Corrupted by the Prince (A is for Alpha Book 5) Read Online Free PDF Page A

that Eva made. But when he cast a glance her way, she had her expression schooled into a polite mask.
    “Anyway, Lilly,” Eva murmured, “I wanted to come say hello before I left. I hope you enjoy the soirée.”
    Her sister pouted, a move that seemed all too practiced. “You’re leaving so soon?”
    Eva hesitated. “I wish I could stay longer, it’s just…”
    “She’s trying to be diplomatic,” Kostas intervened smoothly. “But I’m afraid I’ve monopolized your sister’s evening by requesting her assistance.”
    “Work?” Lilly looked between the two of them, her frown deepening. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s always work with you.”
    Eva started to say something, but was halted by the arrival of a young gentleman who scooped Lilly up into his arms and carried her off while she shrieked in delight.
    “Is that her significant other?”
    Eva sighed. “Unfortunately, I have no idea. It changes by the week. She recently turned eighteen and is enjoying every moment of it.”
    His lips twitched. Eighteen was a time when everything was about finding pleasure and having fun. It felt like a lifetime ago, but he remembered all too well what it had felt like. It still felt that way sometimes.
    The last thought slid through him along with a sense of discomfort. Wasn’t that the theme of his life though? Fun and pleasure? Certainly there was business, but it was never at the forefront. His work seemed to be the veneer that proved he’d grown up at least a bit from being a narcissistic teenager.
    “Thank you for stepping in with that excuse about me helping you.” Eva gave him a grateful look. “I’m terrible at making getaways, and my explanations are always fairly thin.”
    When she turned from him and made her way toward the outside once more, he followed.
    “I sensed that.” Once outside, he caught her elbow and pulled her to a stop. “And it wasn’t entirely an excuse. This costume event is not much to my taste, but I stand by my invitation for you to join me for a nightcap.”
    Her chest rose rapidly and her gaze darted up to his. The panic and hint of excitement in her eyes was perplexing to say the least.
    She bit her lower lip and gave a small shake of her head. “I don’t know if I can.”
    “And why is that?”
    Her chin lifted and her gaze held his. “Honestly? Because I haven’t decided if I want to sleep with you or not.”
    A low, quick laugh escaped from him and he tilted his head as he tried to get a better reading on this woman. It was rare that someone surprised him, but she’d managed to do so more than once now.
    “You’re quite full of assumptions,” he finally replied. “I haven’t actually propositioned you.”
    “You wouldn’t need to. You’re the prince of a small country, Kostas. I’m sure most women don’t even bother with polite introductions until after they’ve gone to bed with you.”
    Actually, she wasn’t far from the truth, so he couldn’t fault her logic. Many women he bedded made no attempt at small talk or formalities. It was almost as if he were a prized log in their diary. Sleeping with royalty was as exciting to some of these women as sleeping with a Hollywood celebrity. Perhaps more so.
    It had never bothered him previously, but the way Eva phrased it made him seem somewhat tawdry.
    “I’m inviting you over to spend time with me, Eva.” He caught her hand, threading his fingers through the softness of hers. “Yes, I’m intrigued and attracted to you. It would be impossible to deny that I haven’t thought about what it would be like to make love to you.” It all sounded so cliché, but for once it didn’t feel like one. Just as she was uncommonly blunt, he could be too. “I had a brief taste of you. And, yes, I’ll admit I want more.”
    Her cheeks flushed and he watched her visibly swallow. He wasn’t wrong to assume that the kiss had shaken her as much as it had him.
    “But if you don’t want more than conversation and