When his finger trailed across her collarbone, then back to her shoulder, Kate continued to stare, unsure what he was doing. If he was trying to seduce her, he needn’t try any harder. With the way he kept looking at her, she was about to throw out the window all the reasons they shouldn’t be together. One jerk of the knot of fabric at her neck and that halter dress would slide to the floor.
She waited, more than ready for Luc to make her fantasy come true.
Two
Luc fisted his hands at his sides. What the hell had he been thinking, reaching out and touching Kate like that? He was nothing but a tolo, a fool, even to allow himself the brief pleasure.
With all Kate’s creamy skin exposed, silently inviting his touch, his last thread of willpower had snapped. And as much as he hated to admit it, even to himself, he was too emotionally drained to think straight. Part of him just wanted someone as a sexual outlet, an escape, but he wouldn’t use his assistant...no matter how tempted he was.
Luc hadn’t tried hard enough to keep himself in check, which was the main problem. He was still reeling from the fact that Kate had stood at the base of the steps looking as if she might leap to the second floor and devour him if he even hinted he was ready. And misericórdia, mercy, he was ready for some no-strings affection. Still, not with his employee. How did this number-one rule keep slipping from his mind?
“You’re burned,” he replied, surprised when his tone came out stronger than he’d intended. “Looks like you should’ve taken your own advice about that sunscreen.”
With a defiant tilt of her chin, a familiar gesture he’d come to find amusing, she propped her hands on her hips, which did amazing things to the pull of the fabric across her chest. The woman was slowly killing him.
The no-dating-staff rule also covered no sleeping with staff. Damn it, he was a mess after Alana. More so than he feared if he was thinking even for a second of risking his family’s reputation, and his own reputation as a worthy king, by sleeping with Kate. Nothing good would come from his moment of weakness, and then he’d be out an amazing assistant, because he couldn’t allow her to work for him further. And she’d have a wealth of fodder for the press if she chose to turn against him.
That was precisely the reason he needed to keep his damn hands off his assistant.
“Maybe tomorrow we can rub it on each other, then,” she suggested with a mocking grin. “Anyway, back to the charity.”
Charity, the lesser of two evils when compared to rubbing sunscreen over her luscious curves... But he wasn’t getting into this discussion again. He sponsored several organizations financially, but his time wasn’t something he’d considered giving. The main reason being he didn’t like it when people in power used that type of opportunity as just another publicity stunt. Luc didn’t want to be that type of king...that is, if he actually got the crown.
“We need to figure out a plan to secure my title first,” he told Kate. “Everything else can wait.”
Pursing her lips, she nodded. Apparently, she was backing down, which was a first. She never shied away from an argument.
“You’re plotting something,” he said, narrowing his gaze. “You may as well tell me now.”
“I’m not plotting anything,” she replied, that sweet grin still in place, confirming his suspicion. “I’ve been thinking about your title, but I haven’t come up with a solid solution, other than a quick wedding, of course.”
She turned and started through the patio doors, but Luc reached out, grabbing her arm to halt her exit. Her eyes darted down to his hand, then back up to his face, but he didn’t release her.
“Why is this particular charity so important to you?” he asked. “You mention it so often. If you give me the name, I’ll send as much money as you want me to.”
Her eyes softened, filled with a sadness he hadn’t seen there before. “Money isn’t what I wanted.”
Slipping from his grasp, she headed down the stairs toward the beach. Money wasn’t what she wanted? Had he ever heard a woman say that before? Surely any organization could benefit from a sizable donation.
Kate was always surprising him with what came out of her mouth. She seemed to enjoy a good verbal sparring as much as he did. But something about the cause she kept bringing up was bothering him. Obviously, this was something near and dear to her, and she didn’t feel like opening up about it. She’d worked for him for a year, but he’d known her longer than that, though they didn’t exactly hang in the same circles. Didn’t she trust him enough to disclose her wishes?
Luc shook his head as he watched her walk along the shoreline. The woman was mesmerizing from so many different angles, and it was a damn shame she was his assistant, because having her in his bed would certainly help take the edge off this title-throne nightmare.
Glancing up at the sky, he noticed the clouds growing darker. A storm was on the horizon and he knew how much Kate loved Mother Nature’s wrath. She’d always been fascinated by the sheer power, she’d told him once. And that summed Kate up in a nutshell. She was fierce, moved with efficiency and had everyone taking notice.
Part of him wanted to worry, but he knew she’d be back soon, most likely to watch the storm from her own balcony. Luc still took a seat on his patio to wait for her, because they weren’t done discussing this charity business. She was hiding something and he wanted to know what it was. Why was this mysterious organization such a secret? And why did discussing it make her so sad and closed off?
He sank down onto the cushioned bench beside the infinity pool. Everything about this outdoor living space was perfect and exactly what he would’ve chosen for himself. From the stone kitchen for entertaining to the wide, cushioned benches and chaise lounges by the pool, Luc loved all the richness this space offered.
Glancing down the beach where Kate had set out, he found he couldn’t see her any longer and wondered when she’d start heading back. Ominous clouds blanketed the sky, rumbles of thunder filling the previous silenc
e.
When the first fat drop of rain hit his cheek, Luc continued to stare in the direction she’d gone. Since when did he give anyone such power over his mind? He didn’t like this. Not one bit.
He was next in line for the throne, for pity’s sake. How could his hormones be led around so easily by one petite, curvy woman, and how the hell could he still want her after months and months of ignoring the fact?
This pull was strong, no doubt, but Luc just had to be stronger. There was no room for lust here. He wouldn’t risk his family’s stellar reputation, or his ascension to the throne, just because he was hot for his assistant.