Beauty Awakened

Beauty Awakened

A Princes of Danislova Novel

Alice Gaines

For my grandmother, the real Alice Gaines

She would never have approved

Also by Alice Gaines

Kiss the Frog

The Glass Slipper

Cover image by Novelstock

Cover Design by Bookin’ It Designs

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2015 Alice Brilmayer

All Rights Reserved

ISBN 978-1-940854-07-6 (electronic)

ISBN 978-1-940854-08-3 (print)

Chapter One

The youngest prince of Danislova was as cute as a bug. And he danced like a dream. So divinely, in fact, that Dixie Anne Beaumont allowed herself to snuggle into his embrace as he guided them around the dance floor.

In her travels, Dixie usually ran in pretty exalted circles. She’d met a few nobles in her day. Most were her daddy’s age. Some had tried to let their happy hands go exploring in places on her body she didn’t appreciate—advances she’d rebuffed by suggesting they’d lose a few fingers if they kept it up. None had interested her until this one. And if she could read his signals correctly, he was interested, too.

How long are you staying in Danislova? he said as he managed the exact distance between them to get nice and close but not close enough for others to disapprove.

I hadn’t given it much thought beyond serving as my friend Casey’s bridesmaid. Or I guess I should say matron.

His eyebrows went up. Matron, not maid?

I was married for a time, she said. The worst five years of my life.

I’m sorry.

Don’t be. I’m rid of him now. Phil, her asshole ex, had tried to ruin Casey’s chance at happiness. Dixie had intervened to save the day, and now she’d been part of a royal wedding party. Great fun all around.

The men in my family don’t divorce, the prince said.

You don’t say. That’s as good a reason to stay single as I’ve ever heard.

He laughed and pulled her an inch or two closer. I like the way you think.

I like the way you dance, Your Highness.

The spark of masculine interest entered his blue eyes again. He’d been sending signals since she first arrived for the rehearsal dinner. After a lifetime of flirting, minus the five years with Phil, Dixie knew how to send them back. Things were moving along smoothly.

We know each other well enough to use first names, don’t you think? he said.

Indeed. And they’d know each other more than well before she headed home. Maybe sooner rather than later. I’m Dixie Anne, but my friends call me Dixie.

Only people who don’t know me call me Your Highness, he answered. And only my family uses my real name, Ulrich. I’m Rick to everyone else.

The everyone else probably included a whole lot of women. He stood tall and wore finely tailored clothes. Unlike his brothers and father, who were eye candy in their own right, Rick VonRamsberg had blond hair and blue eyes with insanely long lashes. Dimples and a mouth created for sin made him perfectly irresistible, and she had no reason to resist.

He swirled them and dipped so when they came back up, their bodies touched. Interesting.

My father is planning to take Casey and her parents on a tour of Danislova, he said. Can you stay long enough to come with us?

No one’s invited me.

I’m inviting you. His voice dropped in pitch, just enough to suggest his invitation had less to do with touring castles than touring each other.

I don’t know. I have responsibilities at home.

He stiffened ever so slightly. What responsibilities?

My dog, for one. Come to think of it, she probably didn’t have any other responsibility at all.

Where’s the dog now?

My ex is taking care of her. It had been Phil’s idea to get a dog, but he’d wanted something big and masculine, not a tiny mutt.

Can he continue to keep the dog?

I guess. Phil would complain. Let him.

There, you see?

The music stopped, but he didn’t release her for a few seconds. They stood, staring into each other’s faces, until common sense returned and she stepped back. Still, he didn’t let her go completely but curved her arm around his to lead her from the dance floor.

Let’s find some champagne, shall we? he said.

Let’s do.

Luckily, a server carrying a tray of champagne flutes stopped by, and the prince took two glasses. As he handed one to Dixie, he gave her a slight bow. All very regal and proper. The gleam in his eyes as he did it suggested he could follow up with improper behavior if given the chance. Her breath caught for a split second. He made a stunning display of masculine beauty, and for a moment her imagination went wild picturing what she’d find under the starched, white shirt. Or more importantly inside his pants. Somehow, she’d have to find a way to get beyond subtle to direct or they could end up dancing around each other for days before they got down to the nitty-gritty.

Keeping her gaze steadily on his, she tipped her glass against the one in his hand and then curled her arm around his to bring her champagne to her mouth.

His eyes widened in surprise for no more than a heartbeat, but then, he bent his own arm so he could drink as well. The action brought their faces only inches from each other, and she couldn’t help but stare as his lower lip touched the glass. He caressed it, knowing full well she wouldn’t be able to look away, the scamp. It was a purely seductive move that connected to her heart and places south, excitement zinging along her nerves. Oh, my. Oh, my, oh, my.

Suddenly, the air seemed to grow hot, and she pulled back and lifted a hand to fan her face. He simply stood, smiling. He knew the effect he had on her, and he was enjoying himself. Two could play at that, and she could get a rise out of him if she tried. Literally.

She turned toward the dance floor, as if she had any interest in anyone out there. Her heartbeat continued at a rapid pace.

You don’t resemble your brothers or your father, she said.

I look like my mother’s side of the family, he said.

You’re all handsome devils, though, aren’t you? she said. Even your father.

He took a position next to her, almost touching, and also feigned an interest in the dancers. Are you including me in that?

What do you think?

I think I’m flattered, he answered.

Not flattery if it’s true.

Shall I return the compliment?

She glanced at him out of the corners of her eyes. Only if it’s honest.

Honesty, he said. You’re the most beautiful woman here.

The rapid beat of her heart became a flutter. I don’t see how that’s possible. I mean, the bride—

Casey’s lovely. So are Felice and Lady Marta and any number of other women. He turned toward her. They aren’t you.

Why, sir, you take my breath away. In times of stress and excitement, the southern part of her personality snuck out. She was certainly excited now.

He didn’t remark on the accent she still carried but smiled in a way that suggested she’d charmed him. What shall we do to get your breath back?

Nothing. I like it this way.

You’re very direct, Miss…Dixie. He was smiling in earnest now, his expression suggesting openness to anything she might say.

My granny taught me to say what I mean and mean what I say, she replied.

Very admirable of her.

So, what I’m thinking is one of us should seduce the other, she said. I just can’t decide which.

His eyes widened in surprise, no doubt at her directness, but then, his grin widened. Why not make it mutual?

Mutual seduction. Success. If she’d stayed around for the tour of Danislova, she would have ended up in his bed at some point. Why put off the pleasure?

That sounds wonderful, she said. But we should be discreet. The whole world doesn’t need to know our business.

Agreed, he said. Later, then? I’ll come to you.

I’ll find you, instead. That way, she could leave once they’d had their fun. No point getting attached to anyone because after five years of Phil Comstock she’d never get married again.

Fine, he said. I’m in the family wing, near Casey and Kurt. I’ll leave my door ajar so you’ll know where I am.

I’ll come after the party winds down.

I’ll be there.

Just then, Casey came running up to Dixie almost at top speed. She caught Dixie’s wrist. Come on. I’m going to throw the bouquet.

Dixie held back. Oh, no. You’re not getting me into that crowd.

But you might catch it, Casey said.

That’s what I’m afraid of, Dixie said. I made that mistake once.

Casey tugged in Dixie’s wrist again. Come on.

Rick took Dixie’s glass. If the bride wants you to do something…

Rick’s right, Casey said. It’s my wedding. I get to order everyone around.

Oh, all right. Dixie allowed Casey to pull her away from the gorgeous man she’d be having sex with later. She’d have to kill time until then, anyway. In the meantime, she’d duck if the bouquet got within ten feet of her.

*

Rick never had nerves around a woman. If the attraction was mutual, he acted on it. If the lady didn’t want him, fine, he walked away with no regrets. This one, Dixie Anne Beaumont, had his stomach in knots as he waited for her.

Maybe the feelings were no more than fear that she wouldn’t come. He usually made the moves and didn’t have to depend on anyone else. But honestly, if that were to happen with another woman, he’d only feel disappointed. Dixie’s failure to follow through on their mutual seduction would be a lot worse than that.

She had an air about her. Saucy but vulnerable—as if you didn’t know if she’d spit in your eye or give you a look that came from deep inside. She’d given him that look twice while they’d danced, and his heart had thudded both times. Another part of his body had reacted, too, which could have become embarrassing if they hadn’t stepped out of each other’s arms.

She could be his Mona Lisa, if he could trust her well enough to tell her about his painting. An extremely premature plan for someone he’d just met. After all, he hadn’t even told his family he painted. He’d surprised the hell out of himself discovering he was good at something. The bubble might yet burst, so he wouldn’t share his secret with anyone until he’d established himself.

He had to take the risk with her. She inspired such fantasies...sexual, of course…but also more innocent ones. The princess he could awaken with a kiss. Crazy, that one, but he couldn’t shake it. And he couldn’t afford the time it would take to become certain of her. She might run away while he was deciding whether he could trust her or not.

He glanced at the clock. Ten past midnight—two minutes since he’d last checked. They hadn’t specified a time, curse it all. If they had, he could tell if she was coming or not. Of course, if she didn’t, he’d have to get to sleep with an erection. Maybe he’d take a cold shower.

A noise came from out in the hall…finally...and he shot to his feet. She silently let herself into his sitting room and closed the door behind her.

For a moment, he let himself drink in the sight of her. Only a few inches shorter than he was, she had long limbs. Especially her legs seemed to go on forever. Her pale skin set off the copper color of her hair. She wore a negligee underneath a silk robe, but neither did anything to hide the plushness of her figure. No stick women for him. He preferred soft flesh in his hands and beneath his mouth.

It took some doing, but I finally got here, she said.

I’m glad.

You’d-a thought Casey and Kurt would want to toddle off to the marriage bed first thing, but she wanted to talk, and he sat patiently waiting for her.

That’s my brother.

The two of them were all googly-eyed in love. See how long that lasts.

She walked around the room. Casually inspecting the place, as if she hadn’t just condemned his brother’s marriage to, if not misery, something less than blissful.

You’re a cynic, he said.

I’m a realist, darlin’,

My mother and father were happy their entire lives together, he said. My older brother and Felice are the same.

Oh, la. She waved a hand. I guess it can happen for some people.

Which clearly meant she’d dismissed the possibility for herself. He wouldn’t normally find himself in the position of Defender of Matrimony, but it seemed a shame she’d written off her own chances at wedded bliss. Women loved that sort of thing. They read novels all about it. Could five years of a bad marriage have really soured her so completely on love?

And there lay the key to how she got to him. He’d never been in love in the romance novel way, but he’d been surrounded by people who adored him his whole life. They might not take him seriously, being the baby and all, but they gave him plenty of affection.

She stopped her circuit of the room and stood in one place, clearly expecting him to do something.

He cleared his throat. Would you like some brandy? My father has it specially made for us.

She cocked her head in puzzlement. If that’s what you want.

I do. Suddenly, brandy seemed like the perfect solution to this stupid case of nerves. He went to a side table where he kept the decanter and poured two drinks into crystal snifters. Do have a seat.

She went to the settee and settled herself daintily, tucking her feet beneath the hem of her gown. They were bare, giving him the image of her creeping down the palace corridors like an expectant child at Christmas.

He went to her, handed her a brandy, and took the seat next to her. She gazed at him over the rim of the glass as she drank. A practiced flirt, or seducer. This was supposed to be a mutual seduction, so he’d better get to work.

He leaned back and rested his arm along the edge of the settee where his fingers almost dug into her hair. She took another drink, this time running her tongue around the rim of the snifter. Of course, that got him to thinking about her tongue around the ridge of his cock, and the organ in question swelled further in his pajama pants. He wore a robe, just as she did, so she wouldn’t see his growing erection, but she had to know what she did to him with that gesture.

You haven’t touched your brandy, she said.

Quite right. He took his drink in one swallow and let it burn on the way down his throat. Father’s brandy wasn’t harsh, but any liquor, even the finest, gave off some heat if you drank it quickly. He set his glass on the table beside the settee and moved toward her, his arm still poised to take her in an embrace.

Now you’re cooking, she said. She downed the rest of her brandy and handed the glass to him. I was wondering what it took to set a fire under you.

You set it hours ago. He put her glass next to his and then turned back to her, moving ever closer.

She put her palm on his chest. One thing before we crank up the tractor.

Tractor? Oh well, if she wanted to talk farm equipment, he’d listen, as long as she didn’t budge when she did it.

This is fun, darlin’, she said. Nothing more.

I’m pretty sure a one-night-stand won’t satisfy me. And he’d make dammed sure she wanted him again. And again.

That’s fine for as long as I’m here, but we stay friends, she said. Understood?

At that, she stuck out her hand for him to shake. Fine. He could agree to that, too. So he took her fingers in his and squeezed them. Now that they’d established their friendship, they could move on to more pleasurable matters. So, he turned her hand over and kissed her palm.

When he glanced up, she was staring at him as she’d never imagined a man would do that. Perhaps she wasn’t used to a lover going slowly, making her feel treasured. The thought tugged at something in the vicinity of his heart. Tonight, she’d find out exactly how it felt to be cherished.

He took her chin in his hand and pulled her face toward him for a kiss. Hesitating with their lips only inches apart, he let the anticipation build.

Only now did he notice she wasn’t wearing make-up. She looked this beautiful in her natural state. He’d find her head on the pillow next to his in the morning, every bit as lovely as she’d been at the reception.

Rick? she said.

Hm?

Were you planning on kissing me some time tonight?

Right. Sorry. He closed the final distance and lowered his mouth to hers. The moment he did, the world lurched, settling their lips together like the pieces of a puzzle.

She tasted right. No other way to describe it. Brandy, of course, but she had her own nectar, too. He couldn’t get enough of her but took more and more as their mouths performed a dance far too intimate for a simple kiss.

She seemed as affected as he, taking his face in her hands and angling her lips beneath his for a deeper kiss. Now the tip of her tongue emerged...the way she’d teased him before. He took it between his lips and grazed it with his own tongue.

The smoldering need between them lit into a blaze. He’d meant to go slowly, but one kiss and he was already to the point where he could take her, hard and fast. With a soft moan, she moved closer to him, pressing her body against his as if she felt the same hunger and couldn’t get enough of him.

Her breasts crushed against his chest, which was no way to treat such luscious flesh. He had to get enough control of himself to lead her into the bedroom instead of taking her crudely on this settee.

Finally, she was the one to break the kiss. That was hot.

Agreed. He had to struggle for breath and to restore his sanity.

I imagine there’s a bed somewhere, she said.

The next room.

Don’t you think you ought to take me there? she said.

Indeed. He gathered enough wits to stand and help her up. And now, he could pull her flush against him, from shoulders to pelvis, and kiss her again. Again, their mouths fit together as if made for the purpose. Only now, as the caress went deeper, she circled her arms around him, and before he realized her destination, she’d cupped his buttocks and squeezed. He reacted automatically by jumping.

Did I startle you? she asked.

I wasn’t expecting that.

You have a sweet tush, she said. Firm and round. I’ve been wanting to do that all night.

Thank heaven she hadn’t done it during the reception. Casey had let loose with a few choice words at a ball that had almost broken her and Kurt up. Was Felice the exception and the rest