King and Kingdom Read Online Free Page B

and a television screen tacked to a wall. She thought forty people could comfortably reside in the available seating. Passing a smaller door that proved to be a bathroom as well as the galley, Sander led her straight back and into a decadent bedroom that boasted a king sized bed, two dressers, one thick chair and two small closets. The color scheme matched the rest of the plane, lavish and expensive.
    The door closed with a decisive click.
    “But the stewardess will know--” Chey didn't get far with her surprised protest.
    Sander stepped close and cupped her jaw in his hands. “Of course she'll know. It's hard to hide on a plane. So let me tell you what you were thinking, and then I'll open the door.”
    Chey wasn't sure she wanted him to open the door. She all but melted in his hands, face tipped up to his. Another one of those surreal moments hit her broadside; she couldn't believe she was on a plane, in a Prince's arms, on the way to some exotic locale. “Okay. Tell me.”
    “You were thinking about those times in bed when you almost left marks on my neck. And you weren't just thinking about leaving the marks, but the rest of it, too.” He cut her a knowing grin.
    Chey rested her hands on his hips and basked in his attention. “I won't lie. That's exactly what I was thinking about. Good thing we didn't bet for real.”
    Without warning, he kissed her. Hard and full, tongue searching out all the secret places of her mouth. Arching into him, she slid her hands around his back under the coat, following the shape of the muscle along his spine. He was built solid and sturdy, shoulders temporarily blocking out the room. The kiss changed angles and depth and became something more serious when she slipped a groan past his lips. Then it was a matter of shedding clothes along with her modesty; there would be no hiding what they'd done when they returned to their seats.
    He laid her down on the bed less like she was fragile and more like he meant to claim her. It was the way he loved her, too, relentless and confident and primal. He whispered her name twice, once to drive her toward the edge, and again in the aftermath of ecstasy. The intensity of it left Chey dizzy and disoriented. In these most private moments, she opened her heart to him, let him hear and see and feel just how much he moved her.
    In return he engulfed her in his arms, shielding her with his body, as if he meant to never let anything hurt her again.

Chapter Three
     
     
     
    The city of Monte Carlo sparkled in the waning hours of the night. Chey stared at the glittery buildings out the window of a limousine that ferried them along an avenue next to the harbor. Even this late, people were everywhere. On the docks, partying on yachts, crossing from one lavish hotel casino to another. The playground for the ultra rich teemed with life and the promise of a good time.
    Tucked against Sander's side, one hand resting on his chest, she watched as the avenue cut away for a drive leading into an expansive, beautiful hotel right on the water. A simple yet elegant sign identified the structure as The Trident. Tall and majestic, the hotel sprawled over the ground with its stunning mediterranean architecture on prominent display. Ivory columns supported an arched overhang that protected doors leading in.
    It wasn't this more obvious front entrance that the limousine navigated to, but a private VIP area replete with a breezeway for easy unloading and loading. Security was thicker here, with uniformed men guarding all three sides of the breezeway as well as the drive. Sander's personal security, in two separate SUVs, parked ahead and behind and kept watch while they disembarked.
    Still reeling from their tryst on the plane, Chey got her feet on the ground and accepted the elbow Sander elegantly offered her.
    “Thanks. This place is amazing,” she said, trying not to gawk. Chey, distantly aware of the difference between Sander's regal authority and her childlike wonder,