Page 108 of Modern Romance Collection May 2024 Books 1-4

The memory of Esmerelda’s body beneath his, her strong curves pressed against him, her passionate response as he’d tasted her body, made him hard almost instantly. Yet beneath the pulsing hunger ran a deep thread of guilt. While he couldn’t remember his history with Esmerelda, he knew enough to know he’d hurt her deeply. The memory of her looking at him, her face stricken with hurt, as he’d determinedly pushed on with whatever he felt he’d had to say, haunted him. Yet twice yesterday he’d kissed her. Once where anyone passing by could have seen. Once in the privacy of her room where he’d pushed the boundaries even further.

Esmerelda had said they’d never been lovers. But something else had existed between them. An unacted-upon mutual attraction? Perhaps a plan to become something more, but he’d cut it short because of the engagement?

It was past time he and Esmerelda had a talk. He needed to know what had happened between them, needed to apologize for what other transgressions he had committed, before he could hopefully receive her forgiveness. Before they could move forward.

He reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out the black box, flipping the lid open as he held it up. The diamond glowed, the freckles inside illuminated by the silver glow of moonlight.

The first time he’d held the ring, he’d thought of her. The idea of putting it on another woman’s hand had him snapping the box shut and shoving it back into his pocket. Had he found some way for him and Esmerelda to be together? Was that a scenario she had ever entertained? Everything she’d said so far had suggested she hadn’t wanted to be fired. But what about something more?

He followed the winding path back to the villa, his steps lit by sconces casting golden light onto the stepping-stones. The past kept them apart, as did their positions. He was the crown prince. She was his bodyguard. How could they explore their attraction if they never stepped away from their roles?

“Good evening, sir.”

Julius looked up to see Aroldo on the terrace.

“Good evening.” He nodded at the night sky. “A little late for you, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir. Doing my final rounds and then I’ll be on my way. I will be gone tomorrow, so Michael will be attending to you and Miss Clark.”

“Anything planned for your day off?”

Aroldo chuckled. “Hardly a vacation day. My daughter Hanna owns a rum distillery.” Pride rang in his voice as he smiled. “She’s hosting a masquerade gala tomorrow night to raise funds for our annual Spicemas carnival.”

“A gala?”

“A bit fancier than many are used to. But Hanna is...strategic,” Aroldo said. “Those not used to such affairs will enjoy themselves. Those who are will enjoy the food, the festivities, and hopefully donate.”

An idea popped into his head.

“Is this gala open to anyone willing to make a donation?”

Aroldo’s eyes narrowed. When he saw that Julius was serious, a conspiring twinkle appeared in his eye as he bowed his head.

“But of course, sir.”

Satisfaction wound through him. A night to get away from the villa, to shed the titles of prince and bodyguard and simply exist as a man and woman, could only help. Not only could it lower the walls his past behavior and the difference in their stations had erected, but it would give Esmerelda a chance to indulge, to savor the moments she had so often been deprived of.

“Tell me where to send the money and it will be done within twenty-four hours. Esmerelda and I will be attending, although we’ll be taking advantage of the masquerade to not reveal our identities to any of the guests.”

“Of course, sir.” The butler sounded faintly affronted that Julius would even suggest his betraying a guest’s confidence. “I won’t even tell my daughters.” He looked down at Julius’s bare feet. “I can procure you a suit and mask. I don’t believe Miss Clark brought any evening wear.”

Damn.Of course she hadn’t. She thought she was going to be spending her days on a beach, not guarding her ex-boss or attending black-tie events.

He glanced down at his watch.

“It should be almost dawn in Paris. I’ll have a special order arriving at the airport tomorrow in the early afternoon.”

“It will be delivered the moment it arrives.” Aroldo paused. “If I might, sir, my other daughter Joana is a seamstress. She has some creations that are suitable for the gala and that I believe would be to Miss Clark’s liking.”

“Anything you recommend.”

Aroldo beamed.

“It will be done, sir.”

As the butler hurried off, Julius smiled. He had no doubt that Esmerelda’s first answer to his plan would be no, followed by a series of logical reasons as to why it wasn’t a good idea. He formulated a list of responses as he entered the villa. The lights had been left on low, creating a golden glow that made the large space feel cozy and comforting. He turned the lights off as he walked down the hall. The moon shone bright through the skylights and lit his way.

He paused in front of Esmerelda’s door. Temptation took hold of him, urged his steps closer. The memory of her—the taste of her skin, the music of her sharp cry as he’d kissed her breasts, the heat of her touch—filled him. He raised a hand to knock.

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