Read Online The Playful Prince by Michelle M. Pillow - Free Book Online

princes--especially when their own birth mothers had died. At her words, Quinn paled slightly and looked like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Tori realized that the flowers were in her room were stolen from Taura’s flower garden. He had said they were rare.
    “Ah, Dr. Elliott,” the king stated. He leaned forward to block Quinn from Taura’s view, as he saved his little brother from getting caught. He gave Quinn a knowing look, which Taura on his other side couldn’t see. “Have you got all your provisions?”
    Tori looked across the banquet table to the king and nodded. “Yes, thank you. The HIA has left us well taken care of.”
    Tori saw Queen Ulyssa smile slightly at her words. She really was beautiful with her red-blonde hair and dark blue eyes. Whenever the woman looked up at her husband, it was with utter love and devotion.
    Tori turned back to her meal, wondering at the sudden jealousy and longing that assaulted her senses when she saw the happy couple. She glanced at Quinn, feeling him all the way down to her toes. Her body wanted him that was for sure. But she knew it simply wasn’t wise to get involved with him. He was a prince, her key to staying on the planet, and Tori knew better than to mix business and pleasure--no matter how cute the pleasure was.
    On the other hand, it wasn’t like either of them were attached or in danger of becoming attached. Tori shook her head, refusing to consider it. What was she thinking? He was royalty! You just didn’t have a casual affair with royalty on a whim and she certainly wasn’t going to justify sleeping with Quinn just because she was hot for him. No, once she got away from him and the palace, she’d be able to put it all into perspective. Until she could consider all sides and make a logical, rational decision, nothing was going to happen between her and the handsome Var prince.

    * * * *
    Quinn walked the lovely scientist through the long, mazelike halls of the palace as they made their way back to the guest suite. When he first saw her in the gown he gave her, it took his breath away. It pleased him that she wore it. He’d been scared her stubborn nature would’ve refused the gift.
    There was something about Dr. Elliot that captured him. Her smell, her look, her voice--it all drove him to distraction. He wanted her desperately, but was willing to wait for her. He just prayed to all his gods that she didn’t make him wait too long. Quinn was a patient, easygoing man, but even he had his limits.
    Dr. Elliot did something to him, something he’d never felt before. When he touched her, he felt all hot and cold at the same time. His body stirred to her, like it had never stirred to anyone. When her gaze lingered too long on one of the guards, he grew jealous and ready to fight to win her attention back--like by dipping his hands beneath her dress to make her shiver.
    Sacred Cats! She had skin like silk, warm smooth silk. Quinn suppressed a groan, feeling her on his hands even now.
    It was true Dr. Elliot had burrowed beneath his skin. Maybe it was because she obviously wanted him, yet sought to deny them both. Or, maybe it was the way her hips moved beneath the glimmering black gown. Quinn’s eyes became heavy and his breathing deepened. He slowed his step, as they rounded a corner, just so he could check out her firm butt again. Biting his lip to keep from moaning, he briefly closed his eyes and shook his head. Yep, it could definitely be the way her hips moved beneath the gown. It took all his willpower not to grab her up against the wall. If he never drank nef before, he might just have to start drinking it now. The degree to which he was aroused, he really needed to be sedated to keep it under control.
    Without thought, the prince reached over, grabbed a cheek firmly in his palm, and squeezed. Tori yelped and looked over her shoulder at him. Quinn shot her an audacious grin, refusing to look at all apologetic.
    Why should he apologize for