Page 56 of That Prince is Mine
“This is a fine little room,” Emma countered, quite out of breath. “Fine enough to take afternoon tea in.”
He chuckled and pressed his forehead against hers. They stayed that way until their breathing slowed. He dropped a kiss on top of her head and let his hands trail down her arms before turning away from her. But Emma grabbed his hand before he could walk out.
“Soon,” he rasped, doggedly facing the door.
Michel wasn’t sure if he was relieved or disappointed when she released his hand. He didn’t linger to ponder the matter, and stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind him for good measure. He had to put as much distance as possible between Emma and himself before he barged back into the bathroom. He made a mad dash for the dining room and burst in there like his salvation lay inside. But he skidded to a halt when Gabriel and Sophie jumped at his sudden appearance. His cousin dropped his hand from Sophie’s cheek, and her half-closed eyes snapped wide open.
“What… Were you… Should I…” He jerked his thumb toward the living room. The tension between the two felt palpable. What the hell had he walked into? They weren’t kissing… Were they about to?
“My prince. I mean… Michel.” His royal guard scrambled to her feet. “I… I will stand guard outside in case you need any further assistance.”
Sophie rushed past Michel before he could respond. He wasn’t sure if he could respond. He had never seen his friend lose her composure. With his mouth still gaping, he turned to his cousin.
“I guess we’re even now.” Gabriel’s cheeks were flushed, but his sardonic smirk was back in place.
“So I did interrupt something,” Michel murmured, almost to himself.
“Yes… no…” His cousin plowed his fingers through his hair. “Hell if I know.”
As Michel moved to step deeper into the room, he felt a hand on his arm. He turned to find Emma standing behind him just outside the dining room. Her lips still looked swollen from their kiss, but she had fixed her makeup and tidied up her clothing. She looked flawless. His eyes dropped to those lips, and he had the urge to muss her up again.
“Michel,” she said quietly. “I should head home.”
“Yes, of course.” He walked her to the front door, keeping a respectable distance between them. He didn’t trust himself to touch her right now. “Should I call a car for you?”
“There are such things as rideshare apps, you know.” She held up her mobile and gave him a cheeky grin.
“I apologize again for the… interruption.” He lowered his voice as they stopped at the door. “And I’m sorry I can’t see you home.”
“No worries.” She gave him a featherlight kiss and echoed his earlier promise. “I’ll see you… soon.”
He longed to pull her body flush against his and claim a proper kiss. Instead, he forced himself to hold the door open for her, because soon was much more complicated than what he’d led Emma to believe.
Sophie stood outside his suite, her unshakable professionalism restored. He nodded at her. She nodded back, then addressed Emma. “Let me get the elevator.”
“Thank you, Sophie,” Emma said before looking up at him. “Good night, Michel.”
“Good night, Emma.” He clenched his hands at his sides so he wouldn’t reach out for her.
Michel watched her walk to the elevator and give Sophie a warm hug, whispering something to her. Then she waved at him once and got in the elevator. His royal guard had a smile on her face as she returned to his side.
“Have I mentioned that I like her?” Sophie said, still grinning.
“Once or twice,” he replied dryly. “What were you guys talking about?”
“None of your business”—she bowed her head with utmost respect—“my prince.”
He smirked. “So you’ll tell me all about it later?”
Sophie didn’t dignify his teasing with a response as she opened the door to his suite. “Do you need me to stay and help strategize about Princess Celine’s visit?”
“Christ, yes. Stay, please.” Michel marched into his living room and bellowed, “Come on, Gabriel. We can’t let Aunt Celine loose in Los Angeles.”
“Why, cousin, you make my mother sound like Godzilla,” Gabriel drawled as he walked out of the dining room, spooning chocolate mousse into his mouth. “But I must admit it is a rather apt comparison.”
Michel snorted, and Sophie ducked her head to hide her smile. A dopey grin spread across Gabriel’s face as he stared at her. His cousin was completely besotted with his royal guard. It was so obvious. How could he not have seen it before? He and Gabriel needed to have a nice chat once they put out this fire.
“There is one person who could convince Aunt Celine to stay,” Michel said as the three of them settled around the large sectional.
