Read Captured and Crowned for Free Online Page A

wall. “You expect me to allow you to go on a shopping jaunt?”
    â€œYes.” She’d been hopeful that her name would have started to be well-known in the world of haute couture before she was forced to take up her duty and marry Gregor. “When I was at the draper’s in Istanbul yesterday, I happened on a wonderful silk.”
    â€œIf it was so wonderful, why didn’t you purchase it then?”
    â€œBecause I was busy getting ready for the show.” She stopped and shook her head, for since the King had died her life had been a whirlwind of change.
    He stared at the gown for a long solemn moment, the beautifully chiseled lines of his face revealing no emotion. She fidgeted with her hands, uncertain what else she could say to convince that this froth of satin, lace and beads was all wrong for her.
    â€œHow long will it take you to make this design of yours?” he asked, neither agreeing with her request or denying it.
    â€œA week at the most.”
    â€œDo you always work that fast?”
    â€œMost of the time.” And often late into the night, losing time as she became engrossed in a project. “One more thing. All of my clothes and personal belongings are at my flat in Athens. I need to have my partner send them here.”
    He stroked the arrogant line of his jaw and stared at her so long she felt sweat dot her forehead and dampen the undersides of her breasts. “Very well. Phone your partner and have your things readied,” he said. “A courier will pick them up this afternoon and deliver them here by tonight.”
    She smiled and retrieved her phone from her bag, too excited over being allowed to make her gown to feel annoyance that he listened to her every word.
    With her call ended, she slid her phone on the table and jotted down the address to her flat. She handed that to him with a grateful smile. “Thank you. You won’t regret it.”
    â€œCome now—you can do better than that,” he said.
    She felt the sudden change in him as he strode toward her with predatory intent, as if she’d just issued a challenge he couldn’t refuse.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” She backed up, suddenly desperateto keep him at arm’s reach when her body ached to do the opposite.
    â€œI’ve just granted you your wish. This concession certainly deserves more than a mere thank-you.”
    Her backside hit the wall and slammed a startled squeak from her. But he didn’t stop advancing until he was inches from her, so close her body burned from the heat radiating off his.
    Any coherent thought she might have had vanished. All she could think of was how much she wanted him to kiss her. Hold her. Love her?
    The intensity in his gaze changed, sparking a new emotion in his eyes. Before she could read its meaning he reached out and sifted his fingers through her hair, from the scalp to the ends that reached nearly to her waist.
    â€œYour hair is like dark rich coffee, and holds highlights of the deepest sea and midnight sun, yet against the white it simply looks black.”
    She froze in place, the gentle pull on her scalp tugging at emotions she kept carefully hidden. Yet she couldn’t deny the thread of energy that passed from him to her, tightening to draw her closer.
    She tried to push him away, both palms on his chest, refusing to allow that to happen. But touching him was the wrong thing to do too.
    For now she felt the beat of his heart, strong and sure, beneath her hand. The solid wall of his chest was as unyielding as the man, yet so hot that her own skin began to heat.
    Sensual fire blazed in his dark eyes and her lungs felt scorched, too tight to draw breath. She burned in other places too, and a silent gathering of moisture between her thighs and the tightening of her core muscles proved her body responded on its own to his potent virility.
    She hated him for waking her needs with just a look, for making her want him. Crave his