Page 140 of American Royalty

The soft strains of classical music merged with the babble of conversations as the string orchestra began to play.

“Can I get you another drink?” Rhys asked Dani, though his gaze remained on Nyla.

“No, thank you.”

Rhys folded the square of his handkerchief and returned it to its home. “Ms. Patterson, would you care to dance?”

Nyla’s eyes glowed. “I’d love to.”

“If you’ll excuse us...”

As Rhys led Nyla to the designated area for dancing, she turned back and mouthed, “Oh my God!” before she was swallowed up by the sea of guests.

In spite of everything, Dani laughed. She knew Nyla’s earlier words hadn’t been said to hurt her. Dani had no doubt that her friend had her best interests at heart. Nyla was beautiful and single. Why shouldn’t she have her own fling? And without all of the drama and complications of the royal family.

“You look stunning.”

Dani’s breath caught in her throat. His words whispered along her skin and nourished her soul. She turned and there he was.

“You look like a real-life Prince Charming.”

Color tinged his cheekbones and he smiled. “And you look like a piece of heaven, sent down to tempt me.”

When he said shit like that, how was she supposed to resist him?

He reached out and touched her earrings. “Those are beautiful.”

“Thank you. I love rubies. They’re my favorite gemstone.”

“I’m not surprised. They’re flawless, hot, and passionate. Just like you.”

She inhaled and her nipples beaded and brushed against the fabric of her dress. She shot a furtive look over his shoulder, and while most people weren’t paying attention, several were eyeing them with speculation.

“We’re being watched.”

“I don’t care.”

So sweet... “Yes, you do.”

His blue eyes bore into hers. “I don’t want this to be over.”

She knew how she felt, but she hadn’t imagined he’d been having his own second thoughts. She blinked. “You want to keep seeing me?”

“More than anything in the world. Do you want to keep seeing me?”

Pleasure bloomed in her chest. All caution and concern melted in the face of his smile. “What if I meet you at Primrose Park after the ball? I can delay my departure for several days and we can discuss everything? Figure this out away from nosy eyes and ears?”

He stepped closer to her. “I want to kiss you so bloody badly.”

“I want that, too.” She recalled what Nyla had said. “Later. You need to walk away now. We haven’t been caught. We don’t want to press our luck.”

“There she is! The woman of the concert.” Prince Julian came to stand beside Jameson.

Seeing them standing together, side by side in similar dress, the family resemblance was striking. But there was nothing about the elder royal that attracted her at all.

“I’m not sure that’s true, but thank you,” she said, civilly.

His eyes swept her from head to toe, pausing to focus on her chest area. “I believe the ladies are acquainted with one another, but Jameson, allow me the honor of introducing Samantha Banks, a singer from the States.”