Page 32 of Kaid's Empire

“Oh, I've heard.” Allegra winks, laughing.

“Not like that!” I laugh, elbowing her. “Most people have like two sides to them, a happy side, then the side with their tempers and anxieties. Kaid is one of a kind with so many sides to him, it’s hard to keep up with them all. Just when I think I have him figured him out, he shows me another side of him,” I confess.

Allegra smiles. “I know. The one thing you need to remember is with his life, his job, he is to portray a certain side to him. He has lived his entire life that way. It’s good that you are seeing more of him, because it means he trusts you.”

I nod. Maybe she's right?

She claps her hands. “Enough of the deep and meaningful. Let’s get you looking even more beautiful. You will turn heads at this party, mark my words!”

Standing, sipping champagne, my hair is styled into loose flowing curls and my make-up is kept simple, with the exception of the deep red lipstick and this dress––this four thousand euros dress clings to my curves and sparkles when the light hits. I feel like I'm a nineteen-fifties Hollywood star––classic, chic and elegant. I don’t feel like the girl from Bristol that this time last month was wiping up mushed avocado from the café floor.

“We’re not going,” I hear Kaid growl from behind me. I jump and turn to face him.

His hungry gaze devours every inch of my body, and I smile. “Do you like?” I tease.

“Kroschka, we are not going. Instead, I am going to fuck you in that dress,” he states, walking towards me.

He slides his hands around my waist, bringing my body flush with his. I wrap my arms around his neck. “You know, we could do both… we could go to the prestigious party and then you can fuck me afterwards. I promise to keep the dress on, how about that?”

“We are staying an hour, no more, and then we are fucking,” he snaps.

I laugh. “Deal.” He moves his hand down to the top of the split on the dress, gliding his hand underneath my dress. “Kaid,” I whisper. He stops at my underwear, hooking his finger inside, lightly touching me. My eyes flutter closed, and I wait in anticipation for his touch. But it doesn’t come, instead he yanks hard, ripping my thong clean off. “Kaid!” I gasp.

He smiles, holding my––now––shredded lace thong in his hand. “I'm keeping this. One hour… I want nothing getting in my way,” he warns. I immediately regret saying we should go to this party, I'm too fired up, too turned on. Damn it.

We arrive at the party; I’m surprised to see press here, our pictures being taken like we are celebrities on the red carpet of a Hollywood film. I grip Kaid’s hand in mine, feeling like a deer in headlights. He lifts our connected hand and places a soft reassuring kiss on the back of mine.

Once inside, I do everything in my power not to let my jaw hit the floor. I spot the prince greeting and shaking hands with his guests. I'm surprised at people nodding at Kaid as we pass. “Seriously, are you sure you're not a world-famous celebrity I just don’t know about? Everyone here is nodding and greeting you,” I whisper.

“I told you, I'm famous in my own right, but not famous in the way you know famous,” he answers.

We walk some more and then I spot the prince approach us. “Oh my God, it’s the prince. Fuck my life, I am about to meet the prince of Monaco with no knickers on,” I blurt. Kaid coughs back a laugh.

“Kaid, it’s good to see you,” the prince greets. Kaid shakes his hand in a friendly manner. He turns his attention to me. “And who is this? Don’t tell me, you’ve finally settled down?” the prince teases. The prince is teasing Kaid like they're old friends… What the fuck?

“Er, hello, your highness.” I curtsey.

The prince smiles. “You don’t need to curtsey for me, Kaid is an old associate, we are past the normal formalities.” I nod and blush. “When are you going to let me kick your ass at cards again?” the prince asks. The prince just said ass! I can’t believe the prince just said ass.

“Like you could ever kick my ass. I have some business to take care of, but once that is done, you're on for a game.” Kaid smiles.

“Good, call me and we will set it up. Now, excuse me, I have duties to get out of the way. I hate these stupid fucking parties,” he mutters as he walks off.

Kaid looks to me. “You okay?” he asks as I stand there, stunned.

“The prince just said fucking,” I whisper. “The prince just fucking swore!” I hiss, completely shocked.

Kaid laughs and kisses the top of my head. He leans over, tapping the prince on the shoulder. “What are you doing?” I hiss.

He ignores me, whispering something to the prince. The prince smiles and nods. Kaid nods and leads the way through the garden and inside the house.

“Kaid, what are you doing?” I whisper-hiss at him, and we walk through the palace.

“Don’t worry, he knows I'm giving you a special tour.” Kaid winks, walking us upstairs. No security stops us, they just nod and greet us, clearly already used to seeing Kaid around the palace.

He goes through a few doors, walking briskly. I have to practically run to keep up with him, my heels clicking across the marble floors. “In here,” he orders. Coming to a stop, he opens the door, revealing a large room.

“Oh, this is nice,” I say, trying to find the enthusiasm as it looks just like all the other rooms he’s dragged me through.

---