King Read Online Free

work,
but I was all out of options. I booked a last minute appointment in the hair
salon for a sophisticated up do, and pulled on my best black satin evening gown
to showcase my curves. Teamed with a pair of the highest heels I could manage
with my ankle, I’d scrubbed up well, grinning at my reflection in the mirror
whilst simultaneously wondering what the hell I was doing. If this didn’t work,
I would end up with a huge amount of egg on my face. It could wind up being one
of those stories that would sweep through the advertising houses of London like
an exocet missile, leaving me red faced for
weeks.   The plan relied on King not
having a date, and also on him possessing an ounce of chivalry. I wasn’t
convinced that was the case on either score. I shivered against the cold night
air, pulling my cashmere wrap tightly around my shoulders, and receiving some
very strange looks as I loitered in the shadows waiting for him to arrive.
    Limousine
after limousine pulled up at the beautiful Ritz hotel, depositing so many
gorgeous people that it actually hurt my eyes. A constant stream of models
entered the building as my stomach fluttered. Surely this was above and beyond the
call of duty, but then this was one hell of an account to win. Not for the
first time today, I was having second thoughts, deciding to walk away just as
Jason King stepped out of a black limousine, looking every bit as glorious as
the models that preceded him, in a beautifully tailored tuxedo. I took a deep
breath as I stepped alongside him. “King” I smiled, feigning surprise, his
initial shock soon turning to a suspicious half smile as he looked me over,
quirking an eyebrow. “You look stunning Smith. What are you doing here?” The
unexpected compliment sent my stomach spinning. Nerves, I thought, composing
myself quickly and smiling. “I’m here for the London Models dinner” I said,
taking the arm he offered as we walked the red carpet together.
      He maintained a cool demeanour for the
photographers, whispering gruffly as soon as we were out of earshot. “You’re up
to something Smith”. “I don’t know what you mean” I smiled my brightest smile,
maintaining a confident looking position at his side. I was anything but, and
as the doorman pulled out his guest list, I knew this was where I’d get busted.
“Good evening Mr King and may I take your name please”
he smiled politely at me, as I did my best to disguise my nerves. “It’s
Charlotte Smith” I smiled, glancing up at King who was eyeing me intently, a
small smile playing on his mouth. He checked the list. Twice. “I’m afraid you don’t appear to be on the guest list Miss Smith” he frowned
looking slightly embarrassed as Kings lip curved
knowingly. Definitely busted.
    “Miss
Smith is my date for the evening, you should have been informed” said King in a
cool, deep voice that made my stomach flip again. Damned
nerves. “I apologise Mr King, we’ll get the situation rectified
immediately” he gushed, eager to please tonight’s enigmatic key note speaker
and gesturing us inside. I tried hard to stifle my giggles, gasping audibly as
King pulled me suddenly against his hard chest and gripped me tightly. “I don’t
know what the fuck you’re up to Lady, but I intend to keep a very close eye on
you tonight” he said firmly against my ear as my insides exploded in a flurry
of giddiness. I was in. “I’m not up to anything King, the guest list was
clearly an oversight, it happens. Now go and get your date a drink” I laughed, his twinkling blue eyes burning into mine
as I bit my lip in a show of implied innocence. “Be careful Smith” he growled
and his smile faded. For the first time ever it seemed I had manage to rattle
Jason King, and I couldn’t stop the grin that broke out across my face as he
walked towards the bustling champagne bar that ran almost the full length of
the wall.
    Annoyingly,
he didn’t return with a drink as I expected, and seemed to be