Page 29 of Lily and the Billionaire Prince

“Ah. My date. If you’ll excuse me, ladies.” He slipped from their holds like an eel, and his arm hooked so instantly around Lily’s waist, she released an audible gasp. He pulled her to a stop feet away, guiding her in closer to him than she expected so she stood flush with him.

With a gentle yet intentional hand, he brushed the coils of hair away from her neck. He dipped in and grazed his nose against her throat in a way that shot fiery awareness through her entire body. His breath stroked her skin. He leaned in close enough to whisper, “I was wondering how long it would take you to steal me away.”

Lily’s body trembled at the sultry, intimate tone of his words. Her lids fluttered. “You looked like you had plenty of company.”

“Not the right company.”

“No? Why not?”

“They weren’t you.”

The music changed to something less robotic and more festive, with cool tones that made her want to sway. Taking command of the dance, he guided her with such sureness that even though she didn’t know the steps, he made her feel proficient at them.

“You were the one who deserted me,” Lily argued. “The minute you were recognized, you let your fans whisk you away.”

“That happens everywhere I go. It’s getting rather dull.”

“That’s not the impression I got,” Lily said.

“What? You think I like being the fox at the end of their hunt?”

“I think that’s exactly what you like.”

He cast his head back with a groan. “Couldn’t you tell? I was practically begging you to intervene.”

“Is that what those desperate looks meant?” she teased. “I thought it was my job to help you find your bride.”

His grip at her waist tightened. “Didn’t I tell you?” He rested his cheek against hers. His freshly shaved skin was so smooth. Lily’s brain grew foggy. He pulled her closer, so they weren’t so much dancing as hugging, and she lost all capability to do anything more than breathe.

The low rumble of his voice reverberated from his chest to hers as he said, “I no longer require your services.”

His breath added to the heat climbing her spine and up her neck. Something stroked her earlobe—his lips? What did he mean? And what was he doing holding her like this and kissing her ear right here where everyone could see? She wasn’t sure if he was showing his feelings or trying to send a clear message to all the women who might be watching him.

Humiliation flooded Lily’s cheeks in a gush, turning her vision red. Regaining her capacity to think, Lily pried herself free of his grasp and became suddenly aware of the attention on her. Ethan and Charlotte spoke behind their hands, their eyes on her as they clearly talked about her. Others watched her curiously.

Lily gave way to her coursing emotions. She tore herself away from Henrik and pushed through the throng of dancers to the nearest exit, past a row of chairs and those in attendance choosing to fill them rather than dance. She dashed out into the hall where there was less noise and much less rubbernecking. She paced, plunging her face into her hands and trying desperately to reach some kind of grounding.

Henrik’s words played over and over in her mind. He no longer required her services? Did that mean he was interested inher? Or had he found someone tonight and he was going to expect Lily to refund the fifteen grand he’d given her? That was part of their contract—he couldn’t legally do that to her. She hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

That thought, combined with the affectionate, almost possessive way he’d held her made her blood race. Henrik seemed too decent to do something like that, but she couldn’t ignore the possibility.

10

Henrik approached her in the comparatively quiet hall. Music from the ballroom still wafted its way out here, but the bustle and movement in there were lacking out here. Lily groaned, wishing she’d hidden herself better. The darker side of her craved his company while her sane side told her to break for it.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“Physically? I’m fine,” she said. “But other than that?” Damon had given her mixed signals as well. He’d flirted with other women and dated them behind Lily’s back—then he’d gotten angry when Lily had confronted him about it. Like his cheating was her fault.

“What is the problem?” he asked with too much innocence.

Lily released a scoff. She couldn’t come out and admit she was jealous. And have him get upset with her?

“I know you’re not my date in the real sense,” she said. “But—” She couldn’t say it.

“I am cornered everywhere I go. I thought you noticed this by now.”

She had noticed as much—and the fact wasn’t always as innocent as he was making it sound. Just on the plane, she’d told him she thought there was more to him than that. Stupid, stupid words.

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