“Darla LaNotta was her stage name.” He cocked his head like he’d expected this conversation. I tried not to look at those broad shoulders of his that made me wish he’d protect me as his own, as he said, “And she was almost twenty-four hours ago now.”
That cooled my bones. I ran my fingers through my hair and then let the cool crisp flavor of the wine be my focus. I said, “And now here we are, and you’re temporarily cleaning up your image by taking the known virgin out for dinner.”
He scooted closer to me. Goosebumps grew on my arm that was now pressed against his elbow as he asked, “Do you want to know why I married a stripper?”
I put the glass down and asked, “Do you want to tell me?”
His face became taut and my own pulse quickened as he said, “Yes.”
Serious wasn’t how I’d expected the night to go. I reached for my necklace to have something to hold onto, but it wasn’t on my neck. I forced myself to stop fidgeting, licked my lips, then said, “I’m listening.”
A waiter picked that moment to come over and ask us about dessert. Ryder mumbled something, but then he let me order. Once were alone, and my every cell was at attention for him, he said, “As a prince, I’m not in control of my life—where I go, who I meet. My entire life is planned.”
Yeah, a Vegas wedding to a stripper didn’t help with that. I shrugged and said, “I’m not feeling sorry for you.”
“I don’t expect that.” He brushed the back of my hand and a thrill coursed through me as he said, “But I have this huge plan to break out of my royal duties and live for myself.”
Damn. I wish I was immune to him. I almost trembled from his closeness, but I asked calmly, “So how does marrying a stripper relate?”
His thigh was closer to mine now and my goosebumps grew as he said, “I have two ways to ‘retire’ to private life.”
I crossed my legs under my chair to get under control. “Which are?”
He stopped moving as he said, “I get tossed out on my ear, which was the plan I was going with last night, with Darla.”
One finger tapped my cheek and I asked, “And that’s changed now?”
He squeezed my hand like we were joined. “Yes. My father offered you as an alternative.”
I took my hand back, but even the ends of my hair felt singed when I said, “I’m not on the menu. And no way did a king of a foreign country just decide on me for your wife.”
He sipped his wine, so I did the same, until he finished and said, “Yet here we are.”
I put my glass down so he wouldn’t see my hand tremble. He did the same and pivoted toward me.
“He wants me to marry you. I get to ‘retire’ and live my own life if I comply. And, if I follow his plan, I get to keep my title and money.”
I almost hugged myself when I sat back in my chair. My voice shook as I asked, “And me?”
His gaze narrowed. “You get to be a princess. You’d never have to work again.”
I let out a long sigh and then sipped my wine again. Marrying a prince was not an option for me. I held the stem of my glass and said, “I like working.”
He tapped the table and then asked me, “Is there anything I can offer you that would make you want to marry me?”
Part of me wanted him to take my virginity. A night in his bed would be out of this world. But the rest of our lives … No. I’d not consider that wayward thought. I shook my head. “Nothing comes to mind.”
His body near mine sent me into overdrive again. And I think he knew that as he asked, in a sensual, come-kiss-me tone, “Nothing?”
Heat raced up my back. I ignored how my body pulsated near him, but I didn’t move away. This nearness was nice. But I shook my head again. “No. I want to marry for love, y’know.”
He snapped his fingers like he’d solved our problem. “We could get married, and when you find the guy you want, divorce.”
Part of my brain said he wasn’t into me, and I should stop this now. I tilted my head and then asked, “So it’s just about money to you?”
He finished his glass and then said nothing as the dessert,Le Papillon Chocolat Azélia, asmooth hazelnut milk chocolatecrémeuxwith coffeechantillyand praliné ice cream, was delivered with two spoons. He waited till the server left, then said, “Freedom. It’s either marry you and be allowed to retire, or find another way to get myself kicked out of the family. And I don’t want to start committing crimes.”
I laughed and dug into the dessert with my spoon. “I’m sure you can find another way.”
