Page 23 of Alien Prince Fake Fiancé

“Is. Was. Will be. Whatever.” Rachel batted her lashes. “Spill it. Better yet, get out of the tub while you’re spilling it. I think your lips are turning blue.”

Ashlyn shivered. “I forgot my towel. It’s on the bed. Can you grab it?” She watched as Rachel got up and sauntered into the adjoining bedroom.

She closed her eyes tiredly and told her sister what she hadn’t been able to say to Zade. “I really liked him. Really, really liked him. I don’t think I’ve ever been so instantly attracted to someone. I mean, I was so into him I wouldn’t have noticed if I was hit over the head with a two-by-four. You know me. That never happens. Most of the time I’m too busy to water my plants, let alone think about a real relationship.”

“That still doesn't tell me why you chose someone else,” Rachel’s voice became slightly muffled as she got farther away.

Ashlyn groaned. “Haven't you been listening? I didn't pick ZadebecauseI like him. I thought maybe after the whole fake thing was over, I could get to know him. Whoever I chose would have to stay on Cappra. That was the deal. They stay, I go home. Permanently. Fake my death so the Council seat goes to my mate. Your plan, remember?”

“Oh, honey, I didn't realize. I mean, you've dated a lot of hot guys before and never wanted to get serious. You should have said something.”

“It doesn't matter. Now, I'd be happy never to see him again. He knew what he was doing, Rachel. He may not have lied directly to me, but he knew about that stupid 'claim forfeit' thing. In fact, he probably picked that room because he wanted us to get caught there. I'm so mad at myself.”

“Uh, huh. I see.”

Ashlyn barely heard her sister’s reply. She should probably talk louder. “Hey! Did you find the towel? If it isn't on the bed, check the couch.”

“Yes, of course,” Rachel said, her voice still muffled. “Hey, Ash, we should finish later. I forgot; Cam wanted me to go over some details before the big dinner tonight.”

Frowning, Ashlyn stood up, still shivering, every inch of her body covered in goosebumps. “Fine. Just bring me the towel first. I’m freezing in here.”

Zade stopped,stunned into silence as water cascaded off Ashlyn’s body, shimmering in the light like a shower of diamonds dancing in the air before gracefully arcing toward the ground. The sound of droplets hitting the water was a symphony of splashing and tinkling he would never forget.

He held his breath, his eyes soaking in every detail. She was exquisite. Delicate, yet strong. Her hair was piled high on her head. She never wanted to see him again, and he wanted her so badly he ached. He watched, mesmerized, as she looked back over her shoulder, directly at him, surprise flashing in her eyes. He couldn’t recall making a sound, but he must have made one.

Ashlyn sank back down into the tepid water with a shriek. “What are you doing here?”

“We need to talk.”

“I have nothing to say to you, Zade. Get out.”

Zade watched her huddle in the water, her teeth chattering, arms wrapped defensively across her breasts. Cold. Miserable. No way was he going to stand there and have a conversation with her while she froze to death. He silently thanked Rachel for handing him the drying cloth before he entered the bathing room. “Come out of there and we can discuss it.”

Ashlyn snorted. “That is literally the opposite of what I just said.”

He took a step forward, determined, protective instincts driving him. “You are cold. You can get out of there by yourself, or I can take you out, but you are getting out.” He held up the towel. “Choose.”

She stared defiantly. “You don't get to give me orders. I'll get out after you leave.”

Lips thinned in annoyance, he tried again. “Whether you like it or not, the Council thinks we are in love. There are things we must do to be convincing, things that are expected of us. Get out of that tub right now so that we can have a calm, rational discussion about it, or resist and I will come in and get you. Be warned, I’m still hard as a rock and in a ‘fuck you into submission before we talk’, kind of mood. Again, your choice.”

“Dear god, you're arrogant, you know that?” Ashlyn stood up, got out of the tub as gracefully as possible while still using her hands to cover her girlie bits, which was harder than it looked, and stomped angrily toward him, ignoring the desire rocketing through her at his words. Fuck her into submission?Damn. Images of him doing exactly that raced through her mind. By the time she stood in front of him, she was wet, and not from the bath. Well, that was too damn bad because she was still pissed.“Take a good look, because this is as much as you're ever gonna see.”

With one eyebrow cocked, he opened the towel and held it out. Ashlyn immediately saw the problem. If she continued to cover herself, her hands would be trapped inside, unable to hold onto the towel.Damn! Damn! Damn!

She looked up, met his bold stare with one of her own. He could look at her like he wanted to devour her all day long. She was immune. She was not going to be swayed by his deep rumbly voice, his muscles, or the alpha vibe he put out.

Ever so slowly, she raised her arms defiantly until they were straight up in the air.

Zade's eyes raked over her nakedness, taking way too long to wrap the towel around her. His fingers brushed the side of her breast as he knotted the material, sending a fresh wave of goosebumps up and down her body. His face was devoid of emotion as they stood there, toe to toe.

What was he thinking?Why do you care? He's nothing to you now. A prop. A temporary plus one. As soon as the Council is satisfied and gets the proof they need, you’re out of here. You can forget about Zade. Forget about the way he kissed you until you were putty in his hands, forget about the way he made you come..

“You can put them down now.”

She shook her head, bemused. “What?”

Zade made a primitive, guttural sound deep in his chest. “Shenga, if you keep your hands up like that much longer, I'm going to start thinking you want me to bind them, to take control of your sweet little body.” His hands slid up her arms, gently pushed them together, shackling her wrists in one large hand while the other came to rest on the knot he'd made in her towel. “Is that what you want? What you need?”

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