At His Majesty's Convenience (12 page)

But one thing still pricked at him. She'd been planning to take off—to abandon him and Ruthenia in search of…what? “Why were you going to leave?”

She startled slightly. “I already told you. I didn't see any future in my job and I felt it was time to move on.”

He frowned. He couldn't help but feel there was more to it than that. “What were you going to do, back in the States?” He walked toward her. Sunlight pouring through the open roof illuminated her hair with a golden halo and cast sunbeams over her slender form.

“Um, I was thinking of starting my own business.”

Shock and hurt surprised him. Her leaving still felt like
a personal betrayal. “Intriguing. What kind of business?” She could start her business here.

“Event planning. I intended to find a job at an event-planning company, then gradually branch out on my own.”

“You've certainly got the experience for it.”

“I know.” She lifted her chin. “I must have planned hundreds of events over the last six years.”

She wanted to be independent, in charge of her own destiny. He admired that. “As queen you'll have significant responsibilities. You'll be an important person in your own right. People will request your presence for events I can't attend.” He knew she'd find it fulfilling.

“It's hardly the same.” She lifted her chin. “I'd still be working for you.”

“Working
with
me.” He took a step toward her. “As equals.” Another step. She hadn't moved. He reached out and took her hand. His skin hummed as their fingers met.

“You shouldn't,” she breathed, tensing at his touch. “I really was planning to leave, and I still might.”

His chest tightened, though he didn't really believe her. “You'll have a wonderful life here. You already know that. You'll never be bored and you can run all the businesses you want, as well as being queen.” He stroked her hand with his thumb. Her skin was so soft.

“I still don't believe that staying is the right thing to do.”

“I'll convince you.” Pride mingled with emotion coursed through him as he raised her hand to his mouth and pressed his lips to her palm.

She gasped slightly and tried to pull her hand back, but he held it fast.

Her lips quivered slightly as his moved closer. Her delicious scent tormented his senses. He eased toward her
until their chests were almost touching. She still hadn't moved. He could see in her darkening gaze that she felt the same fierce attraction he did. She wanted him every bit as much as he wanted her, despite her foolish worries and reservations. He'd just have to prove to her that her future should be right here, with him.

His lips closed over hers in a single swipe that drew them together. She arched into him, and he felt her nipples tighten inside her blouse as her fingertips clutched at his crisp shirt. She kissed him back hard, running her fingers into his hair and down his collar.

Jake sighed, reveling in the glorious sensation of holding Andi tight in his arms and kissing her doubts away.

She shuddered as his hand slid over her backside and down her thigh. Her knees buckled slightly as he touched her breast with his other hand, squeezing gently through her soft blouse.

No denying the energy between them. It had a life force of its own and drew them closer and bound them more tightly together every time they touched.

She shivered as his hand roamed under her blouse and his fingers brushed her taut nipple through her bra. At the same time his tongue flicked hers in a way that made her gasp.

Jake grimaced. He'd grown painfully hard. The sheer pleasure of kissing Andi was rather undermined by the powerful urge to strip off her clothes and make mad, passionate love to her right here, right now.

But he didn't want to drive her away. He'd already pushed too far too fast and he needed to let her come to him—to leave her wanting more.

He eased his mouth from hers and left her blinking in the half light of the tower as he pulled back. “Let's not get carried away. It's not too comfortable in here.”

When he took things further, he needed to be sure she'd say yes. It was a delicate dance and he didn't entirely want her to know how much power she had over him. She could use it against him. The last nights alone had been painful and he had no intention of prolonging the torment by coming on too strong. He couldn't risk losing her now.

They walked a little higher up the mountain, then decided they'd scaled lofty enough heights for one day and turned for home. A bit out of character for him. Normally if he started something he had to take it as far as it could go.

In the car on the way back he realized he was going to forfeit his bet. Yes, he could seduce her on a whim—her reaction in the tower proved that. But he no longer wanted to. He wanted her heart and mind entwined with his, not just her body, so winning a bet seemed meaningless in the grand scheme of things.

It was a sign of maturity to forfeit a battle in order to win the war. He kissed her good-night with chaste tenderness, and watched her walk away to her own room with regret and desire singing in his blood.

 

Andi couldn't help a tiny twinge of guilt when she awoke in the morning and remembered that she'd made him lose his bet.

The kiss in the tower had shocked and scared her. How easily she fell into his arms, panting and moaning and letting him know just how easily her control evaporated around him. If he hadn't broken off the kiss she'd probably have made love to him right there on the moss-covered stones.

All that talk about their children and her future as queen had mingled with his powerful touch to throw her into a swoon of excitement, and at that point she might have agreed to anything just to feel his body against hers.

Not good.

She needed to think with her head, and not with her heart. Or any other parts of her body. Jake was still Jake—all business, all about Ruthenia, practical and not personal. He'd never for one instant hinted that he loved her. He was too much of a gentleman to lie about something like that.

She shivered, despite the morning sun. Why did she have to be so crazy about him?

It was the last day before the Independence Day celebrations turned Ruthenia into a countrywide party. She knew they'd both be flat-out busy today making last-minute plans and it should be easy to avoid him.

At least until tonight.

A tiny ray of pride shone through her anxiety. She'd managed to resist him after all, which meant she could still be clearheaded about her choice to stay or go. After the kiss in the tower she hadn't been so sure.

She showered and dressed, hoping she could manage not to be alone with him too much today. Her schedule—so recently abandoned—was packed with things to organize for the festivities. Plans made long before his crazy idea of marrying her, and which she couldn't really trust to anyone else.

Or that she didn't want to.

“Hey, Andi.” A voice through the door made her jump. Not Jake's voice. Livia's. “Want me to take over for you so you can spend the day with His Majesty?”

“Not at all. I have everything covered.” She hurried to the door and pulled it open, glad she'd painted on her usual business face. “I'll run through the guest list and make sure plans are in place to receive all the dignitaries arriving today. If you could check the menus and make any adjustments based on availability, I'd appreciate that.”

A smile pulled at Livia's mouth. “You don't have to do all this stuff anymore, you know.”

“This is the biggest occasion in Ruthenia's history—since independence, anyway, and I intend to pull my weight.” And keep as busy and as far away from Jake as possible.

“I can handle it.” Livia crossed her arms.

“I'm sure you have plenty of other things to handle.” Would Livia offer to handle Jake, as well? Andi felt sure she'd be happy to take charge of his very personal needs, if requested. A twinge of jealousy tweaked her. “I have some phone calls to make.”

She spent the day running from her office to the various meeting rooms and dining rooms, making last-minute changes to travel schedules and setting up tours of the local area for the visitors. Around lunchtime, visitors started to trickle in, arriving in their diplomatic cars and in hired limos, and she welcomed them to the palace.

Of course she welcomed them as Jake's fiancée, and the congratulations rang painfully in her ears as guest after guest remarked on how happy they were for the royal couple.

Jake looked rather pleased and proud, but then maybe he always looked like that. Twice he managed to slide his arm around her in situations where it would have been embarrassing to resist. Once in front of the French ambassador, and another time while greeting the Taiwanese cultural attaché. She cursed the way her skin hummed and sizzled under his touch, even through her tailored suit.

The big ring glittered on her finger, like a sign saying, Property of the Palace.

But Jake didn't own her. She hadn't agreed to marry him, simply to stay until after the celebrations.

At least that's what she tried to tell herself.

Feelings of foreboding and guilt, that she'd let down the
entire country as well as Jake, gathered in her chest like a storm. Could she really leave?

If it meant escaping a lifetime of heartache, yes.

T
his was it, his last chance. Jake eyed Andi from the far end of the long table, over the sparkling crystal and polished plates of the state dinner. Tomorrow was Independence Day and he could feel in his gut that he still hadn't convinced her to stay.

Why was she so stubborn?

She knew how many women would give a limb to be in her position, but she didn't seem to value the role of queen at all. Andi wasn't interested in wearing inherited diamonds or dressing up in silk and lace. She didn't care about dining with international luminaries or being called Your Majesty. She cared about people, regardless of whether they were important or not.

All of which only made him like her more.

And then there was that face. Curious and intelligent, with that active mouth and slightly upturned nose. Those sharp blue eyes that never missed anything.

And her slim but strong body, which beckoned him from beneath her fitted golden dress. Tonight he would claim her and sleep with her in his arms, assured that she'd never leave him.

He danced with her three times—heat crackling through his veins—while the jazz quartet played in the ballroom. In between, while dancing with other women, he barely took his eyes off her.

“I'm afraid Andi and I must retire,” he announced, after the shortest decent amount of time. He didn't want to give her a chance to escape. “We've got a big day tomorrow, so I'm sure you'll excuse us.”

He strode toward her and took her arm, then swept her out of the ballroom. She stiffened once they exited the soft lighting and sensual music, and entered the gilt-trimmed hallway.

“I'm exhausted,” she murmured, avoiding his gaze.

“No, you're not.” Not yet. He slid his hand along her back and saw the way her nipples peaked under the fine silk of her gown. A flush spread from her cheeks to her neck.

Desire flashed through him at this fresh confirmation that she wanted him as badly as he wanted her.

And he was going to make sure neither of them was disappointed.

“You're coming with me.” He tightened his arm around her waist and marched her along the hallway.

“You can't make me.” She whispered while her flushed cheeks and dark, dilated pupils argued with her words.

“I'm not going to make you do anything.” Her hand felt hot in his, and desire whipped around them, distinct and intoxicating. It had been building all day. All week. For the past six years—though he'd been too wrapped up in business to notice it until now.

He opened the door to his suite and tugged her inside.
Then closed and locked it. Her mouth opened in protest, lips red, and he kissed her words away.

She struggled slightly—a token resistance he'd expected—before she softened and her arms closed around him as he knew they would. Once again he felt her fingertips press into the muscle of his back—claiming him—and he grew hard as steel against her.

Andi's soft body felt like a balm to his aching soul. Her mouth tasted like honey and sunshine, and her skin was warm and soothing. His fingers roamed into the silk of her hair and down over her gentle curves.

She writhed, and a gentle sigh slid from her lips as he cupped her breast. He could feel the connection between them, invisible and powerful, and he knew she could feel it, too, when she let down her resistance.

Her dress came off easily, via a simple zipper concealed behind a row of false buttons. Pleasure rippled through his muscles as the luxurious fabric pulled away, revealing soft lace and even softer skin.

Groaning, he settled her onto the bed and pressed a line of kisses over her chin and neck, then down between her breasts and over her belly, which twitched as he roamed lower, burying his face in the lace of her panties.

He felt her fingertips in his hair and heard her low moan as he sucked her through the delicate fabric and enjoyed the heat of her arousal. Her legs wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him closer into her and he licked her to a state of silky wetness before slipping the delicate lingerie down over her smooth thighs.

“You're so beautiful.” He murmured the words as his eyes feasted on her lush nakedness. All wide, blue-eyed innocence, her gaze met his for a second before she reached for him and pulled him over her, kissing him with ferocity that snatched his breath and tightened his muscles.

Struggling together they removed his formal suit, baring his hot skin. Aroused almost to the point of insanity after these past days of torture, he couldn't wait to be inside her.

And the feeling was mutual. Andi raised her hips, welcoming him as she breathed hot kisses over his face and neck. Sinking into her again was the best feeling he'd ever had. He guided them into a shared rhythm that made Andi gasp and moan with pleasure.

He wanted Andi at his side—and in his bed—for the rest of his life. She was perfect for him in every way. Brilliant, beautiful, sensual and loyal.

He eased them into another position that deepened the connection between them and made beads of delicious perspiration break out on Andi's brow. Her breathing was ragged and her lips formed an ecstatic smile. Pleasure swelled in both of them, thickening and deepening and growing into something new—their future together—as they moved together, clinging to each other with fevered desperation.

Jake held his climax off for as long as he could, until Andi's cries reached a pitch of pleasured anguish that sent him over the edge. They collapsed onto the bed together, panting and laughing, then relaxed into a sleepy embrace.

A sense of deep contentment settled over him, along with the languid desire unfurled in his limbs. Emotions he couldn't name flickered through him and illuminated his visions of the happy future they'd share, as he drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

 

Andi watched Jake's chest rise and fall, while silver beams of moonlight caressed his skin through a crack in the curtains. Her heart swelled with painful sensation.

It had been so easy. She'd told him she was tired and that
she wanted to go to bed. Did he care? No. He had his own agenda and her needs were irrelevant.

He also knew she never had a prayer of resisting him. How could one person have so much power over her? He'd ruled her life for six years. Six years during which the joy of being with Jake was mingled readily with the sorrow of knowing their relationship was strictly business.

Now he'd followed through on his promise to seduce her into his bed. He'd driven her half mad with sensation—just because he could—and now he slept like a newborn, without an ounce of recrimination.

If only life could be that simple for her.

He didn't care if she loved him or not. That didn't matter to him one bit. He needed a wife and she was a promising candidate with a good résumé. Tried and tested, even, in more ways than one.

Jake probably didn't want to love anyone. Emotions were complicated and messy, and he wouldn't like anyone else having that kind of power over him. No doubt he preferred to keep things clearheaded and businesslike.

At least for one more day, she could manage to do the same. She couldn't bear to think ahead any further than that right now.

 

The next morning, Andi helped Jake host a palace breakfast for nearly fifty guests. Then they rode through the town in an open carriage with a procession of schoolchildren in front and the town's marching band behind them. Flags waved from windows and hands and the whole country seemed alive with enthusiasm and energy.

At one point Jake slid his hand into hers and warmth flared in Andi's chest at the affectionate gesture. But she turned to look at him and he was waving out the window
with the other hand. No doubt the romantic gesture was just intended to look picturesque to the gathered crowds.

Her heart ached that she wanted so much more than a relationship put on for show.

Back at the palace a feast filled long tables on the patio outside the ballroom. She had her work cut out for her chatting with female guests—each of whom congratulated her on her engagement and wished her every happiness.

Are you happy?
she wanted to ask each of them. Did these elegant women in their designer clothes enjoy close and loving relationships with their important husbands? Or were they content to follow along and smile, enjoying the gourmet food and expensive shoes that came with the job?

She envied the few women who were there in their own right as ambassadors or dignitaries of sorts. In charge of their own destinys and not dependent on anyone.

Whenever she glimpsed Jake, he looked right at home amidst the glamorous crowd, smiling and talking and laughing—in his element.

By midafternoon Andi felt exhausted. Last night's late-night shenanigans hadn't helped. As servants cleared the coffee cups and the guests wandered out onto the lawn, she slipped back into the palace for a moment's breather.

“Hey, Your Majesty.” Livia's voice startled her as she hurried along the corridor. “Playing hooky?”

“Getting something from my room.” She just wanted to be alone.

“Don't you have servants for that?” Livia's brown eyes twinkled with mischief as she caught up with Andi and followed close by her.

“I'm used to doing things for myself.”

“It must be hard to make the leap from PA to princess. Though I think I could manage it.” She crossed her arms.
“Shame Jake didn't notice me first. Still, maybe it's not too late.” She raised a brow. “I don't imagine kings usually stick to one woman for the rest of their lives.”

“Have you lost your mind?” Andi's temper finally snapped. She ran up the stairs, hoping Livia would not follow.

Livia laughed, climbing right behind her. “Oh, dear. We have turned into a princess, haven't we? I'm just saying what I've observed. It must be difficult watching your fiancé dance with other women almost every night. It takes a special person to put up with that, I'd imagine.”

“It's just part of his job.”

“And I suppose that putting up with it is part of yours.” Livia followed her down the hallway to her own door. “Oh, dear, will I get fired for speaking my mind?”

Her voice grated on Andi's nerves. “Quite possibly.”

“You must feel pretty powerful right now.”

Not in the least. She wanted to cry. If she was just Jake's assistant she'd have had no difficulty issuing Livia some task, then talking later to Jake about how she wasn't working out. Now, somehow, everything seemed more loaded.

More personal.

“Don't you have a job to do?” Andi turned to her. “There's a big event going on and you should be running it.”

“You should be attending it, so I guess we're both skiving off. I'm leaving anyway. Off to New York.” She grinned and crossed her arms.

Curiosity goaded Andi. “You have a job there?”

“You'd know all about it. It's the one I told you about that you tried to steal from me. I guess it's lucky for both of us that I tripped you on those stairs in your silly dress.”

“What?” Shock washed over her. “Is that when I hit my head?”

“Oh, did I just say that out loud?” She shook her head, making her red curls dance. “Must be loopy from packing. Certainly was lucky, though! I'd have said ‘have a nice trip' if I'd known I was sending you into King Jake's affectionate arms. I saw you dancing around like a loon and him coming to your rescue.”

Andi stared at her. “I think you should leave right this minute before I tell someone you tried to hurt me.”

Livia just laughed. “I couldn't agree more. I'm looking forward to leaving this sleepy backwater and getting back to the big city. Ah, freedom!”

Anger flashed through Andi as Livia waltzed away. None of this would have happened if it wasn't for her interfering jealousy!

She couldn't help being jealous of Livia, now. If Andi married Jake she'd never get to live in New York again. Never be mistress of her own destiny again, with plans and hopes and dreams that could change on a whim.

She'd have duties. Responsibilities. She'd have to be loyal and faithful, serving Ruthenia and Jake until the end of her days.

While Jake danced and flirted and chatted with other women, day after day, night after night.

At least Livia wouldn't be around to taunt her anymore.

In the bathroom she splashed water on her face. She looked pale and haunted, so she slapped on a bit of her familiar blush. But even that couldn't pick up her spirits right now, though. She'd been in the public eye all day, and even though Jake was right there at her side for much of the time, it felt as if they were a thousand miles apart—her craving affection and love, and him needing a royal spouse
to put on for ceremonial occasions, much like his sash and scepter.

Last night's intimacy didn't make things better. The closeness they'd shared for those brief hours seemed so distant now, like it wasn't real at all. The memory of his embrace still made her heart beat faster, which only made it hurt more that he didn't love her.

Were her suitcases still here under the bed? Sudden curiosity prompted her to look. They were. She'd only committed to stay through the end of today. After that she could pack her things—again—and get back on the track she'd planned before Jake derailed her for his own professional needs.

A wife by Independence Day. That's all he'd needed. If she wasn't around, he might well have asked Livia. It probably didn't matter all that much to him as long as she did her job.

Still, she did have a job to do for today. She dabbed on a little of her favorite scent, hoping it would lift her spirits. Didn't work.

Lying in his arms last night had been so bittersweet. A dream come true, but with the knowledge that it was just a dream. He'd slept with her to win her over to his side, much as he'd done while her memory was gone.

Any pleasure she'd enjoyed withered away when she remembered that.