Page 48 of Reveal Me
‘Who knew, indeed?’ I run a finger over the platter of afternoon treats in front of us before selecting a small squareof moist lemon drizzle cake. ‘Will you cover for me again this weekend?’
‘Again?’
‘Yes, and every other weekend from now until I’m dragged back to my usual duties.’
‘Is that a wise idea? Getting so attached?’
‘I’m not getting attached. I’m getting an education.’ Or maybe both.
I can’t fall in love with him.
Can’t, and won’t.
Chapter Twenty-One
SEAN
I almost caved. Almost texted her for a midweek meet up. I had to give my phone to my PA, so I didn’t do something stupid like call the princess. She lives in my head rent-free all day every day, and it’s beyond distracting. I’m impatient to be alone with her, not because I want to have sex with her–I do, of course but the urge to spend time with her is consuming me.
I want to know how her week’s going.
I want to know if the hours apart are dragging for her, like they are for me.
And I want to know if she’s thought about me as much as I’ve thought about her.
Which is why I asked Larissa to bring her straight to the Throne Room tonight. It seemed fitting for the princess.
I survey the space stretching around me. Dimly lit, strategically placed amber lighting illuminates the throne dominating the far end of the room. Carved from midnight-black wood and upholstered in deep crimson leather. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors line one wall, angled to reflect every sordid angle. A bottle of Beckett’s Black Label and two glasses sit onthe small table beside it. I pace the room several times before dropping into the throne and pouring myself a generous measure while I wait.
I tap my foot impatiently to the low, hypnotic music pulsing through hidden speakers, something richer and more atmospheric than the club’s usual electronic beats.
The minutes feel like hours.
Finally, a short, sharp rap on the door sets my pulse soaring.
The princess enters wearing a black silk bodysuit and those damn patent heels that I love. Her hair is tied back into a sleek low ponytail, which emphasises her long slender neck and exquisite bone structure. Our eyes lock as she struts towards me like she owns the place. If she was anyone else, she might well do—one day anyway. I’ve never contemplated marriage before, but looking at her right now, I’d lock her down as my wife in a heartbeat, if I thought I could get away with it.
Oh, fuck, that is one wayward, dangerous thought.
‘Good evening, sir.’ She struts across the room, slowly, seductively. I sink back into my seat again to stop myself from running to her.
‘It is now you’re here.’
She drops to her knees on the floor, but truthfully, she’s bringing me to my knees.
‘Did you miss me?’ The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. I cup her chin and tilt her eyes up to meet mine. That invisible chemistry short circuits between us again.
‘Yes.’ She pulls the silk strings at the back of her head and removes her mask. It feels like she’s removing mine in the process. I’ve never told anyone about Hannah before. Never admitted I’d been foolish enough to fall for a woman who clearly didn’t feel the same way about me. Never admitted outloud that despite the fun I have down here, a part of me feels broken. Not until her, anyway. She’s a fucking princess. And she sees me, she knows what I am, what I’m into. And still, she keeps on coming back, night after night. ‘Didyoumissme?’ she asks, almost coyly.
I stroke my thumb over her full lips. The urge to kiss them is all consuming, but I can’t. I won’t. Because this thing between us can’t last. I’ll never be enough for her outside of these walls. Despite what she said in the shower–Iambroken. I don’t trust easily. Yet there’s an earnestness about her that makes me want to try. I’m torn between ending our arrangement and searching for a loophole to sign her up to a permanent contract.
If she feels the weight of the war raging inside of me, she doesn’t show it.
‘More than you can imagine,’ I admit. Fucking whiskey has loosened my lips.
Dark eyes glint up at me as she inches closer, her gaze fixated on my lips. Her chin juts upwards until her mouth is millimetres from mine. She wants me to prove it. She wants me to kiss her.
I can’t.
