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 hot-shot 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
S
tefan 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.