“Because I expected the Playboy Prince, and instead, I got Prince Charming.”
“Maybe I’m a little of both.” I turn my hand in hers, linking our hands together.
“You’ve got more charm in your pinkie finger than most people could ever hope to have.” She turns a radiant smile on me, one that hits me directly in the centre of my chest. Fecking hell. I really am falling for this woman, aren’t I?
“Your Highness. We’ve arrived.”
Zara’s gaze is pulled from mine as we come to the side door of the building. “You don’t plan on killing me, do you?”
“Now why would I make you dress up if I was planning to off you?” I chuckle as I take her hand.
“Stranger things have happened, I’m sure.” The door opens, and we’re led through a long hall before we enter the lobby. Red velvet lines the wall, and two grand staircases circle their way upstairs. A crystal chandelier reflects soft light throughout the room.
“James. What are we doing here at the symphony?” The pressure on my arm causes me to stop.
“You are a music fan, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but why are we the only people here?” Her voice is quiet as she surveys the empty room.
“There are some perks of being a prince.” I pull her forward as her mouth drops open in awe. The doors to the concert hall open, and we’re led to the best seats in the house. A bottle of champagne and a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries await us. Just like I planned.
Zara is glued to her spot, standing and staring at the stage as the orchestra starts to make their way to their seats. Her eyes are glassy as she glances around the empty room, before turning to face me.
“You rented out the orchestra for me?”
I can only shrug. “Well, technically I paid for an extra performance tonight. They only perform on the weekends, so this is our own personal show.” I spin her around and rest my hands on her slim waist. “I want to experience this with you.” I drop a kiss on her exposed neck. “I want to experience what you feel when you listen to music.”
“James.” Her voice catches in her throat, stopping me in my tracks. “This is one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me.”
The look on her face hits me square in the chest. Pure happiness radiates from her. I would buy the entire orchestra and have them perform for her every night if it meant I could keep this look on her face.
“Your Highness.” The attendant hands us each a glass of champagne as noise from the stage has Zara moving to her seat. I’m helpless to follow. A tune I’m not familiar with has Zara clutching my arm. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard the music this loud in here.”
The sheer awe on her face is striking. I’ve never seen someone so passionate about anything before. She’s in a trance as the music continues to rise and lower around us.
As a new piece starts, Zara gasps, turning to look at me. “This is my favourite piece. It’s so beautiful and so romantic.”
“And why is it so romantic?” I lean in, whispering in her ear.
“It’s the dance of two lovers. It’s the will they, won’t they. It’s the excitement of a new relationship when you find one another. It crescendos with them finally acting on their love for one another.”
Bloody hell, I’ve never been a big fan of classical music, but this might be my new favourite piece. The passion in Zara’s eyes as she describes her love of this piece is unmatched. It’s not hard to feel her love of music when she describes it like a real-life, breathing thing.
“Have you ever felt something like this before?” I ask, as she turns to me, her eyes sparkling in the dark auditorium.
“Not before, no.” Zara sips her champagne, before taking a small bite of a strawberry. Before she sets it down, I grab her wrist and finish it off. Her eyes are hungry as she licks her lips.
“And now?” I drop a kiss on the inside of her delicate wrist.
“Now it’s as if I’m living this song.”
I don’t waste another minute. I pull Zara to me and she’s as needy as I am. The music peaks around us as we ignite. I can’t remember the last time a kiss has ever felt so good. The need. The passion.
We’re moving in sync with the beat of the music. The space between us is too much. Thank God we’re the only people here, because I pull Zara into my lap.
“Oh God, James.” Her voice is a whisper as I suck and nibble on her neck. Her throaty moans do something to me. I feel it down to my bones. The ache in my groin needs a release that only she can give me.
“Zara, love,” I purr, tugging her earlobe. “I have to have you tonight. I can’t wait any longer.”
