King of Rock (Lions of Pride Island Book 1) (3 page)

She told herself to stay for the children, for the profit Beau would bring if he agreed to the auction.

But she had to admit she didn’t think she could run if she wanted to. As much as she hated it, she was locked in his magnetic tractor beam, and she couldn’t escape any easier than he could fly off the stage.

* * *

B
eau felt
sweaty and exhilarated as his manager came in with one of the assistants to congratulate him on the concert. He took a wet cloth from the assistant and thanked her, pressing it over his face to cool off from the bright spotlights that’d been on him for the past two hours.

But even that heat couldn’t compare to the warmth that had sizzled when he locked eyes with his mate. He was glad he’d sent her those tickets. Being up close like that, he’d recognized her immediately. Felt that spark he’d always hoped he’d feel when he met the woman meant to be his mate.

He’d seen her reaction to him, though it hadn’t been exactly what he’d expected. Shock. Wariness, somehow. Maybe she didn’t know how she’d gotten so lucky as to be there? Did she remember who he was at all? Maybe she was just shy. She was dressed different than any of the other women, but he liked that, too. Liked that she was keeping it under cover, like she was saving it all for him.

Perfect. With those gorgeous eyes and that soft, dark hair and those rounded curves, she’d make a perfect mate. Thank heavens he didn’t have to settle just to please the oracle. He didn’t think he could have picked better himself.

“I heard you have someone coming backstage,” Lou said. “Nice of you to tell me.”

Beau frowned. Had he forgotten that? Maybe. “I am. I’m going to meet with her in the back tent.”

“You need to be supervised,” Lou said. “I’m coming.”

“Suit yourself.” Beau shrugged, pulling off his shirt and pants and changing into a dry tee and soft jeans with sandals. It felt great to cool down in the night air. He could still hear the excitement of the fans as they were leaving the stadium. He’d played all the encores he could. He truly loved seeing their happy faces, though he had to admit it had been extra special tonight, performing in front of his mate.

He’d known ever since he was little that he would have an arranged mating, and he’d been trying not to worry about it because there wasn’t anything he could do. But now, knowing everything was going to be fine, he was at peace with it.

It would be nice to have a mate. Someone to hang around who would understand him as a person, not just a celebrity. Someone regular. Down to earth. And curvy and pretty, with fiery eyes.

Lou picked up his radio and walked away a few steps to talk into it. Then he turned back to Beau. “Your guest is here with her friend. They’re waiting outside the talent tent out back.”

Beau swallowed. This was it. His first meeting. Well, he’d met her once as a kid, but he knew she wouldn’t remember, if she even knew that was him, since he’d been in lion form.

But she had to remember his name, as he and his brothers were rulers on the island where she’d lived much of her younger life.

Was it conceited of him to hope she
did
know who he was? Maybe.

He rolled back his shoulders, checked himself in the mirror, tucking his hair back out of the way, and felt just a little self-conscious for a second.

Then he laughed at the absurdity of it and walked out into the night, hands in his jean pockets. He hadn’t met a woman who didn’t like him yet. He didn’t think he would now.

He walked across the darkened grounds to the small, lit tent toward the back of the rented area. He saw two small figures standing in front of it. One was taller, slimmer, and then the other he recognized as the perfect, curvy shape of his mate. His fingers itched to pull her in and trace over every part of her, exploring her.

But he supposed he had a lifetime for that.

She was gaping at him, her dark eyes wide, before she shut her lips stubbornly and crossed her arms over her chest. Her friend ran forward and grabbed him with both arms, making him choke as she squeezed. He met his mate’s eyes and saw them narrow, and he gently extricated himself from the fan.

“Thanks,” he said, putting out a hand for her to shake to keep a distance.

“I’m Lisa,” she said breathlessly, staring at him like she’d like to eat him. A stare he was used to. “Thanks for inviting my friend.”

“My pleasure,” he said, turning his eyes to Stacy, who was glowering at him with a look that was completely unfamiliar. “And you’re Stacy?”

She nodded.

A tiny niggle of doubt invaded his usually impervious ego, troubling him. Why was she holding back? Maybe she was feeling insecure or like he was teasing her.

He stepped forward to see if she would move back, but she held her ground, looking up at him flatly even though he was so much taller. He studied her slowly, giving her a hot, head-to-toe glare he knew women loved. Mainly because he wanted to look her over, already wanted to know everything about her.

Her eyes flashed up at him, and he felt the air heat from her response. Good, she
was
attracted.

“Can I talk to your friend alone?” he asked Lisa.

Lisa, agape, nodded and moved out of the way, ignoring Stacy’s obvious pleading stare for to stay. He grinned. His mate was shy. He liked that. He could bring her out of her shell.

Lou stood to the side with Lisa while Beau pulled Stacy closer to the tent. She had nothing to fear. He’d be an absolute gentleman, but he had words for only her to hear.

“Did you enjoy the show?” he asked, still catching his breath from all the singing and from the excitement of seeing his mate.

She nodded hesitantly, her dark eyes glittering as her long eyelashes lowered and then raised so she could look at him.

“Good,” he said, starting to feel more awkward by the moment. “Have you been to one before?”

She shook her head.

Crap. This girl was unexpected. He should probably get to the point so she could realize how lucky she was.

He reached out and touched her arm lightly, stepping in closer and looking down at her. She glanced up at him, lips parting slightly in shock.

He liked he had this effect on her. No other effect on any other woman in the world mattered right now. Just her. Just his mate.

He touched her hair, slicked into a tight ponytail but soft all the same, and traced a finger over her ear, making her shudder as he leaned in against to whisper. “You win,” he said.

She looked up at him. “What?”

He snaked an arm around her, enjoying the feel of her body, the sparks already between them. “Me,” he said, lowering his lips to hers, anticipating the soft, silky feel of them as he closed his eyes.

Instead, he felt the cold sting of a slap that rang out in the night and stood back in shock, looking into the flashing eyes of a very angry Stacy Anderson.

He put a hand to his cheek and stared down at her in shock. Of all the things he’d expected when he went to kiss his mate for the first time, that was the last one.

“
W
ho do
you think you are?” she spat, hands clenching into fists. “I don’t know why you invited me to this stupid concert, but I’m not one of your
fans
, Beau.” She folded her arms over her chest, glaring up at him. “So keep your hands off and tell me what you want from me. And if you put your mouth near me again, I’m going to send you back to your fans way less handsome.”

Her heart was pounding way too hard. Beau Hunt had been about to kiss her.
Beau Hunt
. She took another step back, her legs feeling shaky.

His striking face was shocked, still slightly sweaty from the performance, and his perfect lips twisted into a confused scowl as he stared down at her.

She put her hands on her hips. So he thought he could just take liberties? So what if her body had been responding to him and his pheromones. Who cares that she wanted the kiss he was offering way too bad.

She had only one reason for being here, and she would stick to that. She wouldn’t forget who Beau Hunt was, who his family was, no matter how many sexy songs he sang or how many times he gave her a sultry once-over.

“Less handsome?” he asked drily. “How’s that?”

“See how they think you look with a split lip.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“When I bite you,” she said.

He laughed then, leaning forward and putting his hands on his knees to support himself. He really was larger than life off stage. Much taller than she’d even expected, though without the glow of the lights, he did look more human, more down to earth and less god-like.

“I don’t think you have to worry about that.” He stood and folded his arms. “I misread the situation, but I have no interested in forcing myself on females.”

She gritted her teeth.
Females
.

“No need to look so offended,” he said, raising his hands. “It’s what we are. Males and females.” He took a step forward, lowering his voice so her friend, who was standing some ways away and looking concerned, couldn’t hear him. “Lions, that is.”

She shoved him away again, because having him near made her body heat too much, and she couldn’t think. “Why did you send me those tickets?”

He cocked his head and his hair fell sexily to one side, glinting in the dim overhead light. “Why did you accept them if you don’t like my music?”

She glared at him. “Your music is fine. It’s you I’m not a fan of.”

His eyes narrowed at that, as if she’d finally gotten under that relaxed, cocky shell and was bothering him. “You didn’t need to slap me, though.”

“You didn’t seem like you were getting the message.”

He gave her a long, slow look, perhaps scenting the air. “Oh, I was getting a message all right. Problem is you’re all mixed up, and I just picked up the wrong one.”

She snorted. “Fine. So apologize and we’re good.”

He bit his full lower lip, working it over, and she realized how many women would kill to be where she was right now. Verbally sparring with Beau Hunt. Worldwide heartthrob. Too bad she knew more about him than they did.

“What do you want with me?” she asked, tightening her arms around herself as if she could somehow keep him from seeing her. Keep him from looking at her in that sexy way that glistened with expectation.

There really was something royal about him. Something that made her just want to go along with whatever he wanted. Like he knew what he was doing and would just take care of things. But she knew better.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked.

She nodded bitterly. “Everyone from the island does.”

His blue eyes glittered at the mention of the island, and he nodded toward the tent. “Can we talk in private?”

“Are you going to keep your hands to yourself?” she asked.

He nodded. “As I already told you, I’m not interested in forcing. I misread things, but I won’t do it again. I’ll make you make the first move next time.” He grinned. “You’re going to have to really want it.”

“Fat chance,” she muttered, following him into the tent. Deep down, she did trust him, if for no other reason than he had a reputation to keep up and a responsibility not to act like an asshole. She believed he’d misread the situation. In his entire life, he’d probably never met a woman who didn’t want to kiss him.

When they got into the tent, he pulled over two chairs and held one for her. It was weird to see him being subservient, considering who he was and who she was. Just a chubby office worker who called the managers of low-level celebrities.

No one knew who she was, and she liked it that way. He, on the other hand, had everything in the world open to him. No one would turn him down. He could meet with dignitaries and presidents if he wanted to, probably.

“So you came to the concert even though you seem to hate me,” he said. “Mind if I ask why?”

“You already asked that,” she snapped. Then she calmed her tone because she realized if she was going to ask him a big favor, slapping him and acting angry wasn’t really going to get her far. She smoothed her hands over her jeans, wiping away the sweat on her palms. “My boss wants to know if you’ll take part in a charity auction.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Like a bachelor auction?”

She nodded.

“Interesting,” he said. “So you came for that? What’s the cause?”

“Peaceful Heart Children’s Fund.”

He sucked in a breath. “Ah. Good one. I donate.”

“I know,” she said. “But we were really hoping an A-lister like you could bring in big numbers of attendees.”

“Not to mention big bids,” he said.

She nodded.

“Can I ask why you hate me?” he asked, flashing her a handsome smile. “I don’t recall having done anything to you.”

She narrowed her eyes. Was he serious? Was he that ignorant of how his family’s brutal wars had impacted the people on the island? “Not to me in particular, I guess.”

He sighed. “I see. You aren’t fond of my family?”

She shrugged.

“We did what we had to in order to keep the peace.”

She bit her lip. Someone had, but not him. Otherwise, she might not be alive. He’d been busy doing royal things. Still, he didn’t seem like an altogether bad person. He hadn’t said no to the charity thing, and he did donate. And sure, he might be a little self-centered and egotistical, but then again, maybe that was expected from someone as beautiful and talented as he was.

“You still haven’t told me what you want,” she said. “You know what I want.”

“I want you, for a mate,” he stated.

She screwed up her brows. “I don’t get it. Isn’t the oracle supposed to pick for you royals or something? … Oh…”

His intent stare and the slight tilt of his head, making his hair fall to the side in a sexy way, made everything click in her head.

Of course there was only one reason sexy Beau Hunt, ruler of all he saw, would suddenly be interested in Stacy Anderson. Because the oracle that decided whether his family could stay in power had picked her. For whatever reason.

She sighed and pushed hair behind her ear. She’d never seen this happening.

“Kind of a shock, right?” he asked.

She glared up at him. “Were you disappointed? I can’t think why she picked me. I’m so normal.”

“Not at all,” he said. “I remember you from when we were younger.”

“What?” she asked, confused. “When?”

“I remember visiting your school,” he said, acting cagey, crossing his legs and giving her flashes of muscular, smooth thigh as his jeans shifted.

She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry.

Being around this man was dangerous. It made it hard to remember her principles. She wanted nothing to do with Pride Island. She just wanted to leave that all behind.

Agreeing to anything this man said would only lead to more complications.

“Well, the oracle got it wrong. Or rather, I’m sorry for your family, but you and I are not happening,” she said.

His face darkened, like a storm cloud had taken up residence just over his head. He clearly wasn’t used to hearing no or having things not work out. “What can I do to change your mind?”

“Nothing,” she said, standing and folding her arms again. Suddenly, she was glad she’d worn such modest clothes because it felt like armor against him. She wasn’t all sexed up, trying to please him. She was just a normal charity worker. “I think I’d better go. If you could think about the charity auction…”

His solemn face suddenly lit up.

Uh-oh.

“I have an idea,” he said. “If you’re willing to listen.” He stood and towered over her, and she backed up to the entrance of the tent, trying to avoid his heat, his scent. Spicy. Fiery. Exhilarating.

“I’m listening,” she squeaked. After all, her job was on the line.

He put an arm above her on the frame of the tent, giving her a long view of his perfect collarbones, huge, square chest muscles, hard, rippling abs, and lean hips. Just a sliver of taut, tanned skin showed as his shirt lifted slightly. She licked her lips, and his eyes dipped to catch the motion, a pleased smile sliding over his lips.

“A million dollars for the charity of your choosing, and I’ll do the auction,” he said.

She opened her mouth to thank him, but he put a finger up to gently graze her lips, stopping her and making her knees go weak. She hated the effect he had on her. Was it just the lioness in her seeing the breeding potential, or was he just that hot?

“In exchange, you stay with me for a week, get to know me. If after that, you’re still sure you hate me and it could never work between us, you’re free to go.”

She slowly nodded, hypnotized by his gaze. “And I’ll be safe?”

“I have staff around. We won’t be alone. Not if you don’t want us to be.”

She trusted him, though. He couldn’t afford to screw up with a lion, not as someone responsible for their well-being, however distantly. And he could have just forced the subject or been a douche. But he obviously was just willing to bank on his confidence that he could win over any woman if given a chance.

“I’ll do it,” she said.

“Good.” He nodded once. “Then you can tell your boss I’ll do the auction. He grinned and stretched. “Want to seal the deal with a kiss?”

She glared up at him, but a tingle ran straight through her as her eyes flitted to his firm lips.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” he said, leaning forward.

She put her hands up against his chest, and he stopped immediately, looking down at her with those curious blue eyes, as if wondering what she’d do next.

But her hands curled into his shirt, unable to resist his heat and his nearness and the brush of his muscles under her fingertips.

One kiss, to seal the bargain. What could it hurt? A part of her was still disappointed it hadn’t happened earlier. This would probably be the only time she touched him, so might as well do it here, in this unromantic tent while closing a business deal.

She pulled at his collar, and he growled as he leaned forward and closed his lips over hers in a searing kiss that made her limp down to her toes. His huge arm came around her, steadying her, as his tongue lightly explored her mouth, softly stroking as she felt she could faint, it felt so good.

She’d been kissed, but never like that. Like his mouth was making promises his body wanted to fulfill. Like he was saying if his tongue could do that much to her, she should watch out for how much the rest of him could do.

Her hands stayed twisted in his shirt as he slowly pulled back, gazing down at her.

She was wet and achy at the apex of her legs, which felt like Jell-O. He held her with both arms until she was steady enough to push away. Her heart was hammering, her lips warm and swollen, her blood rushing.

“Let’s go outside. Tell your friend I’ll be driving you home to get your things.”

“We’re starting tonight?”

He nodded, like that was always expected.

She sighed and followed him out of the tent, knowing they might as well get it over with as soon as possible. It was just seven days.

Her legs were still weak, her body still flushed as they walked back into the night air.

Just one kiss could affect her like that. And she’d just agreed to stay a week with him.

What the hell had she done?