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I missed the days when my Cossack ancestors could just steal the women they wanted. Sadly, Damaris was too headstrong and independent to be stealable.
Perhaps it was time to take a few lessons from her. Nothing of true value came without hard work, but I was up to the challenge. By the time I finished, she’d have a crown on her head, a ring on her finger, and my baby in her belly.
I took the phone from her and closed the app without looking at the balance, then gave it back. “If I’m to be your temptation, then I’m buying.”
CHAPTER 4
DAMARIS
I opened my mouth to decline, but the implacable look on Savva’s face stalled the words before they came out. Heck, I didn’t know why I was fixing to argue in the first place.
If he wanted to treat me to a mini vacation in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, who was I to stop him?
The only problem was I didn’t know why he’d offer his housekeeper a paid holiday. Maybe he was just trying to please his mama, but considering he never seemed to care what she thought, it didn’t make sense.
He had a reason, but it had nothing to do with me. I’d be gone in August, and he’d be married to his princess.
With that decided, I resolved to enjoy myself. It wasn’t every day a rancher’s daughter got to hobnob with a handsome prince. We were more like Lady and the Tramp than Cinderella—and I was no lady. My glass slippers were perfectly broken in roping boots, my ballgowns were created by Levi Strauss, and my handsome prince was a paint gelding named Buckeye. I sure as shootin’ didn’t have a fairy godmother unless I wanted to count Val.
I smiled sadly, wishing Mama could see me. She’d been a former Miss Louisiana, and it would have tickled her to get a picture of me all dolled up.
“Fair enough,” I finally said. “We can stay for an extra two days, then I have to get back to work.”
“Surely, we could spend a week. There’s so much to do.”
“Your Highness, I was hired to be a housekeeper, and I can’t exactly wander off on a whim when I’m supposed to be working.”
A muscle fluttered in his cheek, but he nodded. “Very well. We’ll simply make the best of our free time.”
“Great. Sounds perfect.”
The limo pulled to a stop in front of a beautiful hotel that looked like someplace a prince might stay. I glanced up at the name and stepped from the vehicle with my laptop bag over one shoulder as soon as the driver opened the door.
It was the location for the symposium, and I could barely contain my anticipation. Aside from other researchers I’d already met, the best and brightest from observatories all over the world would be in attendance.
His hand still outstretched to help me; the driver blinked as I brushed past him. “I beg your pardon, Ms. Lawton.”
“Sorry about that. Are the bags in the trunk?”
“Damaris…” Savva cupped my elbow and escorted me away from the entrance. “Let Mikhail do his job. We have time for lunch before everything starts.”
“Oh.” I glanced back at the hotel, then nodded. “Sorry. I’m just excited.”
“I can see that.” He chuckled and led me down the street toward a restaurant, but something caught my eye.
“Mmm. There’s lunch right over there.” Pulling away from him, I crossed the street and inhaled the mouthwatering fragrance of garlic and Middle Eastern spices.
When Savva caught up, he shared a glance between the falafel stand and me, then arched a brow. “You want… this?”
“It’s fast and cheap. More importantly, it’s divine.”
The man behind the counter smiled at me, and said, “Welcome! I am called Hassan. What would you like to order?”
“Good to meet you, Hassan. I’d like the falafel wrap with extra toum, a double order of the beef shawarma with extra pita and more toum, and… oh, yeah, makdous and an order of turshi, please, plus whatever my friend wants.”
Savva blinked and studied the menu, then gave me one of those sensual grins that always made my heart stutter and my panties wet. “What should I order?”
“Um”—I glanced at the menu—“I guess the stuffed grape leaves and kibbeh?”
