Page 69 of Tabloid Princess

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Do you drive many women here?” It was rude, but I wanted to know before I got out of the car.

Bill turned to face me. A handsome man in his own right, he must have been nearing forty by my estimation. “No, Ma’am.”

“Okay.”

The blood rushed in my veins, too fast. My head whirled a little as I turned to open the door. “Don’t you want to frisk me or something?” I paused and looked over at him.

Bill grinned. “Not unless you need me too.”

“Oh. Uh, no. Thank you.”

“13b.”

“Got it.”

On unsteady legs, I slipped out of the car, somehow managing to haul myself up to the black door. It wasn’t a shiny black door, like 10 Downing Street or anything like that. It was just black, almost the finish of a chalk board.

I rapped gently with my knuckles, all the while praying I didn’t puke. The chances were high. Very high.

A latch caught from the other side and then the door opened, and I looked up into the breathtaking face of the prince.

I no longer felt underdressed, because the man I’d only seen in formal shirts and smart trousers since we’d met—and let’s not go to the tuxedo of heaven—was wearing dark jeans and a navy T-shirt; with no shoes or socks on.

The monster reared its head. Awake and hungry.

“You came.” He eased forward and brushed a brief kiss across my cheek. The street was empty, just us and some lengthening shadows, but the whole of London may as well have been watching. I trembled like a leaf.

“I did.”

“Come in.” He gestured me up, his body language relaxed as he smiled and waved his hand. His fingers skimmed the back of my shirt as he guided me into a small cramped hallway that only led to a set of black stairs.

“To your home?” I asked turning a little to try and absorb the angled planes of his cheekbones.

“It’s easier.” He cringed a little and followed it with a shrug. “I can be myself here and not worry about who is watching what.” He paused. “Well, I guess you have a good idea of what I’m talking about now.” His lips tightened for a moment.

Yes, I did have a good idea now.

“You don’t mind though?” A frown flickered. “Coming here,” he added.

I had no idea what he thought was going on here.

I mean first there was the car and what he said.

Then the kiss.

Now I was here… and I had no clue what any of it meant. All I knew was that I couldn’t stay away no matter how foolish that might be.

“No. I don’t mind. I can understand.” I tried to smile but my skittered nerves didn’t allow for it to come easy. “But how do you keep this secret? I mean, surely if people found out you’d be hounded constantly.”

“That’s why only my immediate staff know about this place.”

“No friends?”

He shrugged again and gestured for the stairs. “Now of course, you know. So, I shall have to keep you here or kill you, to keep my secret.”

He flashed me an utterly deadly smile and I stumbled a step. His fingers shot out to catch me before I fell. “Thanks.” Sweat broke out over every inch of my skin. A shooting kindle of desire flourished inside me. It took my breath away.