Chapter Thirteen
Evening
Zelda
Cal wears a satisfied grin walking back from checking in with the royal guards. I can only imagine what he’s about to say.
“His royal majesty and Miss Wilder left an hour ago. You know what that means?” The look on his face makes my stomach squirm.
“What? Where did they go?” I want to be angry at Ava for doing what I wouldn’t, but at the same time, I disappeared on her again. At least she’s with the crown prince and his team of bodyguards.
“The Paris Hotel was their ultimate destination. It means they’re off to do some royal fucking.” His hand snakes around my waist, pulling me close. “We should follow their lead.”
My chest clenches unexpectedly. “What?” Ava and Rowan? “That’s impossible. Why would you say that?”
“Perhaps because he’s obsessed with her. He sent her flowers, he can’t keep his eyes off her, and he looks like he wants to punch me in the face whenever I touch her.”
“What the hell?” I walk slowly to one of the blackjack tables where only two men in tuxedoes are playing. Cal is behind me, but I’m too distracted to notice.
How did I miss this? Would Ava throw the job? I suppose I’ve already thrown it telling her I slept with Cal.
“Miss?” The dealer looks at me expectantly, and I scan the rules for the table.
Twenty Euro minimum. I take one of the colorful chips from my bag and place it on the table to start my hand. The dealer nods and passes me two cards.
Facing up is a six of hearts, and my lips twist. Not very good. We turn over the other card, and it’s a five spades. I cast a quick glance at what he’s got, an Ace of diamonds.
“Double down,” I say automatically.
Next round, I get an eleven, dealer a queen of hearts. The men beside me make noises of approval. I now have eighty Euro.
“One more,” I say, tapping my finger in front of me.
Two kings.
“Split,” I say, feeling my insides start to relax.
Cards are easy. Blackjack makes sense. People are hard. I reach into my bag and place four twenty-Euro chips on the table. Cards go around, I’m dealt a ten of hearts and an Ace of spades. The two men playing with me make louder noises.
Cal leans down and speaks in my ear. “Someone knows her way around the blackjack table.”
At once I snap out of it, realizing what I’m doing. “Must be beginner’s luck,” I laugh as the dealer passes me eight twenty-Euro stacks. “Would you change those to fifties, please?”
He pulls them back and slides three white chips across the table along with one twenty chip. I slip them along with the remaining two chips in my bag, and when I stand, I can’t miss Cal’s expression.
“I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me,” he says with a grin.
“I told you my dad liked to gamble.”
“You didn’t tell me you did.”
Shrugging, I walk slowly away from the table. “We would play blackjack when it rained.”
“Must’ve rained a lot.”
“We were in Florida, so you know.”
“Florida? I thought you grew up in Texas?”
Jesus! This revelation about Ava has me completely floored. I’m forgetting everything! “He lived in Florida… after my parents divorced.” Blinking fast, I keep spinning the lie. “It’s how I met Ava.”
I glance up, and Cal’s eyes narrow. I’m not sure he believes me, but I can’t worry about that now. Now all I can think about is Reggie and what’s going to happen when he finds out. If Rowan’s security guards know, what’s to stop them from telling the grand duke? I stop when we reach the small gallery of couches and plush chairs. Cal stops in front of me, and he’s frowning, arms crossed.
“What?” I say, hesitantly.
“I’m trying to figure out what’s got you so thrown. The fact that Rowan’s with Ava or vice versa.”
Taking a deep breath, I give just a little. “I’m worried about her. She’s younger than me, and… inexperienced.”
“You’re worried because she’s a virgin?”
My eyes flash. “That’s none of your business.”
Both his hands go up. “You said it.”
Now I feel even worse. I’m moving fast, and Cal’s right with me, waiting as I exchange my chips at the cashier and following as I go through the doors. I skip down the stairs, past the line of exotic, ultra-expensive sports cars parked out front, past the large, mirrored sculpture, to the line of fountains.
Only then I stop, stepping forward to the low wall surrounding the arched spray. Cal is beside me, hands in his pockets, and I’m sure he’s waiting for what the hell I’ll do next. I don’t even know.
Wrapping one arm over my stomach, I glance up at him. “I’m sorry, I just… I feel responsible for her.”
He smiles and steps to me, putting a hand on my waist and pulling me to his side. I don’t fight him. I kind of like the comfort of Cal’s arms. It’s the first time I’ve been with a man who didn’t make me feel defensive or protective in a long time.
“I think it’s nice you worry about your friend. It means you have a good heart.”
I look at my pewter nails, thinking about the reason we’re even in Monagasco. “I’m not so sure about that.”
He turns me to face him, and warm fingers catch my chin, forcing my eyes to his. “I’m sure.”
This time when he smiles, it’s different. He’s not teasing me, he’s not flirting. It’s genuine concern, and I feel a little shift in my chest, like something changed.
He leans forward and rests his forehead against mine. My eyes close, and I feel his lips touch my nose. It makes me smile. It makes my insides unclench.
“Thanks,” I say, leaning back. “I guess I had a moment. She is a grown woman, right?” As much as I hate not having a plan for this.
My lip catches in my teeth. I think about what I know of Rowan, how he helped me after I twisted my ankle, carrying me to my room, the ibuprofen and water, the gown the size of a circus tent. Then I think about my other concern. “You don’t think the guards will tell everyone, do you? That’s she’s with him?”
“They only told me because I asked, because of you.”
I feel a distinct sense of relief at those words. Cal’s fingers lace with mine as we approach the next fountain, and I step closer to his side. The arched water is lit with bright yellow lights, and for a moment we pause to watch it.
“You shouldn’t worry,” he says. “Rowan is pretty decent when it comes to women. He’s not an asshole like me.”
That makes me laugh. “How are you an asshole?”
A little shrug and we’re walking again. My heels make clicking noises on the beige stone pavers.
“It’s what the media calls me, the Playboy Prince.”
“What makes you a playboy?” I squint up at him, and he’s studying the path ahead of us.
“I don’t know,” he says quietly. “I’ve been caught in a few interesting situations.”
“Is that so?”
He clears his throat. “I think it’s more because I rarely date the same person twice. I get bored easily.”
“Hmm… I guess I’ve been warned.”
“Not you,” he says, with a laugh. “I can’t tell what you’re going to do from one moment to the next.”
We’ve rounded the last fountain, and beyond a stand of banana trees, I see the Paris Hotel rising into the sky. His proposal from earlier in the evening crosses my mind. I’m feeling less worried and more playful now that I know Ava’s safe and we’re not likely to be caught. At least not tonight.
“So about the Paris Hotel… Do you have a standing reservation? Should I ask for The Playboy Prince Suite?”
“I wish. It’s more a byproduct of having an owner’s share. We get amazing rates.”
“Your family owns the hotel?” We emerge from the garden path, and the full façade of the enormous building comes into view. My mouth drops open, and I stop walking.
“Wow,” I whisper.
“Pretty impressive, isn’t it?”
I follow him up the stairs to the ornate, dark-wood entrance of the elaborate hotel. Inside it’s decorated to match the casino, with blue Persian rugs and tall, white ceilings covered in statues and scrollwork.
Cal goes straight to the desk, where the attendant recognizes him at once. “Your majesty.” He does a little bow, and Cal only waves.
“Is the Garnier suite available?”
“Ahh,” the man whispers, leaning forward, “I’m afraid not. Your brother—”
“Right, nevermind. How about 3-2-1?”
“Of course. One moment, sir.”
The card is passed across the desk, and Cal pulls me to him, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as we walk to the elevator. “You’ll like this one. It’s all the way at the top and lots of champagne.”
He kisses my temple, and I laugh.
“How is it at the top when it’s numbered 321?”
A momentary pause, then he seems to understand. “No, it’s a countdown. Three, two, one. The theme actually changes quarterly, depending on the sponsor.”
“Sounds like you stay here a lot.”
“When Rowan is in the Grand Prix, it’s the best place for watching the race. Otherwise the traffic is prohibitive.”
The elevator is all mirrors and gleaming, dark wood. Once we’re inside, he slides his card before hitting the button for the top floor. The doors close, and he pulls my arm, positioning me between his body and the mirrored wall.
“Feeling better?” Hazel eyes hold mine a moment.
I trace a finger along the line of his jaw, thinking how this might be the last time we’re together. It’s a sad thought, I decide to put out of my head.
“Yes,” I say softly, and in that moment, the space between us disappears.
His mouth is on mine, pushing my lips apart. A little whimper squeaks from my throat as our tongues curl against each other’s. I have to hold the lapels of his coat to keep from sliding down the cool wall in a puddle. Warm hands are again on the bare skin of my waist, but this time, his thumbs slide to the front of my dress, teasing the skin on my stomach. I groan as the bell rings, and the elevator stops.
“I’m ready to get you out of that dress,” he says, taking my hand and pulling me out of the shiny, mirrored box to the gleaming entrance of the suite.
“Dom Pérignon?” I read on the plaque above the numbers 3-2-1!
“I told you,” he slides the card and the door opens. “Lots of champagne.”
We stop just inside the door for another kiss, and as it closes, I feel his fingers working behind my neck, sliding the zipper down the back of my dress. His lips chase mine, and my top falls to my waist, revealing the pink satin demi-bra that only covers the lower half of my breasts. My nipples play peek-a-boo over the tops of the lace edges.
“Jesus, it just gets better,” he groans deeply, leaning down to cup the bottom of one and pull my beaded nipple between his lips, soaking the lace.
The sensation registers directly between my thighs, and I let out a little moan, threading my fingers into the sides of his hair.
“Cal,” I gasp. “You’re getting my bra all wet.”
“To match those panties… Oh, right,” he teases, with a wink.
With a flick of his wrist, his bow tie is undone. Coat off, he unbuttons his top two buttons followed by his cuffs, never taking his eyes off me. I shiver at the darkness brimming there.
“Take off that dress,” he says in a low voice, as he pulls his shirt over his head, exposing his lined torso.
I reach down to unfasten my heels, and he stops me. “No, leave those on. Just the dress.”
Straightening, my back is still against the wall, I hook my thumbs in the sides of my skirt and shimmy it over my hips. It lands on the floor in a soft thump around my heels, and I step out. Cal stops moving, and I’m sure I’ll burst into flames at his expression. His gaze moves from my breasts, down the line of my stomach to my bare pussy, down my legs to the gold, strappy heels. I see his Adam’s apple move once before he steps forward, catching my face roughly in his grip and pulling my mouth to his.
Once our lips collide, his other hand moves straight between my legs, cupping me, plunging two fingers deep inside. My gasp of shock and passion disappears in his mouth. I’m grasping at his arms, his shoulders, my nails scratching his skin.
“Come with me,” he says, his voice low and thick.
He takes my hand and pulls me through the suite to the small bedroom. Windows are all around overlooking the lights of the night, but I don’t see them. All I see is him. I’m on the bed in a toss, and his hands move along the waist of his black pants. They’re off, and he’s with me, holding my shoulder as he finds my mouth. He lies back on the bed, and I know what he wants. I’m across him in a straddle, reaching around for his hard length, positioning it before I drop down, taking him all the way, balls deep.
“Fuck me,” he hisses, as I sit up straight. He’s lying back against the pillows, eyes sparkling, and I roll my hips, rocking him into me.
I pull the band out of my hair, and it falls around my shoulders. Reaching behind me, I unfasten my bra and toss it aside so the curling tips of my hair tickle just beneath my hardened nipples. I rise up on my knees and drop down, rotating my hips again.
“Fuck—it’s so much better than my fantasy,” he gasps.
I feel powerful. I’ve never felt this way before. Leaning forward, I put my hands on either side of his head and kiss him deeply. He’s thrusting, still moving inside me, stretching and massaging me in the most erotic way. In this position, my clit is pressed against his skin, and the friction of our bodies sends waves of pleasure snaking down my legs.
Now I’m pushing his lips apart, finding his tongue. His fingers cut into my ass as he grips me. I’m panting and gasping, chasing the orgasm just within my reach. We’re moving faster. He’s hitting me hard, rocking into me, when SLAP! I jump at the sting of his palm against my ass.
“Oh!” I cry from the surprise, pleasure mixed with stinging pain.
His hands rub and knead my flesh and again SLAP! another hard strike against my ass.
“Oh, god…” I start to tremble. My thighs shake as I start to come.
I’m rocking my hips against him faster, grinding out my orgasm, and he’s gripping me, moving me over him. The pleasure tightens in my pelvis. My teeth clench and my eyes squeeze shut as the most powerful orgasm rockets through my body. I make noises I don’t recognize, animalistic and wild. He groans deeply, holding me, riding out this explosion with me.
We roll together so I’m on my back, and he finishes, thrusting hard and then tapering off, rocking in a rhythm that brings us down from a high I never imagined.
Our lips meet, kissing softer, tasting each other gently. I reach up to cup his cheeks as our lips follow each other’s again and again while we slow to a long embrace.
Cal’s large hand smooths my hair away before sliding down the length of my body. He’s over me, propped on his elbows, and our eyes meet. We hold each other in that gaze a few moments. I feel like I’m in a place I never knew existed.
“We haven’t even gotten to the champagne yet,” he says with that trademark naughty grin.
My eyes close, and I exhale a laugh. His hands are near my face, and I feel him touching my skin, sliding his thumb across my lips before he leans down and kisses me again, a little rougher this time. My mouth opens automatically, and our tongues embrace. I reach up to hold him, sliding my fingers over the lines of his neck and shoulders.
“Shit, Zee,” he groans, dropping beside me on the mattress and pulling me to him without a moment’s hesitation. “You have to stay longer than a week. You have to stay through the race. I need you here for that.”
Laughing, I trace my finger along the lines in his stomach, back and forth over the six-pack of his abs. “You need me here for a race?”
“It’ll be boring without you. The same old crowd doing the same old shit.”
I prop my head on my hand so our eyes can meet. “We can talk about it tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” he looks over his shoulder at the clock. “I’ll unplug the clock and order room service.”
I laugh as he scoots off the bed, his perfectly chiseled muscles flexing as he moves around the room. He takes a black binder off the desk and returns to me in the bed, leaning against the headboard as he opens it to the food menu.
“Give me that,” I say, taking it from him.
“Order carbs.” He kisses my shoulder, sliding down to rest his head in my lap. “We’re going to be burning a lot of calories tonight.”
Flipping the pages, I land on a Mediterranean pizza that sounds delicious. “I found it! Pizza and champagne.” Leaning forward, I reach for the room phone while he coils around my waist.
I’m just pressing the buttons as he playfully bites my hip. The server thinks I’m insane, but I manage to say what we want between being bitten and Cal’s insistence on leaving a hickey on my breast.
“She said twenty minutes.” I drop the phone on the base.
“Just enough time for Round 2!” He tosses the binder on the floor and pulls my body back to his. I’m powerless to resist as he kisses his way down the length of my torso.