by Lee Savino
“I don’t know about that.” I shift away from him to look out the window. We’re almost to the hotel, the crown jewel in the Kensington portfolio. Fifty-two stories high, overlooking Central Park.
How did I end up here? I feel like an imposter.
“One interview,” Theo says suddenly.
“What?” I pull my gaze from the park.
“I’ll do one interview. Set my story straight. After that, I just want to stay out of the press.”
“I can do that.” I smile back and pull out my phone, ready to schedule the interview before he changes his mind.
My Google alert pings. I scroll through the latest news bulletin.
“Shit,” I say.
“What?”
“Your uncle died,” I tell him as the Escalade stops at the grand entrance to Imperial Manhattan. “Congratulations, Theo. You’re now the crown prince of Sweden.”
6
The door opens into the storm of paparazzi. Cameras flash like lightning. The press screams from all sides.
“Mr. Kensington,” Evans shouts. Black suited men rush forward, surrounding us. Theo covers me with his body as we race inside.
“It’s all over the news,” Evans tells us.
“Fuck,” Theo runs his hand through his hair. “I’m sick of this. What do we do?” He and Evans turn to me.
“You’re the most newsworthy person on the planet right now. If you thought you were famous before…” I shake my head. “I’ll release a statement announcing that you’re grieving with the family. We’ll head to Sweden early.”
“What about the interview?” he asks.
“There’s still time for one. I can get you on Good News, America tomorrow. Hell, I can get you on air anywhere we want. But I know Reba Hamilton,” I name the head anchor. “She’d love to interview you, and she’ll be nice. Classy.”
“Let me think about it,” Theo says.
“Let’s get you into a secure location.” Evans leads us to a private elevator. Fifty-two floors later, we step out into a penthouse suite. Black suits precede us, and a few more follow us in.
“We’ve tripled your security. Sweden is sending a liaison, also.”
“Am I going to have to learn Swedish?” Theo jokes.
“Maybe,” I say. “Polling says you’re not very popular over there. I expect the queen will have a list of things she requires before you’re officially named heir to the throne.”
Theo sighs and runs his hand through his hair. He’s still as gorgeous as ever, but there are little lines of strain around his long-lashed eyes. His strong shoulders slump a little. “Can I get some privacy? I’d like to consult with my media consultant.”
“You all right, Prince Theo?” I say once the suits and Evans are gone.
“Don’t call me that.”
“You prefer My Liege?”
He smiles, prowling forward and all of a sudden, I have the playboy prince back. “I prefer to be a god.”
I retreat, and he keeps coming until my back is against the wall. He puts a hand above my head and leans in. “In fact, that’s what you’ll be calling me tonight.”
“In your dreams, skater boy,” I duck under his arm and escape. “So, the interview. Did you change your mind?”
He’s still at the wall, leaning against it, staring at nothing.
“Theo?”
“Have dinner with me.” He straightens, but still doesn’t look at me. His shoulders hunch slightly.
“What?”
He looks at me, and every muscle in me clenches with need at the longing in his eyes. “Have dinner with me, Vesper.”
“Why?” I whisper.
“Today, volunteering, did you have fun?”
“Um, I guess.” His change of mood from sexy to serious is giving me whiplash. Almost like the real Theo is trying to break free, and seduce me at the same time.
“You looked like you were having fun.”
“I did. I mean, all the people wanting pictures with you were annoying.”
“Since when do you not want pictures of me? You just didn’t like the hot moms.”
“They were not hot moms,” I burst out. “Those yoga pants were way too tight.”
He grins at me.
“All right. I had fun.”
“Have dinner with me. You can say it’s for work. Get to know the real me.”
“For work? Just a moment ago, you said you wanted me in your bed.”
“I want you calling me a god. It doesn’t have to be in bed.”
I groan.
“Hey, you represent my dick as much as me. You may as well try it out.”
“This is the weirdest conversation I’ve ever had.” I throw up my hands. “Fine. You want dinner with me? Do the interview tomorrow.”
“Sold,” he says, and I realize I’ve been played.
Too late. He’s going to the door, calling Evans back in. I spend the next few hours confirming the interview for tomorrow, crafting and issuing a statement, and debriefing Evans and Theo.
“Your private plane is on standby,” Evans says. “We can fly out to Sweden whenever you’re ready.”
“Tomorrow night,” I say. “Let’s get to Stockholm and get over jet lag before the audience.”
Theo nods, rubbing a hand over his face. He’s changed out of his volunteer shirt, into a polo and shorts. Evans brought my bags by the penthouse so I could freshen up. I put on a dress, and send my suitcase to my room, hoping it’s far away from Theo’s. A few floors away, or better yet, across the street. Or country.
Sitting close to him, working together, the attraction has only grown. We’re both tired. Not great for the self-control.
I stand and stretch, ignoring how Theo’s eyes sweep over me. “One thing at a time. Let’s focus on the interview. Reba sent me a list of preliminary questions we can work on. She’ll be polite, but she won’t hold back. We need to practice.”
“All right,” Theo says, and jumps up. “But first, dinner.” He grabs my hand, pulling me to the door. “If you need us, Evans, we’ll be at the pool.” Evans’ frown follows us, but there’s nothing I can do.
The pool is on the roof, a dazzling oasis complete with palm trees and a few fountains. I haven’t really fought to get free from Theo’s grip—a deal is a deal—but once we walk out into the luxurious space, only the sky above us, I tug my hand away.
“I have to make a call,” I tell him.
“No problem.” Theo tosses me a few pieces of string. “Do your thing, then change into this.”
I sigh, and turn away.
“What’s up?” Mina answers on the first ring.
“How’s it going?”
“Looking good over here. Did some quick polls. U.S. populace loves the Prince thing. They seem mostly amused by the whole Pepper Spice scandal. Not sure about the board of directors—that might take some groveling.”
“We’re on it. The interview tomorrow will help.”
“How is Prince Charming?”
“Still a domineering asshole.” I grimace at the bikini I’m holding.
“I heard that,” Theo shouts from the bar where he’s pouring himself a drink.
Mina snickers. “He’s in the room with you?”
I sigh. “We’re doing dinner.”
“Ho, boy. Somebody’s gonna get royally fucked.”
“No,” I scoff. “We’re working. Practicing for the interview tomorrow. This was the only way I could get him to do it.”
“You keep telling yourself that. Sounds like a date to me.”
“It’s not a date—”
“Yes, it is,” Theo hollers from across the pool. He’s now seated at a little table set for two.
Mina guffaws and I roll my eyes. “Gotta go.”
When I return from the changing room, bikini in place under my dress, the food is all served. Theo stands and helps me into my chair, the perfect gentleman.
The place is abandoned. Either no one has happened to come up here or Theo
arranged for us to have privacy. I suspect the latter.
Theo lifts the cover off my plate, and the delicious smell hits my face. My stomach growls. We fall on the food.
“This is nice,” I say after I’ve cleaned my plate. Volunteering all day is hard work. “When did your father build this hotel?”
“This is the hotel where my parents met.”
“Seriously?”
He nods. He’s been a little quiet through dinner, dark and brooding. Maybe this is why.
“You never talk about your parents.”
“I didn’t really know them.” Theo dips a tiger shrimp in the sauce and holds it to my mouth. “Open.”
I keep my mouth shut.
“You allergic?”
“No.”
“Then trust me.”
I let him feed me. “Oh my god,” I moan. “Fuck, that’s good.”
“You have a dirty mouth for a girl,” he says. “I like it.”
“You’re just plain dirty.” I slurp down more shrimp. Usually I’m careful with how I eat, but tonight is surreal. I’m on top of the world, having dinner with a prince.
Not a prince. A god.
I giggle.
Theo raises a brow. “I’m going to make you slow down on the wine.”
“I’d have thought you’d get me drunk so I’d end up in your bed.”
“That’s cheating,” he says. “I’m a gentleman.”
“Yes, you are,” I say, trying not to sound surprised. “You are a gentleman.”
“I always let the lady come first,” he continues.
I groan. “You were doing so well. The beautiful setting, the food, keeping on your shirt…”
“What’s wrong with me taking off my shirt?”
I press my hand to my forehead. “Do I have to answer that?”
“No,” he says, and stands. With exaggerated slowness, peels off his shirt. I suck in a breath as the panther tattoo comes into view. My lady parts purr.
“Come on,” he says, smiling like a cat with cream. “You gotta admit, this is a good look for me.”
It is. It so is.
“No comment,” I say, my head cocked to the side, studying his panther tattoo.
He takes my hand, pulling me from the table to poolside.
“Come on, V-card. Time to get wet. Unless you are already?”
“No comment,” I laugh, and shrug out of my dress, shedding my inhibitions along with my clothes. I’m on top of the world, and I don’t care what anyone thinks. Is this how Theo chooses to live his whole life? It’s freeing.
“You’re beautiful,” Theo tells me.
“I know.” I step past him and glide into the water.
He follows and we swim around each other in circles, in ever tightening loops until we’re close enough to touch.
“How do I always end up half-naked around you?”
“You weren’t half-naked last night.”
“That was a fluke.” I give him a Miss Mavery glare, even though I’m not wearing my glasses. “You were very, very bad.”
“And you were very, very good. But I suspect the good girl is just an image. Come on, Vesper.” He catches my hand, tugs me a little closer before I pull free. “Come be bad with me.”
Need zings through me at his touch.
Fuck it.
“I’m already being bad. A date with my boss. Bad idea.”
“I’m not your boss. I fired you, remember?”
“That’s right. You did. You were and are a consummate asshole. So why would I want to date you again?”
“Because,” he steps into my space and puts his hands on my hips. “I only fired you so I could do this.”
He’s going to kiss me. At the last moment I turn my head, and let him brush his lips on my shoulder. I shiver as he kisses up my neck.
“You’re good at that,” I tell him when he lifts his head. “Lots of practice?”
“Not as much as you might think,” he says.
I raise a brow.
He backs away. running a nervous hand through his hair. “Fuck, Vesper. I know I’m a slut, but it’s not as bad as it looks.”
“Relax,” I say. “I don’t judge. I’ve slept with plenty of guys.” If you only knew.
“And I know I was a jerk to you, in the beginning. I apologize.”
“I accept. In grade school, the guys threw rocks when they liked me. I can handle cocky behavior. Although… I should tell you a secret,” I lean in to whisper. “I’m kinda attracted to jerks.”
“Are you now? Well, I aim to please.” His hands settle back on my hips. “You know the moment that I was first attracted to you?” he asks.
“On the steps of your house?”
“I mean really attracted to you. The real Vesper Smith, not just your long legs and blonde hair.”
I swat him for parroting back what I said, and he catches my arms and puts them around his neck. I press my boobs into him and it feels so good. So right.
“The first time you were attracted to me,” I muse.
“When you told everyone that my name meant ‘God’ in Greek.”
“After which you called me a nerd so everyone would laugh at me.”
He winces. “Not my finest moment.”
“No, but I forgive you.” I’m buoyant in Theo’s arms. My feet still touch the bottom of the pool, just barely. We’re dancing in the water, rocking around and around, twirling slowly in the water. Everything about Theo makes me feel young and giddy. Like a first crush, and I really am a virgin. Maybe that’s his power. He makes you feel brand new.
“Your turn,” he says. “Tell me about the first time you saw me, the real me.”
“The skate park,” I say. “The way you talked to those kids. Treated them like equals.”
Theo draws me deeper into the pool.
He undoes my ponytail and my hair spreads out across the water, a golden waterfall.
“After which I yelled at you. I really am an asshole.”
“No. You were protecting those kids, as well as yourself. You’re a good guy.”
“No, I’m not. I’m bad. Very, very bad.”
“How bad?”
He lifts me. My legs automatically wrap around his hips. I’m ready to slide my pussy up and down those washboard abs.
Then he pulls me off and tosses me into the water.
“You punk,” I shriek when I come up for air.
“Very, very bad.” He smirks.
I swim and pretend fight him. He’s too big and too strong and wrestles me so my back is at his front.
“Let me go,” I try to elbow him and he holds me fast.
“Say the magic word.”
“Please.”
“That’s not the magic word.” His lips find my pulse and he kisses and licks before sucking hard enough to leave a hickey.
“Argh,” I thrash, try to stomp on his foot and he only lifts me, carries me easily to shallow water. I pant. My bikini top is about to fall off. I tell him this and his deep, vibrating chuckle almost makes me cum.
He holds my hands crossed in front of me. Bends me over a bit. His weapon is poking between my legs.
“Beg me to fuck you.”
His cock slides along the seam of my pussy, and the bikini does nothing to protect me. Little sparks of pleasure fly through me.
“Please,” I whisper instead.
“You’re going to beg a lot tonight,” he promises, and runs his tongue along my ear.
He lets me go, but things have changed, we circle each other like the moon and sun, unable to resist the gravitational pull.
Drops of water bead on his tattooed shoulders. I want to lick them off. Instead I run my hand along the bunched muscle.
He scoops me up in his arms again. I run a thumb along his perfect lips, feel his cock press into my belly.
“Everyone has secrets,” I whisper. “Everyone has a dark side. But not you. You wear your sins on your sleeve. Your secret, your dark side is that you’re a good
guy. What’s it like to live like that? Completely honest?”
“V,” he whispers. But I never learn what he wanted to say because when I tilt my face to his, he kisses me.
Theo knows what to do with his lips and tongue. I’m lost in him.
He carries me out of the pool, past the table, into the hall where he sets me down long enough to grab a white towel and wrap it around me.
My arms are threaded around his neck and I don’t let go.
“Theo—”
“Bed. Now.” He lifts me again, starting back to the penthouse.
We make it as far as the hall.
My skin is cold from the water, and I need to rub myself against him. His body warms me, igniting me. I kiss him fiercely, cupping his face to hold him still.
He lifts me and presses me to the wall.
My pussy throbbing like a second heartbeat, beating with a rhythm that belongs to him. Only him.
His fingers find my folds and slide up and down, spreading my wetness over my slit.
“Condom,” I gasp, before I lose my mind completely.
He nods absently sets me down and drops to his knees.
His mouth covers my labia, warm and shocking. His lips and tongue repeat their clever activity. Apparently kissing my mouth was just practice. Mouth sealed to my pussy, he makes out with me like he means it. His hands prop up my bottom, and as his tongue enters me my shoulders practically crawl up the wall.
“Oh God,” I’m moaning, my head flung back. “Oh God.”
Theo tongue fucks me to orgasm as I’m plastered to the wall, holding onto his dark hair for dear life.
When he lets me down, I start to slide all the way to the floor. Instead he catches me in his arms and heads for the elevator. It’s all fun and games and intense making out until the doors open with a ping and I realize we’re almost at his penthouse.
I duck my head against his chest. “The security guards. Fuck. I can’t have Evans see me like this.”
“Relax, baby. I cleared the top floor. No one’s up here,” he confirms my guess. He opens the door one handed and carries me in. “I want to take you in every hallway, on every surface, in every room of this place. I’ve been dying to get inside you since you turned up in the ridiculous suit, and then cat walked to the pool in a bikini and put me in my place.”