Chapter 4

Adriana was flabbergasted at the show of good faith, and how generous the royals of Veronia were. But then again, just thinking about how opulent the palace had been, she knew that nothing was too extravagant for them. Not that she had anything to complain about, the workshop she had been assigned to was literally all she could ever ask for, it was a dream come true.

Her studio back at home had not been as large as this, and it most certainly did not contain all the state of the art equipment that there were in this workshop, it was literally a designer’s wet dream.

There were several closets filled with all the tools she needed, a lot of giant tables to work at, several mannequins ranging from size to size, and different sewing machines to work with. And best of all, she had the space all to herself.

She had spent the entire hour to familiarize herself with the space, sifting through fabrics and tools, until she had been called in to meet with her contact in the palace, and sign the contract.

Even though it had been hours already, Adriana still couldn’t stop thinking about last night.

She still couldn’t believe that she had sex with a man the night before, without even knowing his name. God, it was so unlike her, but she still couldn’t find it in herself to regret it. It had been the best night of her life.

She usually didn’t kiss on the first date, let alone let a man screw her like that. But, he… he had been something else, that was for sure.

While she had been sipping coffee and enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the memory of their kiss and fuck kept a constant smile on her face.

Normally, she would never be that easy, but this encounter had left her giddy. And for once, she thought that maybe, letting go wasn’t so bad after all, and that she should let go more often.

Because so far, this trip has only been amazing.

Even now, as she thumbed through the fabrics, a full blown smile lit up her face, followed by a flush on her neck, as she remembered how good he had felt, rocking against her.

She was still sore, and there was a definite ache between her thighs, but she knew that she wouldn’t say no, if she were to see him now.

Not that it will ever happen again, she didn’t know his name, neither did she know where he lived. So she probably wouldn’t see him again. But still, a girl could hope right?

She had to keep reminding herself that she hadn’t come to Veronia for a hook up, she had business to attend to.

She had been invited to this country to design clothing for the royal family, and when she found out that she had been picked for the job, she had completely freaked out.

She hadn’t expected to actually get it, let alone be designing for royalty, it had been a split decision to apply for the position of a designer, one she had done as a drunken mistake. But, it had turn out to not be a mistake after all. Because, she was here and it was real.

A knock came on the glass sliding door, followed by a whoosh of air, as it was opened and closed, startling her out of her daydream.

“Miss Lucy would see you now,” the maid who had just entered stated, gesturing for Adriana to follow her.

Adriana straightened up, and grabbed her tote bag, containing her sketchbook and ID, before following the maid, towards the side entrance of the palace, which the palace staffs used.

She had trouble keeping up with the maid, without looking like she was rushing. But Adriana didn’t want to make a fool out of herself because she was about to meet someone who actually worked for royalty.

When they were close to the entrance, the maid suddenly stopped and opened the door with a keycard, beckoning Adriana forward, without a word.

“Last door on your left,” she instructed, as the door began to close automatically. “Do not go anywhere else, it is forbidden.”

Adriana nodded, her eyes peeled as she marveled at the beauty inside. White marble slabs lined the floors and walls, the décor extravagant because of the gold practically slathered on everything. Gold fountains, gold lining along the pillars in the middle, golden statues, and even flaky golden pots filled with plants and flowers.

She felt as though she had been trapped in the most beautiful prison in the world, as the door closed behind her, with an audible click. She wasn’t even sure if she would be mad, if she were forced to stay.

She tiptoed around, gaping at the walls and tapestries feeling like a peeping Tom, every time she came across someone.

Feeling like she was crossing some unspoken boundaries, she opt for heading to her left, where her meeting was.

When she reached the last door, she cleared her throat and raised her hand to knock softly on the door.

A petite woman in a sharp floral pantsuit opened the door, and blinked at her, wondering why she was knocking on her door.

Adriana parted her lips, a little unsure of what to say. “Hi. I’m the new designer. I’m supposed to meet with Miss Lucy today.”

“Adriana Malloy?” the woman said, her sparkling eyes lighting up. “It’s so nice to meet you.” She shook her hand and opened the door even farther, pulling her inside as she began to talk. “Come in, come in. I apologize for the delay, I was caught up with the princes. I trust you find the workshop to your liking? If there is anything you don’t like or still need, you can send me an email, and I can have them sent or removed.”

“I love it,” Adriana stated brightly, as she took a sit. “And I would let you know if I need anything else.”

“Brilliant,” she clapped her hands, grabbing a manila folder off her desk and handing it to Adriana to peruse.

Minutes later, the contract was signed. It was standard practice, nothing she hadn’t known before and she knew exactly what was expected of her, including the fact that she had to remain silent about this to the press until after the clothing she had made has been worn. Any private business she witnessed was also not to be discussed, which was completely understandable. She had to sign an NDA also, but she wasn’t complaining. It was the palace, after all, and she was sure the media was as hungry for news and gossip here as they were back in Manhattan.

But she didn’t mind. The pay was great, and she got to do what she loved. They were giving her free rein on the fabrics and anything else she needed. Nothing was too expensive, which was like a designer’s dream come true.

By the time they’ve gone through it all, she was giddy to get started. When they got up, Miss Lucy said, “Okay then. Let me introduce you to your clients.”

“Now?” Adriana spluttered, clutching her tote bag to her chest.

“Yes, now,” Miss Lucy stated, her smiling dimming a little. “Unless you’re not ready?”

“Of course not,” Adriana stated, forcing false enthusiasm and confidence into her tone. “I’d like to get started.”

Miss Lucy harrumphed, then walked out of the door without a word, Adriana closely behind her. They walked through the corridors and up a flight of stairs, then through what felt like endless halls alongside beautiful gardens until they stopped at a huge door with a guard standing on each side.

She clutched her bag close to her body and bit the inside of her cheek, wondering who was going to be wearing the clothes she made. Was it a man or a woman? What was their status? Their size … all of it would change what clothes she needed to make.

“Are they ready?” Miss Lucy asked the guards.

One of them knocked on the door, and yelled, “Your visitors have arrived.”

There was a voice that echoed behind it, giving them permission to step in.

The guards stepped aside, and Miss Lucy opened the door, hesitantly stepping inside. Adriana follow her in, but she couldn’t see a thing other than her back while she spoke up.

“Your Highness? Are you ready?”

Your highness? What the hell is going on?

Adriana was stunned, and even though she had opened her mouth, nothing rolled off her tongue except for soft mumbles. She was going to actually design clothes for a royal?

“It’s time for your appointment with the designer,” Miss Lucy said. “She is here to take your measurements and talk through a couple of ideas.” She grabbed her arm and pulled Adriana forward into the room.

Her eyes were immediately drawn toward a man standing by the window, his back towards them.

And when he turned his head, all the blood drained from Adriana’s face, as she came face to face with the man from the night before.

A sudden flush crept up her neck as she stared at him, knowing that she was utterly screwed. One of the terms of the contract had strictly forbidden any sort of relationship between her and the royals, except if it was for business. But how could it ever still be strictly business between them, when she could still feel his fingers ghosting over her body, and his sensual lips kissing her?

“Nicholas wouldn’t be joining us today,” he stated, his eyes going over her as if he hadn’t recognized her. Or was it just for show? For the benefit of those around them? “He has a few engagements to attend to.”

“I will leave you two to it then,” Miss Lucy stated then turned her head towards Adriana. “You can find your way back, right?”

Adriana nodded, not trusting her voice to speak, her eyes still on the man before her.

“You are a prince?” she blurted, the moment Miss Lucy had left the room.

He quirked an eyebrow at her, causing her to blush. “Obviously,” he grinned, flashing his pearly whites at her. “Or do I not look the part?”

“I…,” she gulped, then gestured at him then back to her tote bag, before shaking her head to regain control over herself.

“I’ll take your measurements now,” she said, placing her bag on a chair, opening it to bring out her tape and other things that she needed for the measurements.

She was beyond flustered, her hands shaking a little as she grabbed her notepad. Did last night not mean anything to him? Was she that unmemorable? Why was she still affected by him, when he still hasn’t made any effort to acknowledge that he knew her.

Her mood immediately turned sour. Didn’t he remember the girl he fucked in the alley of a club, and then took her to his hotel room? Didn’t he remember what he said to her? Or was it just at the throes of passion? Did he not mean everything he had said?

Of course, he would be that kind of guy. Kissing random girls he has never met, banging them whenever he could. Why would she expect anything less? She should’ve known better than to just let herself go with the first guy who showed interest in her.

If he was going to pretend that he didn’t know her, then she too was going to set it aside, and do what she had came here to do.