Page 46 of Sinful Temptations

For all I knew, it could have been daylight outside.

As much as I wanted to stay and watch him dance all night long, I was absolutely exhausted. My legs were likely to pack in and topple me to the floor at any moment.

But, not wanting to seem too eager, I said, “Two more songs.”

Nodding and grinning, he upped his dance moves.

My two-song limit took forever. And ever. I was on theverge of passing out when he finally grabbed my hand and led me through the gyrating throng.

In the back of the taxi, I leaned against his shoulder and within seconds, I was struggling to keep my eyes open.

“Hey, Daisy.”

His arm curled off my shoulder, and I sat up with a jolt. I’d fallen asleep.

“Oh, sorry.” I wiped my mouth, hoping I hadn’t dribbled. Or snored.

“It’s okay. We’re here.”

I blinked out the window. I must’ve slept for a good twenty minutes. Trying to clear the fog from my head, I climbed out, barely registering that Roman was paying for the taxi.

Damn. I made a mental note to fix him up for that too.

My body throbbed like crazy as we crossed the hostel lobby and my ears were ringing so loudly, it was a wonder I could hear anything else.

I was so knackered; I’d probably sleep for a week. Yet if Roman asked me to do it again tomorrow night, I’d jump at the chance.

In the elevator, I bumped my hip to Roman’s side. “Thank you for a wonderful night.”

He tilted his head, and when he gave me that little sister look, I imagined that was what it was like to be part of a loving family. “Thank you too. You were loads of fun.”

Tiny little butterflies in my stomach hit disco mode.

When I finally crawled into bed, I pictured that glorious look in his eyes until I drifted off into blissful sleep.

ChapterTen

Driving rain hit the windshield as Roman navigated the bus up the steep hill to Thorsteinn Castle. Other than the screech of the wipers, battling to maintain visibility, the bus was fairly quiet. It was as if all the passengers had collectively decided Roman needed his undivided attention on the treacherous road.

The trip that usually took twenty or so minutes took forty, and I think everyone breathed a sigh of relief when we finally stopped at the castle’s central courtyard.

Nina and Katrin met us as usual, wearing bright yellow wet-weather jackets, and I slipped away, aiming for my hot tub as quickly as possible.

But first, not wanting a repeat of my crazy scramble to get ready last time, I went to the costume room and selected the same beautiful period dress I’d worn last month.

Returning to my room, I laid it out on the bed and put out my shoes and the accessories I’d wear with it. I put my bikini on, wrapped my towel around me, and opened my door.

Within twenty minutes of arriving at the castle, I wasslipping into the hot tub with a contented sigh. This was the life.

Closing my eyes produced delightful images all containing men. Luca and his glistening abs. Roman’s dance moves that had all the women around us drooling.I really must make more of an effort to talk to him about?—

A shuffling sound had my eyes snapping open. I sat up so fast a wave splashed out of the tub. “Who’s there?” But I needn’t have asked. I knew exactly who it was even before he stepped forward. Count Frederik Thorsteinn, part-owner of this castle. “Oh, it’s you.”

“Hello again.” He looked uncomfortable as if stricken with indecision.

“Hello, Frederik.”

A tiny smile formed on his lips; apparently, he was pleased that I’d remembered his name.

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