Behind Palace Doors. Jules Bennett

she wasn’t ready for motherhood.”

      “That’s a mature decision.”

      Victoria’s eyes darted to his, and that sweet smile widened. “I knew you’d understand. You were always so open-minded. So many have called her decision selfish.”

      He shook his head, reaching for his own wineglass. “Selfish would’ve been keeping the baby, knowing she would put her career first.”

      She looked as if she wanted to say more, but she cut a piece of her meat and slid the fork between her perfectly painted pale pink lips. And like any man infatuated with a woman—or any man who had breath in his lungs—he agonizingly watched until the fork disappeared and she groaned with delight as her eyelids fluttered. Just when he thought his arousal couldn’t get any stronger…

      “This is still so amazing,” she told him. “You have no idea how grateful I am that you remembered my favorite food.”

      He knew every single detail about her—her favorite color, the movies she’d seen countless times and even the old diary she kept all of her private thoughts in. He knew more about her than any other woman, which was why they had such a strong bond. He didn’t mind listening to her talk about her life. Most other women talked about their lives in an attempt to impress him. Victoria impressed him simply by being there for him, making him smile and expecting nothing from him in return.

      “So tell me about this film.” He wanted to know more, wanted to support her. “What’s your part?”

      He also wanted to keep her relaxed, keep her talking all night—since that was his only option for now. Just like during their multiple phone conversations over the years, that sultry voice washed over him, making him wish for things he couldn’t have right now. But at the end of this, who knew? Maybe they’d remain married. That would put quite a spin on the whole friends-with-benefits scenario.

      He’d never had this type of arrangement before—even that would’ve been more of a commitment than he’d been willing to give. But for Victoria…hell yes, he’d be interested.

      “I’ve never worked with my family before and never designed costumes for a movie, but I made an exception,” she said with a glowing smile. “There’s no way I could let another designer do this, not when it’s so close to my heart.”

      “Sounds like you’re going to be a busy woman,” he told her, cutting into his tender meat.

      “The designs are done since filming started a few months ago. But I’m needed on set in case of a malfunction or a last-minute wardrobe switch.” She shrugged and sipped her wine. “My team back in L.A. is handling everything right now. My assistant may have to take on a bit more until our wedding is over, though. God, that sounds so strange to say.”

      He lay his fork down, reached across the table and took her hand. “Thank you for what you’re doing for me, for my country. I’ll never be able to express my gratitude.”

      “You’ve been my best friend since I had braces,” she joked. “We may live far apart, but other than my family, you’re the closest person in my life.” She tightened her grip on his hand and tilted her head with a soft grin. “Besides, you’ve handed me a dream job designing the gown, and I get to play queen for a few months. Seriously, I’m getting the better end of the bargain.”

      Stefan laughed. “I wasn’t sure you’d agree so easily. I should’ve known you’d stand by me.”

      “I admit I have reservations about lying to the public, to my friends and employees.” She shifted in her seat, breaking hold of their hands. “But I’m honored to stand by you. It’s not often we find someone in our life we can truly depend on.”

      He hated the loss of her hands in his and the hurt in her tone. “I was afraid you’d be vulnerable since the breakup, afraid you’d shut this idea down before I could explain my reasons.”

      “Maybe I am still vulnerable.” She chewed her lip, eyes darting down before coming back up to meet his. “But I won’t let my heart get in the way of my life again, and I know I’m safe with you.”

      “Absolutely, Victoria.” He’d die before he let her get hurt. “You know how much I care for you.”

      He admired Victoria for standing tall, not cowering behind her family when it would be so easy to do so after having her world ripped out from under her. He knew firsthand how hard life was to live in the public eye. The media was ruthless, and if the story wasn’t there, they made one up and damn the consequences. Reputations could be damaged and ruined with just a small dose of ink from the written word and could take years to restore…if restoration was even possible.

      Because of accusations thrown at his family after the death of his mother, he more than anyone knew how fast a reputation could be ruined.

      The rest of the meal moved quickly through some laughter and easy conversation, but Stefan couldn’t get his mind off that scorching kiss. He wanted his hands on her again, whether to torture himself or just have a brief moment of instant gratification, he didn’t know. But he knew how to rectify the situation.

      “Dance with me,” he told her when she’d placed her napkin beside her now-empty plate.

      “Right now?” She glanced around the spacious, moonlit balcony. “There’s no music.”

      He came to his feet, moved into the master suite and within seconds had the surround sound filtering out into the night. When he came back through the open double doors, he extended his hand.

      “Dance with me,” he repeated, pleased when her hand slid into his. “We should practice before the official royal wedding dance after the ceremony. It’s been years since we danced together.”

      She came to her feet, and he took no time in pulling her body against his. Wrapping his arm around her waist, Stefan was more than eager to have her invade his personal space.

      “No wonder you’re the Playboy Prince,” she murmured, her breath tickling his cheek. “You’re very good at this. I can’t imagine how you’d be pouring on the charm if I weren’t an old childhood friend.”

      He eased his head back but kept their bodies flush and swaying to the soft, soothing beat. “I promised to keep this simple, to give you all control in the end. I never go against my word.”

      She smiled. “I’m sure you wouldn’t, but I also know your reputation. And I was on the receiving end of that kiss.”

      “You weren’t just on the receiving end…you were an active participant.”

      Victoria’s breath caught. “That’s a…pretty accurate statement, but we’ve been friends too long for us to let lust cloud our judgment. Sleeping together would not be wise, Stefan.”

      He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “Who says?”

      Her hand tightened in his as she turned to look him in the eye, their lips barely a breath apart. “I don’t know if we’re getting swept up into this idea of pretending or this physical pull is stemming from seeing each other after such a long time apart, but I can’t risk losing your friendship just because of this sudden attraction.”

      “I don’t know how sudden this is, at least on my end.” He kissed her lips slightly and eased back. “I can’t deny my desire for you, but I do promise not to do anything you don’t want.”

      “I’m going to hold you to that,” she told him. “I know this situation will be hard for you.”

      He laughed at her choice of wording. “You have no idea.”