For some reason the question caught me off guard.
She could tell, a smile finally appearing, which meant she believed she was winning our little battle we’d had ongoing for years. “While everything you said about me is mostly true, you forgot one very important detail, Donatello. I’m a woman, which means I have needs. For example, I enjoy going on dates from time to time, which of course could lead to the depictions of what I’d really enjoy having in my life. But that won’t happen until I actually find a man willing to look past the Prince name. That seems to be as rare as locating a Tyrannosaurus Rex. I chose to take another name on this trip for various reasons, including ensuring no one knows my real name.”
“Unwise.”
What was I supposed to say to that?
“Maybe, but I’m willing to take the chance. Did you know Rio is called theCidade Maravilhosa? The marvelous city and it is. You can find anything here. Mountains. Beaches. Tropical forests. And since I can’t find a decent man to enjoy nights of passion with while in New Orleans, I have a good sense I can change that in my foreseeable future in this amazing city.”
Emmeline watched me carefully and when I didn’t say anything, she laughed.
“Alright. So here’s how we are going to play it. As you noted by purchasing me such beautiful flowers, it’s my birthday. And it’s Halloween. My favorite day of the year and not just because of celebrating the glorious day I was put on this earth.”
Her laughter sent a wave of heat deep within. The woman was going to drive me crazy.
“What are you saying?” I finally asked.
“I’m saying that I’m going to take a swim and then get a shower and I’m going out dancing. When I’m out, I’m going to try and pick up a guy. Do not give me any guff about how that’s not such a good idea. I’m only talking about dancing and maybe a little kissing. For now. You can be there to watch over me like a hawk as long as you don’t interfere with my date and you keep your distance.”
Exhaling, I looked away.
“Or we can cut to the chase and you can be my boyfriend for the duration of this trip.”
Was the woman out of her mind? Narrowing my eyes did nothing to drive aside the filthy images forming detailed kinky movies in my brain. “You know I can’t do that.”
She lifted her head, studying me intently. “That’s right. It’s against some ridiculous Prince family code of honor. Then I guess you’ll need to stand by and watch me with someone else. And remember. No interfering.”
Damn the woman.
“And if I don’t?”
“Then I guess I’ll need to poison your food or drink then dump you on the corporate jet and send you home. And if you think I’m kidding, just try me.”
She walked away with a smile on her face.
The woman had no idea what she’d just done. She’d awakened the beast in me.
The one fueled by hunger and the need to dominate every inch of her along with something I hadn’t expected.
Jealousy.
This was going to be one long, difficult mission.
CHAPTER 11
Emmeline
Photographs.
I was forty-five-hundred miles away from home. It had taken me a full day to get to the tropical location. I even had the best-looking bodyguard in the business and what was I worried about?
Some ridiculous photographs that could be out there in the cloud taken by an actual photographer instead of Donatello. I’d thought for certain I’d seen him standing outside. Of course, I’d been intoxicated and furious about being followed earlier. Naturally, I assumed the worst.
And in doing so, I likely soiled my reputation.
After taking another sip of my drink, I figured what good would it do to worry about it. Instead, I did what I could to get into the tribal rhythm of the music.
Dancing the night away.
