Crowning His Unlikely Princess

‘Appropriate?’ His mouth turned into a grim line. ‘Probably not. But it will allow me to prove to you that we can resume a normal relationship. At the moment you’re using emotion to dictate your decision and that’s always a mistake.’

Cassidy frowned. ‘On the contrary, I’m using logic and the knowledge that when men and women become intimate it complicates things.’

‘That doesn’t have to be the case if both parties are mature adults.’

‘Then why have you never slept with one of your EAs before? Because I’m pretty sure there were some offers on the table.’

Logan’s nostrils flared, his gaze drifting to the sofa behind her. She had the distinct feeling that he was contemplating lifting her onto it and having his way with her again. The fact that she wanted that to happen so badly only convinced her that she had made the right call. She couldn’t work with him. If there was one thing Cassidy knew from a childhood full of instability it was when to cut and run. Her mother had been the first person to reject her and she had been watching people walk away from her ever since. Something most of them did with startling ease. Something Logan would eventually do as well.

‘If you must know, I’ve never been tempted before.’

Rather than feel flattered by his soft words, a lump formed in her throat because it didn’t matter how tempted he had been the night before, he still only wanted her in his life as an employee. And he would never want more than that from her because not only did she not have the right pedigree to suit his new station in life, she didn’t have a pedigree at all.

She swallowed heavily, ignoring the fact that even scowling and dominant he made her feel dizzy with lust. ‘I won’t change my mind about this,’ she declared with stubborn emphasis. ‘I’m not as practised as you are in being able to move on from sex. And besides that, I want to work for someone who is less demanding than you are.’

Logan made a scoffing sound. ‘You’d be bored within an hour.’

Probably, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of agreeing with him. It would only fortify his position. ‘Believe what you want.’

‘Dammit, Cassidy...’ He stalked to the windows that overlooked rich, rolling green hills. ‘Whether you admit it or not, your resignation is rash. This is all just a matter of self-control and discipline. We make a great team. Come with me

to lunch and, if at the end of the day, you’re not convinced that we can work together then I’ll not only accept your resignation, I’ll have Ben fly you back to New York tonight.’

Cassidy gnawed on the inside of her lip. Perhaps she should go with him if for no other reason than to prove him wrong. And, really, what was the harm? She knew she wouldn’t change her mind about working for him in the future.

‘This isn’t a good idea,’ she declared, questioning her sanity as he moved back to stop in front of her.

‘Duly noted.’ He adjusted her glasses on her nose as if he couldn’t help himself. ‘Dress is casual.’

Cassidy stared dubiously at the small red moped in the underground garage. ‘We’re taking that?’

Logan gave her a sexy grin. ‘Not enough speed for you, mi amor?’

‘It’s not that.’ She wondered what it was he was calling her and then decided that she didn’t want to know. ‘I’m just surprised that you would choose to ride one.’

‘That’s the whole point.’ He swung his leg over the small contraption and balanced it between his long legs, managing to retain every ounce of his masculinity in the process. ‘Sometimes, when we were younger, Leo and I would take off for a break from palace life and no one was any the wiser.’

‘And security was okay with that?’ She took the shiny silver helmet he proffered. ‘They’re okay with it now?’

‘No, but they work for me. Which means they have no choice.’ He grinned at her when she shook her head. ‘They also know that I’m only going half an hour out of the city and I’ve already cleared where we’re going. If something goes wrong they can be there in five minutes by helicopter. But who is going to be looking for the new King of Arrantino today, especially on one of these? Most people will assume I’m still in bed.’

At the mention of bed Cassidy’s cheeks heated and she stuck her helmet on her head, accepting that he was probably right. She was accepting a lot from him lately. First the gown, then the casual outfit she had pulled from one of the designer bags in her room. And even though she intended to pay him back every cent for anything that she wore, she still cautioned herself to be careful. This wasn’t a courtship by any stretch of the imagination. He wasn’t in love with her, he was merely working to get the outcome he desired—which was for her to remain as his EA.

Forcing herself to not focus on the negatives and to just enjoy herself, she slung her leg over the back of the bike. Logan kicked up the stand and they zoomed out of the garage towards the rear entrance reserved for deliveries and staff.

Five minutes later they were weaving in and out of traffic and heading for the hills.

Finally dragging her eyes away from his broad back, she scanned the lush countryside rich with vineyards and orange groves.

In what felt like way too little time they pulled up outside a small house nestled behind a brick fence.

‘Your brother has been staying here?’

‘No. Elly lives here.’ He took their helmets and slung them over the handlebars. ‘Leo has been staying in a rented apartment close by. Since no one has been able to identify the woman in the photographs, her privacy has been preserved.’

‘Something I’m sure she’s more than happy about.’

‘We will see.’