The Playful Prince (7 page)

“Someone pulled all the solarflowers from the side lawn near the harem.” Taura said, with a very dignified nod of her head. She was a tall, stately woman with long willowy limbs--very characteristic of her Roane heritage. Her gown of gold shimmered as she moved. Her long, golden brown hair fell in shiny waves down her back, the color mimicked by the hazel-gold of her almond shaped eyes. She was a beautiful woman and Tori could instantly see why Attor had chosen her as his first halfmate.

Taura was also Prince Falke’s birth mother. Tori didn’t see how such a slender woman could give birth to a giant like the commander prince. According to the introduction she’d been given to the woman, she’d been a mother to all the princes--especially when their own birth mothers had died. At her words, Quinn paled slightly and looked like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Tori realized that the flowers were in her room were stolen from Taura’s flower garden. He had said they were rare.

“Ah, Dr. Elliott,” the king stated. He leaned forward to block Quinn from Taura’s view, as he saved his little brother from getting caught. He gave Quinn a knowing look, which Taura on his other side couldn’t see. “Have you got all your provisions?”

Tori looked across the banquet table to the king and nodded. “Yes, thank you. The HIA has left us well taken care of.”

Tori saw Queen Ulyssa smile slightly at her words. She really was beautiful with her red-blonde hair and dark blue eyes. Whenever the woman looked up at her husband, it was with utter love and devotion.

Tori turned back to her meal, wondering at the sudden jealousy and longing that assaulted her senses when she saw the happy couple. She glanced at Quinn, feeling him all the way down to her toes. Her body wanted him that was for sure. But she knew it simply wasn’t wise to get involved with him. He was a prince, her key to staying on the planet, and Tori knew better than to mix business and pleasure--no matter how cute the pleasure was.

On the other hand, it wasn’t like either of them were attached or in danger of becoming attached. Tori shook her head, refusing to consider it. What was she thinking? He was royalty! You just didn’t have a casual affair with royalty on a whim and she certainly wasn’t going to justify sleeping with Quinn just because she was hot for him. No, once she got away from him and the palace, she’d be able to put it all into perspective. Until she could consider all sides and make a logical, rational decision, nothing was going to happen between her and the handsome Var prince.

* * * *

Quinn walked the lovely scientist through the long, mazelike halls of the palace as they made their way back to the guest suite. When he first saw her in the gown he gave her, it took his breath away. It pleased him that she wore it. He’d been scared her stubborn nature would’ve refused the gift.

There was something about Dr. Elliot that captured him. Her smell, her look, her voice--it all drove him to distraction. He wanted her desperately, but was willing to wait for her. He just prayed to all his gods that she didn’t make him wait too long. Quinn was a patient, easygoing man, but even he had his limits.

Dr. Elliot did something to him, something he’d never felt before. When he touched her, he felt all hot and cold at the same time. His body stirred to her, like it had never stirred to anyone. When her gaze lingered too long on one of the guards, he grew jealous and ready to fight to win her attention back--like by dipping his hands beneath her dress to make her shiver.

Sacred Cats! She had skin like silk, warm smooth silk. Quinn suppressed a groan, feeling her on his hands even now.

It was true Dr. Elliot had burrowed beneath his skin. Maybe it was because she obviously wanted him, yet sought to deny them both. Or, maybe it was the way her hips moved beneath the glimmering black gown. Quinn’s eyes became heavy and his breathing deepened. He slowed his step, as they rounded a corner, just so he could check out her firm butt again. Biting his lip to keep from moaning, he briefly closed his eyes and shook his head. Yep, it could definitely be the way her hips moved beneath the gown. It took all his willpower not to grab her up against the wall. If he never drank
nef
before, he might just have to start drinking it now. The degree to which he was aroused, he really needed to be sedated to keep it under control.

Without thought, the prince reached over, grabbed a cheek firmly in his palm, and squeezed. Tori yelped and looked over her shoulder at him. Quinn shot her an audacious grin, refusing to look at all apologetic.

Why should he apologize for wanting her? It wasn’t as if his attention was insulting. He kept his hand on her until she quickened her step and pulled away.

Tori watched Quinn from the corner of her eyes, waiting for him to make another move and secretly hoping he would. She had to admit, the man’s boldness and persistence excited her as a woman. There was nothing sexier than confidence. But, as a professional, which she was most of the time, she knew it was bad for business. She stayed firm, giving him a properly chastising frown for the wandering hands before stepping out of his way.

“Dr. Grant seemed taken with Linzi,” Quinn said, breaking the silence.

Tori glanced back at him in surprise. They’d walked in virtual silence and it seemed an odd topic to break it with. Quinn took the opportunity to catch back up to her side.

“Are you jealous?” Tori asked, doing her best to act nonchalant. She was teasing, though her heart did skip a little while waiting for the answer.

“Why would I be? She’s not my woman,” Quinn answered. He shrugged as if it were no big deal.

“But, you were in the hall....”

“Nothing happened. We were just fooling around,” Quinn filled in when she hesitated.

“You say that as if it was no big deal.”

“It’s not. She is a woman, I’m a man. We have needs. We fulfill them. It really is a simple concept.

Neither of us was attached, least of all to each other. Besides, Linzi and I were never together.” Quinn reached over and picked up Tori’s arm. He winked at her. “I’ve turned my sights to something better.”

Tori blushed prettily. Okay, it was a strange compliment, but it still gave her a rush of pleasure to hear that she was “something better.”

“I’m sure sex to you, Dr. Elliot, is a well calculated, academically fulfilling pursuit.” Quinn smiled, showing he was partly teasing. “Tell me, do you make lists of why and why not you should choose someone as a lover?”

Tori didn’t say a word. She did her best to keep from being mortified. She did make lists.

Quinn laughed. “So, what is the margin? The man must have two more positives than negatives? Do you have a list on me?”

“No,” she stammered.

His face fell. “So I’m not even in the running?”

“No ... yes,” Tori frowned, wrinkling her nose at him. He was only trying to fluster her and she knew it.

“You are--”

“Great!” Quinn interrupted before she could finish her sentence. “Let me know how I come out. I might be able to help you tip the scales in my favor.”

“That wasn’t what I was saying,” Tori put forth.

You are incorrigible,
is what she’d been thinking.

Quinn’s smile widened, as he changed the subject--somewhat. “What is so special about these scientists you date?”

Tori cleared her throat. The way he asked it made her think he’d been doing his research on her. How did he know she only dated scientists? The answer hit her like a freight train. It was so obvious--Grant and Vitto. Had she decided on three hour sleep shifts for the treacherous men? She was sure she’d meant two. “Well, for one thing, they recite poetry to a woman. They say nice, pretty things.”

“Poetry?” Quinn repeated, almost in disgust. Tori nodded. The prince’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“Chocolates, barrels of wine, flowers? I don’t understand this need for so much ceremony and custom.

Now, the hunted offerings, this I get. You wish a man who is fierce enough to fight and kill a dreaded teddy bear. It’s very wise to make him prove his strength. You wouldn’t wish to be associated with a man who couldn’t protect you in times of conflict.”

Tori struggled to keep a straight face. Oh, yes, the fearsome teddy bear. Watch out for the button eyes!

They could choke small, unattended infants with a single pull! Tori sniffed. It was hard not to laugh outright.

“In all seriousness,” Quinn broke into her thoughts. They came to her suite door and stopped. When she looked at him, he seemed to be in very deep contemplation over the matter. “Why would you wish for these things? Flowery words memorized from a book? All that proves is they can’t speak for themselves or are hiding something. Isn’t honesty much sweeter?”

“It’s nice to be courted. The pleasure is derived from the effort made,” Tori said, though she could see the merit of his words. “Don’t the Var believe in paying compliment and giving gifts to women?”

“Ah, we do, but when we compliment it’s with our own words not those of someone else. I compliment you often and will continue to do so, but it’s not with poetry for I’m not a poet. I’m an ambassador. I said I’d rather see your gown crumpled on the floor. That was a compliment for it is very true. There is more honor in speaking what is true than what is merely pleasant.”

Tori wasn’t sure what to say to his logic. The man did make a good point and he seemed very serious.

As he spoke, she was almost afraid to smile for fear he’d take offense to it.

“As to gifts, we Var are very generous to our lovers and mates. We like to lavish gifts on them, especially when it gives them pleasure to receive them.” Quinn’s eyelids fell seductively over his heated gaze. “But, we don’t require the gift giving. If it is not freely given, then a gift isn’t a gift so much as a requirement. For what is the point if both parties are finding mutual pleasure? This is what confuses me about your earth customs. According to your old traditions, women receive these gifts but men do not.

So are earth men paying for sex?”

“Mm, well,” Tori didn’t know how to answer that. She was the last person to give dating advice to anyone. Her dates usually were makeshift picnics on assignment in the middle of field research.

Nothing says romance like getting taken to an ice block to freeze your heinie off
, she thought with a smirk.

“Well?” he prompted, when she didn’t answer right away.

“I can’t tell you. Most of those old traditions are no longer practiced in space, but only on earth itself.”

Tori shrugged. His face fell slightly and she rushed, “But it was a wonderful gesture on your part. I think it was very sweet.”

He nodded. A silence stretched between them as he studied her.

“Well,” Tori began awkwardly. “Thank you for a very lovely evening.”

“It doesn’t have to end,” Quinn insisted, as she opened the door. He watched her walk inside only to stop and turn to him. He didn’t expect her to sleep with him, but he couldn’t help offering up the suggestion. Every time he came onto her, her body would emit the most intoxicating sexual smell. What could he say? He was addicted to it.

“Yes it does,” she answered softly. Her dark eyes modestly lowered, before traveling back up to his face.

“Can I at least call upon the last tradition of a kiss at the end of the date?” Quinn asked. The doorframe was still between them. “That’s one I actually agree with as a good idea.”

Slowly, Tori nodded, but didn’t move to join him in the hall. Quinn let a sexy grin curl the side of his mouth, before stepping toward her. He left the door open, not making any assumptions, as he came to stand before her.

Quinn slowly leaned over, letting his mouth work tenderly along hers. It was hard, but he kept the kiss chaste, not wishing to torture himself any more than he already was. His hands stayed at his sides, not moving to touch her, though he longed to do just that. It would be a long night and he didn’t need the memory of her taste making it worse. Slowly, he pulled back and smiled. “Good night, Dr. Elliot.”

“Good night, Prince Quinn,” she murmured in response. Tori’s heart thumped wildly. He smelled so good. Her blood raced with anticipation, making her limbs shake to hold him. Her body became hot, flooded with her desire for him. Every nerve she had tingled. At the brush of his lips to hers, she let loose a small feminine sigh. She felt him all the way to her toes.

Her nipples were hard and tingling. How in the galaxy were her nipples tingling from a brief kiss? How was it her whole body felt on fire, as if she was melting? It was only a kiss. She took several deep breaths. This was insane. She shouldn’t even consider sleeping with him. She had to think logically. She had to get control. She had ... to get him out of those clothes.

Tori moaned. She couldn’t control her arms as they shot forward. Wantonly, she thrust her stomach into his hard arousal, groaning to feel how hot and thick it was for her. Quinn blinked in surprise. Her body pressed tighter along his frame and her hands delved into his hair, tangling in the silken threads. Her nipples exploded with pleasure, sending shockwaves over her body. She pulled his mouth more fully to hers, making him stumble back with the force of her longing.

Quinn’s shoulder hit the door and he swatted it out of the way on instinct, slamming it shut. Tori giggled against his mouth, the sound driving him mad. His fingers lifted to cup her full breasts. He’d wanted to touch them all night. He tested the weight of her in his palms, running to stroke his thumbs over the incredibly hard tips that he found buried in the soft material of her gown.

“Argh, Sacred Cats, woman!” Quinn growled, rubbing his hard arousal against her between their clothes. “You’re too much.”

Tori pushed him back into the door, trapping him to her body as she stroked down his chest. She clawed at his shirt, fighting with the laces to get it off his body. When she nearly howled in frustration, he pulled back.

“Allow me.” Lifting a finger, he allowed her to watch as the tip of it shifted into a claw. Quinn reached to his side and, with a deft stroke, cut through the laces so that his shirt fell open. Then, just as quickly, he took the claw to her neckline and pulled it down, ripping the material open to free her large breasts. The material clung seductively to the sides of them, hiding her nipples from view but exposing the deep valley between. When he glanced back up, she stared at him in awe.