The Playful Prince Read online

  Tori took a calming breath, quietly assessing the prince. He was a handsome man with bright blue eyes that sparkled with unmistakable mischief. He was young too, much younger than any ambassador she’d ever seen. His body was slender yet unquestionably toned. Even motionless, she could tell he’d move with the liquid grace of his kind. There was something slow and seductive in the way the Var carried themselves, like hunters crouched, stalking their prey, ready to attack. They truly were like wild cats.

  His shirt appeared to be one piece of material, with two narrow straps over the shoulders. Black cross lacing beneath his arms held the shirt together, leaving his muscled sides and waist exposed. His pants were of the same material as the shirt, soft, yet molding to his firm, delicious body. A belt clung around his narrow waist. More lacing made its way down to his knees, over the outside length of his thighs, leaving no contour of muscle to the imagination, as it revealed tanned flesh. The muscles along his hip flexed erotically as he shifted his weight, and a seductive dimple formed. Her fingers gripped the clipboard, itching to reach forward, to push into the laced opening of his pants and to feel his taut flesh for herself.

  Her eyes were drawn to his hips, moving along his narrow waist. Suddenly, they stopped. Between his thighs towered the most massive protrusion she’d ever seen on a man. Her mouth went dry. Her body instantly responded, tingling with warmth and desire. The ESC jumpsuit became strangely constricting on her flesh, causing her nipples to bud up from her breasts. She became hot, nearly sweating. Moisture pooled between her thighs, making ready for him. She was thankful she wore the white lab coat so that the violent reaction was hidden. Unaware of the act, she tugged the front of the coat closer together.

  Tori had always been a sexually charged person, but she normally took care of matters herself. Her professional life didn’t leave too many openings for finding lovers. When isolated with the same people for months at a time, it often wasn’t wise to start an affair. Someone always ended up getting jealous, competition over her would ensue since she was often the only female, and fights would start. However, if she did have an affair, it was always with someone on her academic level and they were always, always discreet about it. A wave of disgust came over her, as she thought of this savage making out for all to see—and he was a prince at that!

  Shameful. Totally and utterly shameful.

  His sudden movement caught her attention, and she realized he was stepping toward her. He lifted his hand as if to touch her. Tori flinched and took a step back.

  “Sir,” Tori stammered. “I mean, my...ah?”

  “Quinn,” he supplied with a rakish smile.

  “Yes, my Quinn...wait, no.” She took another step back as he moved aggressively forward. The look on his face made her heart flutter in excitement.

  “Your Quinn?” he mused in a low tone that sent chills over her spine. “You wish for me to be your Quinn?”

  “Stop,” she demanded holding out her hand. He paused in his quest to get to her and grinned, waiting. Tori swallowed, nervous and distracted. “Prince Quinn. I am Doctor Elliot with ESC...well, actually the HIA, well, not really, technically with HIA or ESC except—”

  Was she babbling? Tori was pretty sure it sounded like she was babbling. Scientists didn’t babble. It wasn’t appropriate. Her scowl deepened. Oh, why was he continuing to look at her like that?

  “Well, Doctor Elliot not technically with the HIA or ESC,” Quinn said, lowering his jaw as he leaned forward. “I’m H-O-R-N-Y and you’re extremely pretty.”

  “H-O...? Oh, really!” Tori gasped, dismayed. She shook her head in disapproval.

  “What? You’re really so surprised? Can you blame me, Doctor Elliot? You were staring quite intently at…” Quinn began to motion down, acting as if their conversation was an everyday topic.

  Tori held up her hand and shook her head frantically to stop him. Taking a deep breath, she centered her thoughts and made a silent promise never to drink the night before a big assignment again. Surely that was why her heart was pounding so hard and why her limbs were shaking. Swallowing, she forced her voice to sound calm. “Is there someone I could talk to about gaining permission to search the cave systems that the biological weapons were discovered in? The HIA has requested that I clear the cave and surrounding area of any and all contamination threats.”

  Someone other than you, she thought, not caring if he saw her distaste for his lewdness.

  Quinn’s smile faded and to her surprise, he turned serious. “You think something else is up there?”

  “I’m honestly not sure. The recovered weapon appears to be intact and contains enough chemical to wipe out at least five, possibly six planets. From that bit of information, I would deduce there was only the one, unless the caves were being used as a storage unit of some kind, which, given the political climate of your kingdom, isn’t likely the case. From what I understand, your father was fighting a war with...”

  Tori stopped, realizing that she might be speaking too candidly. That’s why she hated being in political situations. Facts were facts, and she was used to stating them, regardless of their popularity. In her job, facts were all that mattered. In politics, a person was supposed to say things diplomatically, twisting the words into just the right phrase. It was a skill she lacked. She looked up at the prince. His face hadn’t changed. She swallowed nervously. He motioned his hand slightly for her to continue, not looking at all offended by her words.

  Weakly, Tori said, “My checking would simply be a wise safety precaution for everyone concerned, especially your people. It won’t cost you a thing if that’s your concern. HIA is taking care of my, and the other scientists’, salaries.”

  Quinn nodded, a motion she hoped was agreement.

  “My team has nearly finished assessing the palace inhabitants and so far everyone has tested negative. I believe they’re about finished.” Tori looked at her clipboard and pretended to scan through the data. This man unnerved her. She couldn’t concentrate on what she was saying to him. Was she repeating herself? Was he even listening? Did she tell him yet that they were about done testing the palace inhabitants? She thought it but did she say it? Damn, he had the most brilliant blue eyes she’d ever seen in her life. Delicately clearing her throat, she said, “But we’d still like to do a thorough scan of the caves. There is no point in us leaving anything behind.”

  Quinn seemed to contemplate her words. Tori lowered her voice and stepped closer. He didn’t move, except for those blue eyes. They followed her, keeping fixed on her face.

  Getting excited, Tori forgot her nervousness as she admitted in a secretive whisper, “There was also something else. I took the liberty of analyzing the strange dark mud on the biological weapon’s crate. I believe it’s from your marshes because I found some fresh moss that leads me to believe it wasn’t already on the crate when it was brought here. Anyway, there was an extremely high level of what appears to be DTH12 compound, which I’m sure isn’t indigenous to this particular planet, as your swamp soil is classified as GR13H and not TDH14. What doesn’t make sense is that DTH12 is primarily found in the slime trail of northeastern yellow slugs on the planet of Fluk in the H... What? Are you laughing at me?”

  Quinn was indeed chuckling. Shaking his head, he said, “Woman, I have no idea what you just said.”

  Tori frowned. She should have known. Sarcastically, she drawled, “Your mud is neat, and I’d like to look at it.”

  Okay, maybe that was a tad too condescending. Quinn grimaced but didn’t appear overly offended. Lucky for her, because he might just be the man she had to impress.

  Blasted politics!

  Noticing she’d drawn closer to him, she stepped back and regained a professional distance. Her expression became hard and emotionless. “Who would I need to ask for permission to set up camp within the marshes near the cave systems? I believe it is Var land and would first need whatever permits your kingdom requires before starting a scientific study of the geological features and
surrounding wildlife. Otherwise I’ll never be able to apply for later funding if I find anything worth studying. The way I look at it, I can do my research and clear the caves at the same time. I can personally guarantee that we won’t be a bother to anyone.”

  “Hmm, for that, you’d best seek an audience with the king. He’ll be the one to give final approval since the cave systems are on Lord Myrddin’s land,” Quinn answered. The grin reappeared on his playful mouth, and she doubted he ever took anything seriously. “Now, about this attraction between us.”

  Tori’s frown deepened, and Quinn’s grin widened. His bright eyes glinted good-naturedly.

  “Prince Quinn,” she opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind, only stopping as she remembered her goal was to be allowed to stay on the planet.

  Tori hadn’t been lying when she said the marshland mud was thoroughly interesting to her as a scientist. Though at the moment she hated her sense of civic duty, she did want to make sure the cave systems were clear. She wouldn’t be able to live with herself if she found out ten years from now everyone on the planet died because she’d lipped off to an insufferably roguish prince and had been kicked off the planet.

  In her most professional tone, she said, “Thank you for your time. I’m sure your,” Tori waved her hand in the direction of the hall where his girlfriend had disappeared, “royal duty calls.”

  “Doctor Elliot.” Quinn’s head dipped forward slightly.

  She could tell he was going to say more, so instead, she hurriedly nodded back and stated, “Good day.”

  Tori turned on her heels and rushed down the hall to get away from him.

  Quinn watched the woman virtually run away from him and smiled. The lovely scientist was definitely a strange character. Chuckling, he walked after her at a slower pace. It was clear she wanted him. The smell of her longing was in his head, teasing him. He hadn’t expected her to fall into his arms, but that didn’t stop him from teasing. She was so serious, so flustered, that he just couldn’t help himself. The fact that she resisted him made him desire her more.

  Quinn’s grin widened, trying to see her figure through the sway of the baggy lab coat. Feeling lighthearted, he began to whistle as he made his way to the main hall to join his brothers.

  5

  The banquet hall was a splendid affair with a high domed ceiling of glass that let in the diffused light of the three suns. Long tables and bench seats were along the floor for group dining. At the front of the hall, on a raised platform, was the king’s table. Tori took a deep breath, too tired to look at the mosaic pattern on the walls or the lovely tiled floor. She’d been working since before dawn—drawing blood samples, coordinating lab reports and scientists, overseeing tests on the biological weapon they now had safely stored on the HIA ship. It had been a long day, and would be an even longer evening. She’d be lucky to get to bed before midnight.

  Taking a deep breath, she smoothed her dark hair back into her bun, hoping she looked professional. At least she’d been able to get out of the white protective gear they’d worn on arrival. She hated contamination suits. The plastic helmet and stiff gloves made it difficult to move around in a laboratory environment.

  King Kirill was at his table, but he wasn’t alone. Prince Reid and Prince Quinn were with him. Reid, who she recalled was a twin, was the darker brother and very good-looking though there was a definite conceit to him that made her grimace.

  “Please don’t let the rest of the princes be like him,” she whispered under her breath, as she looked at the handsome Quinn.

  “Doctor Elliot?” a nearby technician asked. He was in the middle of signing a clipboard when he’d heard Tori speak.

  Tori cleared her throat, “Nothing. Carry on.”

  The Var men were nothing like she’d pictured the night before. They were strong, handsome, and too charming for their own good. When doing the physical exams on the guards, she’d turned down more marriage proposals than she’d ever imagined getting in five lifetimes, let alone one day. Surely, they’d been joking, but it had done wonders for her ego as a woman.

  Tori did her best to look dignified, as she went to stand before the head table. The king looked stressed, not that she could blame him. Having your kingdom invaded by foreign scientists and HIA personnel couldn’t make for an easy time. Tori stopped and waited until she gained the king’s attention. When he turned to look at her, she bowed her head in respect.

  “The palace is clear, Your Highness,” she stated clearly. A couple of the scientists stopped to look curiously at her. She motioned at them to carry on. Tori paused, waiting for them to roll the heavy cart of equipment past before turning forward once more. The last thing she wanted was an audience right now. Her nerves were shot, and she needed every last bit of her energy to make sure she didn’t give Prince Quinn an opening to embarrass her. “My scientists have done a final sweep of the grounds and are loading the equipment back onto our ship.”

  “Thank you, doctor,” King Kirill answered. He nodded down at her from the main hall table. Prince Falke approached. The commander took a seat next to his brothers.

  Tori shivered. He really was the most frightening of the princes—large, militant, emotionless. She found she couldn’t look him directly in the eyes. She took a hesitant step forward and lowered her voice. “Your Highness, I request permission to stay on your land. I’d like to explore the caves where the crate was found to run some tests.”

  “Has there been a leak?” King Kirill asked alarmed. His long black hair flowed over his shoulders, nearly matching the color of his brown-black eyes. He gazed down at her, concerned.

  Tori shook her head in denial. “No, but it never hurts to be careful.”

  “Doctor Elliot found a piece of mud caked to the crate and analyzed it. She believes there is something strange about our marshes. She wishes to run an analysis,” Quinn put forth.

  Tori had expected him to speak, yet she wasn’t prepared for it. Her heart fluttered nervously. She couldn’t stop herself from glancing in his direction. Quinn’s handsome face lit up with mischief, and he winked at her, blowing her a gentle kiss with his lips. She knew he only teased her, but it worked, for she lost her train of thought. Hardening herself, she swallowed nervously and prayed no one saw how he disturbed her.

  “All that, naturally, would be in my report, Your Highness. The HIA will also do a planetary scan. It’s just as a precaution and only with your permission, of course. I’ll set up camp with a team of three. We won’t bother you. We’re scientists and won’t cause any trouble. We wish to analyze the cave to make sure we’ve gotten all biological weaponry off the planet that might be missed with a scan. Surely you can see the wisdom in that. At the same time, I’d like to do a concise analysis of the land. If anything, my findings might benefit you and your people, making for more viable farmland.”

  “What does your Agency say?” King Kirill asked.

  “I don’t work for the Agency. I was contracted for this one job. Their people couldn’t make it here in time.” Tori paused, refusing to look at Quinn though she could feel his eyes on her. “However, if you would rather have government hacks traipsing about your kingdom…” Tori shrugged.

  “Write you proposal, doctor,” Kirill answered, suppressing a grin, but not before she saw it. “Give it to my brother, Prince Quinn. He’ll give it his approval and oversee the project.”

  “But, Your Highness,” she began in protest before she could stop the words. She glanced at Quinn. He wasn’t smiling, but the mischief was still in his bright blue gaze. She shivered, wondering how such an aggravating man could have such a profound effect on her. It had to be sleep deprivation. There was no other reasoning for it. Slowly, she nodded, “Thank you.”

  Quinn watched the beautiful scientist walk away, hiding his grin. He knew he aggravated her, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. There was something about her that made him want, no need, to tease her. When he saw her serious face, he just felt...playful.

>   When they were alone, Kirill said to Quinn, “Approve her plan if you can. We need to have those caves checked out, and she’s the only expert I know of on this planet. Besides, she has an honest face. I think we can trust her.”

  Quinn nodded. He was secretly glad someone would be checking out the caves to make sure they were safe. And if the little doctor wanted to play in the mud while she was at it, then he’d just have to make sure he was around to play with her.

  6

  Tori sighed, staring around the metal cabin of the ESC ship. Lifting her pack over her shoulder, she turned to go. After speaking to Franklin, the Var agreed to let her and her team stay without her written proposal. It seemed when the HIA wanted something, they got it. It was just as well. She hated bureaucratic paperwork. Not too many of the ESC scientists were willing to set up camp on the Qurilixen surface with her. Most of them were contracted and couldn’t leave the corporation anyway, even if they had wanted to.

  Doctor Simon Martens, an older gentleman, agreed because of his passionate interest in documenting alien insect species. Simon was a round, balding figure who squinted when he talked and often got distracted from his purpose. However, he had a long solid reputation that would come in handy when it came time to add legitimacy to any project she might wish to fund.

  Doctor Grant and Doctor Vitto were both younger scientists, not as experienced, but both likable enough characters. She’d worked with them both on prior assignments, so she wasn’t worried about how they’d get along in a work setting. Doctor Grant was blond and tanned, even after spending months away from the sun below the icy surface of Sintaz. Doctor Vitto had short dark brown hair and bold features that bespoke of his Old Earth European heritage.