Concierge healthcare, it turns out, is pretty epic.The limo picks me up after Nick has returned to Europe. It delivers me to the estate. I am then whisked away via a fancy and amped-up golf cart that takes me to the guesthouse. Didn’t know there was one, but surprise! It is as elegantly appointed as the main house and boasts three bedrooms. Nowhere near the size of the home I will occupy if all goes well with the tests, but still impressive.One bedroom is designated as my “personal comfort” room. Aka for us common folk, an examination room.It’s filled with high-tech equipment and an official exam bed that is completely tricked out. The bells and whistles are astonishing. And I have a dedicated attending OB/GYN, Dr. Shaw. She’s quite lovely and has a PA named Lavinia. They’re gracious and wholly apologetic about the invasiveness of the procedures I’m about to undergo. Even going so far as to tell me that they’ll be draining a lot of blood, but “please don’t be alarmed.”I suffer thr
It’s the next morning, when I arrive at the mansion after a very leisurely breakfast and foot massage at the spa/resort that topped off all the other amazingly and near-orgasmic physical and spiritual therapies. I truly feel as though this fairy tale just might come true for me.I’m standing on the deck, staring out at the undulating waves, listening to their hypnotic crashing on the shore and the seagulls overhead. I’m deeply inhaling the brine-scented air and am completely and totally blissed out, when…One tanned forearm rests on the railing I’m leaning against. A palm flattens to the small of my back. A warm tickle of air teases the nape of my neck because my hair is pulled up.“You’re absolutely certain you want to go through with this?”Nick’s voice is low and intimate. Sending an enticing shiver along my spine and eliciting a soft gasp.My teeth sink into my bottom lip for the briefest of moments.Then I turn to him, effectively ending up in his arms.I stare into his grey-gree
“Are you teasing me, Bailey?”Nick’s low, sensual voice trickles deliciously along my spine, sending a shiver through me. His head is bent to mine and his champagne-laced breaths caress my bare skin. I mentally urge him to brush his lips down my neck, to the crook, and then along my shoulder.I don’t know why, but that suddenly seems ridiculously sexy to me. As much as getting him worked up with my mouth.He’s still in no particular hurry. I’m wearing no more than a lacy thong and rather than groping me, he seems to be savoring the sight of my beaded nipples and the way they graze the top of his rib cage with each quavering inhale and exhale as my fingers clumsily fumble with his pants.His hands remain on my hips, his fingers tangled in the strands there. Giving the illusion he’s on the verge of shredding my flimsy lingerie. But he’s demonstrating significant willpower by not doing precisely that—and intensifying the anticipation mounting between us.I am hypersensitive to everything
Nick is buried to the hilt and eliciting small cries from me as the pleasure rips through me. I’d wanted to feel him inch by inch. I’d wanted to feel all of him. And by God, I do.He pumps into me as his mouth grazes my neck, which is extended because my head is still back.His gradual pace between my legs picks up. His strokes are short and vigorous. His cockhead rubs that magical spot within me.He tenderly bites my skin. Tantalizingly soothes the sting with his tongue. Leaves feathery kisses up to my jaw and then along it. His lips whisk over mine, so faintly, so sexily.Then he plunges more aggressively into me at the same time his mouth crashes over mine and—A switch is flipped.Completely out of the blue.I fall against the bed, my hair fanning out on a pillow. He sort of falls with me, since his body is melded to mine, and he’s semi-lying on top of me. He’s also still standing at the edge of the bed. This gives him ample leverage to increase the cadence. He fucks me harder, fa
The restaurant is no livelier than usual this evening. Ironies of all ironies, that continues to work in my favor.During a particularly bleak and depressing lull—following a particularly bleak and depressing dinner “rush” that consisted of one couple celebrating their anniversary (and selected us because they’re out-of-towners and I surmise they didn’t know better—though we did make a big deal out of the event) and a double date with teens—I gather my primary staff, such as it is, and make my very first announcement regarding my takeover of the establishment.“I’ve been charged with resurrecting this place,” I inform the five people settling around a high-top table in the bar area. I don’t confess to having charged myself with this task. For the moment, I opt to play this fast and loose while I assess the reactions from this portion of my crew; then I’ll address the others when they come in for their varying part-time shifts and see where the chips fall.“So, my most immediate change
He doesn’t say a word and that actually speaks volumes.My stomach and my heart flutter. My inner thighs quiver, like there are flames flickering against them—or his tongue.We are both riveted, and I couldn’t tell you if there was anyone else in the mansion, in one of the wings or currently tidying up my suite.I literally have tunnel vision; my sole focus is on Nick.I’ve even tuned out the crashing of waves onto the shore that’s close by.I am a million percent preoccupied.Nick tosses aside the potholder in his hand and rounds the end of the island, his gaze still locked with mine.I’m not sure I’ve taken a breath yet—or if I ever will. Every fiber of my being ignites and anticipation mounts within me. Lightning quick. So that I can’t even be bothered to worry about the dinner or the bottle of champagne he’s uncorked or… Anything at all.Nothing matters, other than this man as he inches toward me, his expression smoldering so that I could simply melt at his feet.I stay rooted whe
No, we’re definitely not playing by the rules.He’d called me “babe,” for one thing.Terms of endearment are… Such a no-no in a scenario like this. Correct?Second… We’re being reactionary with each other, rather than paying close attention to the fertility testing and the monitoring that’s at our disposal, which can accurately alert us of the perfect time to copulate.And, hell… We’re not exactly “copulating” in a clinical sense.What we’re doing is something altogether different.Nick and I are hot for each other, plain and simple.Except… There really isn’t anything plain or simple about this.We should not be so caught up in each other, so tangled up.He knows it too. And murmurs, “This is going to be a problem.”He withdraws from me and climbs off the couch. He crosses the vast room that’s filled with other sofas, chairs, and accent tables. He ducks into the bathroom, of which I’ve discovered there’s one in each of these wings. When he returns, he’s wearing the shirt I’ve all but
He laughs sexily again. “Not everyone. My closest friends call me Nick. And I’m primarily known as the Prime Minister.”My brow jumps. “You hold a political position?”“It is my country,” he simply says.True. But… “I once read the Queen of England doesn’t have real political power, mostly she’s considered influential.”“My immediate family and ancestors have always been part of the overall governing body. Within small realms, as well. We’re a melting-pot region. An asylum for a hodge-podge of ethnicities. Our strongest persuasions are French, British, and Italian; however, we have a secondary balance that is an eclectic European mixture, we basically cover the gamut.”Hence the reason I’ve detected so many different hints of accents without a particular one being more predominant than the others.“It gives us diversity, culturally, yes,” he continues. “Also constitutionally, religiously, and ethnically.”“A real ‘one nation,’” I muse.“Absolutely,” he asserts. “That was an original p
~ BAILEY ~Every time I think I can’t be more in love with this man… I fall even deeper under his spell.My arms twine around his neck and I lose myself in yet another searing kiss. His devilish tongue does wicked things to mine, sparking endless fireworks.My heart flutters and my blood sizzles through my veins.I have no clue as to how much time passes. We only briefly gasp for air here and there before we’re engaging in another scorching lip-lock. He has one hand on my ass and the other arm encircles my waist. He’s still holding the present I’ve given him, but neither of us seem to have that on our minds.My fingers thread his lush hair, and we’re pressed together so tightly, a sheath of paper couldn’t pass between us.And yet… That still doesn’t feel close enough.Damn the fact that we have to wear clothing in everyday life!I would be perfectly happy to be naked with this man twenty-four-seven. Also tangled up with him in absolute seclusion.Not a possibility at present, though.
~ BAILEY ~“I’m sorry… whhhaaat did you just say?” Claire stares at me as though I’ve grown a third eye and perhaps an extra nose.I smirk.Her expression doesn’t change. “Bailey-soon-to-be-Angelini, aka Your Majesty… With all due respect… Are. You. Shitting. Me?”Now, I laugh.She’s learned that term from me, with the correct punctuation.I snicker at her and say, “Feel free to bring the incredulity down ten notches. You and I both know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that planning a wedding in less than a month is not the hideous undertaking you’re insinuating it is, particularly for a woman of your mad skills.”The compliment does nothing to placate her.She shoots to her feet and begins to pace, partially obstructing my view of the fountain and the large pond surrounding it, which had been expeditiously “installed” while Nick and I were in California. Apparently, if I requested it, this portion of the estate—the outer perimeters of the private apartments—would be turned into a lake t
~ NICK ~How could I not request this?Other than… Well… There are the standard obstacles, of course.She’s entangled in a “should I stay, or should I go?” tug of war that involves me, a child, and a restaurant—a dream she’s had forever. One that’s significant and fulfilling, given she’s achieved it primarily on her own. What help I’ve provided is financial. She’s the true victor in this vein, with her vision, ingenuity, and initiative. With her hard work.Thus, I understand I’ve just tossed her into a new mix of uncertainty. We haven’t resolved our current situation and now I’ve gone and complicated matters to the degree that her jaw slacks, she gazes at me with wide eyes, and she’s at a complete loss for words.That’s advantageous for me, so that I can explain, “I didn’t plan that, Bailey. Not necessarily. Though… It’s been on my mind. For some time. A long time, truthfully. Even before you came here.”She blinks. I’m guessing that’s to let me know she’s heard me. She just can’t res
~ BAILEY ~Of course, I’m blown away. How can I not be?Sure, I’ve been made fully aware, at every turn, this is to be a formal event, and so I did have it in my head that no expense would be spared. However, that’s actually a vague phrase. While it’s true I can come up with some impressive dining and décor scenarios, and even went a little over-the-top with Bailey’s Clambake, I have not been sufficiently exposed to the word “excessive” in such a concentrated manner.Granted, the palace fits the term. Certainly. Though, it’s incredibly vast and spread out and not something that you take in all at once. Like, seriously, I can only process its grandeur in bits and bites.This gala, however, is in my face.There are chandeliers so beautiful, I want to weep. The one in the center of the room, hanging in the domed ceiling, is so huge, so stunning, I just can’t even… Fathom it.Coming from the gilt edges, which I have no doubt are twenty-four-karat gold (as is every fixture, I’m sure), are
~ BAILEY ~We’re trapped in some bizarre time warp where our eyes are locked and there’s an electrical current arcing between us and every second that slips by is laced with anticipation.It’s Grayson who finally breaks the ice, discreetly clearing his throat. And quietly announcing, “The limo is ready.”“Thank you, Grayson.” Nick manages to speak.He raises a hand again and his thumb skims over his bottom lip.I resist the urge to bite mine, his absent gesture being so subtly sensual. Yet I remind myself not to ruin my lipstick.He takes a couple of wide strides toward me and my breath catches. He hears it. Sees it. And there’s a spark in his grey-green irises because of it.“You picked the most striking dress of all,” he tells me.Miraculously, I’m able to reply. Albeit breathily. Like, full-on Marilyn Monroe. “It’d probably look a lot better if I wasn’t pregnant.” Not that I regret being pregnant. That’s a total no-brainer.He comprehends my unspoken sentiment and gives another sha
~ BAILEY ~I’m trying to breathe, but the gown I’m being fitted for doesn’t allow much opportunity for that. Time is of the essence today and I feel as though my entire existence is moving at the speed of light. Claire has taken over my schedule and there’s barely time to pee. Though, you know… I’m pregnant, so I must insist she build in potty breaks to avoid any sort of accident.And I won’t let her nix my daily reading with Antonio from my calendar. Unfortunately, it will be later in the morning and that will provide ample time, I’m sure, for word to reach him that I’m attending a gala with His Highness.Oh, that phrase completely curls my toes, when I actually know better—I shouldn’t let it curl my toes. Or send a rush of exhilaration through my veins. For the hour that I’ve been standing on a platform surrounded by full-length mirrors while two women work simultaneously to nip and tuck, and another one continually holds up shoes for inspection and then puts them against the dress
~ BAILEY ~Nick snickers at me.I tell him, “Don’t you dare try to separate me from lobster mac and cheese.”He carefully unravels us. Grayson assists me into the chair he’s once again pulled out.I accept the napkin. Even bounce excitedly in my seat, which pleases both men. They’re clearly convinced I’m cured of the seafood curse, whether it was a psychological manifestation, or that the peanut genuinely isn’t into fish.But the truth is, her mom can’t go long without her fix. So.To tide me over, there is a prime cut of beef with an aromatic Hollandaise sauce I’m certain Grayson would have added crab legs to if I’d previously expressed my interest in dipping my toes into the water, as it were, this evening. Or he’d have gone straight for Oscar-style.No matter. I’m instantly famished and reach for the steak knife and a fork, completely bypassing the salad he’s also delivered.Normally, he does the customary presentation of individual courses, but given the hour and how Nick and I de
~ BAILEY ~I might be building the perfect bridge.Well, maybe not totally perfect. But darn close to it.An hour of reading to Antonio leads to a half-hour of him sharing a quaint story from his childhood. One that does not involve magnificent horses and banners flying, or silver platters piled high with glorious desserts, or anything else expensive and exquisite that screams privilege. It’s simply a remembrance from when he was a small child and had wandered off in the forest during a group hunting expedition. He was alone and had panicked that he might not be able to find his way back. But he learned a handy trick. Look to the sky.The sun at noon offers a southern alignment. Since it rises in the east and sets in the west, Antonio was able to gauge an appropriate direction by the movement and shadows. He navigated toward the hunting encampment by the western lakeshore. His father had not yet sent out a search team for him. He’d allowed Antonio the opportunity to get his bearings a
~ BAILEY ~“His baby mama?” I inquire, my brow raised.Her eyes pop again. “Absolutely not what I was going to call you! No one’s used that term. You’re his special guest. Though…” She turns more conspiratorial now. Even glances about to see if anyone’s within earshot. Satisfied no one will overhear us, she says, “Between you, me, and the lamppost—”“You know that phrase?” I’m surprised, truthfully. Despite her being quite capable of keeping up in our conversations without hitting language barriers too often.She squares her shoulders this time and tells me, “I’m well-versed in colloquialisms favored in numerous countries. However, I’m mostly fascinated with American adages. You have a very rich and diverse culture. I’m particularly intrigued with your musical stylings—such as hip-hop.”“You listen to hip-hop?”“Oh, yes! I have an extensive playlist. Anyway, I see why His Highness takes a great interest in your country.”A golden nugget is embedded in there, somewhere. I sense it. I j