Page 22 of Ways To Ruin A Royal Reputation

Amy supposed his words were a compliment, but they slapped like a rejection. Through the fiery agony, she reminded herself that she was respecting boundaries and nodded acceptance. “Don’t worry about me. My job comes first.”

“Same.” His mouth twisted in dismay. “She sounds like a good option. Meet with her. Keep my name out of it until we’re further along.”

“Of course.” She ignored how heavy it made her feel. “I’ll have her sign confidentiality agreements before I pitch it, and I’ll gauge better whether she’s a good fit before you’re mentioned at all.”

“When will you see her?”

“I’ve asked for tomorrow afternoon.” Her heart was pounding so hard, her ears hurt. “Do you want a slower rollout? If she turns it down, we’ll have to find someone else.”

“I want my sister installed as quickly as possible,” he said decisively, rising.

“I think we’re on the right track.” She rose too, getting the message that this meeting was over. “I’ll finish up my gala work while I wait to hear.”

He nodded and she started to leave.

“Amy,” he growled, sounding so deadly, her breath caught.

She swung around.

He wore a look of supreme frustration. His hands were in his pockets, but were fisted into rocks.

“It would only be once,” he repeated grittily.

Such a bright light exploded within her, she was ignited by the heat of a thousand suns.

“Once is better than never.” She ran into his arms.

CHAPTER SIX

HECAUGHTHER, barely rocking on his feet. His arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her steady even as he hesitated. His lips peeled back against his teeth in a moment of strained conscience.

“It’s just once,” Amy blurted in a bleak urgency that awakened old ghosts inside her. The wraiths slipped and swirled in cool trails of guilt, hissing,You shouldn’t. You know you shouldn’t. Nothing good will come of this.

“Just once,” he echoed in groaning agreement as he claimed her mouth with his own.

She’d been in a state of deprivation since last night. Relief poured through her as he dragged her back to where they’d left off. White heat radiated from his body into hers, burning away her cobwebs of misgivings. This was nothing like that tainted, ancient memory from years ago. It was sweet and good and right.

Amy felt safe and cherished in these arms that could crush, but didn’t. His mouth rocked across hers, seducing and ravaging, giving as much as he took. He stole soft bites of her tingling lips, and the heat in his eyes sent shimmering want through her limbs.

“Will anyone come in?” She wasn’t ashamed of what they were doing, but she dreaded another discovery.

“No,” he murmured, adding, “But let’s make sure.”

He moved as if they were dancing, smoothly pivoting her before he caught her hand and swirled her toward an unassuming door. It led to an anteroom and from there they entered a massive bedroom.

This was the king’s chamber, a mix of the palace’s opulence and Luca’s spare, disciplined personality. Huge glass doors led to a terrace that overlooked the sundial and the sea. The glass was covered in sheer drapes that turned the light pale gold. The marble floor was softened with a thick rug in shades of gold and green, the ceiling painted a soothing blue between the white plaster and gold filigree. There was a fireplace and a comfortable sitting area, and a button that he touched caused all the doors to click.

“We have complete privacy now. Even the phone won’t ring.”

He turned to her and she stepped into his arms with a sigh of gladness, wanting to be swept away again into that place where second thoughts were impossible.

He cupped her face. His spiky lashes flickered as he scanned her features.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, uncertainty creeping in.

“Absolutely nothing, but if we only have today, I’m damned well going to take my time and remember every second.”

“Oh,” she breathed. His words dismantled her at a very basic level. She wasn’t that special. Didn’t he realize that? She was actually tarnished and broken. What she was doing right now with him was akin to stealing.

---