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Kate had left her phone behind and contemplated changing. But since she was comfortable and would be only a minute with Luc—five at the most—she wanted to see if he’d take her up on this venture she’d been requesting his help with for the past year. Now that his life was turned inside out, perhaps he’d be a little more giving of his time.
With her sandals slapping against the stone pathway, Kate rehearsed in her head everything she wanted to say as she made her way to the house, passing by the picturesque infinity pool.
The rear entrance faced the Mediterranean. Of course, there wasn’t a bad view from any window or balcony that she’d seen, and her guest cottage was definitely on her list of places she never wanted to leave. Regardless of the updates that needed to be done, this house was gorgeous and would be even more so once Luc’s plans were fully executed.
When she reached the glass double doors, she tapped her knuckles against the frame. The ocean breeze lifted her hair, sending it dancing around her shoulders, tickling her skin. The wind had kicked up in the past several minutes and dark clouds were rolling in.
Storms...she loved them. Kate smiled up at the ominous sky and welcomed the change. There was something so sexy and powerful about the recklessness of a thunderstorm.
When she knocked again and Luc still didn’t answer, she held her hand to the glass and peered inside. No Luc in sight. The knob turned easily and she stepped inside the spacious living area. It led straight into the kitchen, which was only slightly more modern than hers. Basically, the main house looked the same as the cottage, only supersized, with the entire back wall made up of windows and French doors.
“Luc?” she called, hoping he’d hear her and she wouldn’t startle him.
What if he’d decided to rest? Or what if he was in the shower?
A smile spread across her face. Oh, yeah. What if he was in the shower? Water sliding over all those glorious tanned muscles...
Down, girl.
She wasn’t here to seduce her boss. She was here to plant a seed about a charity project close to her heart. If Luc thought he’d formulated the plan, then he’d be all for it, and she desperately wanted him to donate his time and efforts to an orphanage in the United States she’d been corresponding with on his behalf. For reasons he didn’t need to know about, the place held a special spot in her heart. She didn’t want him to go there out of pity. She wanted him to do so on his own, because he felt it was the right thing to do.
But Kate couldn’t get the twins who lived there, Carly and Thomas, out of her mind, and she was driving herself crazy with worry. For now, though, things were out of her control, so she had to focus on getting Luc on board with funding and volunteering. What would that little bit hurt him, anyway? In all reality, the visit and the monetary gift wouldn’t leave a dent in his time or finances, but both would mean the world to those children.
“Luc?” She headed toward the wide, curved staircase with its scrolled, wrought-iron railing. She rested her hand on the banister, only to have it wobble beneath her palm. Definitely another item for the list of renovations.
She didn’t even know what room he’d opted to use as the master suite, as there was one downstairs and one upstairs. “Are you up there?” she called, more loudly this time.
Within seconds, Luc stood at the top of the stairs, wearing only a tan and a towel. Kate had seen him in swimming trunks, knew full well just how impressive his body was. Yet standing here looking up at him, knowing there was only a piece of terry cloth and a few stairs between them, sent her hormones into overdrive. And she had to keep reminding herself she was only his assistant.
Still, that wouldn’t stop her from appreciating the fact her boss was one fine man. Her “office view” was hands down the best she could ever ask for.
“I’m sorry,” she said, forcing her gaze to stay on his face. If she looked away she’d appear weak, as if she couldn’t handle seeing a half-naked man. If her eyes lowered to the flawless chest on display, he’d know all her fantasies for sure. “I’ll just wait until you’re dressed.”
Before she made a fool of herself by staring, babbling or drooling, Kate turned and scurried back to the living area, where she sank onto the old sofa that had been draped with a pale yellow cover until the renovations were completed and new furniture arrived. Dropping her head against the saggy cushion, she let out a groan.
Lucas Silva was one atraente prince. Sexy prince. After living in Ilha Beleza for a full year now, she was growing more accustomed to thinking in Portuguese as opposed to English. Even thinking of Luc in another language only proved how pathetic she was.
Get a grip.
She should’ve waited in the living room, or just come back later after her walk. Then she wouldn’t have been tortured by seeing him wearing nothing but that towel and the water droplets that clung to those taut muscles. Had he been standing closer, the temptation to lick away all the moisture from his recent shower might have been too much to handle.
She’d held on to her self-control for a year and didn’t intend to let it snap now. A man like Luc would enjoy that too much, and Kate refused to be like all the other women who fawned over the playboy prince.
Smoothing her floral, halter-style sundress, she crossed her legs, hoping for a casual look instead of the assistant-hot-for-her-boss one. The second she heard his feet crossing the floor, she sat up straighter and silently scolded herself for allowing her thoughts and hormones to control her.
“Sorry I interrupted your shower,” she told him the second he stepped down into the sunken living area. “I was heading out for a walk, but I wanted to run something by you first.”
He’d thrown on black board shorts and a red T-shirt. Still, the image of him wearing next to nothing was burned into her mind, and that’s all she could focus on. Luc fully or even partially clothed was sexy, but Luc practically in his birthday suit was a much more dangerous thought.
“I’m not working, if that’s what you want to discuss.” He strode across the room and opened the patio doors, pushing them wide to allow the ocean breeze to stream in. Kate came to her feet, ready to be firm, but careful not to anger him, because this project was too important to her.
“It’s just something you need to think about,” she retorted as she went to stand near the open doors. “I know we’ve discussed charity work in the past—”
He turned, held up a hand to cut her off. “I’m not scheduling anything like that until I have the crown. I don’t want to even think beyond right now. I’ve got a big enough mess on my hands.”
Crossing her arms, Kate met his gaze...until that gaze dropped to her chest. Well, well, well. Looked as if maybe he wasn’t immune to the physical attraction between them, after all.
“I was working on your schedule for the next several months and you have a gap that I could squeeze something into, but you have to be in agreement.”
The muscles in his jaw clenched as Kate waited for a response. Whenever he stared at her with such intensity, she never knew what was going through his mind. If his thoughts had anything to do with the way he’d been staring at her moments ago, she was totally on board. Sign her up.
Before she realized what he was doing, Luc reached out and slid a fingertip across her bare shoulder. It took every bit of her willpower not to shiver beneath such a simple, yet intimate touch.
“Wh-what are you doing?” she asked, cursing the stammer.
When his finger trailed across her collarbone, then back to her shoulder, Kate continued to stare, unsure what he was doing. If he was trying to seduce her, he needn’t try any harder. With the way he kept looking at her, she was about to throw out the window all the reasons they shouldn’t be together. One jerk of the knot of fabric at her neck and that halter dress would slide to the floor.
She waited, more than ready for Luc to make her fantasy come true.
Two (#ulink_28bcf0e2-4b7a-56d4-a38f-7631cbb8056b)
Luc fisted his hands at his sides. What the hell had he been thinking, reaching out and touching Kate like that? He was nothing but a tolo, a fool, even to allow himself the brief pleasure.
With all Kate’s creamy skin exposed, silently inviting his touch, his last thread of willpower had snapped. And as much as he hated to admit it, even to himself, he was too emotionally drained to think straight. Part of him just wanted someone as a sexual outlet, an escape, but he wouldn’t use his assistant...no matter how tempted he was.
Luc hadn’t tried hard enough to keep himself in check, which was the main problem. He was still reeling from the fact that Kate had stood at the base of the steps looking as if she might leap to the second floor and devour him if he even hinted he was ready. And misericórdia, mercy, he was ready for some no-strings affection. Still, not with his employee. How did this number-one rule keep slipping from his mind?
“You’re burned,” he replied, surprised when his tone came out stronger than he’d intended. “Looks like you should’ve taken your own advice about that sunscreen.”
With a defiant tilt of her chin, a familiar gesture he’d come to find amusing, she propped her hands on her hips, which did amazing things to the pull of the fabric across her chest. The woman was slowly killing him.
The no-dating-staff rule also covered no sleeping with staff. Damn it, he was a mess after Alana. More so than he feared if he was thinking even for a second of risking his family’s reputation, and his own reputation as a worthy king, by sleeping with Kate. Nothing good would come from his moment of weakness, and then he’d be out an amazing assistant, because he couldn’t allow her to work for him further. And she’d have a wealth of fodder for the press if she chose to turn against him.
That was precisely the reason he needed to keep his damn hands off his assistant.
“Maybe tomorrow we can rub it on each other, then,” she suggested with a mocking grin. “Anyway, back to the charity.”
Charity, the lesser of two evils when compared to rubbing sunscreen over her luscious curves... But he wasn’t getting into this discussion again. He sponsored several organizations financially, but his time wasn’t something he’d considered giving. The main reason being he didn’t like it when people in power used that type of opportunity as just another publicity stunt. Luc didn’t want to be that type of king...that is, if he actually got the crown.
“We need to figure out a plan to secure my title first,” he told Kate. “Everything else can wait.”
Pursing her lips, she nodded. Apparently, she was backing down, which was a first. She never shied away from an argument.
“You’re plotting something,” he said, narrowing his gaze. “You may as well tell me now.”
“I’m not plotting anything,” she replied, that sweet grin still in place, confirming his suspicion. “I’ve been thinking about your title, but I haven’t come up with a solid solution, other than a quick wedding, of course.”
She turned and started through the patio doors, but Luc reached out, grabbing her arm to halt her exit. Her eyes darted down to his hand, then back up to his face, but he didn’t release her.
“Why is this particular charity so important to you?” he asked. “You mention it so often. If you give me the name, I’ll send as much money as you want me to.”
Her eyes softened, filled with a sadness he hadn’t seen there before. “Money isn’t what I wanted.”
Slipping from his grasp, she headed down the stairs toward the beach. Money wasn’t what she wanted? Had he ever heard a woman say that before? Surely any organization could benefit from a sizable donation.
Kate was always surprising him with what came out of her mouth. She seemed to enjoy a good verbal sparring as much as he did. But something about the cause she kept bringing up was bothering him. Obviously, this was something near and dear to her, and she didn’t feel like opening up about it. She’d worked for him for a year, but he’d known her longer than that, though they didn’t exactly hang in the same circles. Didn’t she trust him enough to disclose her wishes?
Luc shook his head as he watched her walk along the shoreline. The woman was mesmerizing from so many different angles, and it was a damn shame she was his assistant, because having her in his bed would certainly help take the edge off this title-throne nightmare.
Glancing up at the sky, he noticed the clouds growing darker. A storm was on the horizon and he knew how much Kate loved Mother Nature’s wrath. She’d always been fascinated by the sheer power, she’d told him once. And that summed Kate up in a nutshell. She was fierce, moved with efficiency and had everyone taking notice.
Part of him wanted to worry, but he knew she’d be back soon, most likely to watch the storm from her own balcony. Luc still took a seat on his patio to wait for her, because they weren’t done discussing this charity business. She was hiding something and he wanted to know what it was. Why was this mysterious organization such a secret? And why did discussing it make her so sad and closed off?
He sank down onto the cushioned bench beside the infinity pool. Everything about this outdoor living space was perfect and exactly what he would’ve chosen for himself. From the stone kitchen for entertaining to the wide, cushioned benches and chaise lounges by the pool, Luc loved all the richness this space offered.
Glancing down the beach where Kate had set out, he found he couldn’t see her any longer and wondered when she’d start heading back. Ominous clouds blanketed the sky, rumbles of thunder filling the previous silence.
When the first fat drop of rain hit his cheek, Luc continued to stare in the direction she’d gone. Since when did he give anyone such power over his mind? He didn’t like this. Not one bit.
He was next in line for the throne, for pity’s sake. How could his hormones be led around so easily by one petite, curvy woman, and how the hell could he still want her after months and months of ignoring the fact?
This pull was strong, no doubt, but Luc just had to be stronger. There was no room for lust here. He wouldn’t risk his family’s stellar reputation, or his ascension to the throne, just because he was hot for his assistant.
* * *
The wild, furious storm had been magnificent, one of the best she’d seen in a long time. Kate had meant to get back to the house before the weather got too bad, but she’d ended up finding a cove to wait it out in and couldn’t resist staying outside. She’d been shielded from the elements, but she’d gotten drenched before she could get hunkered down.
With her dress plastered to her skin, she headed back toward the guesthouse. Even being soaking wet and a bit chilly from the breeze caressing her damp skin didn’t dim her mood. She had to walk up the steps to Luc’s patio in order to reach the path to her place. Noticing a light on the dock and lights on either side of the patio doors, she realized she’d been gone longer than she’d intended. It was clearly very dark and not because of the storm.
“Where the hell were you?”
Startled, Kate jumped back at the sound of Luc’s angry, harsh tone. He stood in the doorway to his living area, wearing the same clothes as he had before, but now his hair stood on end, as if he’d run his fingers through it multiple times.
“Excuse me?” She stepped closer to him, taking in his flared nostrils, clenched jaw and the firm line of his mouth. “I told you I was going for a walk. I wasn’t sure I had to check in, Dad.”
Luc’s lips thinned even more. “That storm was nasty. I assumed you’d have enough sense to come back. What the hell were you thinking?”
The fact he’d waited for her warmed something in her, but the way he looked as if he was ready to throttle her had her defensive side trumping all other feelings. This had nothing to do with lust or sexual chemistry.
“I purposely left the palace, the guards and everyone to get away from my troubles,” he went on, his voice laced with irritation. “You’re here to help me figure this whole mess out. But if you can’t be responsible, you can either go back to the palace or I’ll call in one of my guards to stay here and make sure you’re safe.”
Kate laughed. “You’re being ridiculous. I’m a big girl, you know. I was perfectly fine and I sure as hell don’t need a keeper. Next thing you know you’ll be calling my parents.”
With her father being head of security and her mother the clothing designer and seamstress for the family, Kate had been surrounded by royalty her entire life...just without a title of her own. Oh, wait, she was an assistant. Equally as glamorous as queen, princess or duchess.
Actually, she liked being behind the scenes. She had an important role that allowed her to travel, make great money and do some good without being in the limelight. And she would continue to try to persuade Luc to visit the orphanage so close to her heart. They’d taken care of her there, had loved her and sheltered her until she was adopted. Now she was in a position to return some of their generosity.
“Your father would agree with me.” Luc stepped forward, closing the gap between them as he gripped her arm. “Don’t go anywhere without your phone again. Anything could’ve happened to you.”
“You can admit you were worried without going all Neanderthal on me, Your Highness.” She jerked from his grasp, but he only stepped closer when she moved back. “What is your problem? I was out, I’m back. Don’t be so grouchy because you can’t admit you were scared.”
“Scared?” he repeated, leaning in so close she could feel his warm breath on her face, see the gold flecks in those dark eyes. “I wasn’t scared. I was angry that you were being negligent.”
Kate really wasn’t in the mood to be yelled at by her boss. She didn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of his wrath when the issue he had was clearly with himself.
Her soggy dress needed to go, and she would give anything to soak in a hot bubble bath in that sunken garden tub in her master bathroom. She only hoped it worked. She hadn’t tested it yet, and the sink in her kitchen was a bit leaky...
“I’m heading home.” Kate waved a hand in the air to dismiss him and this absurd conversation. “We can talk tomorrow when you’ve cooled off.”
The instant she turned away, she found herself being jerked back around. “I’m getting real sick of you manhandling—”
His lips were on hers, his hands gripping the sides of her face, holding her firmly in place as he coaxed her lips apart. There was nothing she could do but revel in the fact that Prince Lucas Silva was one potent man and quite possibly the best kisser she’d ever experienced.
And he was most definitely an experience. Those strong hands framed her face as his tongue danced with hers. Kate brought her hands up, wrapping them around his wrists. She had no clue if she should stop this before it got out of hand or hang on for the ride, since he’d fueled her every fantasy for so long.
Arching against him, she felt his firm body do so many glorious things to hers. The chill she’d had from the rain was no longer an issue.
But just as quickly as he’d claimed her mouth, he released her and stepped back, forcing her hands to drop. Muttering a Portuguese curse, Luc rubbed the back of his neck and kept his gaze on the ground. Kate honestly had no clue what to do. Say something? Walk away without a word?
What was the logical next step after being yelled at by her boss, then kissed as if he needed her like air in his lungs for his survival? And then pushed away with a filthy term her mother would blush at...
Clearing her throat, Kate wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’m not quite sure why you did that, but let’s chalk it up to the heat of the moment. We’ll both laugh about it tomorrow.”
And dream about it tonight.
“You just push me too far.” His intense gaze swept over her, but he kept his distance. “For a year I’ve argued with you, but you’ve always had my back. I know there’ve been times you’ve intervened and stood up for me without my even knowing. As far as employees go, you’re the best.”
Confused, Kate ran her hands up and down her arms as the ocean breeze chilled her damp skin. “Okay. Where are you going with this?”
“Nowhere,” he all but yelled, flinging his arms out. “What just happened can’t happen again because you’re an employee and I don’t sleep with staff. Ever.”
Kate couldn’t help the laugh that erupted from her. “You kissed me. Nobody mentioned sex.”
His gaze heated her in ways that a hot bubble bath never could have. “I don’t have to mention it. When I look at you I think it, and after tasting you, I feel it.”
If he thought those words would deter her, he didn’t know her at all. Kate reached forward, but Luc stepped back.
“Don’t,” he growled. “Just go on back to your cottage and we’ll forget this happened.”
Smoothing wet tendrils off her forehead, Kate shook her head. “Oh, no. You can’t drop that bomb, give me a proverbial pat on the head and send me off to bed. You went from arguing to kissing me to throwing sex into the conversation in the span of two minutes. You’ll understand if I can’t keep up with your hormonal swings tonight.”
The muscle tic in his jaw, the clenched fists at his sides, were all indicators he was irritated, frustrated and angry. He had no one to blame but himself, and she wasn’t going to be caught up in his inner turmoil.
“This is ridiculous,” she said with a sigh. “We’re both obviously not in a position to talk without saying something we don’t mean.”
“I always mean what I say,” he retorted. “Otherwise I wouldn’t say it.”
Rolling her eyes, Kate again waved a hand through the air. “Fine. You meant what you said about wanting to have sex with me.”
