Page 25 of Some Like It Royal

The tension tightening the corners of her mouth relaxed and Daniel headed back to his home office. He shut the laptop on the program and picked up the phone.

First night out in public or not, he planned for it to be special.

“Christian.” He greeted the host by name when the man answered the phone. “Daniel Voldakov here, I need to make some arrangements for a very special dinner this evening…”

Chapter10

Alyx

Alyx smoothed her hand over the dress. It was pure white, a color she would never have—and hadn’t—chosen for herself. The strapless gown cupped her breasts and lifted them in a fashion that was both sexy and modest. The drape in the front fell to her knees while the fuller skirt in the back skimmed her ankles. Thank God the silver shoes wrapped around her calves to create a longer leg illusion.

She left her hair down, preferring to have some sort of cover for her bare shoulders. Glimpsing Victor’s critical expression in the mirror, his small smile gave her confidence a boost. “Very nice. It’s chaste, sweet, and begs the public to wonder more.”

“No jewelry?” Surprise flooded her. After all, Victor had entered with four different boxes of gems to choose from. Chokers, teardrop earrings and chains in various shades of gold and platinum, in addition to a wider selection of gems from diamonds to emeralds and rubies.

“The engagement ring only. The location is outdoors. Your dress is summer, warm and casual, but with just enough formality to suggest money, class and style. If it were a black-tie affair, we could dress it up with gems. But tonight, I think simpler is better.” He stacked up the velvet boxes. “Don’t forget your shawl. It can be chilly after sunset when the ocean breeze turns.”

“I won’t—and Victor?” She crossed to the closet and drew out the lightly tasseled silken confection that wouldn’t keep out a stiff breeze, but still looked elegant.

“Yes, Your Imperial Highness?” The corner of his mouth quirked and Alyx couldn’t help smiling in return. After just a few days, the title didn’t shock her as it used to.

“Thank you…for everything. I know I’m not the best student, but I appreciate the attention to detail. I won’t disappoint you tonight.” He made her walk for hours, put her through rigorous tests on protocol and reminded her about her expression continuously, but he also seemed willing to trust her to handle the public dinner tonight.

“You’re very welcome, Your Imperial Highness.” His heels actually clicked together and he bowed his head before he left. She draped the shawl over her arm and stared after him. Running a hand over her stomach, she looked back at her appearance in the mirror.

A stranger gazed back at her. A stranger possessing her eyes and maybe a hint of her smile. Lifting her chin, she quieted the smile. A princess only beamed when she was on display. A muted tilt to her lips was more appropriate—more serious.

Composed, collected and confident were the catchwords for the night.

“You can do this,” she told herself seriously. “It’s just a dinner.”

A dinner with Daniel—a man she’d shared many meals with and a bedroom—yes, she was on the sofa and he in the bed. She lived in his home; she split ice cream with him at night and discussed the day over coffee every morning.

Why, then, did this feel like a first date?

Inspired, she took a picture of herself in the mirror and sent it to Rhonda with “proof of life” comment. She didn’t make me wait for a response, she sent me a laughing face followed by “hawt!”

Shaking her head at herself, she pulled her gaze from the mirror. He waited for her downstairs and it was time to take this princess out for a spin.

Taking a deep breath, she collected her clutch purse from the bed and walked out of the room and paused at the top of the staircase. She teetered for the barest of moments and with more grace and poise than she felt, she laid her hand on the banister and used it for balance as she descended the wide sloping steps.

Halfway down, she caught Daniel’s gaze. He stood in the entry hall watching her. Dressed in a button-down shirt, open at the collar, and a dark jacket that matched his slacks, he looked positively rakish. His full mouth tugged upward into a smile and his gaze swept her over from head to toe, approval radiating in his eyes.

She barely remembered her lipstick in time to keep from creasing the color with her teeth. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

His hands were in his pockets, and he shook his head slowly. “Not at all, and damn—I would have waited all night for this. You look fantastic.”

Warmth radiated through her from the compliment. She dropped her gaze briefly. She wasn’t wearing a lot of accessories and her cosmetics were simple, in tune with the dress. Swallowing, she mustered her courage. “Thank you very much.”

At the bottom step, he offered his arm. “You’re very welcome. Sorry that a night off turned into more work.”

“You know it’s okay.” His sleeve was soft and warm. She wanted to run her hand up and down the fabric, but she settled for just curling her fingers into it.

“No it’s not. I didn’t really think about how much work this would be.” He guided her to the door and set the security alarm before locking up behind them. Despite the size of the house and the room, he didn’t maintain any live-in staff. His black Lexus sat waiting in the curved drive, the engine running. He opened the passenger door and held her hand as she slipped inside. “But I will make it up to you tonight with the best seafood you’ve ever had.”

Her stomach rumbled in appreciation. “I love seafood.”

“I know.” His grin matched hers and he closed the door gently before circling around to climb into the driver’s seat.

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