Casey
Anwar was a dick. Watching him stare at my chest and talk down to me had me ready to throat-punch him, but I managed to keep my temper in check because it was obvious Erik was about to lose his. His grip on my waist had almost become painful until his aunt appeared, smiling and effectively cutting Anwar off. She was sweet, gracious, and charming, and if I’d thought I would feel uncomfortable with her, I was wrong. She led me away from the men to a small private table where we sat and chatted like old friends. She was curious about my music, my career, and my future, and she surprised me by giving her blessing for my relationship with Erik.
“Erik has always been my favorite of our nephews,” she said with a mischievous smile. “We’ve tried for years to find the right woman for him, but nothing has ever clicked. This time, however, I see the way he looks at you.”
“Oh, well…” I blushed. “I’ve had a crush on him for years, but I never thought he would look twice at me.”
“You’re beautiful and successful—why wouldn’t he? Kari says you’re lovely, and now that we’ve met, I have to agree.”
“Thank you.” I think I blushed again, but I wasn’t sure.
“So, I heard on one of the entertainment television shows that your band has broken up. What’s next for you?”
We talked music and college, as if I sat and spoke with a queen every day, drinking champagne and laughing. She was a lot like Aunt Kari, just a little older and with cleaner language since Aunt Kari cussed like a sailor.
“I’ve dominated enough of your time,” Klara said, gracefully rising to her feet. “You and Erik should dance.”
“I’ve enjoyed talking with you,” I said, meaning it. “I hope we have the chance to do it again.”
“Absolutely. Perhaps tea one day next week. I’ll speak with Isak about our schedule.”
“That sounds lovely. Thank you.” I looked around for Erik and didn’t see him, so I found my way to the ladies’ room.
I’d been a little anxious when we first arrived, and meeting Anwar had been unnerving, but the king and queen had been wonderful. I’d grown up around the rich and famous, so wealth and success didn’t intimidate me. Royalty, on the other hand, was different. Even though Uncle Ben and Aunt Kari had been part of my life for as long as I could remember, Uncle Ben had abdicated before I was born so I’d never seen that side of him. Erik and his sister had both been somewhat aloof, but I just assumed it was because they’d been sent off to fancy boarding schools. I’d never understood that, since Uncle Ben and Aunt Kari were so chill about everything else, but I’d never thought to ask.
Now I had all kinds of questions and I longed to be alone with Erik. Hopefully, we could leave early. I didn’t mind getting dressed up and making small talk, but not when the alternative was a night of passionate fun with a guy I’d always wanted. We’d renegotiate the terms of our deal sooner rather than later because I was anxious to get naked again soon.
I touched up my lipstick and stepped into the hallway. Just as I took a step forward, a hand closed over my arm.
“Hello, Ms. Hart.” Anwar’s voice gave me chills, and I unconsciously jerked at my arm.
“You’re hurting my arm,” I whispered, holding my ground even as he tried to push me against the wall. I was at a disadvantage in my four-inch heels, but I was also a sixth-degree black belt in karate, so I wasn’t afraid of him either.
“Don’t put on airs with me,” he hissed. “You’re my cousin’s current distraction, and we both know all you see in him is dollar signs.”
I laughed. “You know I’m a millionaire, right? And my father’s a multimillionaire too, so…money isn’t much of a pull for me.”
“Then it’s power.” He leaned in so close I could smell the minty scent of his breath and an overabundance of aftershave. “And I can give you far more than he can.”
I planted my feet and met his gaze without blinking. “You have two seconds to let go before I make a scene.”
“I’m the Crown Prince of Limaj—no one will help you.” He tried to move me, but I was both faster and more skilled, elbowing him in the ribs and following it up with a jab to the throat that left him gasping even though I hadn’t come anywhere close to causing any damage. And all without anyone seeing, because his back was to the entrance that led back to the party.
“I’m not interested, Your Highness.” I quickly walked away from him and back into the party, immediately running into Sandor.
“Are you all right?” He looked me up and down questioningly. “What is it? Did something happen?”
“No, of course not. I’m fine.” I took a breath, trying to slow the staccato beating of my heart. “Do you know where Erik is?”
He looked at the red handprint on my upper arm where Anwar had been holding me. “Don’t lie to me, Casey. It’s my job to protect Erik, and if someone is bothering you…” His voice trailed off as Anwar came down the hallway, whispering with one of his bodyguards.
“He made a pass at me,” I said slowly. “I turned him down.”
“He put his hands on you.” Sandor’s face grew grim.
“I can take care of myself,” I said firmly. “Really. There’s no need to upset Erik with—”
“Upset Erik with what?” Erik stole up behind me and instantly focused on the redness of my upper arm. “Who touched you?”
I sighed. “I’m a sixth-degree black belt in karate,” I repeated calmly. “I can take care of myself. I wish it hadn’t been with Anwar, but he seems to think his title is a turn-on.”
Erik’s jaw tightened and I reached up to put my hand on his cheek. “Erik, please. Your uncle is here, and I think your aunt likes me—just let it go. Really. You said this is the only time we’re going to see them, so we probably won’t see Anwar again, even if we see your aunt and uncle. Let’s enjoy ourselves. Okay? Please?”
He looked like he was going to protest but then let out a long breath. “Understand, if he—or anyone else—ever puts their hands on you against your will, I will handle it. The fact that you can take care of yourself is irrelevant. He’s my cousin, and you’re my girlfriend. The idea that he thinks—” He cut off abruptly as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
“I’m your girlfriend?” I teased, hoping to distract him. “Did I agree to this? And does this mean we’re going to change the terms of our agreement now?”
He smiled indulgently. “Nice. Pressing your tits against me will work temporarily, but I won’t forget. Anwar and I are going to have words at some point.”
“But not tonight, right?” I pleaded.
He kissed the tip of my nose. “Not tonight.”
“Dance with me?” I asked, looking into his eyes.
“Of course.” He took my hand and led me to the dance floor. The music was an upbeat tango and I didn’t know how, but Erik guided me effortlessly, so it was easy to follow. He was light on his feet, keeping me close to him, and I forgot all about Anwar and even my lovely conversation with Queen Klara. Erik was the only thing that mattered right now, and being close to him like this was heavenly. His body was strong and his steps confident, allowing me to follow without having to work too hard. The music was almost secondary to our movements, the way he held me, the passion sizzling just beneath the surface. I’d had no idea this type of thing existed and I knew then how important he’d already become to me.
“May I?” A deep voice brought me out of my reverie, and I looked into Anwar’s dark eyes.
“Not even in your dreams,” Erik said under his breath, spinning me in the other direction.
“We should leave,” I whispered sadly. “I don’t want to be the cause of any trouble.”
“Anwar and I have never gotten along,” he responded. “Nothing you’re doing is causing anything. He’s always been jealous of me because I’m smarter, more athletic and better looking. He knows I’m the true heir to the throne and that the only reason I’m not is because my father made a decision before I was born. He hates that and accordingly hates me. This isn’t about you. I promise.”
It felt like it was about me, but I merely nodded and let him lead me off the dance floor. Anwar had spoiled our evening, and I wasn’t sure how to fix that.
“Erik. A word.” Anwar stood in front of us, his dark eyes gleaming.
“Perhaps later,” Erik said, pushing me slightly behind him.
“Now. My father wants to see you.”
“Sandor.” Erik called his friend’s name but didn’t break eye contact with his cousin. “You don’t leave her side. I don’t care if you have to go into the restroom with her.”
“Yes, sir.” Sandor immediately stood beside me.
“I’ll be back.” Erik pressed his lips to mine. “Don’t worry.”
I nodded, but there was no way in hell I wasn’t going to worry.