The corner of my mouth rose in a smile. “Didn’t realize you cared so much about my well-being.”
“I don’t.” She set the book aside, breaking eye contact with me. “Just hope you don’t smell like cigars all the time. Not my favorite scent.”
“Have you ever had one?”
“Can’t say I have.”
“There’s a first time for everything, right?”
“I’ll pass.” She rested her hands in her lap.
I stared at her lips and noticed the plumpness of her mouth. I had kissed her countless times, but I always wanted more. My hand moved to the back of her head, and I held her in place as I leaned in and kissed her. The second I touched her, I felt the electricity course through my veins. Even soft kisses, the tender and sensual kind, brought me to my knees. I wasn’t sure if it was her, me, or both of us together.
Her lips moved with mine slowly, slightly trembling at the touch. She took a deep breath, her chest rising against me. When she breathed into my mouth, I felt the heat of her embrace. I knew these kisses made her tremble just the way they made me tremble.
I pulled away then ran my fingers through her hair as I looked her in the eye. “I have a dinner to go to Saturday evening. I’d like you to accompany me.”
She opened her mouth to argue or ask questions, but she abruptly closed it again, knowing she didn’t have any say in the matter.
I actually pitied her. “You can speak freely.” My fingers continued to move through her soft hair, and I realized I missed her. I missed the smartass comments she used to make. I even missed the way she would insult me so easily. I missed the fiery, strong, and fierce woman I abducted months ago.
“What’s the catch?” she whispered.
“There is no catch. I want you to be yourself—sometimes.”
“How generous of you…” She stared at me coldly.
I leaned in and kissed her again, curious to see what she would do. Like I suspected, she kissed me back with the same passion, the same sexy sensuality as before. Her body always reacted to mine in the same way, like she was susceptible to our chemistry.
It made me wonder if everything she said were just words—forced attitude.
“Ariel has arranged your gown and everything else. We’ll leave for Edinburgh late on Saturday afternoon.”
“How far is Edinburgh?”
“An hour. Usually less with my driver.” I chuckled to myself.
London glanced at my lips, as if she wanted another kiss. “So what is this dinner we’re going to?”
“It’s for Holyrood Week. That’s when Scotland welcomes Her Majesty for a celebration. There is a parade during the day, festivities in the afternoon, and then the grand dinner later at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lord Provost of Scotland will recognize Scotland residents for their remarkable achievements throughout the year.”
Her jaw popped open in shock. “Are you serious?”
“Yes.” My fingers continued to explore her hair, obsessed with it.
“Like, this is a royal event?”
“I suppose.” I’d been doing these sorts of things all my life. I took them for granted.
“So…are you like a prince or something?”
“God, no,” I said with a scoff. “And don’t ever call me one. I’m related to the royal family, but I have no function in parliament.”
She still looked confused. “I don’t understand.”
“The Queen of England is the leader of England, but she’s actually just a figurehead. The prime minister is actually in charge of all matters as head of state. Same thing.”
“Oh, I guess…” She fidgeted with her fingers like she couldn’t sit still. “I don’t think I’m the best person to take to this sort of thing.” Since I’d given her a grace period, she didn’t have to obey me without question. “I don’t know anything about the customs or even how to curtsy.”
“You don’t have to curtsy to anyone. A handshake is fine.”
“I can shake the queen’s hand?” she asked incredulously.
“It would be awfully rude if you didn’t since I’m going to introduce you.”
“Oh my god…” She covered her mouth with her hand like she could hardly believe it. “I don’t know if this is such a good idea. I’m going to embarrass you.”
I leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth, feeling her melt at my touch. “You could never embarrass me. You’re absolutely beautiful.”
For the first time ever, her expression softened. She looked at me with slightly parted lips and friendly eyes. There were no walls around her heart and soul. There were no games, no defenses. But once the moment passed, the fortifications returned once again. “I just…I don’t know how to act. I don’t know what to say.”
“I’ll be there with you. So don’t worry about it.”
“Why don’t you take one of your regulars?” Her tone hardened toward the end.
I cocked my head to the side. “Is that jealousy again?”