Phoenix My gorgeous bride-to-be is fresh-faced this morning. She requires not much makeup to highlight her stunning beauty. She’s all business in a pretty, flowy lilac floral dress that reaches her mid-calf. My fingers itch to undo the buttons running up the front of the dress to take a peek at what she’s hiding underneath. I have no doubt her body is clad in mouthwatering lingerie. Her dainty feet are trapped in the same pair of sexy as fuck white high heels with a strap circling her delicate ankles she wore when she barged into my office two days ago to rip me a new asshole. A little over forty-eight hours ago, we were strangers. Now, we’re planning a wedding. Un-fucking-believable. “This takes breakfast to a whole other level of perfection,” Michaela says. “Where do you find your chefs? Do you poach them from the top restaurants in the country?” She leans forward and drops her coffee cup on the table. “We don’t need to resort to such underhanded actions,” I say. “We attract the best and we treat them right. My father lives by this motto. It’s the same for my brothers and me.” “Hence, your undisputable success.” “Something like that.” We hold each other’s gaze for a few long beats. There’s something about this undeniable pull that’s beyond her unquestionably seductive physical features that jack up my libido. And it has nothing to do with going without sex for too long. It’s debatable, but in this case, it’s way more than that. With other women, the surge of attraction is never this all-encompassing. Not even with Marie-Clémence or Evelyn. Michaela crosses one leg over the other. The flash of skin is enough to awaken my cock. She unfolds her legs and crosses them again. Tease. It’s almost as if she can read my
thoughts, and she’s determined to test my resolve. A surge of lust shocks my veins, and my cock throbs. Fuck. Me. Every inch of me wants to dive in the warmth between those toned legs. I gawk, not bothering to hide my appreciation. Our eyes meet. Palpable heat snaps the air between us, searing and hot. After last night’s kiss, I’m not sure how we’re going to survive a sexless, yearlong marriage. I guess I should speak for myself. I’m still unable to read her. Her pink lips stretch into a knowing smile. “You’re staring.” “So are you.” She laughs. It wouldn’t be hard to ke ep admiring her like this for the rest of the day, but that’s not why we’re here. I grab the i Pad and hand it to Michaela. “Look at this. Payne changed his tune.” “‘HAIL TO THE KING: KING KÖNIG SOON TO TURN HIS HOTEL HEIRESS FIANCÉE INTO A BONA FIDE QUEEN’” Michaela reads the headline out loud. “Wow. What a d eparture from the article he published a couple days ago.” “Thanks to you.” I point at her. She beams. “Since we also played things up for the cameras as we were leaving the restaurant, we struck gold. There are a few other notable articles on us st epping out last night. All good, but nothing compared to Payne’s article, which has gone viral.” “This is great news, Phoenix. You were worried the media might not buy our story, and they’d take malicious pleasure in poking holes into our romance. It seems they bought it, hook, line, and sinker.” “I’m relieved they did,” I say. “The publicist is ecstatic. Instead of putting out an official statement with our side of the story, she’s going to let the good publicity do its thing. The less we say, the better.” “I agree,” she says. “That’s a win for us.” “It’s a major win because the plan is for us to get married this Sunday.” Her jaw drops. Her long eyelashes flutter like crazy. She opens her mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. Her shoulders slump. The helplessness and worry I read in her gaze is the polar opposite of the fierce determination I’ve seen shining from her translucent green eyes. “I admit, the timeline is
short,” I say. “Ridiculously short.” Her gaze is filled with anguish. I nod. “Is that even enough time?” She worries her lower lip. “Doesn’t it take a year to organize a wedding? Six months at least?” “So many of our hotels offer wedding services. It’s a matter of pulling together a few key individuals to make it happen in a flash. As for the venue, we’ll get married at Dad’s mansion.” Wide eyes stare at me in disbelief. “My life changes in four days.” There’s no way to miss the resignation underlying her words. I stand up, round the coffee table, take a seat next to her on the sofa, and place a hand over her trembling ones. “I know I’m pushing hard,” I say. “I thought I had everyone convinced of our love story, but after this morning’s early meeting with the board, I have to press on the accelerator. One board member in particular isn’t buying it. Truth be told, the guy hates me. He’s cracking the whip for the board to find a r eplacement for my father. If the board isn’t slowing down their mission, neither can I.” “I understand.” She nods. “This is what I agreed to.” Over a copious breakfast we shared the basics—family history, where we went to school, favorite color, hobbies, likes, dislikes, allergies—none for either of us—and the list goes on. Since we shared so many important details when we were on the yacht, we have enough to cover our tracks. With time, we’ll fill in the blanks. Now, we move onto the more contentious points. I reach inside my jacket for an envelope and hand it to her. “What’s this?” “The contract.” “I see.” She unfolds it. Her eyes bounce from one line to another as she takes in all the clauses. “Do you have a pen?” I reach inside my jacket and produce my Montblanc pen. “Thanks.” She grabs it. “I’m not changing my name.” She crosses out the clause. “Earlier, you hung up before I could contest.” This woman... She scans past her monthly cash allowance––fifty thousand dollars. She skips over the clause giving her a chauffeur on demand and the car of her choice. She bypasses the clause that allows her to ke ep her diamond ring. And it’s like she glosses over the terms of our divorce that guarantees the Villiers Grand
Hotel will be hers free and clear three hundred sixty-five days from our wedding day. Michaela Knight Villiers goes straight for the clause about the last name. My obstinate queen. “You’re the only woman in the world who would have an issue changing her name to Mrs. König.” “Why bother going through the hassle of changing my name for one year?” She lifts a stubborn chin. “Not to mention, I don’t want to lose that connection with my mom.” Emotions coat those last words. “In terms of the hassle, I have people to take care of that,” I say. “You won’t have to chase after documents. That’s their job. Yours will be to sign a few documents. Once we get divorced, I’ll get my team to take care of the paperwork to revert your name.” Her shoulders slump. I sigh. “I understand and respect your desire to ke ep your mother’s last name. What if we compromise on Mrs. Michaela Kennedy König Knight Villiers? It’s a bit regal, but you can pull it off. It ensures you won’t lose your name on any official paper and Mrs. König won’t sound foreign to your ear.” She studies me for a long beat. I arch a brow. “I can live with that.” “Good.” Satisfied, she ke eps reading. Her eyes fly up to meet mine. “There’s a clause about children?” “Just in case.” “In case of what?” Her face pinches with confusion. “It’s not like I’m the Virgin Mary. There will be no Immaculate Conc eption.” “You and I know the marriage is fake. My lawyers don’t. This is a standard clause.” “Oh. I see.” Her attention returns to the contract. “There’s nothing shady about the contract, but like we’ve discussed before, you need the advice of a lawyer,” I say when she reaches the last line. “Did you find one?” She lifts her head. “Rhys is working on it.” “I’ll need the signed contract back by Friday midday.” “Okay. Where will we live?” “We’ll stay at the penthouse and we can spend weekends on the yacht or at the Malibu mansion.” “Okay.” “Hopefully you’re not a slob,” I say. She shoots me a death glare. “I’ll have you know I’m a tidy person. Some might say I’m a bit of a neat freak.” “I’m not surprised.” I give her a onceover. “It
shows.” “You set me up, didn’t you?” “And you fell for it.” I shrug. “Do you have any other questions for me?” “One last thing.” “I’m all ears.” “What color are your eyes?” That’s the last question I expected. “Will that make or break our arrangement?” “It’s not going to change anything, I’m curious.” “You noticed my eyes, kitty cat?” She arches a brow. “I’m sure you know your eyes are a unique color.” “Like my mom, I have hazel-blue eyes. Roman has one blue eye and the other hazel-blue. He has heterochromia,” I say. “And, you’re right, hazelblue is unique—much more than green eyes.” “Not bad,” she says with nonchalance. “Not bad?” “Okay.” She pauses for a beat. “You have attractive and mesmerizing eyes.” “A compliment?” “I’m stating the obvious.” “You know what else is unique about me?” I lower my eyes to my crotch. “Err... I’m good.” I couldn’t resist. “Speaking of Roman, how’s your brother?” “He’s doing better.” I rub the back of my neck. “Guilt still eats at me, though.” She frowns. “What do you mean?” I hesitate. “Maybe I shouldn’t have asked the question.” I exhale. “Two and a half months ago, I sent Roman to the Maldives to determine if we should ke ep a couple of hotels we have there or if we should sell them. Numbers are one thing but getting the lay of the land offers perspective. It was a productive trip. Within a week of him landing on the island, we made the final decision to sell. Then, he was off to the Seychelles to check up on our three hotels there.” I have her full attention. “On the way back to LA, he stopped in Hawaii to meet up with a couple buddies of his for a short surfing holiday. As the baby of the family, Roman is a daredevil. Mom and Dad let him get away with murder. Since he had four older brothers, he always felt the need to ten-up us. That character trait never subsided. Pe’ahi—located on the north shore of the island of Maui— is more commonly known as Jaws and got the threatening name due to the size and ferocity of the swells.” “That sounds frightening.” I nod. “I don’t have balls big enough to take on Pe’ahi.” “But Roman does?” “It wasn’t
Roman’s first time surfing there.” I swallow. “However, this time, things went horribly wrong. He got caught in one of those monster waves and almost died. His two friends didn’t make it.” “Dear God.” “Since Dad was recovering from a heart attack and was prohibited from flying, Slate, Wilder, and I made the trip to Maui. It was frightening to see Roman all battered and bruised. My baby brother was in a coma for ten days and he sustained life-threatening injuries, but he’s still with us. Losing another family member would’ve destroyed us all.” She places a hand on my arm. “Mother Nature was having a bad day, Phoenix. You’re not responsible for Roman’s accident.” Logically, I get. Most days. I move away from a topic sure to bring down the mood. “About the honeymoon––” “We’re going to have a honeymoon for a fake wedding?” Her eyebrows pinch together. “Yes and no.” “You lost me.” “Dad is the one who attends the HEEA Europe Awards. It’s a prestigious hospitality industry award. He had a checkup a couple days ago and although he’s recovering nicely, his doctors don’t think it’s wise for him to fly yet. My brothers are booked to attend other important industry events, so I’ll be the one r epresenting the company. The awards take place next week in Paris. I figured we’d kill two birds with one stone––the awards and our honeymoon.” “A fake honeymoon in the most romantic city in the world?” She shakes her head. “We might as well play out this plot to the hilt.” “My sentiments exactly.” Malice sparkles in her eyes. “Will we take selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower or should we Photoshop all our honeymoon photos?” “Smart ass.” “You have to admit, it’s pretty ironic. Paris is synonymous with love not merger-marriages.” “I reckon you’d be surprised how many people hold hands for show. Your former st epmother is a great example.” “The conniving bitch did a great job fooling us all.” She doesn’t hide her disdain. “Now, for the last item on the agenda.” I veer the conversation. “The ring.” “I stand my ground, a cubic zirconia would’ve been a safer bet.” Her lips curve in amusement.
“I play big and I win big, kitty cat.” I pull a navy-blue box engraved with two iconic letters from my pocket. She gasps. “I’m willing to bet that’s not a cubic zirconia.” “I surely hope not because that is a lot of coin to drop on a synthetic stone.” Her eyes bounce to mine, her excitement evident. The moment is strangely intimate, considering her earlier jokes at the fake nature of the relationship. Dropping to one knee seems a bit much, so I play it down. “You’re in luck. My contacts at Harry Winston had the cut you selected...” I crack open the lid on a 5.15 carat elongated cushion cut diamond ring set on a platinum band circled with small, brilliant diamonds. Michaela’s mouth drops open. “Oh, Phoenix...” She brings one hand to her chest. “It’s absolutely gorgeous. I know I selected it, but seeing it in real life, takes my breath away.” I can’t explain why pride floods my chest at her words. “Two carats would’ve been more than enough. You didn’t have to supersize it.” “I’m glad you like it,” I say. “As for the size, a queen marrying a king deserves a ring that makes a statement. Expect the matching wedding band to be as queen-worthy.” She giggles. “If you ke ep spoiling me like this, I’m going to forget it’s pretend.” Our gazes lock. An awkward moment passes between us. She can’t take back her words. A flash of uncertainty glints from her eyes. “Silly me.” She slaps her palm against her forehead. “It’s pretend—as fake as plastic.” I reach for the diamond ring. “Let me make it official.” She lets out a nervous laugh. “Okay.” She extends her left hand. I take it and slip the ring on her finger. She smiles down at the ring. “It sparkles like crazy and it takes a life of its own on my finger.” “It’s feeding off your dragon fire.” “Sweet talker.” “It fits?” Her eyes lift to mine. “It fits perfectly.” Another awkward moment lingers between us. “It’s beautiful, Phoenix,” she says. “Thank you.” That came out with a touch of shyness. “No, thank you for agreeing to all of this.” We exchange a warm smile. “This dazzler should shut up naysayers,” she says, breaking the spell. “The wedding will shut them up.” She exhales a long, shaky breath. “This
feels so real.” She places one hand against her belly. “Nervous?” “Butterflies are flapping their wings in my belly,” she says. “If I’m this freaked out now, I can’t imagine how it’s going to be on the day of the wedding.” “I have faith in you.” “In that case, I guess I can’t let you down.” “No, you can’t because we’re a team.” She rewards me with a genuine smile. “In case things get too overwhelming on our wedding day, we should practice that kiss again,” I say. She shoots me a dubious side gaze. “If we ace the kiss, that’s one less thing to worry about.” We’re going to ace the damn kiss. This is totally self-serving. “Okay, we’ll go with your twisted logic.” “Please don’t sound so enthusiastic.” With the hand adorned with a diamond, she reaches for the lapel of my jacket and tightens her grip. “Are you going to kiss me or not, König?” A smug grin stretches my lips. “And you said you wouldn’t do it.” She frowns. “If it’s good enough, you’ll beg for it, kitten,” I say. “Seems like last night’s kiss left a lasting impression because you’re begging for more.” She opens her mouth to respond, but I reach out, grab her by the back of her neck and pull her to me. I stifle her smart retort by crushing my lips against hers. She moans and throws herself into the kiss, clutching at my jacket and pressing her body against mine. The lovely floral scent I remember all too well wafts over me. All coherent thoughts go flying out the window. I fucking own her mouth, greedily taking it over and over again. From the desperate way I’m kissing her, you’d never know I devoured her mouth like a glutton last night. I agreed to her no sex stipulation, but since she didn’t say anything about kissing, there’s no way I’m putting on the brakes. I’m unhinged. Goddammit, I want more. I tear my mouth from hers. I pull back an inch so I can see her face. “Tell me to stop.” She says nothing. She stares at me, her chest heaving. If I were a better man, I wouldn’t even need to ask. I’d respect her wish, but fuck, this woman... “Tell me to stop, kitten.” Do I look as crazed as I feel and sound? “Don’t stop.” Her voice is husky, not much louder than a
whisper. Two words. A world of possibility opens up to us. “You’re sure?” “Yes. Forget everything I’ve said so far. Just kiss me.” In a mad rush, I remove my suit jacket and fling it somewhere in my office. “Come here,” I say, before lifting her from the sofa and dropping her on my lap. Like a good girl, she straddles me. “You make me fucking crazy, Michaela.” “This doesn’t make any sense. I’m supposed to hate you.” “You can hate me and still want me,” I say. “Based on last night, when we channel that hate-lust energy between us, it’s combustive.” “This is so confusing.” “Why waste time over-analyzing it?” I lift my hips, pushing my cock against her, and a groan slips from her lips. Cradling her face in my hand, I devour her lips. She tastes as sweet as the breakfast pastries she ate. I skim my free hand from her knee, up her thigh, to the hem of her pretty dress. She shifts on my lap, grinding down against my monster erection. I groan into her mouth as my tongue glides along hers. This shouldn’t feel this good. She places her hand against my chest and pushes away from me. Concerned eyes meet mine. “What is it?” “What if someone comes into your office and finds us like this? Is the door locked?” All the doors on this floor lock automatically. Furthermore, they’re all equipped with a keyless touch-pad lock. It’s a bit Fort Knox, but no way am I going to get fooled again. “Does it matter?” “Good God.” She winces. She shifts off my lap, but I clamp hard hands on her hips, preventing her from climbing off me. “My staff know better,” I say. “Even if I were to leave the door open, no one in their right mind would dare to walk in without knocking. Not even my brothers. They know better than to waltz in without my agreement.” “What if Lydia hears us? She sits right outside your office.” “She’s stuck in a meeting until lunchtime. There’s nothing stopping us, kitten.” Her eyes bounce around before settling onto mine. She lets out a low laugh. “You make me do reckless things, Phoenix König.” “It’s the only way to live, Mrs. König.” “I’m still Miss Knight.” “Only for four more days.” We
exchange a complicit smile. “Can I ke ep kissing the hell out of you?” “I’m not going to stop you.” Thank the fuck God. I kiss her hard enough to bruise her pouty lips. She doesn’t protest nor does she pull away. She meets my passion, tongue stroke for tongue stroke. I take her hand and place it on my bulge. She whimpers into my mouth as her fingers cup my erection. My cock pulses and twitches at the contact. “You do this to me, kitten.” “God, that’s hot,” she says as she strokes my cock. With my free hand, I unbutton the front of her dress, revealing a cockhardening lavender lace bra. “Fuck,” I say, as my eyes land on the swell of her breasts and her protruding pink nipples peering from the sheerness of the lace. “Jesus, you’re so beautiful.” Unable to resist, I reach out and trail a finger across her skin. She gasps when my finger caresses one nipple, then the other. My lips crash against hers again and I kiss her with fervor as my hand slips under the hem of her dress. The warmth of her smooth skin burns my touch. Searing a line of fire along her skin, I travel between her legs until my fingers brush against the silk fabric of her panties. I prefer to ke ep my sex life in a more private setting. Hence, why I’m a member of an exclusive adult club. It never even entered my mind to get down and dirty in my office. Yet, here I am defiling this beautiful woman. “Phoenix...” She moans and pushes her body against my hand, urging me further. “I love hearing my name on your lips. It’s a lot better than King Kong Tycoon.” She responds with a shy smile. “Say my name again.” “Phoenix.” “Again.” “Phoenix,” she says in a breathy voice. “One more time for good measure.” “Touch me.” That’s not my name, but I can roll with that. “I am touching you, kitten.” “I––I want more,” she says. “You’re going to have to be more specific.” “Touch my...” Her eyes lift to the ceiling. “Tell me.” “Touch my pussy.” “That’s what I’m doing.” It would’ve been presumptuous of me to peg her, but I’m guessing my assumptions are correct. She doesn’t have that much experience. “No, not like that,” she says. “Ask and you shall
receive.” “My... my clit.” “Better. Now ask like a good girl.” “Please, touch my clit.” “I didn’t hear my name in that sentence.” “Jesus, you’re such an ass––” She gasps when I put pressure against her pussy by lifting my hips. “The sooner you give me what I want, kitten, the sooner I’ll return the favor.” “Phoenix, please, touch my clit.” A feral groan es capes my lips in r eply. I resume my assault on her mouth as I slide her panties to the side. She’s soaking wet. She widens her legs and gasps when I drag a finger through her drenched pussy. There’s no going back the second her desire coats my fingers. Fuck, yeah. Her heady scent flirts with my nostrils, and my mouth waters for more than I’m allowed to take. I’d be lying to myself if I said I’m not dying to take everything from her. Is it a mistake to confuse things between us by taunting her this way? Yes, I can’t deny it. Should I draw a line in the sand? Probably. Do I care? Not at this particular moment in time. My desire to tame the dragon inside her supersedes common sense. Fuck, I want her. I slide my fingers to her hard little clit, coating it in her arousal. “Yes... like that.” My cock swells at her words. Not wanting her to come yet, I slow down the tempo when her legs start to tremble. “Don’t stop,” she says. “I’m not done with you yet.” I part her pussy lips as I glide a finger through her wetness. Christ. It’s like my boxer briefs are choking my fucking balls. “Oh God,” she says as her back bows. I place a finger against her lips. “Shhh. We don’t want anyone to know I’m doing dirty things to you, kitten.” “I—I’ll ke ep quiet.” “Are you sure you can do that, or should I stop?” Fire sparks from her translucent green eyes. “Don’t you dare, König.” “We’re on the same page?” She nods. I ramp things up and slip two fingers into her needy pussy as I continue to skate over her clit with my thumb. She closes her eyes and drops her head back. “Good God,” she says. I p epper her neck with kisses. The temptation to bite against her milky skin and leave my mark is strong, but I resist. Barely. “Give me
your mouth.” She does as she’s told. My tongue moves in sync with my fingers. Each stroke ratchets my desire for her. Each stroke a reminder I haven’t shot my load inside a warm pussy in far too long. My body hums with need for this woman. I’m so close to flipping her onto her back and shoving my cock inside her pussy and fucking her like a savage until I fill her with my cum. I hold back. As it stands, we’ve already crossed the line of decency. Anything more would be foolish. “I’m sure your sweet little pussy is addicting,” I say as the slick wetness from her pussy coats my hand. I lean into her neck and murmur against her skin, “I’m willing to bet my fortune, you’re fucking tight.” She responds by riding my hand with urgency. Damn fucking right. I respond in kind. I finger-fuck her like my life d epends on it. Her hips rock in mesmerizing circular motions. “Oh, Jesus, Phoenix.” She combs her fingers through her short hair. With her eyes closed and her dress undone, she’s a vision. She lowers her hands, places them on my shoulders, and bounces on and off my fingers. The unexpected perversion is almost enough to make me come. Fuck. I pray the sucking noise of her slick pussy riding my fingers remains trapped within the walls of my office. “Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah.” She’s loud. Her muscles contract in her pursuit to get what she needs, but she’s not the one in control. I am. Placing a hand on her hips, I halt her movements. Wild eyes search mine. “You can’t do that.” “That’s where you’re wrong, kitten. You broke our agreement.” “I’m sorry. I won’t make another sound.” If her plea doesn’t do something to me. I consider her. “I promise,” she says. I resume my mission. So does she. In no time, she’s nearing the edge. Her hands fly to her mouth, muffling a sound. Good girl. “Dear God.” Her voice is shaky and her legs tremble. That’s right. You need a lesson. “I want that pretty pussy to come all over my fingers until your slick release drips down my hands.” She rolls her hips, ke eping time with the demanding rhythm I’ve set for her. With each gyration of her hips, she
pants faster and faster. “Work that pussy for me.” She reaches out and claws at my shirt, her fingers tugging into the crisp white fabric. As if that’s enough to prevent me from pushing her off the edge. Silly kitten. Not on my watch. I strip her of the remainder of her control, finger-fuck her harder, and apply precise pressure on her clit. Her pussy clenches in strong pulses, each throb sending a vibration straight to my balls. “Come for me,” I say against her lips. “But remember, not a sound.” “Okay, okay.” I thrust de eper and harder into her drenched pussy, wishing like fuck it was my desperate cock instead of my fingers as she clamps down on me. Her hips gyrate with velocity as she grinds her clit in jerky movements against my thumb. My balls are filled with so much cum, and the need for release, nearly blinds me. How I manage not to come inside my boxer briefs is beyond me. Her body tenses, her eyes roll to the back of her head, and she hitches a sharp breath as I send her flying off the cliff. “Oh, my—” I press my mouth against hers, swallowing her climax cries as she shatters all over my lap. Dammit that was beautiful. When she comes down from her high, I remove my hand from her pussy. I’m bewitched as pleasure continues to ripple through her. “You okay?” She opens her heavy eyelids and stares at me with lust-filled glassy eyes. Her chest heaves as she tries to catch her breath. She nods. Under her watchful gaze, I slip two fingers still soaked in her pussy juices into my mouth and suck them clean. Her eyes widen and her jaw drops. She’s so fucking tempting. “Tell me, kitten.” I move my lips to her ear and bite the lobe. She gasps. “Are you still campaigning for a sexless marriage or are there ways to sway your decision?”