Chapter 13
Thirteen
REGINA
I could get used to living like this. Fine living certainly has its benefits, and I’ve been spared the dreaded journey home in the chill of winter, back to a freezing condo where nothing but mountains of gift baskets still to pack will be reminding me why I really should have stayed in tonight.
But as I peer from beneath my lashes, I must admit what a night this has been.
“What are you thinking?”
Nico interrupts my musings, and I smile. “That if anybody had told me I would be here now, with you, after possibly the most life-changing night of my life, I wouldn’t have believed them.”
“I see.”
He sips his brandy, the amber hues of the alcohol reflecting against the fire in his dark eyes.
“I mean, it’s a great story, isn’t it? There I was shivering on the red carpet after having been majestically extracted from the ball, only to run into Prince Charming on the way in. You just couldn’t make that shit up?”
He raises his eyes. “I would prefer it if you didn’t swear.”
“Excuse me.”
He leans forward, and my heart is giving me palpitations as his gaze burns into mine.
“If we are going to pull this off, you must be a lady. No swearing, no excessive drinking and polite manners on all occasions.”
“Oh.”
I’m taken aback a little, and his gaze sweeps over me like the x-ray machine at the airport security, scanning me for concealed weapons that I could use against him. At least, that’s how it feels.
“My family is very discerning and at no point must believe this is a fabricated relationship. They must believe you are in love with me for this to work.”
‘’Of course.”
I wish there were another shot of brandy to steady my nerves because suddenly my agreement is biting back hard.
“Tomorrow we will head to Harry Winston to purchase your engagement ring, and after that, to Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue to select your clothing and accessories. You will require enough outfits for seven days covering all social occasions. Gifts will need to be purchased for all of my family and the servants.”
“Servants?”
He nods, gazing thoughtfully into my eyes, his darkened gaze lazily caressing every part of me as it slides the length of my body. Coupled with the fire burning inside me and the one in the grate, I am almost hyperventilating right now.
He adds, “Then we will return to New York in the new year and our mission will be accomplished.”
“Our mission?”
My voice is husky, a little breathless because it’s only now that I understand exactly what I have agreed to.
“Mission, contract, call it what you like. First thing in the morning, you will complete the necessary paperwork before we head off to secure the items needed.”
“Paperwork?”
“The contract. I will pay you for your time, and you will sign a non-disclosure agreement and accept the role as offered.”
My mind is racing, but one thing is worrying me about this, and I ask nervously, “I’m not sure I can spare a whole day tomorrow.”
He raises his eyes. “Why not?”
“My business, Nico. There are several orders to fulfill, not to mention the ones from today and those that will land in my inbox in the morning. When you are a successful influencer and entrepreneur like I am, it’s set up twenty-four seven.
There are no days off, or closure signs placed on the proverbial door because my business is open every hour of the day and week.
I have responsibilities, and taking off for the day shopping isn’t really an option right now. ”
He says nothing and merely stares at me with a blank expression before shrugging as he sets his glass down.
“Give me the key to your condo. The password to your computer and necessary apps that bring in the orders. I will arrange for someone to fulfill the orders on your behalf.”
“No.”
My eyes widen with alarm at the thought of anyone else delving into my world.
“No?”
His eyes raise to the heavens, and I say fiercely, “It’s my business, Nico. Would you allow the same if anyone asked that of you?”
I fix him with a fierce glare, and he nods. “You make a good point. We will stop at your apartment first and deal with the issue before heading to Harry Winston for our ten o’clock appointment.”
“Do we have an appointment?”
My eyes are wide like saucers, and he nods. “We must purchase a ring to dazzle my parents. Only the best will suffice, and time is against us.”
Suddenly the enormity of my situation hits me, and I slump back against the seat. “I’m not sure I can do this, Nico.”
He stands and in two short strides, tugs me from my chair and without warning, his lips crash onto mine, his tongue forcing entry into my mouth.
It’s an attack I never saw coming, and as his arms tighten around me, I kiss him back like a cheap whore, desperate for this—for him, any doubts in my mind erased in a nanosecond.
As kisses go, this one is off the scale, and his deep groan is like a battle cry as he pulls me in hard against his body. I have never been kissed like this before, with desperate hunger and such possession. It’s as if my mind has emptied of anything but the man kissing me so ferociously.
I am melting, any reserve I had swept to the side lying in tatters on the carpet and as his lips move to my neck, I gasp as he sucks on my skin, his hand splayed out on my back, crushing me to his chest.
Then it ends almost instantaneously, and he says huskily, “I’m sorry, I lost control. Allow me to show you to your room.”
My mind is spinning as I follow him along the corridor, and as we stop outside the room he allowed me to use earlier, he inclines his head toward the door.
“Sleep, we start early tomorrow. I will arrange for an alarm call at six am. There is a lot to organize.”
As I stumble through the door, unsure what the protocol is now, the door closes behind me, and only when the dust settles in my mind do I realize that he didn’t take no for an answer.
I’m doing this whether I agree to it or not.
That was the message I got from the kiss, and I’m even more surprised to discover that’s fine by me.
When I wake, it’s to the sound of the telephone ringing beside my bed, and it takes me a moment to remember where I am. The silk sheets that are caressing my body are the most decadent treat, and I could definitely get used to this luxury.
I reach out and grasp the phone, my voice husky with sleep.
“Hello.”
A bright and breezy voice on the other end is my answer. “Good morning, ma’am, this is your six am wake-up call. You’re welcome and have a nice day.”
The line cuts before I can reply, and as I drop the phone back on the cradle, I struggle to get my act together, registering that I really should use another word than yes all the time when I’m around Nico.
My memories resurface, and with a groan, I sit up, loving the warmth from the room that is nothing like the freezing wake-up call I endure most mornings. This really is luxury on another scale, and as I slip from the bed, barefoot and naked, the carpet beneath my feet is soft and enticing.
I’m aware that I don’t have long and use the amazing shower to its full advantage, slightly cooler than I usually like it in an attempt to wake me up. As the fog clears from my mind, I’m fast coming to the sobering conclusion that I am now way out of my depth.