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

wanting her? It wasn’t as if his attention was insulting. He kept his hand on her until she quickened her step and pulled away.
    Tori watched Quinn from the corner of her eyes, waiting for him to make another move and secretly hoping he would. She had to admit, the man’s boldness and persistence excited her as a woman. There was nothing sexier than confidence. But, as a professional, which she was most of the time, she knew it was bad for business. She stayed firm, giving him a properly chastising frown for the wandering hands before stepping out of his way.
    “Dr. Grant seemed taken with Linzi,” Quinn said, breaking the silence.
    Tori glanced back at him in surprise. They’d walked in virtual silence and it seemed an odd topic to break it with. Quinn took the opportunity to catch back up to her side.
    “Are you jealous?” Tori asked, doing her best to act nonchalant. She was teasing, though her heart did skip a little while waiting for the answer.
    “Why would I be? She’s not my woman,” Quinn answered. He shrugged as if it were no big deal.
    “But, you were in the hall....”
    “Nothing happened. We were just fooling around,” Quinn filled in when she hesitated.
    “You say that as if it was no big deal.”
    “It’s not. She is a woman, I’m a man. We have needs. We fulfill them. It really is a simple concept.
    Neither of us was attached, least of all to each other. Besides, Linzi and I were never together.” Quinn reached over and picked up Tori’s arm. He winked at her. “I’ve turned my sights to something better.”
    Tori blushed prettily. Okay, it was a strange compliment, but it still gave her a rush of pleasure to hear that she was “something better.”
    “I’m sure sex to you, Dr. Elliot, is a well calculated, academically fulfilling pursuit.” Quinn smiled, showing he was partly teasing. “Tell me, do you make lists of why and why not you should choose someone as a lover?”
    Tori didn’t say a word. She did her best to keep from being mortified. She did make lists.
    Quinn laughed. “So, what is the margin? The man must have two more positives than negatives? Do you have a list on me?”
    “No,” she stammered.
    His face fell. “So I’m not even in the running?”
    “No ... yes,” Tori frowned, wrinkling her nose at him. He was only trying to fluster her and she knew it.
    “You are--”
    “Great!” Quinn interrupted before she could finish her sentence. “Let me know how I come out. I might be able to help you tip the scales in my favor.”
    “That wasn’t what I was saying,” Tori put forth.
    You are incorrigible, is what she’d been thinking.
    Quinn’s smile widened, as he changed the subject--somewhat. “What is so special about these scientists you date?”
    Tori cleared her throat. The way he asked it made her think he’d been doing his research on her. How did he know she only dated scientists? The answer hit her like a freight train. It was so obvious--Grant and Vitto. Had she decided on three hour sleep shifts for the treacherous men? She was sure she’d meant two. “Well, for one thing, they recite poetry to a woman. They say nice, pretty things.”
    “Poetry?” Quinn repeated, almost in disgust. Tori nodded. The prince’s brow furrowed in confusion.
    “Chocolates, barrels of wine, flowers? I don’t understand this need for so much ceremony and custom.
    Now, the hunted offerings, this I get. You wish a man who is fierce enough to fight and kill a dreaded teddy bear. It’s very wise to make him prove his strength. You wouldn’t wish to be associated with a man who couldn’t protect you in times of conflict.”
    Tori struggled to keep a straight face. Oh, yes, the fearsome teddy bear. Watch out for the button eyes!
    They could choke small, unattended infants with a single pull! Tori sniffed. It was hard not to laugh outright.
    “In all seriousness,” Quinn broke into her thoughts. They came to her suite door and stopped. When she looked at him, he