“I just don’t want this to change us…you know, afterward.”

He kissed her lips, gently, slowly. Kissed his way along her jawline, down the long, slender column of her throat, pleased when she tilted her head back and groaned. He’d dreamed of this moment for so long. Longer than he liked to admit, even to himself. He’d never allowed any woman to have such control over his mind or his fantasies.

“Nothing will change,” he assured her between kisses. “Unless it’s better. And I’m positive in the next few minutes, things between us will get a whole lot better.”

Victoria’s arms circled around his neck as her head turned, her mouth colliding with his.

And that’s when the dam burst. His, hers. Did it matter? He’d wanted her for years and whether she’d wanted him that long or she’d just decided it in the past few weeks they’d been together, he didn’t know, but he did know he was going to have her. Now. Here.

About the Author

National bestselling author JULES BENNETT’s love of storytelling started when she would get in trouble as a child and would tell her parents her imaginary friends were to blame. Since then, her vivid imagination has taken her down a path she’d only dreamed of. And after twelve years of owning and working in salons, she hung up her shears to write full-time.

Jules doesn’t just write Happily Ever After, she lives it. Married to her high school sweetheart, Jules and her hubby have two little girls who keep them smiling. She loves to hear from readers! Contact her at authorjules@ gmail.com, visit her website, www.julesbennett.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, or send her a letter at PO Box 396, Minford, OH 45653, USA. You can also follow her on Twitter and join her Facebook fan page.

Behind
Palace Doors
Jules Bennett

www.millsandboon.co.uk

I’m dedicating this fairy tale to my stiletto-wearing, tiara-worthy glitter sister, Kelly Willison, and her beautiful princess in training, Anna. You two are a bright, shimmering light in my life. The glow may be all the glitter, but I think it comes from your heart of gold. Love you both.

And also to my own little princesses, Grace and Madelyn. I love watching you grow into beautiful little girls. I can’t wait to see you fall in love and live your own fairy-tale dream.

Prologue

“Ever tried skinny-dipping?”

Victoria Dane gasped as Stefan Alexander, Prince of Galini Isle, stripped off his shirt.

“Umm…” She swallowed, watching as an impressive set of abs stared back at her. “No. No, I haven’t.”

He toed off his shoes.

“You’re not going to…”

His soft chuckle caused goose bumps to spread over her body. Even at fifteen, she was totally aware of this handsome prince, who was technically a man, as he was three years older.

They’d quickly become friends since her mother was filming on his estate, and she assumed her girlish crush was normal. But was he really going to strip naked?

“I’m not doing it alone,” he told her, hands on his hips.

Her eyes darted to his chest. “You got a tattoo?”

With a wicked grin, he nodded. “My first of many, I hope.”

“What is it?” she asked, stepping closer to inspect.

Would it be rude to touch? Probably, so she slid her hands inside the pockets of her swim cover-up instead. Still, she imagined her fingertips sliding along the new ink.

“It’s my family’s crest,” he told her. “I thought it appropriate to have that as my first. Besides, my father might not mind as much since it’s symbolic.”

The afternoon sun beat down on her, but Victoria knew the heat consuming her had nothing to do with the weather. She’d been on location with her mother for almost two months now, and she and Stefan had clicked from the moment they met. Of course, he probably saw her as a little sister and had no idea she was halfway in love with him.

The boys back home were nothing like this.

“Has your father seen it yet?” she asked, using the tattoo excuse to continue to stare at his chest.

“Nah. I’ve been careful to keep my shirt on around my dad since I got it two weeks ago. He’ll throw a fit, but it’s done, so what can he say now?”

Victoria moved toward the pool, dropped to the side and let her feet dangle in the cool water. “You’re so relaxed about breaking rules and defying people. Aren’t you worried you’ll get in serious trouble one day?”

“Trouble?” He laughed as he sat down and joined her. “I’m not afraid of trouble. I’d rather be myself and live my life the way I want. I don’t want to be ruled by what is considered to be the right thing. Who’s to say what’s right or wrong for me?”

She admired his take-charge attitude about life. He reminded her of her brother, Bronson.

“Don’t you consider that lying?” she asked, still studying him. “I mean, you knew you were going to do it, so why not just tell your dad?”

Stefan glanced over to her, those bright blue eyes holding hers. “Lying by omission doesn’t count in my book.”

“Well, it does in mine. Maybe that’s a cultural difference.”

He scooped a hand in the water and playfully tossed it up onto her bare thighs. Shivers coursed through her.

“I think it’s the difference between towing the line and living in the moment,” he joked. “So how about that skinny-dipping?”

“I tow the line, remember? No skinny-dipping for me.” Smiling at him, she placed a hand on his back and shoved him into the pool.

One

Every little girl envisioned a fairy-tale wedding. The long white train, the horse-drawn carriage, like the magical coach from Cinderella of course, and the proverbial tall, dark and handsome prince, chest adorned with medals and a bright blue sash that matched his eye color perfectly.

And while Victoria Dane wasn’t living the fairy tale herself, she did have the glorious job of designing the royal wedding dress that would be seen by millions and worn by the next queen of Galini Isle.

Okay, so being the designer wasn’t even a close second to becoming a queen.

“Victoria.”

The familiar, soothing tone of her old friend’s voice had Victoria turning from the breathtaking emerald ocean view. With a slight bow as was custom in this country, Victoria greeted the prince.

With his tight-fitting black T-shirt tucked into designer jeans, most people would have a hard time believing Prince Stefan Alexander—owner of the most impressive set of blue eyes and some new ink peeking beneath the sleeve of his shirt on one impressive bicep—was the next in line to reign over this beautiful land.

Those muscles seemed to grow between each of their visits. Muscles he acquired from his passion of rock climbing. Yeah, that would make for a beautiful picture. A golden Greek god, shirtless and dangling high above the ground by his sheer strength… .

There was one lucky bride waiting for her prince. Victoria would be lying if she didn’t admit, even if only to herself, that at one time she’d envisioned herself as the one who would finally tame the great Prince Alexander, but his friendship had been invaluable and something she’d feared risking.

Strong arms that she had missed for the past few years pulled her into a warm, inviting embrace. Yes, this was the connection, the bond that phone calls and emails couldn’t deliver.

“Prince Alexander,” she said, returning his embrace.

“Don’t ‘Prince Alexander’ me.” His rich laughter enveloped her, making her feel even more excited to see him after so long. “And for God’s sake, don’t bow. Just because we haven’t seen each other in a while doesn’t mean I’ve become some royal snob.”

“It’s so great to see you, Stefan.” She eased back and looked up into those striking blue eyes. “When you called to tell me you were getting married, I was shocked. She must be someone very special.”

“The most important woman in my life,” he said, lifting one of her hands to his lips.

Prince Charming had nothing on Stefan, and a slight surge of jealousy speared through Victoria at the fact another woman would be entering his life…and not just passing through like all the others.

He gestured toward the settee and matching chairs with bright orange plush cushions. “Let’s have a seat and discuss my beautiful bride, shall we?”

Stefan dismissed his assistants with a silent nod. A man of his position and power didn’t need to use words, but to Victoria he was still that rotten teen who’d tried to get her to go skinny-dipping in the royal pool…while a dinner party had been taking place in the grand ballroom.

“I’ve brought sketches of several dresses for you and your fiancée to review,” she told him, laying her thin portfolio of designs on the tile tabletop and flipping it open. “I can also combine styles or come up with something completely different if nothing here catches her eye. They are all classic designs but different in their own way. Any would be flattering for the next queen.”

“I’ve no doubt you’ll make the perfect dress.” He laid a hand over hers, a wide grin spreading across his devilishly handsome face. “It’s so great to have you here, Victoria. I’ve missed you.”

She returned his smile, unable to hide her excitement about not only seeing him again, but also the fact he’d finally found true love…something she’d started to have doubts about. And yes, she’d once wished his true love had been her, but their friendship was more important. As his best friend, she was thrilled that he was so happy and in love. She needed that reminder that not all men broke their promises of engagement.

“It’s my pleasure to design for you, and it gives us both a reason to set aside our busy lives and get some face time,” she told him, sliding her hair over her shoulder. “Phone calls just aren’t the same.”

“No, they’re not,” he agreed.

That sexy, sultry smile remained. Heavens, but the man was literally a tall, dark and handsome prince, and that cotton shirt stretched so perfectly over his broad shoulders and chiseled biceps. She wondered what the new tattoo was of, but if she knew Stefan, he’d find a reason to shed his shirt in no time.

Yeah, he’d changed over the years, and definitely in all the right places. Rock climbing does a body good.

“These are remarkable,” he told her as he fingered through the drawings. “Did you do these yourself or do you have a team?”

A burst of pride ran through her. She may be one of the most sought-out designers, but each client earned her undivided attention and she loved hearing praise for her hard work…especially coming from such a good friend.

“I have a small team, but these are all my own. I was selfish when it came to your bride.” She moved one thick sheet to the side, eager to display the rest of her designs. “I’m partial to this one. The clean lines, the cut of the neckline and the molding of the bodice. Classy, yet sexy.”

Very similar to the one she’d designed for own wedding. Of course that had been six months, a slew of bad press and one shattered heartache ago when her up-and-coming actor/fiancé decided to publicly destroy Victoria. But working with Stefan and his fiancée would help her to remember that happily ever afters do exist.

When she’d met him as a teen on the set of one of her mother’s films, she’d developed an instant crush. He’d been a very mature eighteen years old, compared to her fifteen, with golden skin and a smile she’d come to appreciate that held just a touch of cockiness.

She’d been smitten to say the least, but they’d soon developed a friendship that had lasted through the years. Fantasies had come and gone…and come again where she’d envisioned him proposing to her and professing his hidden, undying passion. But those were little girl dreams. Besides, Stefan always had a companion or two at all times.

“You would look beautiful in that gown.”

Victoria shook off her crazy thoughts and jerked her attention to Stefan.

“Sorry. I realize your own engagement is still fairly recent, but—”

She straightened her shoulders and stepped back. “No, it’s okay. But let’s not talk about that. I’d much rather focus on your happiness.”

He reached out, cupped her shoulders and gave a reassuring squeeze. “I’m still your friend. I know you didn’t open up that much over the phone because of the timing being so close to the passing of my father, but you’re here now and I’m offering you my shoulder if you need it.”

Warmth spread through her. Other than her brothers, this was the one man she’d always been able to depend on. Even as they’d gotten older, their lives busier, she knew Stefan was always there for her.

“I may take you up on that,” she told him with a smile. “But for now let’s discuss you.”

Because she needed to focus on their friendship and her work instead of her humiliation, her eyes drifted back over the designs. “A dress should make a woman feel beautiful and alluring. I wanted to capture that beauty with a hint of fairy tale thrown into the mix. When I don’t know the client personally, it makes designing the dresses a bit harder, so that is why I chose to bring very different designs for her to look at. Do you know when your fiancée will arrive?”

Stefan leaned a hip onto the table and smiled. “Actually, she’s already here. I have a proposition for you, Victoria.”

Intrigued, Victoria rested one hand on the table and smiled. “And what is that, Your Highness?”

He chuckled. “Now you’re mocking me.”

“Not at all,” she retorted with a grin, loving how they fell back into their easy banter as if no time had passed. “You just sounded so serious. What’s your proposition?”

He took her hands in his, looking her in the eyes. “It has to do with my fiancée…sort of.”

Oh, no. She recognized that look. It was the same naughty, conniving look he had when he’d wanted her to be his partner in crime in their early twenties…like the time when he’d asked her to pose as his girlfriend for a charity ball because he had a somewhat aggressive lady who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

God. The sick feeling in her stomach deepened. The man was up to something no good.

“Stefan.” She slid her hands from his warm, strong hold and rubbed them together. “Tell me there’s a real fiancée and you’re actually getting married.”

“I am getting married and there is a fiancée.” He threw her a wide, beautiful smile. “You.”

Stefan waited for her response to his abrupt proposal. Damn, he’d meant to have a bit more finesse, but time was running out and he couldn’t afford to tackle this wedding in the traditional sense. Nothing about this situation was traditional.

She placed her hands on either side of her temples as if to rub the stress headache away…he’d had a few of those moments himself recently. He’d never pictured himself as a one-woman man. And the thought always sent a shudder straight through him.

“I’m sorry to pull you into this,” he told her. “I couldn’t trust anyone else right now.”

He prayed he chose the right words to make her understand. She was, after all, still recovering from an ugly public breakup, and she had always been such a good friend, no matter the distance between them. They’d shared countless phone calls in the middle of the night, during many of which she’d told him her dreams and he’d listened, hoping one day all those dreams would come true. And perhaps he could help that along.

“Why do you need me all of a sudden?”

“Galini Isle will go back to Greece if I don’t marry and gain the title of king. My brother isn’t an option because his wife is a divorcée and the damn laws are archaic. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t do everything in my power to keep this country in my family. I won’t let my people down.” He hated being forced into anything. “I want my title, but I do not want a wife. Unfortunately, I’ve looked for a loophole and there isn’t one.”

Victoria sank to the patio chair. “Again, why me?”

“I want a wife in name only. And I can’t let my country revert to Greek rule. It’s been in my family for generations. I refuse to be a failure to my family’s name.”

“This is crazy,” she muttered, shaking her head.

Stefan stepped closer. “You’ve recently had scandal in your life. Why not show this fiancé who jilted you and the media who exploited your pain that you are stronger, you can rise above this and come out on top? What better way than to marry a prince?”

“You’re serious?” she asked, looking back up at him. “How could we pull this off? I mean, we haven’t been seen together in public for a couple years.”

Stefan came over and took a seat directly beside her in the matching wrought-iron chair with plush cushions. “My people don’t know who my bride is. I’ve made sure they only know there will be a wedding. I’ve been very secretive about this, which only adds to the mystery of the romance.”

Romance. Yeah, that was the dead last thing on his mind right now. Couldn’t he just have the crown? He was the prince, for crying out loud. Didn’t that give him some clout? Why did he need a marriage to claim it?

“Once they see you, they’ll know why I kept the engagement so quiet,” he went on, knowing he was rambling, but he had to make her see this was the only way.

Damn, he hated vulnerability and being backed into a corner. Not only that, he hated putting Victoria in an awkward position.

Victoria laughed. “And here all this time I thought you were letting your romantic, protective side show.”

“You are one of Hollywood’s most famous single ladies—a bachelorette, I believe your country calls it—and I will simply explain I was protecting you from even more scandal and we wanted to express our love on our wedding day and not exploit it beforehand. Besides, there are all those articles and pictures from when we were in our teens and twenties. The media practically had us engaged at your twenty-first birthday party when I bought you a diamond necklace. The history is there, and the media will eat it up.”

“Oh, Stefan.” She sighed. “This is such a big decision. You can’t expect me to give you an answer right now.”

Leaning back against the chair, Stefan nodded. “I’m asking for only six months, Tori. After my coronation I’ll have my title as king and the country will be secured with my family again.”

“Then what?” she asked, her eyes searching his.

He shrugged, not really worried about anything beyond getting married and gaining his title. “After that it’s up to you. You can stay married to me or you can end the relationship. The control is yours. Who knows, you may like being queen.”

True, he may be a playboy, but he could think of multiple circumstances that would be worse than being married to the stunning Victoria Dane.

She stared out across the estate toward the ocean. Victoria’s beauty was remarkable and surprisingly natural. She came from the land of perfection brought on by plastic surgeons, yet she looked more stunning than the fake, siliconed women he knew. And he was damn lucky she was in his life.

“This is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard.” With a slight laugh she looked back to him. “You’re taking something as serious as a royal wedding, a wedding that will create the new leaders for your country, and turning it into a…a lie. My God, Stefan, this is really putting the pressure on our friendship. Do you realize how risky this is? I can’t lose you.”

He sat forward, dead serious. “You could never lose me as a friend. If I thought that was the case I never would’ve asked you. Just think of this as a long, overdue reunion. I need someone I can trust not to back out at the last minute or use me for money in the end.”

“Why did you wait so long to ask me?”

“Honestly I thought I could find a way around this.” God knows he’d exhausted every avenue looking for one. “When I realized I couldn’t, I knew I had only one option. You are the one person in my life I’d ever trust with something so personal, so serious.”

She laughed. “I’d do anything for you, Stefan, you know that, but this is asking a lot. What about the people of your country? Won’t they feel let down if we end the marriage? And how will this work out after your coronation? Will the country still remain yours?”

“No, my people won’t feel let down,” he assured her. “I will still be their leader. I will still keep control over my country. I just need the title to do so, which is where you fit in.”

“You’ve really thought this through, haven’t you?” She crossed her legs and shifted her body toward his. “You can’t expect me to put my life on hold for six months. I’m a busy woman, Stefan.”

He’d always admired her take-charge attitude and the way she matched him in this volley of wills. Not to mention the fact the woman was classy and beyond sexy.

Just as when he’d been in his late teens, Victoria Dane made his gut clench and still made him want her as more than a friend. But years ago he’d attempted to pursue her into something sexual. She hadn’t taken him seriously, so to keep his ego intact, he played it off like he had indeed been joking. And the second time he’d been ready to take charge, she’d been in a relationship. But now she was free.

“I know you’re busy, and I’m not trying to take your life away, but I do have something to offer you.” He edged forward, taking her hand in his. “You’ll get to show the world that you are stronger than the poor, humiliated woman they are making you out to be. The woman the media has portrayed as being overshadowed by her brothers and jilted by her fiancé. If you do this, not only will you design your wedding gown for this day, this could help you launch that bridal line you’ve been wanting. Make a play off the fairy tale of being a queen, if you like.”

Her eyes darted back to the ocean. The sun was just starting to set, and Stefan knew as far as proposals went, this was probably the least romantic. But her apparent inner war with herself only told him that she was indeed considering his offer.

“I can practically see your mind working.” He hoped she was leaning toward a yes decision. “This is a win-win for both of us, Victoria.”

“Your way of thinking is not very Greek,” she told him. “Aren’t you all known for love?”

He laughed, squeezing her hand. “I think you know how passionate I can be about something I want.”

She looked down at their joined hands. His dark, tanned skin next to her pinker complexion made for quite the contrast. But when she looked up into his eyes, he knew she wasn’t going to deny him.

“You’ve always been determined,” she whispered. “That’s something I can understand. With my recent scandal and public embarrassment, I was adamant to get back on track, to take control of my life.”

He waited, not wanting to interrupt as she guided her own words down the path toward everything he wanted.

“And what about the sleeping arrangements?” she asked, her wide eyes seeking his for answers.

Stefan laughed. “You know, you live in Hollywood where sin flows as freely as wine in my country, and you’re blushing at the subject of us sharing a bed. I’m wounded.”

Obviously this was something she hadn’t expected, but he wasn’t going to push. Yes, he’d desired her for years, but he wanted her to come to him. To realize that maybe something spectacular could happen between them behind the bedroom door.

He stroked his thumb over the soft skin on the back of her hand. “We’ll have to share a room to keep up the pretense with the staff.”

Her heart beat hard against her chest, and Victoria couldn’t help the image that immediately popped into her head of the two of them entangled in satin sheets in a king-size bed. She knew that his dark skin was part of his heritage and not from lounging by the pool—which meant he would be lean and golden brown all over. There were rumors of hidden tattoos—some she’d seen, some she hadn’t. The man simply exuded mysteriousness and sex. He’d been her best friend as a teen, and even though circumstances had gotten in the way of them seeing each other the past couple years, their phone calls and emails had kept that line of friendship open.

“I just don’t know,” she muttered aloud. “I’m scared of what this will do to us.”

“We’ll be stronger than ever,” he assured her with a devastatingly handsome smile. “We’ve spent too many of the past years apart. Let’s just focus on the fact we’ll be together like old times. I need you, Tori.”

Was she really about to risk more scandal and the bond she shared with Stefan? Yes, because he meant that much to her, and if the tables were turned, she knew he’d drop everything to help her. Besides, she was a member of the prestigious Hollywood Danes; it wasn’t as if scandal hadn’t been part of her life before.

For years she’d been in the spotlight as the sister of Hollywood’s hottest producer and daughter of the Grand Dane—her mother’s Hollywood-dubbed nickname. The threat of scandal followed her family everywhere.

Stefan’s family had also had their share of scandal surrounding his mother’s death years ago. His loyalty to his family—and his country—to maintain control of the crown was everything to him. And she completely understood family loyalty.

As she thought about it, Victoria was liking Stefan’s proposal more and more. How could she not consider showing the world she could still come out on top—and with a sexy Greek prince, at that?

When Alex had put a ring on her finger, she’d been so determined to have a lasting, loving marriage like her mother, her brothers. Victoria didn’t want pity, didn’t want people looking at her as though she may fall apart if they brought up the broken engagement. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what her family and friends were doing. But Stefan faced the topic head-on and didn’t back down. He wasn’t treating her like some wilted flower, but as a woman who was tougher than what most people thought.

Victoria was determined to come out stronger on the other side of this scandal. She was going to prove to everyone, including herself, that her iconic mother and hotshot brothers were not the only ones who could rise above anything life threw at them.

She looked down at her hand joined with Stefan’s, knowing they could help each other…just like always. The arrangement was just on a larger scale than anything they’d ever confronted.

This proposition Stefan blindsided her with may truly be the answer to get everyone to stop throwing sympathy her way, to see that she was fine and had made her life her own. Not to mention she could use the publicity to help establish her bridal line, as he’d suggested. What better way to launch it than to design the royal wedding dress and wear it?

“You’re thinking too hard,” Stefan joked. “Go with your gut, Victoria. You know this is going to work. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

She looked into his vibrant eyes, confident he would do anything to keep her from facing heartache again. And that made his proposal even more appealing.

There was no denying the man was beyond sexy. He’d been dubbed the Greek Playboy Prince by all the media outlets for years. But Alex had been just as handsome, just as cocky…until he’d confessed he’d been using her for her family name to help further his acting career. Of course the truth had only come out after he’d impregnated another woman and had to call off the engagement.

Oh, how could she even sit here and compare the two men? Alex wasn’t even worth her thoughts, and Stefan was everything to her.

Another look into his smiling eyes and Victoria nearly laughed. Stefan had been up-front and honest with her because that’s the type of friend he was. What he was proposing was nothing like what Alex had done to her. Other than this marriage, what could she offer Stefan that he couldn’t get himself? He certainly wasn’t a rising actor like Alex had been. How could she deny him when she knew he was in a vulnerable state and he trusted only her?

“I’d expect you to be faithful, even if this is pretend,” she told him.

“I assure you, you will have my undivided attention.”

Swallowing the doubts and throwing caution to the wind, Victoria smiled. “Stefan, I’d be honored to marry you.”

Two

Stefan had invited Victoria to stay in the palace so they could get some alone time to reconnect in ways that phone calls and emails couldn’t provide. They had to attempt to make this seem like the real thing because the media would definitely pick up on any uncomfortableness between them if every touch, every lingering gaze didn’t look authentic—like they were secret lovers.

Pretending to be infatuated by Victoria’s beauty would be no hardship. Her flawless elegance had only flourished since the last time he’d seen her, and he was damned grateful she’d agreed to his insane proposal.

Parading her around the grounds with the royal photographer, snapping some pictures as they rode on horseback, cuddled beneath the trellis of flowing flowers and walked along the private, pristine beach, would help fuel this fire of his romance with the next queen of Galini Isle. Though he’d asked the photographer to keep Victoria’s face out of the snapshots to add an aura of mystery. He’d always been proud and ready to show off the women on his arm. Victoria was the first one he’d protected from the camera. So once the photos started going out, they would hopefully create more talk of his upcoming wedding in four weeks.

Their brief time alone had already caused so many memories to resurface. She was still a tender heart where her family was concerned but lethal when it came to business. The beauty Victoria brought back into his life by being there in person was immeasurable. Holding her, laughing with her, staying up late last night talking again was amazing, and he vowed to never let so much time go between their visits again…if she ended up leaving at the end of the six months.

All thoughts of reconnecting were swept aside as Victoria entered the intimate dining area he’d had his assistants set up on the balcony off his master suite’s second story. Stefan’s breath caught, and he knew that spark of desire he’d always had for her would only spread and burn hotter now that they were spending so much intimate time alone.

Yes, he needed her to keep his country, but he wasn’t a fool. No way would he let this prime opportunity pass him by to show her just how much he believed becoming friends with benefits was a great idea. He may not be ready for a “real” marriage, but he was past ready to have Victoria see him in a different way.

But he had to keep his thoughts and emotions to himself for now. The last thing she needed was him pushing anything more on her. Besides the fact she was saving him, she was coming out of a humiliating engagement to some prick who didn’t know what a treasure he’d had.

When Stefan had initially learned of the breakup, he’d immediately called, but in typical Victoria fashion, she’d assured him she was fine…hurt and angry, but she’d be okay.

And looking at her now, she was definitely more than okay.

Her long, strapless ice-blue chiffon gown was simple, yet so elegant and so beautifully molded to her slender curves, Stefan’s palms itched to touch her. Years of friendship prevented him. Added to that, they’d never ventured into anything intimate. Either she’d been in a relationship or he’d been…preoccupied himself.

“You look beautiful, Victoria.” He extended his hand toward her, pleased when she took it. “You’ll be the perfect queen.”

Her smile was genuine, but her eyes instantly darted to the waiting servant in the corner wearing a black tux. “I was hoping to have some time alone with you.”

While he loved those words coming from her mouth, he knew she just wanted to talk. He squeezed her hand and gave a nod to his employee. Once they were alone, Victoria laughed.

“That’s the second time you’ve nodded and someone has done what you wanted. You sure this prince-soon-to-be-king title isn’t going to your head?”

Stefan shrugged, leading her to the table for two on the balcony. “They know what my needs are, so words are usually unnecessary. Besides, I’d much rather spend my evening with my stunning friend than boring staff. I have too many responsibilities with my title. I want to have the down time with you.”

“Wow, I’m one rank above boring and responsibilities. You’re such a charmer, it’s no wonder you couldn’t get another woman to marry you.” She patted his arm and sighed. “I just hope my family understands my actions.”

“We can’t tell anyone that this is a paper marriage, Victoria.” He turned her to face him, making her look him in the eye to know just how serious this situation was. “I cannot risk my title on the slip of a tongue.”

He knew the strong bond she had with her family, knew she’d want to tell them, but he had to at least caution her as to the importance of this arrangement. Other than his personal assistant, Hector, and his brother, no one knew of this secret.

“I have to tell my mother,” she insisted. “Trust me. She will know something is up and she will badger us both until she uncovers it if we don’t confess now. Besides, she’s always loved you.”

“As a friend, yes,” he agreed, then laughed. “I’m not sure she’ll love me to play the son-in-law role.”

She looked into his eyes, and a tilt of her perfect lips proved she knew he had a point. “Well, she does consider you a playboy, and she’s not too keen on all your tats. But she does love you, Stefan. And she knows how much you mean to me.”

He raised a brow. “What about your brothers?”

“I can’t lie to them, either,” she told him. “But you should know, of all families, mine understands the potential for scandal when secrets slip.”

Because he could see the battle she waged with herself and because he knew she wouldn’t back down on this, Stefan nodded. “If you promise this goes no further than your immediate family, I will agree to your terms. I trust them as much as I trust you.”

“All right, Stefan,” she told him, seeing his shoulders relax on his exhale. “My mother will be the silent observer until she sees if I’m just making a rash decision. But, I should warn you, my brothers will have some serious doubts. They will be all over you, especially after what happened with Alex.”

Stefan intended to speak with both of her brothers privately. He had a business proposition for them that they may not want to pass up regarding a documentary to clear his parents’ names in his mother’s untimely death. Some thought his mother had committed suicide, while others were convinced his father had hired someone to have her killed. Both were pure nonsense, and he wanted to go into his reign with no blemishes on his family’s name. But he would also reassure Tori’s brothers that he would keep her from any more heartbreak or scandal.

“If I had a sister, I’d be very protective,” he said with a smile. “I assure you, I can handle them. But we still have to make sure they know our relationship will have to look real, which means they’ll have to rein in their behavior when we’re out in the spotlight.”

Stefan stepped closer, calling himself all kinds of a fool for torturing himself with her familiar floral aroma, her tall, lithe body close to his. But he couldn’t help himself. He needed that intimacy, that closeness only Tori could provide. He told himself it was to get used to making this “relationship” seem real. In truth, he wanted to touch her, kiss her…undress her. Possibilities and images swirled around in his mind. Years he’d waited to have a chance with her, and here he was nervous as a virgin on a wedding night.

Na pari i eychi. Dammit. The last time he’d seen her in person two years ago he’d flown to L.A. to attend a benefit art show to raise money for a children’s charity. His father was supposed to have gone but had fallen ill at the last minute, so Stefan had stepped in, all too eager to get to L.A. and try his hand at seducing Victoria.

But when he’d arrived at her home, she’d introduced him to some up-and-coming actor whom she’d just begun dating. Stefan had been totally blindsided with the sudden serious nature of the relationship. They talked on the phone, emailed or texted several times a week and no mention had been made of this other man.

Because she’d been beaming with happiness, Stefan had kept his lustful feelings to himself and tried to maintain a physical distance. But now she was here because that jerk, Alex, had humiliated her and crushed her heart.

Stefan had every intention of helping her heal. And now he knew there was no way he could hold his desire back. Eventually, he’d have to confess that he wanted her intimately, paper marriage be damned.

As if just realizing how close they’d gotten, Victoria looked up at him and licked her lips, making them moist and inviting. “I still think we have our work cut out for us. We’ve never been anything more than best friends.”

It was just the opening he’d been waiting for. “Then we better start now making this believable.”

In one move, Stefan had his arms snaked around her waist and his lips crushing hers, swallowing her gasp. He hadn’t meant to push, really he hadn’t, and the second their tastes and bodies collided, he knew this was a bad idea. Now he’d only want her more. But if his life depended on it, he couldn’t pull away.

After the briefest of hesitations, she exploded in his arms, kissing him back with a passion he hadn’t expected, but he would definitely embrace. For years he’d wondered, dreamed, and here she was kissing him as if she thought of him as a man and not just a friend. Obviously he wasn’t the only one who’d imagined this moment.

And that aroused him even more and left him with the knowledge this was something that would have to be discussed sooner rather than later.

Needing more and taking it, he parted her lips with his tongue. Her fingers gripped his biceps as she leaned against him a bit more. And just like he’d imagined for years, she fit against him perfectly.

But before he could take more and allow his hands to roam freely over that killer body, Victoria stepped back, her hand immediately going to cover her lips.

“We can’t…that was…”

Stefan closed the gap she’d just created, but not to pick up where she broke off. He intended to reassure her that what just happened was not a mistake. Hell no, it wasn’t. An epiphany, yes, but no mistake.

“Interesting how flustered you are after one kiss,” he told her with a smile, still tasting her on his lips. “We’ve kissed before, Tori.”

With fingertips still on her lips, Victoria placed her other hand on his chest. “Our kisses were never anything like that.”

Because he was a gentleman, at least where the ladies were concerned, he didn’t mention the groaning she’d done when his lips had touched hers.

He wanted her to think about what happened…God knows he’d never forget. Her taste and the feel of her body were all burned into his long-term memory. But he needed to move slowly and stay on track.

“My top chef has prepared moussaka for us.” He ushered her toward a chair and assisted her into it. “I remember how much you enjoyed Greek cuisine the last time you visited.”

Victoria didn’t even look at the meal; she merely gazed at him from across the intimate table complete with a small exotic bouquet of flowers and two tall white tapered candles.

“Are you going to pretend that kiss didn’t make an impression on you?” she asked, arching a perfectly shaped brow.

Her bold statement had him smiling. Why lie? She knew him too well.

“I wasn’t unaffected, Victoria.” He held her gaze, needing her to see how serious he was. “Any man would be a fool not to be physically attracted to you. And I’d be a liar to say I hadn’t thought of kissing you before.”

“I’m not quite sure how to respond to that.” She glanced down, then cleared her throat and met his gaze again. “I have to say, it’s no wonder you have the reputation you do when you kiss like that. If you pull that stunt in public, the media will never think to question the engagement.”

“They’ll see nothing but eros when they look at us.”

“What does that mean?” She laughed. “You always show off by throwing out Greek terms I don’t know.”

“Passionate, erotic love.” Yet again, he held her gaze. “Cameras don’t lie, and I know that’s what they’ll see. I will have no problem making the relationship look real.”

Victoria shook her head. “I’m afraid your cockiness and ego may overshadow me in any picture, but I’ve found that ego charming over the years—must be from growing up with a very alpha brother. Your pride stems from confidence, which is always a redeeming quality in a man. But I know there’s a soft side beneath that tough-guy persona. Besides, I’ve been around onlookers and cameras since I was born, so I actually don’t notice them much anymore.”

But they notice you.

“I’m glad to hear the media doesn’t bother you because we’ll have to pose for several formal pictures once we’re married,” he told her, taking the silver dome lids off the dishes. “Though something you may not be as used to is servants. As queen, you’ll have your own assistants who will do anything and everything—from dressing you, to preparing your meals and escorting you anywhere you need to go.”

Victoria’s perfectly manicured hand stilled on her wineglass. “I don’t need someone to dress me—that’s literally my job. And an escort? Is that really necessary? I can’t stay here after the marriage until the title is official, Stefan. I have a life, a job to get to. If we need to put up a united front, you’ll just have to come to the States and be with me there.”

“For how long?” he asked. “With no one reigning as king, I am technically the…stand-in, if you will.”

Victoria jerked in surprise. “You’re acting as king now? I didn’t know this.”

He nodded. “Nothing is official until the coronation, but it’s law that when the king dies, the oldest son will step in immediately. If something were to happen to me or if I did not marry, the country would go back to Greece. So this is all temporary until I fulfill my duties.”

“So do you have to stay here the entire time?” she asked. “Are we going to spend our marriage apart?”

Stefan laughed. “Not at all. We will actually need to make several appearances together both here and in L.A. once we’re married to ensure the public believes this is the real deal. What’s your schedule like? We will come up with something.”

His cell rang, interrupting their conversation. He pulled it from his pocket, glanced at the screen and hit ignore before sliding it back in his pocket…but not before Victoria saw the name of the caller. Hannah.

“Am I going to have to compete for your attention from your harem?” she asked with a laugh, even though inside she was dead serious.

“You will never have to compete for my attention, Tori.” His eyes locked on to hers. “You’re the only woman in my life right now. Let’s get back to your schedule.”

She wanted to believe him, so she did. He’d never lied to her before, and she knew if Stefan told her not to worry, then she shouldn’t. But no matter what his actions were, he couldn’t force the other women to stop calling him. Surely once they were married the calls would stop. She hoped.

God, she was so skeptical. Damn Alex for making her that way. To doubt Stefan and his loyalty was laughable. He was going to great lengths to keep his country in his family. That act itself spoke volumes of what the word loyalty meant. So, no, she didn’t think Stefan would do anything to betray her trust. He was the polar opposite of Alex.

“My workload is crazy.” She ran her upcoming schedule through her head. “I’m swamped, but to be fair I’d say we should at least split the time between my home and yours.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. I love your family and I love L.A.” He moved around the table, unrolled her napkin and placed it in her lap, waiting until her eyes sought his. “But the first two weeks of our marriage, we are to remain in the palace. It’s a tradition since the first king of Galini Isle. The country refers to it as the honeymoon phase.”

Those expressive blue eyes widened. “I thought a honeymoon was when the couple went off to some undisclosed location to have privacy.”

He tried to block the image of having her all to himself for two weeks. The instant erotic thoughts had him shifting back to his seat before he did something really embarrassing.

“This country prides itself on rituals. The ethos, or practice, is not to be dismissed.”

Victoria stared at him from across the table. He could tell she was getting nervous, so he wanted to take her mind off what was to come.

“Tell me about what you’re working on now, other than your own wedding dress,” he added with a smile he knew would put her at ease.

In an instant her face softened, the corners of her mouth tilted up into a genuine smile and, yeah, he felt that straight to the gut. How would she look smiling up at him, hair spread across his pillow as he slid into her?

Damn. Now more than ever, he wanted her in his bed.

But he wouldn’t pressure her. He’d wait until she was ready to come to him. And he had a feeling from that scorching kiss she’d be more than willing sooner rather than later.

Victoria was different than most women he dated, bedded. She was genuine. Rare in this world to find a woman this sexy and beautiful who didn’t flaunt her body or use it to work her way through her goals. He’d always admired how she created a name for herself without riding on the coattails of her iconic family name.

“My brothers are working together on a film depicting our mother’s life through the years. And I have to say they’ve gotten along so well since they put their differences aside and focused on our mother and this movie.” She laughed, tossing her golden hair over one shoulder. “They’re getting along so well, they even spend off hours together with their families. The kids at least provide a buffer and something else they have in common.”

Stefan still couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact Victoria’s mother, the Grand Dane of Hollywood, gave up a child for adoption nearly forty years ago and the baby turned out to be Anthony Price, the long-time heated rival of Victoria’s legitimate brother, Bronson Dane. Talk about confusing.

“I’m sure discovering Anthony was your half brother was quite a shock. I apologize for not being there more for you, but with my dad battling cancer then…”

“You were needed more here, Stefan.” Victoria sipped her wine then picked up her fork. “I admit I was shocked, but my brothers took it the hardest. Mom gave Anthony up for adoption when she was starting in her career because she wanted him to have a good life and she wasn’t ready for motherhood.”

“That’s a mature decision.”

Victoria’s eyes darted to his, and that sweet smile widened. “I knew you’d understand. You were always so open-minded. So many have called her decision selfish.”

He shook his head, reaching for his own wineglass. “Selfish would’ve been keeping the baby, knowing she would put her career first.”

She looked as if she wanted to say more, but she cut a piece of her meat and slid the fork between her perfectly painted pale pink lips. And like any man infatuated with a woman—or any man who had breath in his lungs—he agonizingly watched until the fork disappeared and she groaned with delight as her eyelids fluttered. Just when he thought his arousal couldn’t get any stronger…

“This is still so amazing,” she told him. “You have no idea how grateful I am that you remembered my favorite food.”

He knew every single detail about her—her favorite color, the movies she’d seen countless times and even the old diary she kept all of her private thoughts in. He knew more about her than any other woman, which was why they had such a strong bond. He didn’t mind listening to her talk about her life. Most other women talked about their lives in an attempt to impress him. Victoria impressed him simply by being there for him, making him smile and expecting nothing from him in return.

“So tell me about this film.” He wanted to know more, wanted to support her. “What’s your part?”

He also wanted to keep her relaxed, keep her talking all night—since that was his only option for now. Just like during their multiple phone conversations over the years, that sultry voice washed over him, making him wish for things he couldn’t have right now. But at the end of this, who knew? Maybe they’d remain married. That would put quite a spin on the whole friends-with-benefits scenario.

He’d never had this type of arrangement before—even that would’ve been more of a commitment than he’d been willing to give. But for Victoria…hell yes, he’d be interested.

“I’ve never worked with my family before and never designed costumes for a movie, but I made an exception,” she said with a glowing smile. “There’s no way I could let another designer do this, not when it’s so close to my heart.”

“Sounds like you’re going to be a busy woman,” he told her, cutting into his tender meat.

“The designs are done since filming started a few months ago. But I’m needed on set in case of a malfunction or a last-minute wardrobe switch.” She shrugged and sipped her wine. “My team back in L.A. is handling everything right now. My assistant may have to take on a bit more until our wedding is over, though. God, that sounds so strange to say.”

He lay his fork down, reached across the table and took her hand. “Thank you for what you’re doing for me, for my country. I’ll never be able to express my gratitude.”

“You’ve been my best friend since I had braces,” she joked. “We may live far apart, but other than my family, you’re the closest person in my life.” She tightened her grip on his hand and tilted her head with a soft grin. “Besides, you’ve handed me a dream job designing the gown, and I get to play queen for a few months. Seriously, I’m getting the better end of the bargain.”

Stefan laughed. “I wasn’t sure you’d agree so easily. I should’ve known you’d stand by me.”

“I admit I have reservations about lying to the public, to my friends and employees.” She shifted in her seat, breaking hold of their hands. “But I’m honored to stand by you. It’s not often we find someone in our life we can truly depend on.”

He hated the loss of her hands in his and the hurt in her tone. “I was afraid you’d be vulnerable since the breakup, afraid you’d shut this idea down before I could explain my reasons.”

“Maybe I am still vulnerable.” She chewed her lip, eyes darting down before coming back up to meet his. “But I won’t let my heart get in the way of my life again, and I know I’m safe with you.”

“Absolutely, Victoria.” He’d die before he let her get hurt. “You know how much I care for you.”

He admired Victoria for standing tall, not cowering behind her family when it would be so easy to do so after having her world ripped out from under her. He knew firsthand how hard life was to live in the public eye. The media was ruthless, and if the story wasn’t there, they made one up and damn the consequences. Reputations could be damaged and ruined with just a small dose of ink from the written word and could take years to restore…if restoration was even possible.

Because of accusations thrown at his family after the death of his mother, he more than anyone knew how fast a reputation could be ruined.

The rest of the meal moved quickly through some laughter and easy conversation, but Stefan couldn’t get his mind off that scorching kiss. He wanted his hands on her again, whether to torture himself or just have a brief moment of instant gratification, he didn’t know. But he knew how to rectify the situation.

“Dance with me,” he told her when she’d placed her napkin beside her now-empty plate.

“Right now?” She glanced around the spacious, moonlit balcony. “There’s no music.”

He came to his feet, moved into the master suite and within seconds had the surround sound filtering out into the night. When he came back through the open double doors, he extended his hand.

“Dance with me,” he repeated, pleased when her hand slid into his. “We should practice before the official royal wedding dance after the ceremony. It’s been years since we danced together.”

She came to her feet, and he took no time in pulling her body against his. Wrapping his arm around her waist, Stefan was more than eager to have her invade his personal space.

“No wonder you’re the Playboy Prince,” she murmured, her breath tickling his cheek. “You’re very good at this. I can’t imagine how you’d be pouring on the charm if I weren’t an old childhood friend.”

He eased his head back but kept their bodies flush and swaying to the soft, soothing beat. “I promised to keep this simple, to give you all control in the end. I never go against my word.”

She smiled. “I’m sure you wouldn’t, but I also know your reputation. And I was on the receiving end of that kiss.”

“You weren’t just on the receiving end…you were an active participant.”

Victoria’s breath caught. “That’s a…pretty accurate statement, but we’ve been friends too long for us to let lust cloud our judgment. Sleeping together would not be wise, Stefan.”

He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “Who says?”

Her hand tightened in his as she turned to look him in the eye, their lips barely a breath apart. “I don’t know if we’re getting swept up into this idea of pretending or this physical pull is stemming from seeing each other after such a long time apart, but I can’t risk losing your friendship just because of this sudden attraction.”

“I don’t know how sudden this is, at least on my end.” He kissed her lips slightly and eased back. “I can’t deny my desire for you, but I do promise not to do anything you don’t want.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” she told him. “I know this situation will be hard for you.”

He laughed at her choice of wording. “You have no idea.”

Three

Sliding a hand down the fitted satin bodice, Victoria stared at her reflection in the floor-to-ceiling mirror. The gown was perfect, and she was so thankful she’d made a handful of wedding dresses in her downtime just to keep on hand for when she decided to branch out and start a bridal line.

No one had seen any of the finished designs, but she’d told her mother where they were and to ship them all. Victoria had taken a couple apart and pieced them the way she wanted. Her mother had only grumbled and complained a little when she learned Victoria wouldn’t be returning to L.A. before the wedding.

And that conversation was a whole different issue.

Of all the times she’d fantasized about her wedding day, both as a child and an adult, she’d never envisioned marrying Stefan under these extremely strange circumstances.

Yes, she’d pictured a few times how it would be if they’d taken their friendship to another level. She wasn’t too proud to admit that she’d fantasized his kisses a time or two…and that was before he’d taken her into his arms and captured her mouth, showing her exactly what she’d been missing all these years. How could she delete that arousing sensation from her memory? How could she get his taste from her lips?

And why would she want to erase such pleasure?

Because he was a playboy, and even though she believed him when he said he’d be faithful, that didn’t stop his previous lovers from calling him.

So here she stood, confused, intrigued and ready to take a giant life-altering step toward marriage while two of Stefan’s royal assistants adjusted the veil around her hair. Another assistant stood in front, touching up her blush and powder for at least the third time in an hour. Couldn’t have the soon-to-be queen of Galini Isle looking peaked.

God, she sincerely hoped she didn’t have to do this for every appearance as queen. Thankfully Stefan had assured her she wasn’t required to do too much. Even though she was from an iconic Hollywood family, she didn’t crave the limelight.

“Ladies, could I have a moment alone with my daughter?”

Victoria adjusted her gaze in the mirror to her mother, who stood just inside the arched doorway to one of the many suites in the royal palace.

Obviously comfortable with taking orders, the middle-aged ladies scurried away at Olivia’s request. Once the door was closed, Olivia moved in behind Victoria and smiled.

“Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

Stamping down any doubts that rose deep within her, Victoria returned her mother’s questioning smile. “I’m sure, Mom. Stefan needs me, and perhaps at this point in my life, I need him. He’s my best friend.”

“But in the past few years you’ve scarcely seen each other.”

Victoria shrugged. “Distance doesn’t matter. Not with us. You know we talk nearly every day, and it’s nice to know I am the one he trusts. We have a bond, Mom. A bond stronger than most marriages, actually. This is just another chapter in our friendship. I was engaged for romantic love once. This time I’m doing it for another kind of love.”

“That’s what worries me, my darling.” Olivia pulled the veil over Victoria’s face, then placed her hands on her shoulders, giving a gentle squeeze. “As a mother I worry your heart will get mixed up in this. He’s a wonderful man to you…as a friend. I worry that in the end Stefan will come out getting everything he wants and you will have just another heartache.”

She’d hadn’t told her mother she and Stefan had shared numerous scorching kisses. Opening up about that certainly wouldn’t alleviate any worries. Best to keep some things private…especially until she could figure them out herself. Arousal and confusion combined made for a very shaky ground.

“I’m not worried at all,” she assured her mother, knowing it wasn’t completely a lie. “He’s given me an open end to this marriage. I may love being queen or I may want to return to my life in L.A. once all this is over. We’ll put in a few appearances once we’re married and this will all seem legitimate. Neither of us will be hurt. We’re both too strong to let this arrangement destroy us.”

“You’re fooling yourself if you think this will be that simple.” Olivia tilted her head, quirking a brow. “I’ve seen Stefan’s charm, Victoria. I’ve witnessed how he’s looked at you since I arrived here. I’ve also taken notice how he’s looked at you over the years. He’s got an infatuation that I believe is beyond a friendship. There’s no way the two of you can play house and not get tangled up in each other. He’s one very attractive man. Lust clouds even the best of judgments.”

Intrigued, Victoria wondered just what her mother saw over the years from Stefan. Lust? Desire? This past month had brought to light a deeper side to their relationship. Beyond the steamy kisses, Stefan had been attentive to each and every one of her needs. He’d had her favorite foods prepared, would bring her a freshly picked flower from the gardens as she was working, insisted on breaks to walk along the beach so she could relax. He’d been the prefect Prince Charming…all because he knew her better than she knew herself in some ways.

Victoria shook off the questions regarding just how deep Stefan’s emotions were and the fact he’d made it perfectly clear he’d had thoughts of her as more than a friend.

“Mother, his appeal and his charm are nothing new to me. And no matter how you think he looks at me, I assure you we are only marrying for the sake of the country and to help launch my bridal line.”

Though she knew from his promising kisses and honest words that was false. But since she was still reeling from that fact herself, that was another tidbit she’d keep inside. She had enough “what-ifs” swirling around in her mind without adding her mother’s into the mix.

“Well, he’d be a fool not to think of you as more,” Olivia retorted. “And since he’s asked you to marry him, he’s no fool. I’ve always wondered if the two of you would end up together. I can honestly say this is not how I’d envisioned it.”

Nerves swirled around Victoria’s stomach. As if having the title of princess weren’t crazy and nerve wracking enough, she’d be sharing a bedroom with Stefan for months. There was no way to deny they had chemistry and no way she could lie to herself and say she hadn’t replayed those kisses over and over.

Victoria turned away from the mirror, taking her mother’s hands. “I’m going into this with my eyes wide open, Mom. With Alex I was blindsided, but Stefan isn’t using me. He asked for my help at a time when there was no one else he could trust. And there’s nothing that can damage my heart here because my heart isn’t getting involved. Stefan won’t hurt me.”

Olivia looked as if she wanted to say something more, but Victoria squeezed her hands, unable to discuss this delicate topic any further with her mother. “Trust me.”

With misty eyes full of worry, Olivia’s gaze roamed over Victoria before she stepped back and sighed. “The last time I was at this castle I was playing a queen myself.” She laughed. “I didn’t even compare to how beautiful you look. Must be the difference between acting and real life. I can’t believe how long ago that was.”

Tears clogged her throat as Victoria hugged her mother, not caring about the crinkling of the silk fabrics.

“You were stunning in that film, Mom. Besides, I’m acting, too, aren’t I? Playing queen for Stefan so his country will remain under his family’s control. Ironic, isn’t it? I always swore I’d never go into acting.”

Olivia eased back, placing her hands over Victoria’s bare shoulders. “You’ll be queen for real, my darling. What happens inside the bedroom may not be real, but your title will be. Have you thought of that?”

As if she could think of little else.

Okay, well that was a lie. She’d thought immensely about the fact her fiancé/best friend had her stomach in knots. On one hand she was thrilled to be helping him obtain his goal as he helped with hers. She found herself admiring him for his determination to take what was rightfully his. Most other times she didn’t think of him as a prince or king at all…and now, well, she thought of him as a man. A very sexy, very powerful man. Not powerful in the sense that he’d rule a country, but powerful in the sense that he’d dominate a room the moment he entered. He’d control any conversation, and he’d most certainly take charge in the bedroom.

And that path was precisely where her mind did not need to travel. She was letting her thoughts run rampant because of a few heated kisses. Very hot, very scorching, very toes-curling-in-her-stilettos kisses. Just because she’d once wondered “what-if,” didn’t mean that anything could stem from this arranged marriage. One day at a time is how she would have to approach this. She couldn’t afford to let lust steal the greatest friendship she’d ever had.

But she knew her emotions were teetering on a precipice and it would take just a small nudge for Stefan to push her over the edge and right into his bed.

“Stefan and I have discussed everything, Mom.” Victoria offered a comforting smile, hoping she wasn’t lying to her mother. “I’m pretty sure we have this under control. He’s assured me that he won’t let me get in over my head. I’m basically an accessory for him at this point.”

Accessory. She hated that term, but what else could a wife to one of the world’s most powerful, sexy men be called? He didn’t need her to do any public speaking or head up any charities, not in the short time they planned to be married, so the demeaning name, unfortunately, fit.

“I had to keep your brothers out of here, you know.” Olivia stepped back, smoothing a hand down her raw silk, pale blue floor-length gown. “They insisted on making sure you were okay, so I had to assure them I’d check and report back.”

Victoria laughed, turning to face the mirror and glance at her reflection once more. “You can tell my self-imposed bodyguards that I am not having cold feet and I’m perfectly fine. They should be worrying about their wives standing up beside me in front of millions of people watching on TV. I swear, last I saw of Mia and Charlotte, they were so nervous I thought they were going to pass out.”

“I’m going to see them now,” Olivia said. “They will be fine, so I just want you to concentrate and worry about you. This is your day, no matter what the circumstances.”

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