Page 9 of Royal Trouble

She crossed her arms over her chest and took a step toward him, forgetting all about the gaping hole in the back of her dress. “Seriously?”

He laughed, his gaze darting to the mirror where the firm globes of her arse were now on full display then quickly averted his eyes. But it was too late. His cock stirred with desire, not understanding that her arse was off-limits.

Sweet Jesus.

This was a terrible idea.

“So?” Everly asked. “What’s the condition? No, wait. Let me guess. You want me to have a drink with you?”

Xander met her eyes with a cool stare. “I don’t need to trade favors for dates.”

He might be hard up, but he wasn’t a complete prick. He wouldn’t force her to go on a date with him, and he wouldn’t look at her arse again. Unless she invited him to.

“What then?”

He smirked. “I want to see the dance.”

“No way.”

“What’s the big deal? The other two hundred guests got to see it.” He grinned, showing his teeth. “You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

The jacket was hers no matter what, but why ruin a good time by telling her?

“You really are an ass,” she said, huffing out a breath. “Fine. I’ll do it, but I need the music.”

He pulled out his mobile and unlocked it. When he handed it to Everly, their fingers brushed and a spark of electricity passed between them, shooting right up his arm and straight to his tortured cock.

This was your brilliant idea, arsehole? Enjoy your blue balls.

Everly tapped out a quick search and sat the mobile on the counter as the opening beat of “Good Feeling” filled the bathroom.

“I guess it could’ve been worse,” he said, fighting to keep a straight face. “She could’ve chosen ‘Thriller.’”

“Bite your tongue,” Everly said, rolling her shoulders. “Pretty sure that was her second choice.”

Of course. Because what lady didn’t want a horde of dancing zombies at her wedding?

Everly started moving to the rhythm of the music, and he forgot all about his smart-ass commentary. He watched, enraptured, as she dipped and rolled to the beat of the music. Despite her earlier complaints, a huge grin split her face as she danced, losing herself in the music. Hell, it seemed she’d almost forgotten his presence.

Almost.

As the song came to a close, he found himself clapping and smiling right along with her.

Looking pleased with herself, Everly dropped a curtsy—which was accompanied by the sound of her dress ripping further.

“Fucking fuchsia monster.” She fanned herself as she straightened. Then she held out her hand expectantly. “Jacket?”

“For the record, totally worth it.” He shrugged out of his jacket and handed it to her.

Everly draped it over her shoulders and slipped her arms inside. It was far too big, but it hung lower than the tiny pink dress, covering all the important bits.

“Much better,” she said, inhaling deeply as she wrapped the jacket around herself.

“Did you just smell my jacket?”

“Maybe,” she said, lifting her chin. “Don’t judge me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” If anything, her quirks were rather charming. He held out his arm to her. “Come on. I’ll walk you to your car.”