Studying and her internship had been a balm to her wounded ego. After watching her betrothed kiss Razeen, Amilee had been devastated, but she’d gotten past it. She’d moved on! She’d earned her degree, even finishing at the top of her class!

  And yet, she could still feel the pain slicing through her as she’d watched the ever-so-beautiful-and-slender Razeen drape herself against Rian’s tall, muscular body. Razeen had done exactly what Amilee had wanted to do, but couldn’t.

  Couldn’t because she’d been too young at that point. Well, and too inexperienced to even know how to drape oneself against a man. Good grief, Amilee still had no idea how to do that. There was a grace to it, a fluidity that…well, Amilee simply wasn’t a fluid person. She was soft and…fluffy. Yep, that was the right word. Fluffy. She was fluffy and curvy.

  “Amilee!” Inis called out. “It is wonderful to see you again!”

  Amilee smiled at the elderly woman who clasped both of her hands, holding them out to survey her outfit. The woman chuckled softly, shaking her head. “I see that you have a new plan in mind!”

  Amilee felt her cheeks heating up, but tried to appear sophisticated. “Thank you for another lovely birthday dinner,” she replied, unwilling to confirm or deny Rian’s grandmother’s suspicions regarding her choice of outfits.

  “It’s always a delight to celebrate this special day with you, my dear girl.” Inis tucked Amilee’s hand into her elbow, leading her into the family salon where they would enjoy a pre-dinner drink together. “And isn’t it delightful that you are finally old enough to share a glass of wine with me!”

  Amilee didn’t bother to tell the woman that she’d shared many glasses of wine with her college friends over the years. Wine, beer, and a few spirits, although Amilee wasn’t the kind who drank to excess. She’d never been one to enjoy losing control the way alcohol tended to do.

  “It’s very exciting,” she replied politely.

  Inis laughed, patting her hand. “Don’t even try it, dear,” she teased. “I know what happens at those college parties. And I sincerely hope that you’ve enjoyed your college years.”

  Was that an admonition towards her because she’d avoided this night for so long? She certainly hoped not. Amilee truly respected Inis. She’d been the one consistent friend whenever she’d visited the palace.

  “I hope I haven’t offended you by not being here. It’s just–”

  “Oh, heaven’s child!” Inis interrupted Amilee’s explanation. “No, you haven’t offended me! In fact, I love that you have enjoyed yourself! You’re young and you should be out doing things with other young people. Not coming here every year to endure the ordeal of…” She stopped as Rian walked into the room.

  Tall and handsome, the sight of him took Amilee’s breath away! Darn it, she wished that she could somehow grow out of this stupid, pointless reaction to the man!

  Briefly, he scanned the room and Amilee could feel her heart accelerating, waiting and wondering if he might be looking for her.

  When his eyes caught hers, everything else faded away. As always, Amilee had eyes only for Rian. With every step he took towards her, she felt her heart speed up. She hoped and prayed that he couldn’t tell how excited she was to see him. Amilee desperately wanted to come across as unconcerned and casual. But the excitement of seeing him again after so long combined with the pain of that last image of him in another woman’s arms…there was no way she could hide what she was feeling. Not anymore.

  “Good evening, Amilee,” he said, stopping in front of her and taking her free hand. “It is a delight to see you again after so many years.”

  Okay, that was definitely an admonition, she thought and pulled her hand away. Tilting her head slightly, she forced a smile. “I’m sure you understand how busy life can be, Your Highness?”

  His eyes narrowed slightly but his lips quirked upwards at the corners. “Indeed I do. But I thought we’d agreed years ago that you were going to use my name.”

  Inis chuckled and stepped away. “You two battle this out. I’m getting a drink.” And off she went, leaving Amilee to deal with him alone.

  “Panicked?” he offered.

  Amilee’s eyes shot upwards. “Not at all, Your Highness,” she replied, deliberately using the formal address.

  “Ah, we’re going to have to do something about this rebellion,” he chuckled, taking her hand and tucking it onto his elbow. When Inis had done the same gesture, Amilee hadn’t objected. But when Rian did it, she wanted to step back and…and…flee. But instead, she lifted her chin and walked towards one of the waiters alongside him.

  “I have a favor to ask,” she started out, determined to get this conversation over with.

  “Anything at all, my dear.” He took a glass of white wine, handing it to her as he reached for the crystal glass of scotch.

  She held the glass of wine, not bothering to taste it. Not because she didn’t want to drink the wine, but because she didn’t want anything from this man. Not the wine, not the use of his name, and definitely not his wedding ring!

  “I want to go to graduate school,” she explained, her eyes revealing her determination as she lifted her gaze to glare up into his darker ones. “Just the fact that I’m asking permission to attend graduate school irritates me,” she continued, ignoring the narrowing of his eyes. “But because we are,” she sighed, hating the term, “betrothed…” she took another moment to calm her temper. “Because we are betrothed, I am essentially your property. So therefore, I have to ask your permission to continue my education.” Amilee looked away, staring into the dark windows of the elegant room. “It’s insulting and offensive, especially since you attended graduate school and I doubt you had to ask permission to continue your education.” She looked at the other guests milling about the room, although she couldn’t actually name anyone here tonight. Except her parents. And his parents.

  After a prolonged silence, she realized that he hadn’t answered her. Turning, she slowly lifted her eyes, trying to hide the anger simmering inside of her.

  “Thank you.”

  Amilee blinked. “For what?”

  “For finally acknowledging my presence,” he snapped. “You’ve looked at every person in this room except me.”

  Her anger was forgotten for a brief moment as she realized that he appeared angry. But why?

  “So, you want to attend graduate school.”

  “Yes,” she replied quickly.

  “And this means that you want to delay our wedding.”

  Amilee swallowed hard. “Yes.”

  “For how long?”

  She opened her mouth, but tempered her response. “Never” wasn’t a good answer. “I think it’s only fair that I am allowed the same opportunities that you were permitted, Your Highness.” She hid her smile when his lips compressed. “Do you not agree?”

  Rian wanted to flip the beauty over his shoulder and spank her adorable bottom for her impudence. And no, he didn’t agree that they should delay their wedding! He’d anticipated this night for months! He’d wanted to bed Amilee for years, but had held off, knowing that she was too young. And yes, even twenty-four seemed too young.

  And yet, he couldn’t deny her request. As much as he wanted her, and he could feel the attraction she felt for him as well, he wouldn’t stop her from attaining her degree. It was such a simple request. Besides, it was entirely within her rights to obtain as much education as she wanted.

  Unfortunately, that didn’t bode well for him. Grinding his teeth, he nodded sharply. “Fine. Where did you plan to study?”

  Joy lit up her eyes. Rian might have groaned at the image, but he was a bit too stunned.

  “Since I wasn’t sure if I’d be permitted to attend, I haven’t investigated my options. But I’ll let you know where I’m going as soon I have more information.”

  Damn, the delightful woman was literally vibrating with excitement. He wanted to hug her, pull her soft, delectable body close so that he could feel those lush curves against his body. Instead, he drained his glass of scotch. “I believe dinner is ready,” he snapped. Immediately, a waiter stepped forward, taking his glass.

  “Oh, how timely!” Amilee observed, handing the waiter her untouched glass of wine as she turned and headed towards the dining room. She didn’t even wait for him, he thought in annoyance. The correct etiquette was for her to go into the dining room on his arm. Didn’t she understand her place? Didn’t she grasp the privilege that she was giving up by not walking into dinner on his arm?

  “Good evening, darling!”

  Rian sighed as Razeen appeared by his side. He fought not to cringe at her brittle tone as her hand with the red talons slid onto his arm. “Good evening, Razeen. You look lovely tonight, as always.”

  Razeen leaned forward, pressing her small, hard breasts against his upper arm. “You’re always so charming, Your Highness,” she said, laughing as she hugged his arm.

  He didn’t like her breasts, he thought. What in the world had attracted him to this woman all those years ago? And why did she continue to try to reignite that extinguished flame? There was no attraction between them now, at least, not from his side. Unfortunately, she just wouldn’t give up. He might have disconnected with the old group of friends from college, but Razeen’s father was one of his generals, so she accompanied him to the palace for various social functions. Sometimes even for the meetings. It was becoming annoying.

  “How have you been lately, Razeen?” he asked politely, walking towards the dining room.

  “Oh, you know, parties and fun,” she said airily, waving a hand as if her lack of goals or ambitions was something to brag about.

  “Are you working?”

  She laughed as if he’d just asked a silly question. “Oh, goodness, Daddy would have a heart attack if I suggested getting a job! He likes knowing exactly where I am.”

  Her answer caused his eyes to move towards Amilee. He respected her ambitions a hell of a lot more than he respected Razeen’s party attitude. Yes, life was short. But there was so much more to life than parties.

  With Razeen’s words, his anger and frustration towards Amilee diminished. Not his need for her. He still wanted to feel those soft, wonderful curves. He still wanted to explore every inch of her body and discover ways to turn her on. But he’d temper that need, since he liked the fact that she preferred education over flirtation.

  “Your seat,” he said to Razeen, wanting her away from him as quickly as possible.

  “You’re such a gentleman!” she replied, laughing up at him as he held her chair out for her. Once she was seated, he walked to the head of the table, sitting down next to Amilee who was already talking to the woman on her right. As she spoke, Rian watched, admiring her soft, sweet tones as well as the informed response to the man’s questions about…hell, he had no idea.

  Sighing, he resigned himself to more waiting. One more year, he thought. Two at the most. Yes, two years, and she’d finish her graduate work and he could finally claim his bride.

  Chapter 6

  Five damn years! Rian paced around Amilee’s small office impatiently. He’d already scanned the titles on her bookshelf, perused the open calendar on her desk, and watched the traffic on the street down below. Granted, he’d arrived fifteen minutes prior to his “appointment”, but he’d still expected Amilee to be here.

  So, where the hell was she?!

  Just as that furious thought popped into his mind, the door burst open and a harried Amilee rushed into the room. “I’m so sorry that I’m late!” she gushed. “I wasn’t expecting my next client until…” she glanced down at her phone where she must have her calendar open, “oh…another five minutes. I’m so sorry to keep you waiting.”

  He was standing by the sofa and everything inside of him tightened and, at the same time, relaxed. Amilee! She was even more breathtaking than five years ago. Her fresh, lively beauty was almost a living force! Her energy vibrated through the room as he watched her bustle over to her desk, look at something, then nod as if her suspicions were confirmed.

  “Let’s get started,” she announced, as she opened her purse. “So…let’s get the worst of it over with first. How many prostitutes have you…” she paused, shuffling through her purse, “patronized this week?”

  Prostitutes? What the hell? “None!” he stated firmly. He had never patronized a prostitute in his life! What the hell was she talking about? Why would she even ask someone that? Especially the man she was about to marry!

  Okay, so perhaps she needed to know for health reasons. Prostitution carried a significant risk of sexually transmitted infections, so patronizing a prostitute could carry a risk of transmission to others. Namely her, since he was determined that they would be married. Soon!

  Even as he thought it, his eyes moved to her round and enticing derriere as she bent over, rifling through a side drawer of her desk.

  “Are you being perfectly honest with me?” she asked gently, moving to the other. “I can’t help you through your addiction if you’re not going to be honest with me.”

  Rian suddenly realized what she must be looking for and stepped closer.

  Amilee felt the man come up behind her, startled that her client, who she’d been seeing for the past several months would approach her instead of staying in his favorite chair. But this wasn’t the short, balding client she’d expected to see. This man was tall, with broad shoulders, and…goodness, he smelled absolutely delicious!

  Suddenly, he reached towards her and she cringed slightly. But he only plucked something off her head and…with surprising gentleness, placed her glasses on her nose.

  Suddenly, the world came into focus! And that focus sharpened when she realized that Rian, her betrothed, was smiling down at her.

  “Rian!” she gasped. “What…what are you doing here?”

  “Definitely not to discuss an addiction to prostitutes,” he teased, those dark eyes gleaming down at her.

  “Well,…um….”

  “Could we have a seat? I think we have a great deal to discuss.”

  She glanced over at the sofa and chair, separated only by a coffee table and a box of tissues. “Yes!” she gasped, suddenly remembering that she needed to respond and not just stare blankly at her office furniture. “Of course.” She bustled over to the chair where she normally sat, pushing her glasses higher onto her nose. “What are you doing here?”

  He sat down across from her, but the sofa that had held so many others during her time helping clients through their traumas, seemed too small for Rian. He was too tall, too broad, and his knees bumped into the tiny coffee table.

  “I would think that my presence here is obvious,” he replied, crossing his legs and leaning back against the cushions. He stretched his arm along the back of the sofa as he watched Amilee’s reaction. Her eyes shuttered and she frowned down at her notebook, one hand fluttering over her stomach. He knew her well enough now to recognize the gesture as a nervous habit.

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “During our last conversation, you asked for permission to obtain a graduate degree, and I granted that request.”

  Her jaw clenched and he wanted to laugh at her outrage. He was being pompous, but he wanted to rile her. Why? He had no idea. Perhaps so that he could see those charming dimples again. Or perhaps he wanted to reveal the woman behind the prim, boring clothes.

  “I am still learning,” she claimed. “In fact, just last weekend, I went to a conference about aberrant behavior in teenagers.”

  “Interesting, but irrelevant. I’ve read the letters you’ve sent over the past several years. And you are no longer enrolled at any university.”

  “Not true!” she gasped, sitting straighter in her chair. “I’m enrolled in a class at the University of Chicago and…”

  “You are teaching that class, Amilee. Not attending the class as a student.” His interjection of the facts seemed to deflate her and he didn’t want that. “What’s the problem?” he asked.

  She bit her lip and looked out the window at the sky. But he doubted she saw anything outside the window. No, Amilee’s thoughts were focused on something else.

  “I don’t want to marry you,” she blurted out. She turned towards him and, for a moment, he was lost in the chocolate depths of those beautiful eyes. “I know that’s a horrible thing to say, but I don’t. I never wanted to become betrothed to you. And if you’re honest with yourself, you couldn’t have wanted this betrothal either. Not to mention the fact that it is an antiquated and ridiculous tradition. I was only twelve!”

  “Your father signed as well.”

  Her eyes flared with fury. “I am not property!” she announced, clutching her notebook to her chest like a shield. “I’m an individual!”

  “All very true,” he agreed. “And yet, we are still betrothed according to the laws of Abidnae, of which you are a citizen.”

  Her chin lifted even as her eyes flashed with anger. “That can be changed.”

  He chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Because of your role, your position as my betrothed, I would need to sign off on any change in your citizenship.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “And would you grant that permission?”

  He sighed, leaning forward. “Probably not.”

  With a hiss, she stood up and began pacing. “That’s not fair!” she ground out between gritted teeth. “Why are you holding me to that stupid agreement?”

  He stood up as well, moving towards her. He watched, almost amused as Amilee’s eyes widened with surprise. That surprise morphed to nervousness as he moved closer still.

  “Why am I not letting either of us out of the betrothal agreement?” he asked, his voice soft and gentle, not wanting to overwhelm her with the lust he felt. “Because several years ago, in a dark garden, this happened.” And he kissed her.

  For a long moment, she was stiff as he moved his lips over hers, nibbling and teasing. He pulled her closer until he could finally feel her glorious curves pressed against him. He knew the moment she gave in. Her lips softened and her hands moved to his shoulders. She angled her head and he deepened the kiss, feeling her press against him now. He tightened his arms, lifting her higher, their bodies fitting together perfectly as he nipped at her lower lip, silently commanding her to open for him. As soon as she did, his tongue moved in, tasting her.