Page 11 of I Kissed Three Boys…

Chapter 4

HENRYK

I’d promised my steward and my parents that I wouldnotreveal my true position at the castle to Erin, but lying about it was not in my nature. It went against the grain to be dishonest at all, even more so to lie about who I was.

Erin was so much more beautiful in real life than in her photos. So lively, happy, and she’d actually made the trip. That meant something, though I didn’t know what. All I knew for certain was that I wanted to wrap her up and take her home with me, just so she could shine some light into my gray and regimented life.

I cleared my throat, pushing such ridiculous thoughts from my mind. There was no time for such frivolity. No time to for consideration of wrapping her in anything or having her brightening anything. I had responsibilities and I couldn’t believe this marital glitch was now continuing even longer, thanks to a commercial airline cock-up.

The only silver lining to having to wait for Viktor and Silas was that it gave me time to spend with Erin.

“Yes, I live in a royal castle,” I said, answering the question she’d asked and ignoring the one she hadn’t. For all I cared, she could think I was a servant. Last thing I needed was a greedy wife I didn’t know wanting her Princess Diana moment.

Her eyes lit up. “Oh, really? Well, that would be awesome. I’d love to see it before I head off again.” And suddenly, her American was on full display. She spoke like there was a premium on how many words she could say before she had to take a breath. “Can I talk to Francis while I’m there about my plans? He said he’d help me book some backpackers’ place or something.”

Backpackers? Ah... I don’t think so.

Instead of voicing my thoughts, I smiled at her and said, “Francis will book everything for you this evening if you’d like.”

She was studying me in a way that felt unfamiliar these days. No one looked at me anymore. Not the way she did. And she stared into my eyes when we spoke, also something no one did anymore. And she was all bright and bubbly, with no underlying nervousness or worry.

Everyone around me was always stiff and uncomfortable. They rarely looked me in the face, to the point that most of the time I didn’t even feel like a real person—to them, or to myself.

Erin’s openness was unexpectedly refreshing.

“That would be great.” She beamed, and then tilted her head so that the light caught her eyes in a way that made them seem to glow and cast a halo at the top of her head. She was beautiful, as much as I remembered that little playground girl. And I had most definitely remembered her over the years. “Are we heading there now?”

I nodded because I couldn’t find my voice for a second. “May as well.” No point hanging around for a meeting that wasn’t going to happen today. Not when two of the participants weren’t even in the country. “I need a moment to pack up.” I looked at her and waited for her to move. She did not. “Maybe you would like to freshen up?”

“Do I not look fresh?” Her brow pinched and she pushed her hand into her hair. She set her bag down on the leather sofa, breathed a whistling breath in through her nose then turned to me. “Could I use the restroom quickly?”

“Yes, of course. It’s just down the hall on the right.” I pointed her in the direction she needed, and with another of those wide smiles—the same ones from back then, and I liked it as much now—she headed off.

I watched her walk away. She had a sway to her hips that was as intoxicating as it was hypnotic to watch. She was curved and rounded, firm in plane and soft in curve. I couldn’t look away.

“Sire.” My security man Gerald’s voice drew my attention away from the loveliness of Erin’s form. “Do you wish to take your guest home with you?”

I turned to Gerald. Hardly ever noticed he was in the room because he stayed in corners and shadows nearby, ready to pounce if necessary, but generally unseen. When he did make his presence known, I liked to look at him while he spoke. “It wasn’t the original plan, but I don’t have any other option now.”

The meetings I had scheduled at the palace tomorrow morning were a matter of public safety. I had no choice but to attend.

Which meant that my gamble had not paid off. I’d hoped I could sneak into the city, meet with Erin, Silas and Viktor, keeping this quiet. I’d be free of everything but the memory of this mistake and no one but those directly involved would be any the wiser. But... no. Fate apparently had an ironic sense of humor.

“As you wish.” Gerald inclined his head. “We’ll depart straight away.”

He swept away and gathered the rest of his staff to provide instructions.

I packed up my computer and all the paperwork I’d brought with me. Divorce papers, times five. Who would’ve ever thought I would need four copies and a spare to be free enough to marry a woman I’d met once and had no real desire to meet again?

When Erin came back, she looked fresh and shimmering. “Are we leaving soon?” One of the things I loved about her, aside from her shiny auburn hair and those gray eyes was her voice. It was sultry and made me think of night and all the things I wanted from her, with her... Things I could never have.

I shook my head and picked up my briefcase. “Yes. We can walk down now if you like.”

“Awesome.” She beamed and I caught a glimpse from the corner of my eye as she fell into step alongside me. “Am I riding with you? I’d love to catch up on what you’ve been up to over the past fifteen years.” I couldn’t tell if she was teasing me or if she was serious. “I’m curious.”

“Of course.” I smiled politely, though I had no idea what to tell her.

We took the private elevator down to the ground level, where Gerald and his team escorted us outside into a waiting car.

---