’t be anything more.”
The look she gave him was pure skepticism. Her voice husky as she asked, “Does a woman ever visit your home at night without going to bed with you?”
He wanted to deny it, but sensed she’d appreciate the truth more so. “It’s rare, but sleeping with me is certainly not a requirement. I’m hardly a teen who can’t control my hormones. There’s no need to feel unsafe with me.”
“I don’t.” Her admission was immediate. “Maybe that’s naïve of me, and I should be warier, but I’m not.”
“Then come over and join me. We can swim in the pool under the stars. Sip champagne. Simply enjoy one another on one of the last evenings of summer.”
Chapter 8
The normal Eva would’ve said no. She would’ve put up immediate road blocks on this glittery road to seduction. Only nothing about tonight, about herself, felt normal.
She hadn’t agreed to sleep with him. Not to herself and certainly not to him. But she didn’t want this evening to end. Not yet. Maybe it was the comment about swimming under the stars—or the idea of seeing him in those sexy board shorts again—but the temptation to say yes to his invitation hovered on her tongue.
He brushed the tops of her knuckles with his large thumb. A tremor of awareness swept through her, even as her blood once again began to heat.
The effect he had on her was beyond comprehension. Made her both nervous and thrilled at the same time.
“Say yes.”
He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles this time. The gesture was classically romantic. Timeless. Seemed completely out of place at an elitist party in the Hamptons. But it was a promise to what the night could bring, and the pleasure he could deliver if she let him.
She drew in an unsteady breath. “All right.”
His nostrils flared and there was a flash of triumph in his eyes that she dared not think too hard about. It meant nothing. She’d committed to nothing more than agreeing to spend some time with him this evening.
The devilish little voice in her head burst into fits of laughter at that thought, but she ignored it and murmured, “Just give me a few minutes to grab a few things, okay?”
“Of course.”
They moved across the manicured lawns to the edge of her parents’ property, arriving at the small mother-in-law apartment she rented. The fact she gave her parents money for rent was to appease her own conscience, even when they always tried to refuse her checks.
She could’ve easily rented an apartment in the city, but she loved the water and preferred living out here.
“You were to be a guest here tonight?”
She stared at him and the truth sank in. While she might be fully aware of his identity, Kostas still had no idea who she was or what family she belonged to.
Though maybe that was a good thing.
She could simply be Eva tonight. A twenty-something girl from New York having a fun weekend with a prince. She didn’t have to be Evelynn Fairchild, daughter of Annabeth and Richard Fairchild, a member of one of the most esteemed families in the Hamptons. Well, perhaps that esteemed bit was getting a little tarnished lately with her sisters growing notoriety.
Eva had always been the stable one. The well-behaved and dependable one. Her parents looked at her to set the example and hopefully sway her sisters into towing the line. Tonight she was going to blow all those labels out of the water.
“Yes.” A small white lie. “I was invited to stay the weekend, but I’m sure I won’t be missed. I’ll be back in just a moment. You don’t mind waiting?”
He slid his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels, glancing toward the beach the lay just beyond the edge of the property.
“The view is charming.” He glanced back at her, his gaze lingering on her face. “And I’m certain the wait will be worth it.”
Really hoping he didn’t expect her to make herself all glamourous, she gave a nervous laugh and then turned to escape into the small house.
She rushed up the stairs and grabbed a tote bag from her closet. The first thing she threw in was her swimsuit. Next she grabbed a change of panties and clothes. Whether she went home tonight, or dear God, in the morning, she would need it.
Her pulse quickened at the thought of spending the night with Kostas. She wouldn’t really be bold enough to go that far, would she?
Unsure and barely trusting her own decisions anymore, she shook her head and continued to toss a few things in the bag. She added a small travel bag that had the toiletries she’d need in case she did stay.
She pulled her reading glasses from her pocket and set them on the desk, realizing those wouldn’t be getting much use the rest of the evening. Lastly, she kicked off her heels and slipped on sandals that didn’t quite go with her outfit, but were much more sensible.
A quick glance in the mirror showed a woman staring back at her with flushed cheeks and a glitter of excitement in her eyes.
Who was she?
Where was the levelheaded Fairchild sister who wouldn’t be caught dead slipping away for the night to a man’s—a near stranger’s—home?
She was gone.
Replaced with a woman full of curiosity and needs, that maybe, just maybe, she’d act on.
Eva lifted her chin and shouldered her tote bag, then hurried back down the stairs to meet Kostas out front.
His back was to her as he stared at the waves crashing not far in the distance.
Hearing her approach, he turned to glance over his shoulder. His mouth curved into an amused smile.
“I really do enjoy your costume.”
He still assumed this was a costume. She bit her lip to keep from laughing, and murmured a small thank you instead.
Perhaps she should’ve corrected him, but it was amusing to allow him to think this sort of wardrobe was not the usual for her.
“How far is your home from here?” He fell into step beside her as they made their way to the nearby long driveway.
“Less than a fifteen-minute walk, but I’ve arranged for my driver to pick us up at the edge of the drive.”
She would’ve been fine with the walk, but didn’t argue as he’d already placed the call. Luxury wasn’t altogether a novelty for her. She’d been raised in it.
At the end of the drive, a black Rolls Royce with tinted windows awaited them, the driver watching for their arrival.
The older gentleman bowed with a hasty, “Your
Royal Highness.”
A frisson of excitement slid through her and the hairs on her arms lifted. Perhaps she was used to luxury, but the fact that Kostas was legitimate royalty was a little intimidating.
“After you.” Kostas gestured for her to slide into the back seat and so she carefully did.
Her skirt rode up as she settled against the soft leather seat. She was attempting to tug it down as Kostas slid in the opposite door and took the seat next to her.
His gaze slid immediately to the hemline of her skirt and a small smile played on his lips. The small divider between their seats became both a disappointment and relief to her.
If it hadn’t been there, would he have tried to touch her? The thought raced through her mind as the vehicle maneuvered the road back to his home.
Kostas, however, stayed on his best behavior and spoke quietly in Greek to the driver.
Eva relaxed as much as she could and took a moment to appreciate the beauty of his native tongue. She could’ve listened to him speak all day. That voice, so low and with a hint of abrasiveness, was wonderfully masculine. It placed every one of her senses on high alert.
She closed her eyes and just listened. Imagined him murmuring sensual Greek things in her ear. Her breathing hitched and she drew in a slow breath that had her breasts rising beneath her blouse.
Every nerve ending sizzled with life and awareness. Even with the small divider between them, she was so completely aware of his presence. Of the tall, hard-bodied male with the chiseled face and piercing dark eyes.
The slowing of the car jerked her back to the present, and she opened her eyes once more. It had gone quiet, and she turned her head to find Kostas’s gaze upon her.
“Tired?”
It would’ve been easy to lie and say yes, but she gave a tiny shake of her head instead. Didn’t bother to try and hide whatever emotions might’ve been shining from her eyes.
“No.”
Even in the dim car, he must’ve seen it, because his chest swelled and he reached across the divider between them to touch her cheek. “Good.”
Corrupted by the Prince (A is for Alpha Book 5) Page 3