Wicked Prince Charmings: Blue Saffire & Co. Fairy Tales Read online

  “Thank you.”

  Williams looks me in the eyes, watching me silently. I lift a brow at him. He stands a bite straighter.

  “I was wondering how it feels, your highness. You have found her.”

  “My mother has found her. I’m not sure how I feel. She’s not what I expected. Although I never expected to find her at all.”

  Williams clears his thought. “She is quite lovely. She looks just like her mother. She was an enchanting young woman.”

  “Yes, so I’ve heard.”

  Williams reaches into his pocket and pulls out a photograph. He hands me the photo across my desk. I take it and stare at the image before me in awe.

  The woman in the photo looks just like Cinder. The only reason I can tell the difference between the two is the out of date clothing. I’ve heard how beautiful the princess was but I don’t remember her.

  “Magnificent, are they not?”

  “The American never stood a chance. Cinder. I think I’m in shock, Williams. I was drawn to her from the moment I laid eyes on her. I had no idea she was Princess Cinder Marie Heathworth-Ellis, my missing betrothed.”

  Williams gives a rare smile. “Yes, that she is. I’m sure the young ladies that have been preparing for their invitations to the ball will be very disappointed to hear that there will be no grand gala.”

  “We’re not calling off the ball. Not until I understand what’s going on. She hasn’t a clue who she is. This has to be for a reason. I want to get to the bottom of what has happened. Her identity is to remain a secret until I have this sorted,” I say firmly.

  “Your highness, I beg your pardon, but you just agreed that she looks just like her mother. Anyone that knew of the princess will know who she is immediately,” Williams says.

  He’s right. I sit back in my seat and steeple my fingers in front of my lips. I want Cinder to get to know Verlez, the kingdom and its people, but that could be a bit tricky if I want to keep her a secret until I have a handle on what’s going on.

  “You have a point. We’ll have to be careful.”

  Williams gives me a cautious look. “As you wish. I will have a talk with the staff as well. They do love to gossip.”

  “Thank you.”

  Chapter 8

  Event Planning

  Cinder

  “These are the invitations I thought would suit you and the event best. Strong but elegant,” I say as I pull the sample from my folder.

  That’s right, I took my files with me when I left. Those three can figure out how to plan the events they booked on their own. My email is loaded with clients wanting to know what happened to me.

  It’s a dumpster fire back in New York. It’s burning me up not to reply. I want to fix it all, but those three need to learn a lesson. If I jump in they will just take the credit like they always do.

  Nope, I’m not having it.

  “I like this one,” Princeton says taking the invite from my hand. “Can we get it in navy blue?”

  “Hold on. I believe we can.” I pull up a catalog on my tablet and flip through to the invitation. “Yes, we sure can. Would you like to go with the gold lettering or the silver?”

  “What do you think?” he asks, placing a hand on the center of my back.

  My brain short-circuits. I’ve been trying to grow back brain cells all morning. I’m surprised I’m functioning.

  The. Man. Sleeps. Naked.

  That body is so much nicer in the buff. His body heat is so delicious. It’s the only reason I got any sleep.

  When I turned onto my side to give him my back last night, he took that as an invitation to wrap an arm around me and spoon my body. Talk about stunned. The erection that stabbed me in the butt all night was more than impressive.

  “Cinder?” he says, rubbing his hand up and down my back.

  “Um, yes. I think both will look amazing. Perhaps gold would be best. Yes, gold.”

  “Perfect. We’ll go with that.”

  “Okay, let’s move on to the décor.”

  “Good afternoon, lovelies,” Mrs. Blake, or should I say Queen Joy, sings as she joins us on the veranda.

  Princeton stands and places a kiss on her cheek. “Good morning, Mother.”

  “Oh, these look divine. Is this the invitation we’re going with?”

  “Yes, ma’am—your highness.”

  “Oh please. We were introduced as the Blakes to you. You are welcome to call me Mrs. Blake, or better yet, if it’s just us, Joy is fine,” she says with a smile.

  “Okay,” I say nervously. In my mind, someone will jump out of the bushes wielding a sword if I dare to call her anything other your highness or Queen Joy.

  “What else have you decided so far?”

  “We were about to get into décor. Now that I’m here at the site, I have a few changes I’d like to make. I was able to take a look at the grand ballroom this morning. I think we can do some amazing things with the space,” I say almost gushing like a school girl.

  I love this part of my job. It’s always fun to imagine a space when I have pictures as my only reference. I get to stretch my imagination in new ways. However, getting to step on site and see it first hand is inspiring as well. I get to step into the pulse of the space.

  “I’ve been looking forward to seeing what you have planned,” Queen Joy says and places on her glasses.

  For the next thirty minutes, I lay out the plan I have for the ball. I won’t lie and say I don’t have conflicting feels as Princeton keeps a hand on my back or thigh as we go. We’re planning a party for him to find a wife, yet this man has claimed that I belong to him.

  Honestly, by the time we’re done, I’m quite annoyed with him and my body’s reaction to him. I nearly flinch when he places a kiss on my forehead at the end. He looks at me with those piercing eyes.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes,” I reply.

  “Maybe you two should go out for dinner this evening. Princeton you can show Cinder a bit of Verlez,” Queen Joy says.

  “That’s not necessary. I need to place these orders and set up a few new accounts with vendors. I’ll also need to make some contacts here for a couple of things.”

  “Nonsense. You can take tonight to explore and have a good time. Work can wait for tomorrow.”

  “She’s right. This can all wait until tomorrow. You will be happy with the surprise I have for you then. Perhaps we can take a ride to London. I’ll be happy to have dinner with you there and we’ll be in place for our meeting in the morning,” Princeton adds.

  “Meeting.”

  My interest is peaked. I’ve been wondering how he plans to fix my mess. I’ve been thinking of a plan of my own, but I want to see what he has up his sleeve.

  “Yes, there’s something you need to hear.”

  I chew on the inside of my mouth. I’m not opposed to the meeting. However, I’m not sure about this date.

  Princeton searches my face. He finds something that brings a smile to his lips. He pinches my chin between his fingertips.

  “Pack a small bag and a dress for diner. I’ll have a car out front in the hour.”

  With that he stands. “Mother, let’s take a walk.”

  “Phew, I think I need a nap,” she says.

  “Nice try. Let’s go.”

  She rolls her eyes and stands. “You would think you were king. Wait until your father arrives.”

  “Does he know what you’ve been up to?”

  “Humph.”

  “I wonder what he would think of what I’ve learned,” Princeton says.

  I can’t help my own curiosity as the queen narrows her eyes and huffs. They both leave me behind to gather my things and thoughts. This royal family has secrets.

  Princeton

  We walk the halls of the East wing as my mother loops her arm through mine. The halls are empty and we can speak freely here. It’s time for her to fess up.

  “How long have you known where she was?”

  “I found o
ut a few months ago. A parcel arrived with her location. I believe her father might have insured I would receive it,” Mother replies.

  “I don’t understand. Why now?”

  “That I have not figured out yet, but I would make a guess that he knew his latest wife was no Princess Beverly.”

  I snort. “Not in the slightest. That woman and her daughters are vile.”

  “Yes, the poor girl has had a go of it with those three,” she says and frowns.

  “Do you know she thinks the European locations of Beauty For Ashes are closed?”

  “What? Why would she think that?”

  “One guess. I plan to get to the bottom of it all. She loves that business. It was left to her and meant to be hers.”

  Mother smiles up at me. She stops in the middle of the hall and cups my cheek. “You are taken with her. I can see it in the way you can’t keep your hands off her.”

  “Yes, well, I was very curious as to why you would help me get to her at the ball, then warn me off,” I grumble. “You knew that would make me pursue her more, didn’t you?”

  “Princeton, from the time you could walk and talk, if your father or I told you not to do something you did it,” she replies and chortles.

  “Yes, well, I was onto you this time.”

  “Yes, you were, but that’s not going to stop you is it?”

  “No, it’s not. She was always meant to be mine,” I reply and lean to kiss her cheek before I turn to leave.

  She laughs as I walk away. Yes, my mother knows me well. Now, it’s time for Cinder to learn a few things about me.

  Chapter 9

  Charming Talk

  Cinder

  “You look gorgeous,” he whispers in my ear as we walk from dinner back to the car.

  I hold off the shiver that wants to run through me. I look up into those blue eyes and have to bite my lip. He looks like he didn’t eat his meal.

  “Thank you,” I whisper.

  His gaze drops to my cleavage. The black bandage dress puts my breasts, cinched waist, and wide hips on display. I’m not sure what made me wear this dress.

  Okay, maybe I do know what made me wear it. After the helicopter ride to London, we arrived at the hotel. Princeton made sure to keep a possessive hand on my waist the entire time we checked in.

  Some of the looks other women shot his way made me a little possessive myself. I know I have no right, but it pissed me off. The stink looks they gave me made me feel the same way.

  A big part of me wanted to show them all. Especially the woman behind the desk. Now, I’m not sure this dress was such a good idea.

  “You know how to drive a man crazy,” he says.

  “That wasn’t my intention.”

  He chuckles. “Are you sure? Those heels would look amazing around my neck. All you have to do is ask.”

  I stumble a little, but he catches me. His fingers dug into my side and he draws me into his body. He gives me a grin.

  I want to palm my face. Leave it to me to become clumsy. I’m grateful for the safety of the car. I dart into the backseat as the driver opens the door.

  Princeton folds his big body in beside me smoothly. He draws me close to him. When I turn to him, he’s watching me intently.

  “Speak your mind, Cinder. You’ve been in a mood since this afternoon. What’s going on in your head?”

  “I’m fine.”

  He strokes my cheek. “Never lie to me.”

  I blink and lean into his heat. I don’t know why the command causes such a reaction. He kisses my lips lightly.

  “Tell me.”

  “I’m planning a party for you to find a wife. What’s the point of all of this? Why wine and dine me?”

  Instead of answering he takes my lips in a searing kiss. His kisses make my head spin. I cling to his neck with one hand.

  “I don’t think you heard me clearly yesterday. You. Are. Mine.”

  “I heard you. I also know we spent this afternoon planning a ball for potential wives for you. How does that work?”

  “Cinder—”

  “Wait, you know what? I’m going to be honest. I find you attractive, but you have been a bit assuming. What if I had a boyfriend? You haven’t asked once.”

  He lifts a brow. “If he hasn’t come up by now, he isn’t much of a boyfriend. Then there’s the fuck that I don’t give about him. His loss. He should have kept a better eye on what he thought was his.”

  I scoff. “Seriously?”

  He shrugs and gives me a bland look as if the topic is beneath him. I burst into laughter. A slow smile comes to his lips.

  “I like it when you laugh. Your face lights up. I’ll try to amuse you more often.”

  “Okay, humor me. I have questions.”

  “Ask away. I want you to get to know me.”

  “You’re nothing like what I expected. You’re… I don’t know. You have this New Yorker vibe at times, but others I can see the royal European prince slip through,” I say tilting my head to study him.

  “Ah, yes, I’ve gotten that a lot. I’ve spent a lot of time in the States. New York is one of my favorite places.”

  “I’ve always believed that in order to understand a culture you have to become a part of it. When in the States I become as much of a civilian as I can.”

  “I leave Prince Princeton in Verlez. Drives my father crazy, but it works for me,” he explains.

  “That makes sense.” I nod my head.

  He brushes his thumb across my lip. “What else would you like to know? I’m an open book for you.”

  “Why?”

  He leans in to kiss my lips. I get the feeling he only meant a brief brush of our mouths. However, once the small gasp leaves my lips he deepens the kiss.

  He cups my breast and leans into me until I fall back beneath him. My back meets the seat and he slides me underneath his body. Moving to torture my neck, he groans around the flesh he sucks into his mouth.

  “I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you. I want you to know everything. I want this to be your choice. You’re the one with the power this time,” he murmurs against my throat.

  His words come off odd. He’s answering my question, but there’s a note of something deeper that’s not said. I cup his face and bring it into view.

  I stare into his eyes, looking for answers. He turns his head slightly and sucks my thumb into his mouth. The smoldering look in his eyes causes me to suck in a breath.

  He circles the finger with his tongue. My pussy clenches. Slowly, he drags a hand up my thigh, reaching beneath my dress.

  “Your skin is so soft,” he breathes.

  “Princeton,” I moan when he slips two fingers into my panties.

  “God, you have to say my name just like that when I’m inside you. You’re so wet. You’re going to beg for me tonight, baby. I demand it.”

  Shit. The sexy way he says it has me considering the option. I reach for the thick erection pressing against his slacks. When I say thick, I mean, thick.

  He groans and dips his head to take my lips as he thrusts his fingers into me. I whimper into his mouth. He makes a growling sounds as I gush for him.

  “Come for me,” he whispers in my ear.

  I lift my leg back to open to him more. As soon as I offer the room, he finds my spot and sends me right over. I arch my back and cry out.

  “Fucking gorgeous,” he says through clenched teeth. “My Cinder.”

  I look into his eyes and I don’t know if I can deny his words. I think he just broke me. I’ve never come like that or that fast.

  He lifts his fingers to his mouth and sucks on them. His eyes fill with awe and delight. He pulls them from his mouth and reaches to drag his thumb through my folds before placing it to my lips.

  “Taste,” he commands. I wrap my lips around his finger. “Yes, you belong to me and we will consummate that tonight. Too bad I’m going to spank your ass for not waiting for me to break you open.”

  He kisses me hard before I can
respond to him. I think this man is a little crazy. Too bad I’m not all there either. I think I gush from is words.

  Princeton

  Cinder has been quiet since I fixed her panties and let her sit up. I can still taste her on my tongue. I can’t wait to get between her legs and truly feast on her.

  She walks before me, stepping onto the lift. I can’t take my eyes off of her in that tight dress. As if having a mind of its own, my hand glides across her ass.

  She looks over her shoulder, biting her lip. The lust in her eyes has me aching to be inside her. I hold up my hand to my security guards.

  “Take the next one,” I say sharply.

  I press the button for the doors to close before they can protest. I quickly pin her against the wall before she can turn fully, pressing my cock into her ass.

  “Do you feel what you do to me? I’ve been like this all night. When are you going to beg me, Cin?”

  She moans and throws her ass back into me. I clench my teeth and reach to splay my hand against her belly. I glide my palm down her center slowly, pulling her back into me at the same time.

  “Princeton. I don’t think we should,” she says in weak protest.

  “You don’t believe that.” I chuckle in her ear.

  I drag my hand back up to cup her breast. With my other hand, I brush her hair to the side to get to her neck. Flicking my tongue out to lick her skin, I thrust into her at the same time.

  Fuck.

  I love women and I love sex, but never have I ached to claim anyone the way I ache to claim her. When I allow myself to analyze that I know one of the reasons. For years, I’ve resented the idea of Cinder.

  The shame and embarrassment. The feeling of being inadequate. The prince that was so unworthy his intended’s parents whisked her away to America.

  Everyone knows of my disgrace. I’ve blamed her parents and her. It’s been a cloud over my head for years. When I was a boy it made me no difference. As I began to grow into manhood it caused resentment and bitterness.