Читать книгу Behind Palace Doors - Jules Bennett - Страница 8

Stefan had invited Victoria to stay in the palace so they could get some alone time to reconnect in ways that phone calls and emails couldn’t provide. They had to attempt to make this seem like the real thing because the media would definitely pick up on any uncomfortableness between them if every touch, every lingering gaze didn’t look authentic—like they were secret lovers.

Pretending to be infatuated by Victoria’s beauty would be no hardship. Her flawless elegance had only flourished since the last time he’d seen her, and he was damned grateful she’d agreed to his insane proposal.

Parading her around the grounds with the royal photographer, snapping some pictures as they rode on horseback, cuddled beneath the trellis of flowing flowers and walked along the private, pristine beach, would help fuel this fire of his romance with the next queen of Galini Isle. Though he’d asked the photographer to keep Victoria’s face out of the snapshots to add an aura of mystery. He’d always been proud and ready to show off the women on his arm. Victoria was the first one he’d protected from the camera. So once the photos started going out, they would hopefully create more talk of his upcoming wedding in four weeks.

Their brief time alone had already caused so many memories to resurface. She was still a tender heart where her family was concerned but lethal when it came to business. The beauty Victoria brought back into his life by being there in person was immeasurable. Holding her, laughing with her, staying up late last night talking again was amazing, and he vowed to never let so much time go between their visits again…if she ended up leaving at the end of the six months.

All thoughts of reconnecting were swept aside as Victoria entered the intimate dining area he’d had his assistants set up on the balcony off his master suite’s second story. Stefan’s breath caught, and he knew that spark of desire he’d always had for her would only spread and burn hotter now that they were spending so much intimate time alone.

Yes, he needed her to keep his country, but he wasn’t a fool. No way would he let this prime opportunity pass him by to show her just how much he believed becoming friends with benefits was a great idea. He may not be ready for a “real” marriage, but he was past ready to have Victoria see him in a different way.

But he had to keep his thoughts and emotions to himself for now. The last thing she needed was him pushing anything more on her. Besides the fact she was saving him, she was coming out of a humiliating engagement to some prick who didn’t know what a treasure he’d had.

When Stefan had initially learned of the breakup, he’d immediately called, but in typical Victoria fashion, she’d assured him she was fine…hurt and angry, but she’d be okay.

And looking at her now, she was definitely more than okay.

Her long, strapless ice-blue chiffon gown was simple, yet so elegant and so beautifully molded to her slender curves, Stefan’s palms itched to touch her. Years of friendship prevented him. Added to that, they’d never ventured into anything intimate. Either she’d been in a relationship or he’d been…preoccupied himself.

“You look beautiful, Victoria.” He extended his hand toward her, pleased when she took it. “You’ll be the perfect queen.”

Her smile was genuine, but her eyes instantly darted to the waiting servant in the corner wearing a black tux. “I was hoping to have some time alone with you.”

While he loved those words coming from her mouth, he knew she just wanted to talk. He squeezed her hand and gave a nod to his employee. Once they were alone, Victoria laughed.

“That’s the second time you’ve nodded and someone has done what you wanted. You sure this prince-soon-to-be-king title isn’t going to your head?”

Stefan shrugged, leading her to the table for two on the balcony. “They know what my needs are, so words are usually unnecessary. Besides, I’d much rather spend my evening with my stunning friend than boring staff. I have too many responsibilities with my title. I want to have the down time with you.”

“Wow, I’m one rank above boring and responsibilities. You’re such a charmer, it’s no wonder you couldn’t get another woman to marry you.” She patted his arm and sighed. “I just hope my family understands my actions.”

“We can’t tell anyone that this is a paper marriage, Victoria.” He turned her to face him, making her look him in the eye to know just how serious this situation was. “I cannot risk my title on the slip of a tongue.”

He knew the strong bond she had with her family, knew she’d want to tell them, but he had to at least caution her as to the importance of this arrangement. Other than his personal assistant, Hector, and his brother, no one knew of this secret.

“I have to tell my mother,” she insisted. “Trust me. She will know something is up and she will badger us both until she uncovers it if we don’t confess now. Besides, she’s always loved you.”

“As a friend, yes,” he agreed, then laughed. “I’m not sure she’ll love me to play the son-in-law role.”

She looked into his eyes, and a tilt of her perfect lips proved she knew he had a point. “Well, she does consider you a playboy, and she’s not too keen on all your tats. But she does love you, Stefan. And she knows how much you mean to me.”

He raised a brow. “What about your brothers?”

“I can’t lie to them, either,” she told him. “But you should know, of all families, mine understands the potential for scandal when secrets slip.”

Because he could see the battle she waged with herself and because he knew she wouldn’t back down on this, Stefan nodded. “If you promise this goes no further than your immediate family, I will agree to your terms. I trust them as much as I trust you.”

“All right, Stefan,” she told him, seeing his shoulders relax on his exhale. “My mother will be the silent observer until she sees if I’m just making a rash decision. But, I should warn you, my brothers will have some serious doubts. They will be all over you, especially after what happened with Alex.”

Stefan intended to speak with both of her brothers privately. He had a business proposition for them that they may not want to pass up regarding a documentary to clear his parents’ names in his mother’s untimely death. Some thought his mother had committed suicide, while others were convinced his father had hired someone to have her killed. Both were pure nonsense, and he wanted to go into his reign with no blemishes on his family’s name. But he would also reassure Tori’s brothers that he would keep her from any more heartbreak or scandal.

“If I had a sister, I’d be very protective,” he said with a smile. “I assure you, I can handle them. But we still have to make sure they know our relationship will have to look real, which means they’ll have to rein in their behavior when we’re out in the spotlight.”

Stefan stepped closer, calling himself all kinds of a fool for torturing himself with her familiar floral aroma, her tall, lithe body close to his. But he couldn’t help himself. He needed that intimacy, that closeness only Tori could provide. He told himself it was to get used to making this “relationship” seem real. In truth, he wanted to touch her, kiss her…undress her. Possibilities and images swirled around in his mind. Years he’d waited to have a chance with her, and here he was nervous as a virgin on a wedding night.

Na pari i eychi. Dammit. The last time he’d seen her in person two years ago he’d flown to L.A. to attend a benefit art show to raise money for a children’s charity. His father was supposed to have gone but had fallen ill at the last minute, so Stefan had stepped in, all too eager to get to L.A. and try his hand at seducing Victoria.

But when he’d arrived at her home, she’d introduced him to some up-and-coming actor whom she’d just begun dating. Stefan had been totally blindsided with the sudden serious nature of the relationship. They talked on the phone, emailed or texted several times a week and no mention had been made of this other man.

Because she’d been beaming with happiness, Stefan had kept his lustful feelings to himself and tried to maintain a physical distance. But now she was here because that jerk, Alex, had humiliated her and crushed her heart.

Stefan had every intention of helping her heal. And now he knew there was no way he could hold his desire back. Eventually, he’d have to confess that he wanted her intimately, paper marriage be damned.

As if just realizing how close they’d gotten, Victoria looked up at him and licked her lips, making them moist and inviting. “I still think we have our work cut out for us. We’ve never been anything more than best friends.”

It was just the opening he’d been waiting for. “Then we better start now making this believable.”

In one move, Stefan had his arms snaked around her waist and his lips crushing hers, swallowing her gasp. He hadn’t meant to push, really he hadn’t, and the second their tastes and bodies collided, he knew this was a bad idea. Now he’d only want her more. But if his life depended on it, he couldn’t pull away.

After the briefest of hesitations, she exploded in his arms, kissing him back with a passion he hadn’t expected, but he would definitely embrace. For years he’d wondered, dreamed, and here she was kissing him as if she thought of him as a man and not just a friend. Obviously he wasn’t the only one who’d imagined this moment.

And that aroused him even more and left him with the knowledge this was something that would have to be discussed sooner rather than later.

Needing more and taking it, he parted her lips with his tongue. Her fingers gripped his biceps as she leaned against him a bit more. And just like he’d imagined for years, she fit against him perfectly.

But before he could take more and allow his hands to roam freely over that killer body, Victoria stepped back, her hand immediately going to cover her lips.

“We can’t…that was…”

Stefan closed the gap she’d just created, but not to pick up where she broke off. He intended to reassure her that what just happened was not a mistake. Hell no, it wasn’t. An epiphany, yes, but no mistake.

“Interesting how flustered you are after one kiss,” he told her with a smile, still tasting her on his lips. “We’ve kissed before, Tori.”

With fingertips still on her lips, Victoria placed her other hand on his chest. “Our kisses were never anything like that.”

Because he was a gentleman, at least where the ladies were concerned, he didn’t mention the groaning she’d done when his lips had touched hers.

He wanted her to think about what happened…God knows he’d never forget. Her taste and the feel of her body were all burned into his long-term memory. But he needed to move slowly and stay on track.

“My top chef has prepared moussaka for us.” He ushered her toward a chair and assisted her into it. “I remember how much you enjoyed Greek cuisine the last time you visited.”

Victoria didn’t even look at the meal; she merely gazed at him from across the intimate table complete with a small exotic bouquet of flowers and two tall white tapered candles.

“Are you going to pretend that kiss didn’t make an impression on you?” she asked, arching a perfectly shaped brow.

Her bold statement had him smiling. Why lie? She knew him too well.

“I wasn’t unaffected, Victoria.” He held her gaze, needing her to see how serious he was. “Any man would be a fool not to be physically attracted to you. And I’d be a liar to say I hadn’t thought of kissing you before.”

“I’m not quite sure how to respond to that.” She glanced down, then cleared her throat and met his gaze again. “I have to say, it’s no wonder you have the reputation you do when you kiss like that. If you pull that stunt in public, the media will never think to question the engagement.”

“They’ll see nothing but eros when they look at us.”

“What does that mean?” She laughed. “You always show off by throwing out Greek terms I don’t know.”

“Passionate, erotic love.” Yet again, he held her gaze. “Cameras don’t lie, and I know that’s what they’ll see. I will have no problem making the relationship look real.”

Victoria shook her head. “I’m afraid your cockiness and ego may overshadow me in any picture, but I’ve found that ego charming over the years—must be from growing up with a very alpha brother. Your pride stems from confidence, which is always a redeeming quality in a man. But I know there’s a soft side beneath that tough-guy persona. Besides, I’ve been around onlookers and cameras since I was born, so I actually don’t notice them much anymore.”

But they notice you.

“I’m glad to hear the media doesn’t bother you because we’ll have to pose for several formal pictures once we’re married,” he told her, taking the silver dome lids off the dishes. “Though something you may not be as used to is servants. As queen, you’ll have your own assistants who will do anything and everything—from dressing you, to preparing your meals and escorting you anywhere you need to go.”

Victoria’s perfectly manicured hand stilled on her wineglass. “I don’t need someone to dress me—that’s literally my job. And an escort? Is that really necessary? I can’t stay here after the marriage until the title is official, Stefan. I have a life, a job to get to. If we need to put up a united front, you’ll just have to come to the States and be with me there.”

“For how long?” he asked. “With no one reigning as king, I am technically the…stand-in, if you will.”

Victoria jerked in surprise. “You’re acting as king now? I didn’t know this.”

He nodded. “Nothing is official until the coronation, but it’s law that when the king dies, the oldest son will step in immediately. If something were to happen to me or if I did not marry, the country would go back to Greece. So this is all temporary until I fulfill my duties.”

“So do you have to stay here the entire time?” she asked. “Are we going to spend our marriage apart?”

Stefan laughed. “Not at all. We will actually need to make several appearances together both here and in L.A. once we’re married to ensure the public believes this is the real deal. What’s your schedule like? We will come up with something.”

His cell rang, interrupting their conversation. He pulled it from his pocket, glanced at the screen and hit ignore before sliding it back in his pocket…but not before Victoria saw the name of the caller. Hannah.

“Am I going to have to compete for your attention from your harem?” she asked with a laugh, even though inside she was dead serious.

“You will never have to compete for my attention, Tori.” His eyes locked on to hers. “You’re the only woman in my life right now. Let’s get back to your schedule.”

She wanted to believe him, so she did. He’d never lied to her before, and she knew if Stefan told her not to worry, then she shouldn’t. But no matter what his actions were, he couldn’t force the other women to stop calling him. Surely once they were married the calls would stop. She hoped.

God, she was so skeptical. Damn Alex for making her that way. To doubt Stefan and his loyalty was laughable. He was going to great lengths to keep his country in his family. That act itself spoke volumes of what the word loyalty meant. So, no, she didn’t think Stefan would do anything to betray her trust. He was the polar opposite of Alex.

“My workload is crazy.” She ran her upcoming schedule through her head. “I’m swamped, but to be fair I’d say we should at least split the time between my home and yours.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. I love your family and I love L.A.” He moved around the table, unrolled her napkin and placed it in her lap, waiting until her eyes sought his. “But the first two weeks of our marriage, we are to remain in the palace. It’s a tradition since the first king of Galini Isle. The country refers to it as the honeymoon phase.”

Those expressive blue eyes widened. “I thought a honeymoon was when the couple went off to some undisclosed location to have privacy.”

He tried to block the image of having her all to himself for two weeks. The instant erotic thoughts had him shifting back to his seat before he did something really embarrassing.

“This country prides itself on rituals. The ethos, or practice, is not to be dismissed.”

Victoria stared at him from across the table. He could tell she was getting nervous, so he wanted to take her mind off what was to come.

“Tell me about what you’re working on now, other than your own wedding dress,” he added with a smile he knew would put her at ease.

In an instant her face softened, the corners of her mouth tilted up into a genuine smile and, yeah, he felt that straight to the gut. How would she look smiling up at him, hair spread across his pillow as he slid into her?

Damn. Now more than ever, he wanted her in his bed.

But he wouldn’t pressure her. He’d wait until she was ready to come to him. And he had a feeling from that scorching kiss she’d be more than willing sooner rather than later.

Victoria was different than most women he dated, bedded. She was genuine. Rare in this world to find a woman this sexy and beautiful who didn’t flaunt her body or use it to work her way through her goals. He’d always admired how she created a name for herself without riding on the coattails of her iconic family name.

“My brothers are working together on a film depicting our mother’s life through the years. And I have to say they’ve gotten along so well since they put their differences aside and focused on our mother and this movie.” She laughed, tossing her golden hair over one shoulder. “They’re getting along so well, they even spend off hours together with their families. The kids at least provide a buffer and something else they have in common.”

Stefan still couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact Victoria’s mother, the Grand Dane of Hollywood, gave up a child for adoption nearly forty years ago and the baby turned out to be Anthony Price, the long-time heated rival of Victoria’s legitimate brother, Bronson Dane. Talk about confusing.

“I’m sure discovering Anthony was your half brother was quite a shock. I apologize for not being there more for you, but with my dad battling cancer then…”

“You were needed more here, Stefan.” Victoria sipped her wine then picked up her fork. “I admit I was shocked, but my brothers took it the hardest. Mom gave Anthony up for adoption when she was starting in her career because she wanted him to have a good life and she wasn’t ready for motherhood.”

“That’s a mature decision.”

Victoria’s eyes darted to his, and that sweet smile widened. “I knew you’d understand. You were always so open-minded. So many have called her decision selfish.”

He shook his head, reaching for his own wineglass. “Selfish would’ve been keeping the baby, knowing she would put her career first.”

She looked as if she wanted to say more, but she cut a piece of her meat and slid the fork between her perfectly painted pale pink lips. And like any man infatuated with a woman—or any man who had breath in his lungs—he agonizingly watched until the fork disappeared and she groaned with delight as her eyelids fluttered. Just when he thought his arousal couldn’t get any stronger…

“This is still so amazing,” she told him. “You have no idea how grateful I am that you remembered my favorite food.”

He knew every single detail about her—her favorite color, the movies she’d seen countless times and even the old diary she kept all of her private thoughts in. He knew more about her than any other woman, which was why they had such a strong bond. He didn’t mind listening to her talk about her life. Most other women talked about their lives in an attempt to impress him. Victoria impressed him simply by being there for him, making him smile and expecting nothing from him in return.

“So tell me about this film.” He wanted to know more, wanted to support her. “What’s your part?”

He also wanted to keep her relaxed, keep her talking all night—since that was his only option for now. Just like during their multiple phone conversations over the years, that sultry voice washed over him, making him wish for things he couldn’t have right now. But at the end of this, who knew? Maybe they’d remain married. That would put quite a spin on the whole friends-with-benefits scenario.

He’d never had this type of arrangement before—even that would’ve been more of a commitment than he’d been willing to give. But for Victoria…hell yes, he’d be interested.

“I’ve never worked with my family before and never designed costumes for a movie, but I made an exception,” she said with a glowing smile. “There’s no way I could let another designer do this, not when it’s so close to my heart.”

“Sounds like you’re going to be a busy woman,” he told her, cutting into his tender meat.

“The designs are done since filming started a few months ago. But I’m needed on set in case of a malfunction or a last-minute wardrobe switch.” She shrugged and sipped her wine. “My team back in L.A. is handling everything right now. My assistant may have to take on a bit more until our wedding is over, though. God, that sounds so strange to say.”

He lay his fork down, reached across the table and took her hand. “Thank you for what you’re doing for me, for my country. I’ll never be able to express my gratitude.”

“You’ve been my best friend since I had braces,” she joked. “We may live far apart, but other than my family, you’re the closest person in my life.” She tightened her grip on his hand and tilted her head with a soft grin. “Besides, you’ve handed me a dream job designing the gown, and I get to play queen for a few months. Seriously, I’m getting the better end of the bargain.”

Stefan laughed. “I wasn’t sure you’d agree so easily. I should’ve known you’d stand by me.”

“I admit I have reservations about lying to the public, to my friends and employees.” She shifted in her seat, breaking hold of their hands. “But I’m honored to stand by you. It’s not often we find someone in our life we can truly depend on.”

He hated the loss of her hands in his and the hurt in her tone. “I was afraid you’d be vulnerable since the breakup, afraid you’d shut this idea down before I could explain my reasons.”

“Maybe I am still vulnerable.” She chewed her lip, eyes darting down before coming back up to meet his. “But I won’t let my heart get in the way of my life again, and I know I’m safe with you.”

“Absolutely, Victoria.” He’d die before he let her get hurt. “You know how much I care for you.”

He admired Victoria for standing tall, not cowering behind her family when it would be so easy to do so after having her world ripped out from under her. He knew firsthand how hard life was to live in the public eye. The media was ruthless, and if the story wasn’t there, they made one up and damn the consequences. Reputations could be damaged and ruined with just a small dose of ink from the written word and could take years to restore…if restoration was even possible.

Because of accusations thrown at his family after the death of his mother, he more than anyone knew how fast a reputation could be ruined.

The rest of the meal moved quickly through some laughter and easy conversation, but Stefan couldn’t get his mind off that scorching kiss. He wanted his hands on her again, whether to torture himself or just have a brief moment of instant gratification, he didn’t know. But he knew how to rectify the situation.

“Dance with me,” he told her when she’d placed her napkin beside her now-empty plate.

“Right now?” She glanced around the spacious, moonlit balcony. “There’s no music.”

He came to his feet, moved into the master suite and within seconds had the surround sound filtering out into the night. When he came back through the open double doors, he extended his hand.

“Dance with me,” he repeated, pleased when her hand slid into his. “We should practice before the official royal wedding dance after the ceremony. It’s been years since we danced together.”

She came to her feet, and he took no time in pulling her body against his. Wrapping his arm around her waist, Stefan was more than eager to have her invade his personal space.

“No wonder you’re the Playboy Prince,” she murmured, her breath tickling his cheek. “You’re very good at this. I can’t imagine how you’d be pouring on the charm if I weren’t an old childhood friend.”

He eased his head back but kept their bodies flush and swaying to the soft, soothing beat. “I promised to keep this simple, to give you all control in the end. I never go against my word.”

She smiled. “I’m sure you wouldn’t, but I also know your reputation. And I was on the receiving end of that kiss.”

“You weren’t just on the receiving end…you were an active participant.”

Victoria’s breath caught. “That’s a…pretty accurate statement, but we’ve been friends too long for us to let lust cloud our judgment. Sleeping together would not be wise, Stefan.”

He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “Who says?”

Her hand tightened in his as she turned to look him in the eye, their lips barely a breath apart. “I don’t know if we’re getting swept up into this idea of pretending or this physical pull is stemming from seeing each other after such a long time apart, but I can’t risk losing your friendship just because of this sudden attraction.”

“I don’t know how sudden this is, at least on my end.” He kissed her lips slightly and eased back. “I can’t deny my desire for you, but I do promise not to do anything you don’t want.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” she told him. “I know this situation will be hard for you.”

He laughed at her choice of wording. “You have no idea.”