Kisses of Kings

By Ann Corbett

From the All About the Girls collection:
Kisses of Kings - Two sisters, two men; will it be love or just lust for any of them?
Rachel and Craig met while on holiday, they were part of a group of people all having fun and a little harmless flirtation... until that time in an elevator – when they had both had a little too much to drink, and the kiss that they shared had floored them both...
Now they have met again, and that chemistry is still churning, will they succumb this time to temptation?
And then there is Cassie! Marooned in a house, with a man who is the epitome of tall dark and dangerous, and every time he looks at her, all she wants to do is...
Well, she has her reasons, for not wanting to surrender to his blatant seduction - can she resist?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AJC
• Release date: Jun 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301183265

Book preview

Kisses of Kings

By

Ann Corbett

Please note that the characters in this story are entirely fictional, any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.

Kisses of Kings Copyright© Ann Corbett 2011

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Kisses of Kings

Chapter One

(They had a history – now he was offering to help her, but at what cost?)

Rachel pressed the door bell several times and waited, foot tapping impatiently.

The door opened and Fay stood there beautiful and glowing and more than a little bit pregnant.

Hi there! she laughed as Rachel stomped inside. What on earth is the matter?

I’ve got a problem, and I need a man! Rachel said in a clear agitated tone.

Well I’ve got one if you need to borrow him. Fay responded a trifle smugly.

Rachel winced and then turned to smile sweetly back. Don’t gloat dear it’s not very becoming to you.

Fay tipped back her head and laughed. Oh Rachel it’s so good to see you, it’s been ages. She leaned forward to hug her friend tight.

Rachel returned the hug affectionately. You too babes.

They wandered through to her living room where Richard was sitting reading the papers, looking very domesticated and VERY content.

Rachel! he exclaimed warmly as he stood up to hug her. It’s about time you paid us another visit. As he led her to the sofa he gave her a mischievous little smile. Did I hear you say something about needing a man?

Rachel pulled a rueful little face that trailed off into a little grin. Yes and Fay very kindly offered your services, She told him cheekily.

Richard laughed. Oh I think I can do better than that for you. He told her enigmatically.

Fay had disappeared to make coffee, but now she came and sat down next to Rachel. The coffee’s all made and ready. She said softly.

Richard shot her a loving look and toddled off to fetch it.

What was that all about? Rachel asked in surprise.

Fay laughed gently. Richard doesn’t like me to carry anything heavier than my handbag, she said affectionately. He doesn’t want me to strain myself or risk baby Jack. She gently patted her tummy as she said the last bit.

It’s a boy? Rachel cried out excitedly, and then in the same breath. I can see that Richard has never felt the weight of your handbag.

Oh shush now, Fay whispered softly.

As Richard returned with the tray, she looked questioningly at Rachel. So what’s your problem? That can only be solved by a man?

Rachel gave a forlorn little groan her soft brown eyes wrinkling at the edges. Oh it’s that Patrick at work! she snapped impatiently.

Fay clucked sympathetically. Is he bothering you again?

He’s always on at me to go out on a date with him, and just doesn’t seem to get the message.

So you thought that if you could produce a boyfriend, he might ease off a bit? Fay guessed with a little smile.

Well... yes.

Come on Rache get it off your chest. Fay encouraged as her friend seemed to dry up mid sentence.

Rachel gave another sigh. Mr. Hollywell, the senior director is retiring and they are having a bit of a farewell do next week. Any way Patrick will be promoted up to junior director and he’ll inherit me as his PA... Again she trailed of as she stared down moodily into her coffee.

And?

And if I can’t produce a convincing and dishy boyfriend before then, then my life won’t be worth living.

You know you can get him on harassment in the work place. Richard ever the solicitor offered quietly. I know of one or two local solicitor firms who could advise you.

Rachel shot him a tight little smile. Thanks Richard, but it’s not that bad, and besides I like my job. I’d hate to have to leave over something so trivial. She realised that she was starting to sound a bit whiney, and gave a determinedly bright smile. And you did say that you could help me out with the boyfriend bit? she asked sweetly.

Richard gave an amused little laugh just as the door bell went again. I’ll just get that. He said to no one in particular as he stood up and walked across the room.

Rachel looked to Fay to see her friend looking thoughtful.

They could hear the sound of the front door and then a male voice that sent a bolt down Rachel’s spine, a feeling of excitement mixed with sick dread as they approached the living room. She stood up – unaware that the colour was high in her cheeks and her brown eyes lit up with delight and shone with excitement, her curly brown hair as usual was scrunched up with little wisps fighting to escape.

She looked like a little peasant girl waiting to be corrupted by the man who entered the room.

Craig I’m so glad you could make it they could hear Richard who was so clearly amused, you remember Rachel don’t you? She’s got a bit of a problem, and I thought that you could help.

Craig stopped just inside the door way, a brief flash of...was that terror??

He grinned his usual charming, flirtatious grin and Rachel’s world settled as she knew what to expect from him.

He stepped forward his hazel coloured eyes twinkling at her. My lady has need of my services?

Rachel laughed as she felt the colour warm her cheeks once more. You’ve not changed a bit I see. She tried to sound unimpressed but surely everyone could hear the high girly pitch to her voice.

Craig! Fay walked between them to hug him affectionately. Richard never said that you were paying us a visit... at last.

Craig winced at that reprimand as gentle as it had been. I know I know I should have come sooner. He nodded his head vigorously. But I had a commission to finish. He excused. His grin widened suddenly. But now it’s done, so I’m all yours for as long as you’re prepared to put up with me.

Come and sit down, Fay ordered softly as she led him over to the sofa.

She would have joined him there but Richard went off to make him a coffee, and the phone started to ring.

Let me just get that, she murmured as she left the room.

Rachel sat sipping her coffee, trying not to drool over the guy she had been secretly infatuated with since she’d first set eyes on him. He was a little shorter than Richard’s six foot plus height, but broader of shoulder and very muscular. The first time she had seen him he’d just stepped out of the shower and had just a little towel slung across his hips.

His dark hair had been wet and slicked back and as the water had dripped across that muscular chest Rachel had been seized with the urge to...Well, it had been quite a shock - those feelings that he’d generated in her.

So how are you keeping? Craig’s soft question caught her off guard it was so out of character for him, he was usually so flirtatious and outrageous – and shallow by nature.

Rachel looked at him his eyes dark and serious and uncertain, and she was back in that elevator with him...

**

They’d spent the later part of an evening together.

Craig had been holidaying with his brother Richard, and had met up with her and her sister Cassie and Fay and their friend Claudia. For a couple of days they had formed a group, and she and Craig had started a little game of flirt and put down.

The girls had gone out for an evening meal and had arrived back late to find Craig bored and restless and a little lonely. Richard had been caught up with some work thing and had all but abandoned Craig.

Rachel had taken pity on him and had remained downstairs in the hotel bar to share a nightcap with him.

One drink turned into two and then three...

Neither of them was drunk, just a little high in spirits.

As they stepped into the empty elevator the doors closed and the little tin box, jerked into motion knocking Rachel into Craig’s steadying arms.

Thank you. She pushed him away blushing.

At your service mam, Craig grinned wickedly stepping closer to her so that she was up against the wall. Now maybe that deserves a little reward... His head lowered and his lips claimed hers in a wet exuberant kiss.

Rachel knew that he was only joking, that to respond to that kiss was the worst thing she could do. She closed her eyes with a little sigh, and kissed him back.

She felt him tense, his lips stilling in surprise. He lifted his head and she let out a little whimper of regret. Her eyes were just opening when she felt his lips return to hers, hard and demanding, his tongue flicking at the entrance to her mouth, demanding entry. With a groan, her lips parted and she returned his kiss with passion. Craig’s tongue dipped into her mouth in the most erotic way she had ever known. His hands moved restlessly down the length of her body as she arched against him revelling in his response to her.

The elevator shuddered to a halt and Craig stepped back looking a little dazed. What?

The doors opened and with a bewildered little sob Rachel slipped past him, her key in her hand and scuttled into her room like a petty criminal.

They had not spoken again until today.

She looked across at him blankly striving to say something cool.

Fine, came her lame shaky reply.

Richard came back in with a steaming mug for Craig. As Rachel looked up into his face she could have sworn that Richard was desperately trying not to laugh, and she frowned at him in annoyance.

So, how can I help you? Craig asked lightly as he took the offered mug from Richard.

Rachel flushed uncomfortably. It’s nothing really, don’t worry about it. I’m sure I can handle things, she reassured the room in general.

Richard frowned thoughtfully. I’ll sort out the number of that solicitor for you, just in case, he told her quietly.

Solicitor? Why would you need a solicitor? Craig sat upright demanding answers.

Rachel scowled across at Richard before turning to Craig. Honest it’s nothing to worry about; your brother is over reacting.

Sexual harassment in the work place is considered a serious matter these days. Richard informed her solemnly.

Craig’s mouth tightened in anger. Is someone bothering you Rachel, what can I do to help?

Rachel has a work function next week; we all thought that if she could take a young fiancé with her, it might be enough for this guy to back off, Richard cut in.

Good idea, Craig brightened. So when is it? And is it formal or casual dress?

Both men looked to Rachel for the required information, regardless of her protests.

That was Cassie on the phone, Fay said entering the room and walking over to sit next to Craig. She was calling to say she couldn’t make it tonight.

Oh? What’s the problem? Rachel was only too glad to change the topic of conversation.

She’s had to go away for the weekend on a work thing.

Work thing?

Fay gave a sympathetic little laugh. Yes, apparently a special delivery that absolutely had to be made today, and Cass was the only one considered trustworthy enough to see it done.

I wonder if she wants some company. Rachel murmured thoughtfully.

Fay looked at her in surprise. She’s already gone; it’s quite a long way so she left earlier this afternoon. She said that she would call you later, once she’d arrived.

Fay looked across at her smirking lover. Did I miss anything interesting? she asked the room in general.

"Craig has just volunteered to escort Rachel to that work thing, and we’re waiting