Mr Right All Along

It was so very unfair of him.

Emotion surged from some deep well within her—an overwhelming, driving need to move closer to him. Crazy as it was, nothing could have stopped her from putting one foot in front of the other. Nothing could have stopped her moving towards that deep, inscrutable promise she read in his eyes. Magnetic, irresistible, her attraction to him was overwhelming.

Vaguely she heard words, repeated them when necessary, watched almost as if from a distance as Giulia took the bouquet from her and Eduardo took her hand. She looked down as he loosely clasped her icy fingers in his.

Her nails were neatly clipped and unpolished. Unrefined. Like the rest of her. She was built for service, not decoration, and she’d always clearly delineated that aspect of herself. She wasn’t going to be accused of being a ‘dolly’ soldier. But now she wished she’d said yes to Giulia’s offer of a manicure.

She gazed at the thick platinum band he’d slid onto her finger. And he had another ring—a sapphire as deep and cloudy blue as the heavy stone resting in her décolletage. He placed the second ring on her finger, after the first. She knew they were for show, but still they felt significant.

Giulia said something and Stella turned. The woman gave her a thick, heavy band. It took a moment for her to realise it was for her to give to Eduardo. His nails, too, were neatly clipped and unpolished. For a foolish half-second she wished they could be suited as easily as that. She fumbled to get the ring onto his finger and he had to help. She heard him muttering something softly but couldn’t look at him. Her emotions were too intense and he read them too easily.

He kept hold of her hands, warming them as the ceremony continued, and finally the priest uttered the fateful words.

They were now husband and wife. They could kiss.

Silence fell. She stared at the shining medals placed over his heart, unable to look higher. Then she realised he was waiting for her. Finally she summoned her courage and looked up into his face.

His eyes were burning so very blue, gleaming with the desire—the fiery impulsiveness—that had captured them both so completely that day on the beach.

She wanted to speak, to pull him back to reality. But it was too late. He bent his head and pressed his lips to hers. A fleeting whisper of a kiss.

Not enough. Not the demand she’d expected and wanted.

He looked into her eyes again, silently reading her reaction. All she could do was look back at him—she couldn’t look away, couldn’t hide now.

Then it came. And the spark of recognition engulfed them both.

He wrapped both arms tightly about her, pulling her almost off her feet. She clung to the fabric stretched over his chest, seeking a hold as passion swept her away with him once more. Opening up, she let him in, almost angrily giving him what he sought. What she needed too. Sensations rose from deep within...any last restraint was unleashed. She poured her anger, her uncertainty and her sheer raw need into her kiss. His arms tightened. So did hers. She needed to feel him like this—so powerful, so focused, all-encompassing.

But then he broke the divine contact—barely lifting his head, his embrace still fierce.

‘Leave us,’ he commanded thickly.

She trembled at the passion in his voice, at the look in his eyes—the raw intent.

‘Sir, sorry...’ Someone interrupted with an apologetic cough. ‘You must sign... To make it official.’

Eduardo didn’t move. Arousal and irritation and amusement and apology flickered in his eyes like a spinning kaleidoscope of beautiful bright colour. ‘Official?’ he echoed grimly.

Finally he loosened his grip on her. Stella glanced up and saw that Matteo, the lawyer, was there. She hadn’t noticed him when she’d walked in. But of course—he was here to act as witness. And that was, in part, why Eduardo had kissed her so passionately. It had been for show. To make this official.

That was why they were here, after all.

Eduardo paused for another moment, ensuring that she was balanced, but she had her iron core back. Something flashed in his eyes as he rapidly stepped away and silently signed the thick parchment spread on an ornate wooden table to the side of the altar.

Stella followed, her hand shaking, leaving her name an illegible mess. Giulia and Matteo signed as their witnesses.

‘Now leave us,’ Eduardo ordered, curling his hand around Stella’s wrist.

Her agitated pulse skipped and skidded against his fingers. Matteo threw his friend a broad smile and offered his arm to Giulia to escort her out. Giulia, Stella noted dazedly, was also smiling broadly. The pair followed the priest down the aisle and out of the building. Not one of them said anything more. Not one of them looked back.

Stella remained still, her knees locked, her emotions tumultuous. The intensity of her desire was out of control—and frankly it scared her.

He turned to her. His intention clear.

Another kiss and she’d lose her mind altogether, so searing was the heat that flared between them. Desperately she put her hand on his chest, stopping his progression towards her.

‘We can’t,’ she said, scandalised. ‘This is a church.’

‘This is the family chapel,’ he corrected huskily. ‘The De Santis sanctuary for centuries.’

‘Even more reason not to indulge in...’ She trailed off, surprised to see his face light with laughter.

‘What? Animal passions?’ He laughed aloud then. ‘These walls have seen worse. But come...’ He held out his hand to her.

His first command as her husband. And what an innuendo.

He looked so happy, so pleased with himself—as if a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders—and she was so surprised and seduced by that charming good humour that she’d placed her hand in his before she’d thought better of it.

He didn’t turn to walk her back down the aisle. Rather he led her to a small wrought-iron gate, hidden beyond the altar. Through the railings she could see a curved stone staircase, going underground. He took a key from his pocket, unlocked the gate and led her through it.

She tugged on his hand just as he took the first step of the spiral down. He paused and looked at her. ‘You’re taking me to the crypt?’ she asked, horrified.

‘You really do think I’m charming, don’t you?’ he said blandly. ‘First the chapel, and now you think I intend to desecrate the dead with lewd acts?’ He shook his head, and suddenly that laughing sparkle in his eyes was snuffed out. The ruthless solemnity returned and he spoke very quietly. ‘You must think you’ve married a monster.’

She couldn’t look at his expression, her body shrinking in shame at the tinge of hurt she’d heard. ‘I don’t really know the man I’ve married.’ And she didn’t know how to handle the feelings he aroused in her.

‘You could try to trust me, just a very little.’ He watched her intently. ‘I’ve given you no reason not to trust me.’

That was true. He was only trying to do what he thought was the right thing. As was she. But she didn’t trust easily.

‘Okay,’ she said softly. ‘I’ll try.’ She curled her fingers around his. ‘You know...’ She offered a tentative, peace-making smile. ‘If this whole prince thing doesn’t work out for you, you could do really well as a wedding planner.’

He looked startled for a second, and then his laugh returned. An answering spurt of pleasure bubbled up within her.

‘Is that a compliment?’ He shook his head. ‘Undeserved, sadly. I have very good aides.’

Maybe, but he’d been the one to order it all.

‘Where does this lead, if not the crypt?’ she asked as they went further down the old narrow steps.

‘There is a safe escape. The pirates’ secret, as you’ve so often suggested.’

‘Seriously?’

‘Absolutely.’ The laughter burned in his eyes once more. So did the desire. ‘I’m dragging you to my pirate lair and I am going to have my wicked way with you.’

‘And you expect me to trust you?’ she teased, excitement fluttering low in her belly.

‘You can trust that it’ll be very wicked.’

At the bottom of the stairs there was a marble-lined tunnel. He hadn’t been joking about the passageway.

There were gas lanterns every eight feet, giving off a flickering romantic light. They turned a narrow corner and the tunnel opened into a small cavern. In the centre stood a massive bed decked with lush linen—white sheets, heaps of plump pillows, a charcoal-black mohair blanket folded into a neat square. More lanterns hung in each corner. Beyond the bed faint light flickered in one corner of the gloom—the tunnel must continue.

It was totally over the top, but so magnificent.

Having taken several moments to absorb the opulence, she turned to him. ‘You never do anything by halves, do you?’

‘I like to do things as well as I can. To do my best.’ He smiled.

He wasn’t talking decor any more. The trouble was, his ‘best’ overwhelmed her and her own response terrified her. To have given him her virginity so quickly and easily—without so much as a second thought—that day on the beach...

Eduardo lifted his hand and gently framed her face. ‘Not in a rush.’

She knew he’d felt her tremble.

‘Not this time,’ he promised.

CHAPTER EIGHT

‘GIULIA SAID THIS sapphire is called Midnight’s Passion.’ Stella drew in a jagged breath. ‘Why did you choose it?’

Something shadowed his face. The smile on his lips twisted. ‘It matches the colour of the sea and the sky on the day we met. I look at it and I see you. It suits you.’

No one had given her jewellery. Ever. She didn’t know what her father had done with her mother’s things—he never discussed her.

Eduardo watched her. ‘It brings out that blue in your eyes and you look even more beautiful. Which is impossible, but there it is.’

For a half-second she stared at him, then turned away.

He grasped her arm and turned her back to him. ‘You’re not used to receiving compliments?’

Her tongue was tied. She didn’t want to answer that honestly. She didn’t want pity.

‘When someone compliments you, you say thank you. It is very simple. But failing that—’ his boyish dimpled grin exploded ‘—you let actions speak.’ He held up a hand in defence. ‘Just a smile. I didn’t mean sex. Though of course I would not say no to that.’

She laughed. As he’d intended her to.

‘You will learn you can trust me,’ he said softly.

‘And will you trust me?’ she asked, because he didn’t trust easily either. He didn’t open up.

Shadows flickered in his eyes.

‘I’ve never given you reason not to trust me.’ She echoed his words.

He shook his head. ‘You didn’t tell me some very important things before you took what you wanted from me on that beach. Then you ran,’ he said. ‘You wouldn’t even look back when I called out your name.’

She looked down at the beautiful bed, remembering that fateful afternoon. How overwhelming. How passionate. Maybe in this at least she could be honest.

‘You were right,’ she whispered quickly. ‘I was afraid. Because what we did was...’

‘Was what?’

She glanced back up at him. ‘Too intense.’

‘Was it what we did or what happened after?’ he asked. ‘You were angry, then I was angry... We won’t fight when we’re finished today.’

‘No?’ She half laughed.

‘At least I know your name this time. Princess Stella Zambrano De Santis.’ His smile was beautiful—that dimpled, genuine, gorgeous smile.

No, there wouldn’t be that abrupt end after they’d indulged now. That wouldn’t come for months yet. This time there would only be more. Already she was melting.

‘Don’t be afraid of passion,’ he said, reaching for her. ‘It is to be enjoyed.’

Passion? Was lust all this was? ‘How do people get any work done if they feel like this?’

He laughed and his hands slid to her waist. ‘The lucky ones get to indulge in it at their leisure. We’re very lucky.’

The expression in his eyes stirred that wildness she’d felt on the beach. This was her gorgeous fun-in-the-sun Prince.

‘There’s nothing to it.’ He lifted the veil from her hair and it tumbled in a heap of white on the end of the bed. He looked at her, approval all over him. ‘Pretty shoes. Pretty dress.’

So playful. So tempting.

He kissed her, then dropped to his knees, sliding his hands under her skirts.

‘What are you doing?’

‘What do you think?’

His eyes twinkled as he looked up at her. He knew how instantly this turned her on—seeing him at her feet, so determined to please her. What was there to worry about when he was this generous?

She smiled and closed her eyes, sinking into the sensations he stirred with his intimate caresses. ‘I thought we weren’t going to rush?’ she gasped.

‘I can’t wait to taste you again. I’ve been dreaming of it too long.’

He didn’t hold back. He pressed hot kisses up her thighs. But he didn’t pull back her panties. He teased her through them. She shook all over. Her fingers dug into his shoulders and she gasped, rocking against him.

‘Oh, no!’ So quick. So intense.

‘It’s just an orgasm, Stella, get used to it,’ he teased. ‘You’re going to have lots and lots.’

She was going to have one now. His mouth was finally there. Even through the barrier of her cotton briefs she could feel the heat of him, the wicked swirls of his tongue, the maddening rub of his thumb.

‘Ohhhhh...’ she moaned as it hit. So good. She pressed hard on his shoulders to stay upright, but her legs were wobbly.

‘And there was me thinking you preferred to stand.’ He gripped her hips. ‘Always.’

‘I can’t stand. Don’t tease me.’

‘But teasing you tastes good.’ He kissed her explicitly again.

She wanted this. But it wasn’t enough.

As if he’d heard her he rose to his feet and turned her, carefully unfastening the small buttons and then parting her dress. She wore scrupulously plain white cotton panties and a sports bra designed for containment—to minimise bounce, not push for great up-thrust. Nothing decorative. So unsexy.

‘I like cotton,’ she said stupidly. Why hadn’t she worn the lacy, frilly things Giulia had silently left on the bed for her?

‘I like you.’ He tugged her panties down in a couple of swift jerks. ‘Bare.’

He undressed her until she wore nothing but the sapphire he’d chosen for her. He was at her feet, wearing that incredible suit. And he’d stripped her not just of her wedding dress but all her inhibitions.

He kissed every inch of her body. The balmy heat, the breeze wafting through the tunnel, the sound of the sea in her ears was like an erotic dream. But it was Eduardo alone who intoxicated her.

She wanted to see him. She wanted to touch him. Taste. Take. She wanted to feel all of him about her. His strength summoned hers. She instinctively understood that in this they were a match.

‘You need to be naked too,’ she ordered, feeling her power returning, and the freedom to have him the way she wanted.

He stood and all but ripped off his clothing, until he finally shed the silky black boxers that clung to his muscular thighs, and she openly, avidly gazed at his beautiful body.

‘See how you affect me?’ he muttered as he climbed onto the thick mattress and pushed her back onto the cool sheets. ‘You want to take it, Stella?’

She couldn’t wait.

He kissed her again, laughing even as he ravished her with kisses that made her writhe beneath him. His hands traced teasing paths over her bared skin, setting her cells alight, finally finding the secret curves. She arched into his hand.

‘Something you want more of?’ he teased.

But he gave her only teasing strokes, then finally just the one finger, slipping inside—carefully testing. Too carefully.

She didn’t want it as gently as this. She wanted all that raw passion back—like they’d had on the beach. She moved, restless and aching at the slow pace of his fingers.

A smile curved his mouth. ‘It doesn’t hurt?’

She shook her head, but it was a partial lie. It hurt that he wasn’t ferociously claiming her.

‘I’m not a virgin any more,’ she reminded him.

‘I worried later that I’d hurt you,’ he said.

‘No. It was so good and I felt so wild that I freaked myself out... It wasn’t you.’

But it was him. He’d been the one to stir up those passions—just as he was stirring them now.

‘I like you hot and wet and arching up to me, your body begging for mine,’ he muttered, kissing her again. ‘But this isn’t enough for you, is it?’ he asked, his voice roughening.

Could he read her mind? She licked her lips.

‘Stella?’ He moved his hand, pushing a little deeper, rubbing a little harder.

‘No,’ she answered, almost angry that he was pushing her to admit it. ‘I want more.’

She wanted it as wild and as free as it had been that day on the beach.

‘I think you are greedier than you like to admit. Stronger. Ready for rougher. Ready for the rest of me.’ He laughed as she moaned. ‘And you like it when I talk filth to you.’

She arched as he moved to brace over her, nudging her legs wider and settling between them. Unable to speak. So hot. And, yes, so ready.

‘You want me hard?’ he asked. ‘Fast?’ He pressed against her. ‘You want me to slam into you, over and over?’ He paused, barely inside her, barely giving her enough. But he was so close and she was shaking with need for him.

‘Yes,’ she begged, curling her fingernails tightly into his hard muscles and trying to pull him deeper. ‘Yes. Please. Yes.’

‘What else do you want?’ he demanded, his breath harsh at her rough caress.

‘More.’ She didn’t want him to stop. Not ever.

‘More?’ He slid his hand between their bodies, stroking right where she needed it.

‘Every. Thing.’ She gasped and arched, pulling on his tight muscles. ‘More.’ She couldn’t get enough. ‘You know.’

His body tautened and he rolled against her. ‘You want everything I have?’

‘Yes.’ She wanted every part of him.

Every. Single. Part.

‘Please,’ she begged when he withdrew almost to the tip, unbearably slowly, while his finger kept up that maddening, delightful stroking. ‘Please.’

‘Say my name,’ he ordered, rubbing deliciously faster. Then stopping.

She glanced up at him. ‘Arrogant. Pirate.’ But she would say anything as long as he kept touching her like that. Do anything as long as he made her feel this good.

‘With you, my pretty captive princess.’ His laugh was ragged. ‘So determined to fight when really all she wants is for me to—’

And at that moment he did exactly as she wanted—pumping into her, pounding his flesh against hers, every muscle bunching as he moved as hard and as fast as she’d ached for him to do.

She screamed as she rose to meet him, welcoming him, her body slick with sweat and sensuality.

His laugh then was exultant, and triumph glittered from his eyes. But the satisfaction was hers. Her muscles clenched instinctively, trying to lock him in as he thrust over and over, making the friction even more exquisite, sharpening every sense as the crest of the wave crashed over her. Her fingers and toes and everywhere in between flexed and curled as her orgasm hit—such sublime, unbearable pleasure. It was too good to contain. Possibly too fierce to survive. Her scream echoed around the cave.

‘Stella!’ he shouted as she convulsed in ecstasy, and his own roar of release followed a mere second later. His powerful body shook, his groan stoked her feminine pride and he collapsed into her arms.

This was exactly what she’d wanted.

In the aftermath she lay soft and spread beneath him, unable to move, unable to process anything other than the sheer good feelings reverberating around her body.

As much as her own behaviour had shocked her, she’d thought that day on the beach had been the most intense and exciting moment of her life—something nothing could surpass. She’d been wrong.

‘You still with me?’ He lifted up onto his elbows and looked down at her.

‘That wasn’t a rush?’ she murmured with a pout. Her inner wanton had truly been woken.

‘You were disappointed with that?’ His eyes kindled with the challenge.

She didn’t answer.

‘Voracious woman—you want more already.’ He laughed softly as she wriggled under him. ‘You think I didn’t already know?’

What had she been worried about? That she could have this—again and again and again?

He moved slowly, hard again and deep inside her.

Stella moaned. He was right. This could be easy. She could enjoy just this for as long as it lasted.

CHAPTER NINE

IT WAS NO longer blood that ran through Eduardo’s veins. It was pure, unadulterated satisfaction. He’d solved this horror situation in the most pleasing way possible. He’d secured the future for several people and he’d just had Stella’s physical surrender. Twice.

It wasn’t enough already. He wanted her hot and demanding, then panting and pleading, all over again. But he had to take it easy on her, lighten the intensity that she felt—that he felt too. He couldn’t launch himself on her again like some insatiable sex-crazed hound.

Food was the perfect displacement activity.

He carefully peeled himself away from her. Sending her a smile, he walked to the silver trolley that had been placed in the corner. It was laden with dishes and drinks—they had enough to keep them comfortable for a few hours yet.

‘Are you hungry?’ he asked, wincing at his unintended double entendre. ‘Thirsty?’ He poured her a glass of juice.

‘Thank you,’ she murmured.

He sat on the edge of the bed and watched as she sipped. She looked dazed, slumbrous, her mouth reddened and swollen from his kisses. He could hardly look at her for wanting her. He’d turned into the ever-freaking-ready bunny.

But then he realised that she was sitting too still. And the look on her face...

He cocked his head, studying her. ‘What are you thinking?’

The blue in her eyes deepened. So did the colour in her cheeks. Was she feeling the same way he was? Hot? Hungry? Wanting more?

She needed to speak up. He wasn’t letting her slide back into silence now.

‘You can touch me any time you want—do you understand?’ He didn’t want her to be shy. He wanted her hot, demanding side unleashed as often as possible. ‘Just touch.’

She swallowed. ‘Okay.’

‘Will you give me the same privilege? Can I touch you?’

‘Yes.’ Her eyes shone brighter. ‘Any time you want to. Anywhere.’

He stiffened. Did she know how she pushed his buttons?

‘You know I’m likely to take that literally?’ he teased, his mind already running away with him. ‘Any part of your body. In any place we may be. At any time.’

‘I don’t just know that.’ Her small smile had a wicked edge. ‘I’m counting on it.’

Her confidence made him hum. And then she suddenly sat up and spread her legs wide...

‘Is that an invitation?’ he asked huskily.

‘It’s an order.’ Her whisper was sultry.

‘That’s what you know best, huh? Issuing and obeying orders? You really think you can order me around?’ He moved up the bed to kneel over her. ‘Be warned—I’ll do as you say until you scream.’

Making her scream was the most rewarding thing he’d done in ages. So he did it then. Again and then again.

‘We can’t stay the night down here,’ he said with a sorry sigh, stretching out his stiffened muscles several hours later.

‘Why not?’ she asked drowsily.

‘Because the tide will soon be in and our bed might float away.’

Amused, he watched her sit bolt upright and stare at the seawater that was pooling on the farthest side of the bed. Soon enough the tide would wash all the way in.

‘Is that why we got married when we did?’ Something in her eyes softened.

‘The time of the ceremony was to match the tide, yes.’ It had seemed a good idea last night—a play on her pirate talk. Now he felt a little embarrassed. ‘I thought you might like it here.’