“Peter is a sleaze,” I tell his chest. “And Charles is a sleaze, and I’m caught in the middle. Blackmail and worse.”
He strokes my hair back. “Start from the beginning with the first sleaze.”
It’s easier somehow tucked against his chest, not looking at him. I tell him everything from my parents’ debt to Peter’s blackmail to his plans for my palace and Charles’s evil idea. I fill him in on my traditional kingdom, too, including all the patriarchal restrictions placed on me in order to be queen. He asks no questions, and when I’m finished with the sordid tale, he’s absolutely silent.
I risk a glance up at him and find no judgment in his eyes. A muscle ticks in his jaw like he’s angry on my behalf. A surge of affection rushes through me, and I hug him tight for that wonderful response.
He hugs me back. Finally, he says, “Let me see if I understand this. You agreed to the engagement to a man you know is a sleaze in order to save your family and your kingdom.”
“Yes. That is the role of a queen. Duty to my kingdom above myself.”
He cups my jaw, tilting my face up to his. “You’re everything a queen should be, but you will not sacrifice yourself to take your rightful place. And I’m going to make sure Charles doesn’t breathe a word about any of this. Forget all about that virginity auction because that is never going to happen.” His lips press tightly together. “I’ll find another way to pay your parents’ debt. You will not marry Peter.”
I nearly sag with relief because he sounds so confident, but then doubt sets in. “How? Where will you get the money?” It’s not a small sum.
His thumb strokes my cheek. “Just give me some time. Can you trust me on this?”
“I’m running out of time,” I say softly. “My father will step down as king very soon.”
His lips curve in a small smile. “They invented princes to rescue princesses.”
A laugh escapes. “I want to rescue myself.”
“Let me help. You don’t have to do everything by yourself.”
Tears sting my eyes. I’ve been reluctant to share the burden, not wanting to expose my family. I don’t know how he thinks he can get me out of this mess, but I haven’t come up with a good solution, and I’m desperate enough to take a leap of faith.
I hug him tight. “I trust you.”
His voice rumbles in his chest. “Good.”
We stay like that for a few moments, hugging. Slowly, I become aware of the heat radiating between us, the hard feel of him pressed against my softness.
I lift my head, and our gazes lock in an electric moment. My breath stutters out at the raw desire in his eyes. His gaze drops to my mouth, and my lips part, my breath coming harder.
His lips meet mine in a fierce kiss that shocks my system. My stomach drops, blood rushing through my veins. I never knew a kiss could feel like this—electrifying. His fingers shift to the side of my neck, curling behind my jaw to the sensitive skin under my ear. I can’t seem to stop kissing him, wanting more and more and more. He takes control, deepening the kiss. I go damp between the legs, a low ache in my belly that’s foreign to me. This is what passion feels like—urgent, hot, needy. I’ve never felt like this in my life.
He breaks the kiss and sets me away from him abruptly. My head spins for a moment, all of me aching and tingling.
I reach for him, and he pulls away, running both hands through his hair. “Fuck,” he mutters.
I put my fingers to my still-tingling lips.
His voice is hoarse. “That never happened.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re you, the queen. The virgin princess.” He looks around wildly, like he forgot something here; then he pats his pockets and bolts toward the door.
He stops and turns. “Stay away from Charles.”
“Okay.” My voice comes out soft. “Will you kiss me again, please? I need it more than my next breath.”
He groans and takes a step back.
“Oscar.”
He gazes at me for one long moment, searching my features. I can see the indecision in his eyes. He wants to stay, but he’s conflicted. I think he’s protecting me from himself. It only makes me want him more.
He shakes his head, turns, and walks out the door.
I stare at the door for a full minute. No wonder I’ve never been tempted by a man before. I’ve never felt passion. It’s shockingly intense. Even now, I’m still hot and achy, my limbs heavy. I want his weight against me, want to feel skin on skin. These are things I’ve never wanted in my life.
He accepted my shameful, horrendous situation without judgment. Phenomenal. I really, really like this man. I’m not sure what to do about it, but my instincts tell me to stick close. Or maybe that’s my raging lust. Either way, I’m not done with Oscar.
Chapter Nine
Oscar
I screwed up. I shouldn’t have kissed her. What the hell was I thinking? She needs to get married fast and we have a business partnership. I want to help her, not ruin her. She needs to be queen, to claim her birthright in whatever backwards dictates she’s confined to—a virgin princess who needs to stay that way until she marries.
I lost my mind. It’s the only explanation.
Jesus. That kiss. Fiery heat, urgent primal need. I have to stop thinking about it, have to stop replaying her needy, “Will you kiss me again, please? I need it more than my next breath.”
It never happened. I’m not going to tell anyone. She’s not going to tell anyone. Therefore, that kiss does not exist.
I avoided her at dinner, opting for room service, and now I’m at the high-stakes table on the terrace with Adrian, playing Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em poker. I’ve got a winning hand, and if I could just keep my focus, I could win big. I need cash fast to pay off Charles. I already called and told him Polly was out. He didn’t argue the point, simply saying, “I look forward to hearing your counteroffer.” Obviously all he cares about is getting his cut. He said he’d be in his office tonight for my requested meeting.
I glance around the table, trying to read the faces. Adrian’s gaze is on the table, his expression giving nothing away. There’s a middle-aged oil tycoon in a cowboy hat who looks cheerful (likely drunk) and a Saudi oil sheik who looks somber (maybe a good hand). The pair of them probably meet up here for business. There’s also three Italian men in designer suits. They’re quiet now after a lot of jovial talk (likely bad hands).
A short while later, I make my move and win the pot. All of the men groan. The dealer hands me a gold rectangular plaque with the value stamped on it. Adrian smiles. He’s been trying to improve my game. He has a nearly photographic memory, which helps with cards.
“Stick around,” the cowboy says to me. “Give us a chance to win some back.”
“Another time.”
I cash out and head straight to Charles’s office downstairs. The door is ajar, so I go right in. He’s sitting behind his desk, looking to the ceiling, his expression rapt. I spot a high heel peeking out the side of the desk.
Charles makes eye contact, a slight smirk on his face. What an ass. He knew I’d be stopping by tonight. And he left the door open. I step outside and wait.
Five minutes later, a tall redhead with huge breasts brushes past me.
Charles calls out, “You can come in, Oscar.”
I swear this guy is a sex addict on top of being an asshole, and I don’t want him anywhere near Polly.
I march to his desk. First things first because I don’t trust this guy. “Did you cancel the auction like we talked about?”
He sighs. “Much too late for that. There’s a hundred people signed up for it with enough money to buy a small country. Maybe they could buy yours.”
I bristle. Villroy may be struggling economically now, but it’s on the rise and will be a powerhouse soon. “This is illegal. You can’t auction a woman, and she never agreed to it.”
“She will. I gave her until midnight, and she’s quite desperate.”
My hands form fists, rage
building inside me. I want to beat him senseless, despite my earlier plan to pay him off.
“I’ll be bidding on her too,” he says with a wide smile. “Such a fine piece of ass is rare.”
I grab him by the collar and shake him. “Shut up! This is over.”
“I called security,” he says. “There’s a button built into my desk.”
I drop him and go back to my original plan. “You’ll get your cut. Cancel the auction. She won’t be there.” I pull the wad of bills from my winnings out of my pocket and toss it on his desk. Fifty thousand euros. “And keep your mouth shut about Polly.”
He glances at the money. “Not nearly enough.” He lifts a palm. “I can’t disappoint so many of the casino’s clients.”
I hear footsteps pounding down the hall. Security. I can’t chance the bad press for my family if I get hauled away by security. In that instant I know what I have to do. I know what my vineyard in Italy is worth, and I know I can get a quick sale.
“A hundred thousand euros,” I bite out.
He laughs. “A million.”
“Half mil, and I don’t go to the authorities.”
“Done.” His blue eyes gleam. Bastard. I’m glad we’re not doing business with him. That would’ve been a huge mistake.
I turn just as security rushes the room.
Charles pipes up in a cheerful tone. “Sorry, I must’ve pressed the button accidentally. I had a woman under the desk.”
The men stand down, smirking.
“I’ll be in touch,” I tell him and head out the door.
I’ve got a lot to do to pull this off. And I’m not going to tell Polly until it’s done because I don’t want her to worry any more about this. For once someone needs me, and I’m not going to let her down.
~ ~ ~
Polly
I didn’t see Oscar today. Adrian said he went to check on his vineyard, which isn’t far from here. He also passed along the message that Oscar “took care of it.” Adrian looked at me curiously, but I didn’t offer any explanation. Oscar took care of the Charles problem. He came through for me. A huge relief. I wish I could relax, but I still have Peter’s blackmail hanging over me.
I’m in bed, it’s late, and I can’t sleep. My mind is a jumble of thoughts, trying to figure out how to best Peter. I know Oscar said to leave everything to him, but I’ve never been a passive person. I need to take action.
There’s a knock at my door. I freeze, my heart racing. I’m alone here, and tonight was supposed to be virginity auction night. Okay, calm down. Vaughn is posted outside. I’m safe. Unless a mob of angry men denied their virgin conquest have quietly descended and took out my one lone guard.
I grab my robe and wrap it over my nightgown before peeking through the peephole. Oscar. All of me relaxes.
I open the door. “Hi.”
He smiles warmly. “Invite me in.”
I step back, letting him inside.
He glances at my long robe and bare feet before meeting my eyes. “It’s over. I rescued you.”
I find myself smiling. I think he likes being a rescuing hero, and I’m surprised at how much I like it too. I’ve always taken care of things myself. “Thank you, Oscar. I so appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Do you think Charles will keep his mouth shut? He knows way too much.”
He shoves a hand in his hair. “My gut says he only cares about fast money. He doesn’t want to work too hard for it.”
“I hope you’re right.”
He gazes into my eyes in his assessing way, trying to read into my soul. I wait for him to lean down for a kiss, but he simply watches me. A shimmering heat pulls me in. I can’t help myself. I wrap my arms around his neck and press a kiss to his lips. His hands remain at his sides.
I kiss him again, daring to trace my tongue over his lower lip, and his mouth closes over mine, his tongue spearing into my mouth. Sparks fire over my skin. His arms close around me, pressing me flush against him. My body hums, my head swimming in pure desire. I’m swept away by a passion that consumes me.
He breaks the kiss and pulls my arms off him, stepping back. “No.”
“No?”
He jams a hand in his hair, his voice hoarse. “I rescued you so you could keep who you are. You’re a queen. That’s who you’re meant to be.”
“I don’t care about that right now. All I want is to be close to you.”
He backs away. “I’m going to get serious money soon. When I do, part of it goes to pay off your parents’ debt, part to pay off Charles, and the rest funds the casino on Villroy. I’m going to make you an equal partner with me and Adrian.”
My jaw drops. “What did you do? Did you sell some ancestral land? Some of your family’s heirloom jewelry?” I know he didn’t have that kind of cash on his own.
He scoffs. “The middle-of-the-pack prince doesn’t have ancestral land or heirloom jewelry.”
My throat chokes with emotion. I can’t believe all he’s done for me. “Oscar, thank you, really, but you can’t just give me part of the casino business. I haven’t earned my place.”
His gaze is tender. “I’m choosing to share partnership with you because I want to work with you. I like your enthusiasm for the project, your ideas, and what you bring to the table. And you need it to keep your family safe in the future.”
It’s exactly what I thought the investment would do for my family, but I never thought he’d just give it to me. “I can’t accept.”
“You have to, or it’s an insult to your rescuing prince.” He places a hand on his chest dramatically. “An insult to my honor. I may have to challenge you to a duel.”
I laugh a little. “Oh, Oscar.” I bow my head, humbled by his faith in me and his generosity. I vow to return that generosity tenfold in whatever way I can. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He closes the distance between us and smooths my hair back, his fingers grazing the side of my neck, drawing a shiver. I want to hug him, but first I need to know something very important.
“Please tell me where you got the money. If you had it all along, you didn’t need another investor for the casino.”
He pinches my chin. “I cashed in to rescue you. Don’t worry, it’s all legal and aboveboard.”
“Adrian will think you’re crazy to make me a partner,” I whisper, still floored by him and his grand gesture.
His gaze drops to my lips. “Maybe I am.”
My knees go weak, a low ache in my belly making me sway toward him.
He steps back, his gaze burning into mine, before turning and heading for the door.
As soon as it shuts behind him, I sink to the bed. I’m disappointed and grateful and frustrated all at the same time.
But mostly I’m grateful.
~ ~ ~
Oscar
Adrian’s brows shoot up over wide hazel eyes. “You did what?” he asks for the second time.
“I sold my vineyard.” I flop down on the sofa in his hotel suite. It’s late, but I’m wired after the enormous willpower it took to leave Polly untouched (mostly) tonight. “It was a handshake deal. It’ll take some time to draw up the paperwork and for everything to clear, but I’m sure it’ll go smoothly. The neighboring vineyard has been making me offers for years. So now we’re a go with the casino.”
He shoves a hand in his hair. “Oscar, that is your legacy. You said it was for your future family. And it must be the last thing you had from your football days.”
I lift one shoulder. “Football days are over, and I’m not getting married anytime soon. I’ll probably make even more money with the casino and buy another piece of land.”
He sits next to me on the sofa, his brow furrowed. “You did all this for a woman who’s leaving soon to marry another man.”
I blow out a breath. She won’t be blackmailed into marrying Peter once I can pay off her parents’ debt, but it’s true that she needs to marry soon to rule as queen. That’s the
way it works in her traditional kingdom.
He doesn’t understand because I’ve never stepped up like this before. No one ever needed me to. “I did it to rescue her from a bad situation, which she wants to keep quiet. And I did it for us too. Now we have something of our own to contribute. I never thought I’d have a chance to be part of the family’s legacy. Now we both will be.”
He shakes his head. “Believe me, I get it. I’m the youngest of seven. Even my twin beat me out of the womb by a minute. But, Oscar, this is a big deal.”
“She needed me.” It’s the plain and simple truth, and I’m proud that I came through for her.
He jabs a finger at me. “You’re in love with her.”
I stiffen. “No, I’m not.” Am I? I don’t want to be. The last thing I want is to give up my place on Villroy to marry her and move to a backward kingdom. I may find her tempting, but I’m not that far gone.
“Yes! From the moment you met her, you were stupid with it. Lucas and I both saw it.”
I pull at my collar, suddenly overheated. “Stupid with lust maybe. Other women will come along.”
He rests his elbows on his knees, quiet for a moment before saying, “There’s nothing I want more than to build and run this casino with you.”
“And her.”
He gives me a sideways look. “This is what I’m saying. You could’ve just sold your vineyard, and then you and I would’ve been partners. Now we have a third party, who…forget it.”
“Just say it.”
He straightens. “She’s part owner of the casino, profiting in perpetuity without putting up any of the funds. Ask yourself why, Oscar. What do you think you’re going to get out of this?”
“You don’t understand. I didn’t do this for me.”
“Okay, tell me how it is.”
“She’s going to contribute. She has great ideas for the casino.” And I want her to have everything she dreams of. She’s just as excited about the casino as I am. And maybe, selfishly, I want to keep a connection to her, even if it’s just business. I keep that to myself.
Adrian gives me a hard look. “Great ideas and no money, yet she’s part owner. You just gave it to her.”
I clench my jaw. “I did the right thing. She’s suffered her whole life under rigid, backward rules just so she can take her rightful place. She’s a queen.”
Royal Player (The Rourkes, Book 5) Page 10