Everlasting - Iris Johansen [11]
“With his own scepter?” he asked, amused. “Now that is lese majesty. Don't worry. We'll concoct a plausible story of a previous meeting. To prepare the way, I'll contact my public relations man tonight and have him leak the story of our flaming love affair to a few well-known gossip columnists in Europe, along with the fact that you spent the night here. You needn't trouble yourself about anyone questioning the validity of our affair once we reach the palace.” He paused. “It will be clear even to the most casual observer that we're sharing a bed.”
Color flooded her cheeks. Damn, not only a virgin, but a blushing virgin. How unsophisticated could one get? She turned with relief as Juana appeared at the door. “Oh, well, I didn't think we should signal our purpose too obviously. Good night, Mr. Dam—Zack.” Lord, five minutes ago she had been on the verge of tumbling into bed with him and she wasn't even comfortable calling him by his first name.
He had caught the slip and there was suddenly a twinkle in his eyes. He bowed with mocking panache. “Good night, Princess Rubinoff. Juana will serve you breakfast in bed at nine. I'd like to be at the airport by eleven-thirty. I hope that will suit your highness's convenience?”
As if he cared. If it had happened to suit his convenience, he would have been in bed with her. “Fine,” she said softly. “I'll see you in the morning then.”
The amusement on his face faded as he watched the door close behind her. It had been touch and go toward the end whether he'd let her leave, and he wasn't at all sure he hadn't been a damn fool to do it. He was so aroused that he was sure he wouldn't sleep at all, and it was definitely questionable whether or not he'd be able to play the game he'd set for himself. Anticipation of having Kira had gone on too long for him. He would try to go very slowly and get her accustomed to him, one intimacy at a time, but—It was best not to think of those intimacies. He was hurting enough without adding fuel to the fire.
He reached for the phone and dialed Perry's number at the hotel. When he was put through, a very drowsy voice answered.
“Perry? Get moving and call Dubliss in Zurich and tell him we're postponing the Debuk project.”
Perry's voice was suddenly wide awake. “You're not going after her?”
“I didn't say that. The project is still go—we're just handling it differently. I'm going in ahead tomorrow and I'll contact him with further instructions when I arrive.”
“Am I going with you?”
“No, you'll join Dubliss day after tomorrow when you've finished tying up the loose ends here.”
“Loose ends?” Perry asked warily.
“I want you to stall the merger negotiations.”
“Cripes, why was I afraid that was what you meant?” he asked gloomily. “The AirFlow Board of Directors will tear me apart. I may not be able to make it to Zurich in one piece.”
“You'll make it,” Zack said. “Tell Dubliss to stay ready.”
“Right. The same general plan as before?”
“We may have to make a few adjustments. I'll let you know. Good night, Perry.”
“Fat chance,” Perry said sourly. “I have a few dozen things to do before I beard the AirFlow board. One of them is to build a fallout shelter.” The dial tone sounded as the connection was broken.
Zack replaced the receiver and dropped into the oversized desk chair. He should probably go to bed and try to rest, even if he couldn't sleep. He'd been on an exhaustive marathon lately with this merger pending. He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. He would go to bed soon. Now he wanted to sit and think about Kira, to savor the way she had looked, the responses she had made to him. Then he would think about the mondava.
THREE
THE EARLY-MORNING sunlight was strong, with the sort of clarity found only in the high country. The softening mist had burned off, leaving the Santa Catalinas stark and brutally beautiful against the cerulean sky.
Kira breathed deeply, letting the piñon-scented breeze intoxicate her with its tangy fragrance. That same breeze lifted her hair away