Page 7 of Royal Heir (Westerly Billionaire 3)
“I have no doubt about that,” Magus said, dismissing her brother before addressing something else she said. “I would normally wait, but for the sake of clarification—” He cupped her chin and guided her forward, claiming her mouth with his.
He’d intended the kiss to be brief and reassuring, but her lips parted for his in an invitation he couldn’t refuse. The heat that shot through him nearly made him forget where they were. The taste of her, the feel of her tongue tentatively dancing with his, was driving him wild. He wanted more. Needed more.
He broke off the kiss while he still had the fortitude to keep his hands from sliding beneath the thin material of her dress and exploring those pert breasts of hers, those tight little buds that had been teasing him all night. When he raised his head, her ragged breath matched his. “There is nothing fake about that.”
She sat back and turned her face toward the screen again. He could practically see the wheels spinning in her head.
“If you want me to help you, don’t kiss me again.”
“I don’t require your help,” he said, more because he wanted to get a rise out of her than because it was true.
She gasped again and glared at him. “You are impossible. Sleep with you? I don’t even like you.”
“Liar. I’m the man you wish had been your first and every fuck since.”
Her chest puffed so much her breasts practically burst out of her dress. He’d have to remember that dress. She would wear it for him again. Her mouth opened and closed a few times—as if she almost said something, then decided against it, chose something else to say, then decided against that as well.
“A man who brags about himself knows that no one else will,” she said with authority.
“‘It’s not bragging if you can back it up’—Muhammad Ali,” he answered without missing a step.
She huffed again, but not before he saw her almost smile. She turned away and fumbled with her phone before turning back and saying, “‘Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful’—Ann Landers.”
Ah, the culture of shared, uploaded searchable knowledge. How would it fare against an impeccable education? “‘Be not afraid of greatness’—Shakespeare.”
“How appropriate. I do see some Malvolio in you,” she snapped back.
“Touché, my little American.” Magnus laughed, to the consternation of those around them. Her reference to the man who had been the brunt of a joke that had included the greatness quote revealed she was also well schooled. Yes, here was a woman who would not bore him.
“Stop. We’re being rude.”
Magnus shrugged. “No, whoever decided your seat was not beside your brother tonight was rude. We are merely not entertained by an insect superhero.”
“Speak for yourself. I’m enjoying the movie immensely.”
“Really? Then tell me where the alien creature went who was attacking the city a moment ago. Was he killed? Did he flee? Do you know what his rationale was for attacking? Amid the gratuitous explosions, I doubt there is a plot to be followed at all.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Now you’re just being a jerk.”
When several moments passed without her speaking, he relented. It was not his intention to offend her. “Are you honestly enjoying the movie?”
“I’m trying to,” she said.
“Which part, outside of that your brother is in it, pleases you?”
“No. I’m not having this conversation. You don’t get to mock something I care about and then ask me what I think of it. You want to please me? Stop talking.”
Magnus felt like a young child holding in mischief during a ceremony. Part of him acknowledged that he should allow her to view the film without interruption. However, it was not as if a film were a once-in-a-lifetime event. Ridiculous as the plot was, Westerly’s movies would have a global tour at the theaters and then likely dominate on television after that. This electricity might have a significantly shorter shelf life and was therefore of more importance. “I don’t believe anyone has ever told me to be silent.”
“Well, then I’m honored to be the first, and I’ll gladly be the next.”
He laughed again, and she swatted his arm.
“I’m serious. Stop.”
He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “I like you, Rachelle Westerly. For that reason, and that reason alone, I will be silent.” He placed her hand beneath his on his thigh and laced his fingers through hers.
“Thank you,” she said tersely, but she didn’t pull her hand away.
He turned back to the screen and smiled. He hadn’t expected to enjoy any part of his trip to London. He certainly hadn’t expected to meet a woman who could excite him as easily as she did.
Would she be in his bed that night?
Not knowing made their exchanges even sweeter. He half hoped she turned him away, because he had not had this much fun with a woman in a very long time.
When a man is offered a fine brandy, he does not gulp it down. He rolls it on his tongue, savoring the burn.
Chapter Five
“What do you mean, he left?” Rachelle asked Eric’s publicist as soon as the audience began to file out. “Isn’t he going to the after-party?”
“He never does. He even makes sure it’s in his contract that he isn’t required to. You’re welcome to attend it, though.”
“Where is he now?” Rachelle asked, looking around, clinging to the hope that he hadn’t actually left.
“I have no idea,” the publicist said.
“Coward,” Magnus said from beside her. She didn’t know if he was referring to the publicist or her brother.
She took out her phone and sent Eric a text. Are you still here? I have a question for you.
When no answer came back, a lump of emotion clogged her throat, and her eyes blurred with tears she refused to shed. I came even though he didn’t invite me, and instead of showing him how proud of him I am, I sat with a man who mocked him. He’s probably furious with me.
And he has every right to be.
I have to find him and apologize.
Magnus touched her arm, but she shook his hand off. “Don’t.” She walked away. Although the area was crowded, people stepped aside for her as she made her way to the main door. She had to get out of there.
A man in a dark suit opened the door before she reached it. She stepped through it and was temporarily blinded by the number of flashes going off. It was only then that she realized Magnus was still at her side. She lengthened her stride and texted her driver to come for her.
Several men in dark suits flanked them as Magnus joined Rachelle near the street. “He’s not worth your tears, Rachelle.”
“He’s my brother,” she growled back, wiping away a stray tear with the back of her hand. “He’s the reason I’m here. The only reason. And tonight I probably embarrassed him in front of everyone. I don’t blame him for not answering me.”
“Do not put this on you, Rachelle.”
She spun and waved a finger at the man who had her insides tied up in confusing knots. “You’re right. It’s your fault. You and your big perfect smile I let make me stupid. You don’t care about me. You don’t care about Eric. Tonight was some kind of game to you, and I went along with it. Well, I’m done. I’m worried about my brother. Maybe it’s hard for someone as self-absorbed as you to understand, but my family is more important to me than anything else. So go. Go find some woman who is impressed with your title and your big muscles and all that I’m-so-good-in-bed talk. And just leave me alone.”
Her car pulled up to the curb, and the driver rushed around to open the back passenger door for her. “Rachelle, your brother is fine. He’s not in danger. He just—”
She slid inside. “Y
ou don’t know that. Goodbye.” With that, she closed the door.
As soon as the driver was behind the wheel, she instructed him to take her home. She refused to look back to see if Magnus was still there. “Where does Eric go after premieres?” she asked the driver.
“I have no idea, ma’am.”
“Could you call and ask someone?” Rachelle’s radar was up and overheating. Something wasn’t right. Eric was in some kind of trouble.
“Who would you suggest I ask?”
“I don’t know. Someone has to know where he is. Does he go home? No one just disappears into thin air.”
The driver didn’t have a response.
Am I overreacting? It wouldn’t be my first or even my biggest mistake today. Rachelle sat back and covered her face with her hands. She hated that when she closed her eyes, she could still see Magnus. She felt guilty she’d let how good he made her feel influence how she behaved at the premiere.
I don’t even have a good defense. I’m not a silly teenager. I have found men attractive before without making a complete ass out of myself.
In reality, what is a prince except someone who was born into a job rather than having to work for it? No wonder he speaks the way he does. He’s probably had everything he’s ever wanted handed to him.
She remembered how little he thought of Eric and regretted not standing up right in the middle of that conversation and moving away from him. Alisha says I’m the loyal one in the family. I sure didn’t live up to that tonight.
A short time later, she was back at Eric’s house—alone. The army of staff was absent from the main hall. Rachelle stood at the bottom of the elaborate stairway, hugging herself.
I’m not the woman Magnus thought I was.
Even though it felt good to be her for an evening.
For just a few hours she’d felt young, sexy, and confident. Gone was the daughter who had failed to protect her mother. She wasn’t the smothering, overopinionated sister Nicolette accused her of being.
