Fortress of Desire: Damsels Defeating Distress, #1

By Alyssa Drake

Destitute, an actress accepts a job impersonating the princess of an island nation, only to discover her subjects are plotting murder.

Lily Lyon's acting career is dead; her latest play closed on opening night. Broke, jobless, and willing to accept anything, Lily agrees to a unique opportunity offered by the mysterious and sexy Jasper, royal guard to Princess Genevieve of Ceresus.

The offer? One week in paradise pretending to be the princess and twenty thousand dollars.

However, her dream job quickly turns to a nightmare when Lily learns Her Highness' picture perfect life is a charade. Navigating a minefield of hate, Lily struggles to portray the princess' venomous demeanor without revealing her true identity. When Genevieve's body is discovered skewered through the heart, Lily realizes she is in grave danger, but who can she trust, when everyone has a motive?

If you enjoy the sensual intrigue of Julie Garwood and Fern Michaels, plunge into this thrilling series filled with romance, mystery, and a dead body...or two.

One click now before time runs out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seductive Quill LLC
• Release date: Apr 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386312536

Alyssa Drake

USA Today Bestselling Author Alyssa Drake has been creating stories since she could hold a crayon, preferring to construct her own bedtime tales instead of reading the titles in her bookshelves. A multi-genre author, Alyssa currently writes a blend of historical romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense. She adores strong heroines with quick wit, and often laughs aloud when imagining conversations between her characters. She believes everyone is motivated by love of someone or something and is always curious to discover what’s hidden beneath the first layer. When she’s not whipping up chocolate treats in the kitchen, Alyssa can be found searching for fairy houses and mermaid eggs.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

M iss Lyon, you have to leave the stage. The light shining in her eyes cut off, Lily plunged into darkness. Opening night, her night, her chance, gone with the flick of a switch. Stolen, along with the entire budget for the show.

She trudged toward the wings, snagging a frayed red backpack from the floor and flinging it over one shoulder. Pushing out the stage door, she took one final look over her shoulder and stepped into the alleyway beside the theater. All those wasted months, lost tips. She shook her head. How much did she have left in her bank account? Twelve dollars and fifty-three cents.

The storm, which had been threatening most of the afternoon, chose that exact moment to rain. The dark clouds burst open, drenching Lily within moments. With a heavy sigh, she slogged across the street toward a coffee shop. After a night like this, she’d earned herself a slice of pie. She’d worry about rent tomorrow.

Yanking open the door, Lily stumbled into the waiting area, slipping on the floor. She crashed into the ‘Please Wait to Be Seated’ sign, wrapping her arms around the small black placard and dragging it to the floor with her. She popped up quickly, heat quickly filling her cheeks, and stood, righting the sign.

With a sheepish grin, she scooted around the sign, drawn to a glass case filled with fresh pies–the best pie in all of New York. She shoved her hand into a small pocket in her backpack, extracting a few crumpled bills. She uncurled them, counting silently. Four dollars, just enough for a slice of pie and a cup of coffee.

Excuse me, Miss Lyon. The deep voice interrupted Lily’s reverie as she drooled over the rows of pies. I am such a fan of your work. May I have your autograph?

Straightening, Lily spun, her face twisted into a scowl. Her eyes skated over the gentleman standing behind her. Look, buddy, I think it’s cute you want an autograph from the lead actress in the fastest closing show in history, but I’ve had an extremely rough night. So, I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your snarky comments to yourself.

I thought your performance was good. He flashed a dazzling smile.

Lily raised a skeptical eyebrow. Her gaze slowly traveled down his deep charcoal suit, tailored exclusively to his impressive frame. A striped tie of complementing shades of scarlet peeped out from between his lapels. The sharp crease in each pant leg–a neatly pressed line–extended to the hem. Shiny, black loafers peeked out from underneath the cloth, which barely kissed the top of the shoes. He looked as though he’d stepped from the pages of a men’s magazine. His light hazel eyes blazed intensely under her scrutiny, causing Lily’s thoughts to divert; her breath hitched as the image of his full lips brushing intimately along her collarbone flickered through her mind. Her eyes rose to his mouth.

He tilted his head, a ghost of a smile dancing across his face. Are you finished with your inspection?

Oh. Lily reddened, forcing the fantasy from her mind. She ripped her gaze from his lips and rolled her shoulders back, squaring her jaw. I was trying to decide if you’re friend or foe.

And what is your decision? he replied with a smirk.

Friend.

Does that mean you’ll sign my program? Mischief lit his eyes.

Fine, Lily sighed, deflating, accepting the glossy, folded program. Do you have a pen?

Certainly, he beamed, reaching inside his coat and extracting a pen. It flashed in the fluorescent lighting, casting small streaks of muted gold over his hand.

Lily took the pen, twisting it curiously and watching the gold light bounce across the tiled floor. A strange red symbol engraved on the stem of the pen intrigued her, but she said nothing. She laid the paper against the glass case and glanced back. Who shall I make it out to?

Jareth.

To Jareth, murmured Lily. Thank you for your kind support, keep slaying dragons. With love, Lily. She signed with a flourish and handed back the program.

Thank you. Jareth inspected the paper. He glanced up with a grin. I shall cherish this always.

That’s really sweet, but I’m not a famous actress.

I know, he replied, leaning in with a wink, "however, you are one of my favorites."

Now you’re teasing me.

No, he shook his head, a sincere gleam in his eyes. I’ve seen every single one of your performances online, and when I had an opportunity to come here, I swore I would find a way to meet you in person.

Okay, Lily took one exaggerated step away from him, now I can’t decide if you’re a fan or a stalker.

Tell you what, Jareth laughed, his deep voice carrying over the subtle clink of silverware, why don’t I buy you a slice of pie while you figure it out.

I love pie, murmured Lily, her eyes traveling back to the glass case.

Me, too.

Alright, Lily grinned at him, if you can guess my favorite pie, I’ll sit down and talk to you.

Hmm, Jareth stroked his chin dramatically. He walked around Lily, his eyes traveling over her body, analyzing the brown leather bustier and peasant skirt, her costume from the canceled play. And the only compensation she would receive from this failed endeavor.

Cherry, he determined with a nod.

Correct! Lily exclaimed; she narrowed her eyes. How did you know?

Good guess? He winked, stepping around her. We’ll have two slices of cherry and two cups of coffee.

Heated, please, added Lily with a small smile.

Of course, replied the waitress. I’ll bring them over in a few moments. She gestured to an empty booth across from three older men, who leaned together muttering over three half-empty mugs. They glanced furtively at Lily and Jareth in between sips.

What brings you to my little corner of the world? asked Lily, shooting a filthy glare at the three men as she slid into the booth. Is it business or pleasure?

Business, he replied, dropping lightly into the bench across from her.

How long do you intend to stay in town?

As long as it takes to conclude my business.

You’re kind of evasive, did you know that?

So, I’ve been told. Jareth laughed again; the warm sound wrapped comfortingly around Lily. Okay, my turn for questions.

Your turn? Lily’s eyes widened. Why do you get a turn?

Because I wanted to meet you, and you’re still deciding if I’m a stalker, he paused. You’re still deciding, right?

I am.

Two slices of cherry pie appeared, discreetly slid onto the Formica tabletop by the waitress who vanished without comment. Lily picked up her fork, pointing the handle at Jareth. You’re lucky they arrived when they did. She took a bite, her eyes closing at the sweet, sour taste.

Jareth chuckled.

Alright, ask, stated Lily, her eyes still closed. She blindly took another bite.

Why did the play close at the end of the first act tonight? I thought it was quite good.

Lily’s eyes opened into slits. The producer ran off with the funds this afternoon; none of us are getting paid. We discovered the truth halfway through the first act. People just walked out, there was nothing that could be done. Lily sighed. At least I didn’t get hit by the sword this time.

What sword?

In the second act, the dragon uses the prince’s own sword to vanquish him. During dress rehearsal, the sword slipped from the dragon’s mouth and struck me instead. She lifted her right leg onto the booth’s seat, pulling up her skirt to reveal a long cut across her knee. Jareth’s gaze flicked to the scar.

I thought the first few minutes were quite riveting. His eyes returned to her face. Lily glanced up in annoyance, dropping her skirt; Jareth’s eyes sparkled. He was teasing her.

I was the only one on stage, she stabbed her fork at him, "and I was topless."

I know, he smiled, the amusement crinkling his eyes. I enjoyed every moment.

"Okay, now I am leaning toward stalker."

That’s not good, he frowned. How can I sway your opinion?

Lily’s arm snaked out and she stuck her fork through the center of his pie. You’ll have to bribe me.

Deal. He pushed his untouched plate toward her.

A smile twitched across Lily’s face. Alright, question number two.

Do you have any other commitments after this play?

Nope, Lily shook her head. No prospects, no auditions; dead broke. She took another bite of her pie, muttering. Can’t wait to spend my winter holed up at a homeless shelter.

Jareth reached across the table, squeezing her wrist. Is it really that bad? he whispered, concern etching itself across his face.

No, Lily shook her head. "I’m being dramatic. I can always find work. She scraped the fork across her plate once before stacking Jareth’s plate on top of hers. Okay, back to me."

Wait, I only have two questions.

You had three. You just asked if it was really as bad as I implied.

"That sounds like a technicality, but I’ll let