Page 10 of Daniil
“Sure.”
“You know that Prince Daniil is here tonight?”
“Sure.”
“He and I had… a fling a couple of years ago and I really don’t want to talk to him.But he’s here, so if you see us talking, would you buzz Jamie and let him know?”
Her eyes narrow.“If he’s?—”
“No, no, he won’t hurt me.It’s just…embarrassing for me.I screwed a prince.”I wrinkle my nose like I’m actually embarrassed.“It was a wild weekend.I don’t need or want to be reminded of it, that’s all.And I’m working, you know?”I hate making it sound like I’m uncomfortable about having a fling with a prince, but I’ll say or do whatever I have to so that Daniil will leave me alone.
“Oh, I get it.”She nods.“Don’t worry—I’ll keep an eye out.”
“Thanks.”I wander over toward the stage, watching as a woman is strapped onto the St.Andrew’s Cross.She looks nervous but excited and I try not to stare as the dom running the demonstration touches her.
That’s probably not for me, but it’s still hot.
The hair on the back of my neck stands up a second before I hear his voice.
“The St.Andrews cross turn you on, Courtney?”
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have none at all tonight.
Of course he catches me watching people have sex.
But if I can play it cool, like this is no big deal, maybe he’ll believe it.
Chapter5
Daniil
When Marcus toldme he’d seen Courtney, I practically ran down the stairs to find her.Marcus followed, managing to talk me off the ledge, so I’m fairly composed by the time I actually spot her.
Fiery red hair pulled into a neat ponytail.
Curvy hips and breasts hidden by dark cargo pants, a short-sleeved black T-shirt, and boots.
She’s not wearing any makeup, but she’s still as beautiful as I remember.
Maybe more.
It’s a little unsettling how my body reacts to seeing her.That’s been the case from the first time I saw her.I wanted her then and I want her now.
Unfortunately, the feeling isn’t mutual.
When she hears my voice, she doesn’t turn right away, but I see her stiffen, as if it offends her.As ifIsomehow offend her.
“Hello, Your Highness.”Her expression is inscrutable.
I arch my brows.“Seriously?I’ve touched every part of your body and we’re back to formalities?”
Her cheeks redden a little, but she lifts her chin a notch and schools her expression into one of distinct disinterest.“It was the equivalent of a one-night stand,” she says after a moment.“It’s not like we had a relationship or became…friends.”
Ouch.
Why does this feel so personal?And more than that, why does it bother me so much?If it were anyone else, I’d laugh and move on.
But I can’t.
