Behind Palace Doors (Hollywood 3)

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.”