The King (Gentlemen Rogues 2)

Graciella had me walking a little bit, looking in the shop windows, but Lock was wise not to let me get too far.

This only worked well if it was the two of us together. A team. The idea was no separation unless it was absolutely necessary.

It was easier to sell the couple, sell the connection. And it was just safer.

I had to keep reminding myself this was a sneak and peek mission only. We were only there to observe.

As the four of us walked through the old town, Graciella occasionally wandered into a boutique and pulled me along. She was beautiful. Lovely.

When she looked at me and asked me what I did, I told her I was still in graduate school. Art history.

She laughed as if that was the most delightful thing she'd ever heard.

Whatever. I just needed her and Igno to buy the act.

And they did. Lock and Igno laughed once or twice about an old mate of theirs. To wrap up the “accidental” meeting, I strategically yawned.

Lock groaned. "Ah, my darling wife, you're exhausted already?"

“You were the one who wanted to go cliff diving this morning at the crack of dawn. And then you wanted to go see the king’s museum. And then on a photo tour. I am beat, Lachlan."

"Well okay, let's get you back to the villa."

He turned to Igno then. “It was good to see you, mate. But she will murder me if I don't get her back for some rest. Where are you guys staying? We're at the palace villas at the edge of the old town. We should catch up more, drinks tomorrow or something."

Igno's eyes went wide. "No way. That's where we are too."

I laughed. "Oh my God! Fantastic then, the two of you can catch up tomorrow and leave me to rest. I'm so sorry. I don't want to be horribly rude, but I am knackered."

Igno laughed and started to wrap his arms around me again. But this time Lachlan stayed locked tightly to my hips.

"One hug, Igno."

Igno laughed. "Ah, I’m Italian. I love beautiful women. See, Graciella doesn't mind, do you?"

She only rolled her eyes. “You'll have to ignore him. I do."

I assumed they were joking, but I made a mental note to double-check how their relationship was going just in case there were problems we needed to know about.

When we separated, Lock picked me up around the waist and tossed me over his shoulder. "Now, woman. Come with me. I plan to ravish you before you sleep."

I giggled and mock slapped his back. And all I could do was lift my head slightly and shake my head at him. Just enough so that Massimo and Graciella would see it.

At the car, he eased me down, every inch of my body sliding against his, and I could have sworn to God that underneath his clothes he was rock hard.

He watched me smoothly and bit his lip. "They watching?"

My gaze flickered over his shoulder.

Massimo and Graciella had wandered over to the other side of the boutiques, and she had a clear line of sight to us. “Yes."

"Relax… or try to. I'm kissing you now, okay?"

I couldn't help it. I went stiff again. He leaned in, dropping his lips low and sliding his hands into my braids, pulling gently and angling my head, turning our bodies so that Graciella and Massimo would absolutely see us kissing.

He pulled back slightly, and against my lips he whispered, "Try and swoon a little, okay?"

He kissed me again, and when he released me, I didn't have to pretend. I did swoon just a little, my body unsure of exactly what had happened. The kiss had been just as hot as I remembered, and I was left dazed and confused.

Damn it, he knew what he was doing to me, and he relished it. It was hardly fair.

"All right let's get in the car."

When he opened the passenger side door for me, I eased in. He gave a nod. "Looks like that went well."

All I could do was nod because I still couldn't quite stop the buzzing and humming in my head.

How the hell was I going to survive any more kisses from Lachlan king?