Protecting Athena

By Kindra Woods

Prince Oscar must choose a woman to marry…
…but will he let a forbidden love come before his duty?

There has never been anyone more perfect for Oscar than Athena Sexy. He's been in love with her since their first kiss. Too bad she wants nothing to do with him, a notion Oscar's family couldn't be happier about. Being a prince means Oscar has duties to uphold. Duties like finding a suitable wife to settle down with so he can produce heirs.

Oscar knows what he must do, but when Athena comes home from college, looking over her shoulder, afraid for her life, everything changes.

Soon Oscar finds himself offering Athena a deal neither of them can refuse.

Pretend they are dating for her protection against her crazy college stalker. But as the deceit rages on, Oscar cannot deny that taking another taste of the pleasure Athena offers means he'll never let her go…

Fall in love with this enemies to lovers romance! Scroll up and one-click to start reading Protecting Athena today!


***This is a hot, enemies to lovers romance–don't go in thinking it will be sweet with this alpha male prince, steamy scenes, a strong heroine and some surprises along the way.***

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alpha Temptress Publishing
• Release date: Oct 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201879761

Book preview

Prince Oscar must choose a woman to marry…

…but will he let a forbidden love come before his duty?

There has never been anyone more perfect for Oscar than Athena Sexy. He’s been in love with her since their first kiss. Too bad she wants nothing to do with him, a notion Oscar’s family couldn’t be happier about. Being a prince means Oscar has duties to uphold. Duties like finding a suitable wife to settle down with so he can produce heirs.

Oscar knows what he must do, but when Athena comes home from college, looking over her shoulder, afraid for her life, everything changes.

Soon Oscar finds himself offering Athena a deal neither of them can refuse.

Pretend they are dating for her protection against her crazy college stalker. But as the deceit rages on, Oscar cannot deny that taking another taste of the pleasure Athena offers means he’ll never let her go…

Fall in love with this enemies to lovers romance! Scroll up and one-click to start reading Protecting Athena today!

***This is a hot, enemies to lovers romance–don’t go in thinking it will be sweet with this alpha male prince, steamy scenes, a strong heroine and some surprises along the way.***

Prologue

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Oscar

She’s perfect, complete perfection!

Oscar glanced over at Athena Sexy with her soft braided hair looking so beautiful, but he couldn’t have her. He was a prince, and she was the daughter of his father’s secretary.

Yet each week she became more enticing as they reached their teenage years. She was only a year younger than him and hella smart for fourteen years old. Richard, Oscar’s older brother, walked back inside leaving Athena and Oscar alone.

What are you looking at? Athena asked while adjusting her shirt.

Oscar glanced around then inched closer to her. You, he whispered, and she blushed in a heartbeat.

I like looking at you too. She didn’t make eye contact, instead, she kept her focus on the grassy ground. Shouldn’t you be going back inside too? I mean you have your tutor coming over in fifteen minutes. She had a talent for keeping to a schedule, unlike Oscar.

Do you want me to leave you alone? He lifted her chin. Once she met his gaze, she shook her head gently. What do you want, Athena?

Silence fell around them as she nibbled on her lower lip like she was debating on her answer.

Do you want me to kiss you? His brow arched, and she nodded once.

He leaned in bringing their bodies closer. For days he’d been imagining kissing her, wondering what her lips would feel like on his. Then they were kissing, gently at first, then she pulled away. Before he could utter a word, she leaned back and kissed him this time, making his whole body suddenly crave more.

It was perfect, but the sound of a door slamming from the palace scared Athena away. Oscar turned to find his father storming up to them. You know damn well you should be inside getting ready with your brother, he roared, and Athena backed away even more.

I’m heading that way now. He glanced at Athena. I want to do that again. He grinned before heading toward his father, leaving her behind. When he reached his dad, the king he eyed him then Athena.

Son, you need to remember something. As sweet as Athena is, she won’t make a good choice when it comes to a partner when you get older. It’s best to cut that now before you hurt her and yourself. His father’s voice came out harsh.

Oscar eyed him as they reached the doors.

You need to do what’s right for the country. You may be my second child, but if your brother can’t take the challenges ahead, then you’ll take over. Which means falling for someone who could possibly become queen. His father tipped his head. Now does the daughter of my secretary sound like queen material?

I guess not. His shoulders fell. I’ll let her know tomorrow. I need to get to my lessons. As he shuffled inside, he thought about Athena and her soft lips and sweet smile. Tomorrow he’d have to tell her there couldn’t be more. They would never work out because his family needed someone with…more. But at least for a moment, he let himself wonder what his life might be like if he could just have her forever. Yes, even at fifteen he wanted Athena Sexy.

I think you should do it right now. I want to make sure it gets done. His father’s voice called out stopping Oscar in his tracks.

His heart ached as he turned toward his father, the king couldn’t be denied even if he were the son. He wanted to push it off for a little longer. However, he’d have to listen to his father’s advice and give up his own heart for the country.

Oscar sighed and headed back outside where Athena was braiding her hair into two separate braids, so they hung on each side of her head.

Aren’t you going to be late? she asked without looking back at Oscar then slowly turned to face him. What’s wrong? You look pale.

I need to say something. Oscar glanced back at the palace and saw his father still watching him.

Is my father, okay? Why are you looking back at the palace? Athena grabbed his arm sending desire through his veins. Why can’t she just have a different set of parents, ones with rank and power? If only she was born into a rich family who brought her here all the time for some stupid reason. Oscar? She tipped her head to the side, and he refocused on her perfect eyes.

That kiss was a mistake. You need to move on.

The color drained from her face. But you… I mean it… She struggled to form a sentence. You said you liked me, didn’t you?

I think you imagined me saying that. I just kissed you so I can beat my brother. We have a bet, that’s it. He glanced back at the palace once more. His father nodded once, and he sighed. If he said what his father wanted him to say, there would be no turning back. No going back to being friends and no risk of her having feelings for him for the rest of her life.

I don’t… A bet? Her breath caught in her throat.

He turned and grabbed at one of the braids with some force but not too much. You’re fourteen, and too old to have your hair like this. Not to mention your father is a servant and soon you’ll be one as well. I could never love a girl like you who has no rank.

Tears welled up in her eyes as he released her braid. His heart broke into a million pieces as he was sure he was shattering her heart as well.

It’s never going to happen, Athena. You’re a Sexy, one of the servants, and you’ll never achieve enough to be with a prince like me.

But you’ve always been so nice. What changed? She slowly pulled out the bands from her hair, letting the braids unravel slowly next to her pretty face. Even as she cried, she was still hella perfect. Damn country before heart! His resolve