28. Daniela

Antonio promised to get home early enough that we could have a quiet dinner. I haven’t seen him in three days, and I’ve missed him. Even his growly, possessive nature that makes me want to push back hard. Honestly? Maybe I’ve missed that the most.

“Duarte, I’m going to stop by to say hello to Antonio before I go up to the apartment.” He might not be there, but it’s worth a try.

“Is he expecting you?” my new guard asks.

It’s a fair question, I suppose. God forbid someone should drop in on the king without a proper invitation.

“No. I’m going to surprise him.”

He gives me a small smile, not a hey-it’s-your-funeral kind of smile, but an ah, newlyweds kind.

“Do you mind taking my bag up to the apartment?”

“It would be my pleasure, but Senhor Antonio would not be happy if I let you roam around this building alone. The public has access to the main floors. I’ll accompany you to his office, and then I’ll take the bag upstairs.”

Duarte is a breath of fresh air compared to Alvarez, who was not only a traitor, but a grumpy bastard. “I don’t want you to get in trouble.”

“I don’t want to get in trouble either. Your husband won’t forgive me as easily as he’ll forgive you.”

That’s probably true, although I wouldn’t be forgiven so easily for traipsing around without a guard. Security has been tighter than ever since Cristiano was abducted off the street.

Duarte holds the elevator door for me, and I pick up the phone outside the suite to call Cecilia to let me in.

“Senhora,” she says, pushing open the heavy French door, “it’s so nice to see you.”

Now that I’m in a secure area, Duarte quietly slips away. “It’s good to see you, too. Is Antonio in his office?”

“He is. I’ll let him know you’ve arrived.” She stops for a moment, on our way down the hall. “He is expecting you, correct?”

That would be a resounding no. I hate to do this, but I really don’t want her to announce me. “I came directly from the airport, and I’m so thirsty. You know how dry the air is on a plane. Would you mind getting me some water, please?”

“Of course,” she chirps. “I’ll be right back.”

As soon as she’s out of sight, I knock on Antonio’s door.

“What?” he growls like a rabid dog.

I don’t know how Cecelia puts up with this nonsense. Maybe she’s like me, and loves dogs—rabies and all.

I turn the knob and push open the door. “It’s your midday dose of good cheer, senhor,” I announce with a big grin.

He leans back in his chair, his eyes glittering, trying hard not to grin back. “I thought I told you that I don’t like unexpected visitors.”

“And I thought I told you that the rules on visitors don’t apply to your wife.”

With two fingers, he beckons me closer. “Come here.”

“Senhor, I’m so sorry,” Cecelia cries from the doorway. She turns to me. “I didn’t realize you were going to come in.”

Poor woman.

“Don’t worry,” I mouth, taking the water from her. “He’s happy to see me.”

Antonio’s wolfish gaze is fixed on me, as he barks orders to his assistant. “Go home. Transfer your calls, and take them from there. Make sure all the doors to the suite are locked before you leave. Even the inside staircase.”

“Should I come in tomorrow?”

His eyes are brazenly raking over my body. “I don’t know, Cecelia. Do you still want your job?”

She nods. “Yes.”

“Then I would definitely come in if I were you.”

God, he’s insufferable.

“Where were we?” he asks when she shuts the door behind her.

“I was about to make myself comfortable in your lap.”

He continues to undress me with his eyes as I saunter toward him. “Is that so?”

When I’m within arm’s reach, he swivels his chair and pulls me into his lap. My hip grazes his erection as I find a comfortable position, and his eyes flare.

“I’ve missed you, Princesa,” he murmurs, cupping the nape of my neck to bring my mouth closer to where he can devour it.

Any doubt I might have had about why he sent Cecelia home is long gone.

“Valentina was having a fabulous time when I left,” I pant when we come up for air. “Your mother looks great, Samantha sends her best, and my flight was uneventful. Thank you for asking.”

He sinks his teeth into my bottom lip.

“Ahhh,” I cry.

“Wench. I would have gotten to all that, but not before I say hello to your pussy. You know how needy it gets when it’s ignored.” He slides his fingers under my skirt. “Next time you come to my office, leave your panties at home.”

“Does that mean I’m welcome to stop by any time?” I manage on a moan.

“As long as you’re prepared for what you’ll get when you arrive.” He nips my earlobe, as he shoves the silky gusset aside. “Oh, Princesa. I think you are prepared. So prepared,” he whispers, sliding his fingertips over my wet flesh.