Corrupted by the Prince (A is for Alpha Book 5)

by Shelli Stevens

  She shook her head, her expression wary. “That’s a lot of pressure to put on someone, Kostas. Not to mention you’re asking me to give up my life as I know it.”

  “You will want for nothing.”

  She shrugged. “Did you forget who my family is? Money has never been an issue.”

  “I didn’t forget. The fact that you’re a Fairchild, and the daughter of a prominent American senator, makes our match all that much more advantageous.” He moved the tray to the side and slid his palm up to cup the softness of her cheek.

  He’d meant the touch to be one of reassurance, but the desire that coursed through him caught him off guard. He wanted to thread his fingers through her hair and crush her mouth beneath his. To kiss her until every argument she threw in his face was forgotten.

  “You will be happy here, Eva.” His words were low and slightly unsteady. How did she have this kind of effect on him? “And while we may not have love, we have something else.”

  Chapter 20

  Oh God, if he kissed her she would lose whatever self-control she still had left. Or she might just end up crying.

  Eva didn’t know how she felt about Kostas, whether she was in love with him or not, but she did know that no other man had ever made her feel this way.

  Every time he came near her, her heart slammed into her chest like a caged bird. The blood in her veins grew hot, and an aching need always appeared low her belly.

  If she’d known how much chaos and heartache sleeping with him that night would bring…well, she probably would’ve still done it. Both for selfish reasons, and for the baby that was growing in her belly. She not only wanted it, she was excited for it.

  “I need time to think,” she admitted. “Time to make a decision without being pressured. I will stay and get to know your country. Your people. But if I want to leave, Kostas, I will.”

  “Then you will leave alone and our child will remain.”

  Her breath locked in her chest. The first time he’d uttered a similar thought, she’d assumed he was just trying to scare her into complying. But now, staring at the cold determination in his eyes, she knew he meant every word.

  Marry him or leave Mykorini and their child.

  “Look, maybe you’re the king of this country, but let’s not forget that my father is a United States senator. And if it comes down to it, I’ll raise all kinds of hell to make sure I can leave with my child if I want.”

  His nostrils flared and his jaw flexed. But he seemed to try and calm himself as he moved away. “We don’t need to discuss this immediately. You need time to think and I will respect that.”

  “Thank you.”

  He stood from the bed and smoothed non-existent wrinkles out of the suit he wore. “I have business to attend to, but when I return after lunch I will show you around the island and my favorite town.”

  It was pointless to argue, and she had just committed to getting to know the country.

  “The nausea usually gets a little better after breakfast. I’ll try to be showered and dressed within the next couple of hours.”

  He gave a curt nod and turned to leave. After a couple steps, he hesitated and then spun on his heel, striding back to the bed where she sat.

  Without preamble, he delved strong fingers into her hair and lowered his head. His lips covered hers in a kiss that wasn’t fierce or angry, but soft and sweet.

  Despite the confusion and anger that had been raging through her since he’d shown up in her Hamptons apartment, her heart opened like the petals of a flower. Her blood warmed and her pulse began to quicken. She wanted desperately to understand these invisible ties that bound them.

  She’d only just begun to return the kiss when he lifted his head with a curse.

  “I’m glad you came to Mykorini,” he muttered. “But if I stay and keep kissing you, I’m afraid where it will lead will do nothing for your nausea.”

  She gave a wan smile. “Understood. Thank you again for breakfast.”

  “I will pass on the appreciation to the kitchen staff.”

  He turned and strode from the room, leaving her in a deeper state of confusion, because despite her argument, she just wasn’t sure staying here wasn’t the right choice.

  Eva stared out the tinted window at the royal convoy. They rode in a Bentley, observing the sights as Kostas’s driver maneuvered them through the city streets.

  The steep hills of the city reminded her of San Francisco, and the royal castle looked like something out of a fairy tale as it sat atop the highest hill on the island. The mesmerizing turquoise water that lapped at the shores of the island provided a beautiful setting for the city they drove through.

  Mykorini was stunning. Its buildings were painted in soft pastels, though some of the older ones remained unadorned, their simple gray stone looking strong and sage.

  The damage from the earthquake seemed sporadic. Most buildings appeared untouched, but every now and then they’d pass by one that had visible damage or had collapsed entirely.

  “How extensive was the damage from the earthquake?” She didn’t tear her gaze from the city.

  “We’ll need millions of dollars worth of repairs. Several landslides, and damage to buildings and roads.”

  “And many lives lost,” she said softly, finally turning to look at him. “I read that your family was in the chapel when it collapsed.”

  “Yes.” Besides the slight stiffening of his shoulders, there was no visible reaction.

  She slid her hand into his and squeezed. “I’m so sorry, Kostas. And I’m sure everything’s been a blur since then. Have you even had time to grieve?”

  He gave a small shake of his head. She couldn’t be certain if that meant no, he hadn’t, or if he just didn’t want to discuss this. Perhaps he didn’t care to show any emotion or weakness with his driver nearby.

  Deciding it better to drop it for now, she pointed to a building. “What is that? I love the architecture.”

  She knew she’d made the right choice as the tension eased from his body and he began to explain.

  Chapter 21

  They stopped to have lunch in a restaurant near the water. The convoy remained outside while they were escorted into the restaurant with guards flanking them.

  Kostas kept a protective hand low on her back. He paused to shake hands and make brief small talk with several locals who were also dining before they were shown to a private table near the window.

  “The people of Mykorini love you,” she remarked softly.

  Away from curious ears, he gave a small sigh. “Do you think so? I am not so certain.”

  “Their faces light up when they see you. Everyone rushes to speak with you or vie for your attention.” She paused. “And you dine and walk among them. You don’t sequester yourself away from them.”

  The waiter arrived to offer wine, but Kostas declined and ordered them sparkling water instead. It was placed on the table moments later, and their orders for food were taken.

  “Mykorini is in a state of turmoil. The earthquake and the loss of my father shook the country,” Kostas continued, taking a sip from his glass. “And then, to have the new king be someone who’s been the subject of tabloid fodder… Well, they’re likely just as horrified as they are fascinated.”

  He didn’t worry about this conversation being overheard, clearly. “I doubt that, Kostas.”

  “My father never would’ve wanted me on the throne.”

  “Don’t say that.” She shook her head. “You can’t assume such things.”

  “I was never very close to my father or brother. It’s probably why I distanced myself from them physically and spent my time traveling and…”

  She filled in the blanks. “Living the party lifestyle?”

  He met her gaze and gave a small nod. “Yes.”

  “You don’t give yourself enough credit, Kostas.” She leaned forward and placed her hand over his. “I researched you online when you left the Hamptons.”

  He grimaced. �
��I can’t even begin to imagine what you found.”

  “Yes, I found all that kind of stuff,” she laughed and then grew serious again, “but there were other things.”

  “Hmm.”

  “You told me you had the Mykorini cheese shipped to the Hamptons because you enjoy it. What you failed to tell me was that you were the CEO of the company.”

  So she had discovered that little fact, had she?

  Kostas gave a nod of confirmation. “Ah, yes. Yes, I am. Or was. I’ve obviously had to hand that position over to someone else.”

  She shook her head and gave him a look of incredulity. “Don’t you think that kind of thing is relevant? Bragworthy even?”

  “Perhaps. I suppose you could say it was my ‘day job’ outside of being a scandalous royal.”

  He wasn’t worried about being overheard by any of the restaurant patrons or staff. Their table was isolated enough being by the window, but it was also sectioned into it’s own intimate area with panels around it. This was considered the most romantic table in the famous restaurant, and had to be booked far in advance. Being the king, however, meant he only needed to give an hour’s notice.

  “You’re more than your bad boy image. That company went from obscurity to one of the most successful businesses in your country.”

  “I see you have been doing your homework.” He gave her a considering glance.

  While he wasn’t surprised to find that she’d searched for information on him, it was pleasing to see her so impressed by his previous work.

  “It seems I have underestimated you in many ways,” he said softly.

  “You underestimate yourself, Kostas.”

  Perhaps. “Tell me about you. How did Evelynn Fairchild

  become a CPA.”

  “I’m not the only one who’s been doing my homework.”

  Of course. The moment he’d learned she was pregnant,

  he’d been determined to learn everything possible about her.

  He’d spent the flight back to the States researching her thoroughly.

  He’d been shocked to discover Eva was in the accounting field. Even more shocking was finding various photos of her that showed him the naughty librarian costume he’d loved so much was not a costume at all.

  That was simply who she was. While in various pictures her sisters tended to play up their curves with outfits that left little to the imagination, Eva was clearly different. In a family that was constantly in the media and gossip blogs, she tended to fly below the radar.

  Perhaps that’s why Kostas was so drawn to her. She didn’t seek attention from the media. And while usually the conservative appearance would be off-putting to him, he was surprised to find he rather liked it on her.

  Sweeping a glance over her, he found the black trousers and bright blue button-up blouse just as sensual as a mini dress would’ve been.

  During the drive here, he’d wanted to unfasten each of those tiny buttons and reveal the curves of her breasts to his eyes. To his hands.

  “I was good at math,” Eva murmured, interrupting his sensual thoughts. “Really good. And I enjoyed it, unlike a lot of people. That’s why I went into accounting and ultimately got my CPA.”

  A moment of guilt snagged him as he thought about how he’d pressed her employer to accept her resignation.

  “Did you enjoy your job?”

  Her lips parted, but she didn’t speak. Finally, she sighed. “I enjoyed the work—the numbers, the technical part of it, and keeping my brain challenged. But the particular clients I dealt with were another story.”

  “So dare I hope you’re not too angry about me intervening?”

  “And basically getting me fired?” She arched a brow. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

  But her gaze held amusement rather than anger.

  “We could use someone like you working for the Royal Treasury.” He needed to get her thinking about her future and her life in Mykorini.

  Maybe he had been overbearing with his threats, but he intended to make her his wife. And he’d do everything in his power to make that happen.

  Her gaze grew questioning now. “If I stay here?”

  “Yes. It could be minimal hours, especially once the baby arrives, but I can’t see why not.”

  Their food arrived, ending the discussion for the moment. Silence fell as they both took bites of their lunch. Local fish served with rice and vegetables, with a plate of local cheese for them to share.

  “I haven’t agreed to marry you.” She didn’t look up from her food and her fingers gripped the fork a little too tightly, her knuckles turning white from the strain.

  She would agree, and he was confident it would be before the week was over.

  “I can’t see a marriage lasting without love,” she added.

  “You know, Tina Turner has a great song about that.” He gave her a slow, charming smile that had never failed him. “I do a fantastic karaoke rendition.”

  That made her laugh, as he knew it would.

  “I can’t see you doing karaoke.”

  “You’re simply not using your imagination.”

  Now that he’d diffused the tension, they fell into safer conversations while they finished their meals.

  As they were leaving the restaurant, Kostas couldn’t help but think how well they fit together, both in and out of bed. And how he wasn’t sure he wanted anyone else to be his wife and the queen of his country.

  “Your Majesty.”

  They had just been about to exit when the soft, breathy voice came from behind them.

  Swearing softly under his breath, Kostas turned to face the woman who could ruin everything.

  “Hello, Saina.”

  She curtsied and gave him a sultry smile.

  “I was hoping we could have dinner together, Your Majesty. I have missed your company.”

  She was his brother’s ex-fiancée, and one of the biggest mistakes of Kostas’s life.

  After a moment, it occurred to him that Saina had spoken in English. No doubt it was a deliberate move to unsettle Eva. It worked.

  Eva glanced his way and arched a brow. “Should I leave you two alone, Kostas?”

  “You dare to address the king so informally?” Saina asked, feigning surprise. “You are American, correct? Perhaps you don’t understand the ways of royalty.”

  Her gaze slid to Eva’s belly and her eyes flashed with resentment. Clearly she’d heard the rumors.

  “We must go,” Kostas intervened before Eva could reply. “I will speak with you later, Saina.”

  He wouldn’t. He would have his people call her people and it would be done. Perhaps his mother had given Saina hope that they could be married, but that was never an option in his mind.

  With a nod to his bodyguard, Kostas escorted Eva out the door and was saved from further discussion as the guard blocked any pursuit Saina might’ve attempted.

  Chapter 22

  Who was she?

  Eva had wanted to ask Kostas about the woman the entire

  ride back to the castle. Only she didn’t really want to

  know. She had a fairly good idea.

  She’d found the pictures of the two of them that had

  created such a big scandal. The woman had been engaged to Kostas’s brother when Kostas slept with her.

  He hadn’t denied the allegations when Eva had asked. But now she had wonder if he had feelings for her.

  Kostas.

  Was she wrong in addressing him by his name? He’d never corrected her, and during their night together he’d told her to call him Kostas, but back home maybe she should be referring to him with more respect.

  It was a reminder that he wasn’t just some guy she’d met at the beach; he was a king.

  When they arrived back at the castle, the surreality of it all began to sink in. Being a Fairchild, she was accustomed to a certain lifestyle and a good amount of luxury. This, however, was beyond familiarity. Private jets. Castles. A king who wanted to marry her.
/>
  But did he really? Or was it only because she was carrying his child?

  She pressed her palm to her belly, knowing the child they’d created was only just starting to form.

  She was going to be a mother no matter what. But did she really want to give up her life in America?

  The potential to become the queen of a small country was probably the most surreal part of it all. It made her knees a little weak just thinking about it. The magnitude and responsibility of such a position was not lost on her.

  “What did you think?” Kostas interrupted her thoughts as they walked through the corridors of the castle.

  She tried to compose her thoughts back to less troubling things. “Mykorini is beautiful. This castle is simply breathtaking. And your people seem loyal, friendly, and sincere.”

  “You like it here.” It wasn’t a question.

  “I do.” But she wished she didn’t like it so much. It made it harder to resent being pressured to return home with him.

  “Good.”

  “Kostas! There you are.”

  Eva turned to see an older woman striding down the hall. She’d done her homework and sought out pictures of Kostas’s family, and this was clearly his mother.

  And, it seemed, the only other person who didn’t call him Your Majesty.

  “I have been waiting for an introduction to the mother of my grandchild.”

  Kostas sighed softly. “Mama, I had hoped to give her a chance to settle in first. Evelynn, let me introduce you to my mother, the Queen Dowager.”

  His mother reached out to squeeze Eva’s hands and kiss each of her cheeks. “Please, call me Christiana. We are going to be family soon.”

  Eva smiled warmly. “A pleasure to meet you, Christiana. Thank you for inviting me to your home.”

  “But you will stay, of course. This is your home now.”

  “Mama—”

  “She is perfect, Kostas.”

  His mother switched to Greek and the rest of the fast-paced conversation was lost on Eva.