she didn’t have time to go out for drinks with him. She had to buckle down and get working on the logistics for the shelter so she could make this project the success she needed it to be.
When Kyra was finished arranging her things, the prince was still hanging around.
“So you’re from Atlanta?” he asked.
“Born and raised,” she said.
“A Southern girl,” he said.
“Through and through.”
“The accent’s great.”
Every time she travelled people remarked on her accent. To her, Marcus was the one who had the accent. “Thanks,” she said to him and started out of the boardroom. He followed.
“How’s your hotel?” he asked.
This prince seemed hell-bent on making conversation. Kyra didn’t want to be rude, but she wasn’t much for small talk.
“The hotel is quite comfortable, thanks for asking.”
“Good,” he said. “My family is always concerned that guests to Sovalon have a positive experience while they’re visiting.”
“So far so good.” Was he going to walk her all the way out of the building?
“How have you found the kingdom so far?”
“Great,” Kyra responded. As she scrolled to the Uber app on her phone, she went on without thinking. “I haven’t really seen much of Sovalon yet. I only just arrived last night.”
Marcus’s eyes lit up.
Shoot! Shoot! Shoot!
Why had she said that? If those words weren’t a total in for Marcus to invite her on a tour—
“How about a tour?” he asked.
Of course he asked. And, damn if he wasn’t charming, this Prince Marcus with his deep dark eyes begging to get under her skin.
But she had to stay professional. She couldn’t afford to let her attraction get in the way of her work.
She smiled apologetically at him.
“I really need to get back to my room. I’ve got a lot of work to get through tonight, especially since I’m expecting visitors tomorrow,” she said. “My sister and niece are flying in for a visit while I’m here.”
Before Lance fell ill, he’d insisted that the company fly his wife and son over for a stay. When the trip was transferred to Kyra, the company offered her the extra tickets and the two-bedroom suite. She’d been flooded with relief at the opportunity to fly her family out to be with her. Her younger sister was a single mom, trying her best to raise Ava on her own. Kyra had helped Maggie out ever since Ava was born, and they had never been apart for a long period of time. She’d been worried about how Maggie would manage without her.
“Well, if you’ve got guests coming tomorrow, looks like tonight’s the night,” Marcus said.
Kyra shot him a confused look.
“This may be the last chance you get for a night out to see the city.” A gorgeous smile played along his lips. He winked at her, and a chill ran across her arms. “I don’t mean to talk myself up, but I’m a pretty good tour guide.”
Kyra laughed at his forwardness and couldn’t help but flirt back. She grinned and raised her eyebrows. “Oh really? Why is that?”
“Well, being that I’m a prince and all, I can get in places most people can’t.” He locked arms with her, as if she’d already agreed.
This man could charm the habit off a nun.
“What do you say?” Marcus asked, leaning his head close to hers. “One night of fun?”
Kyra’s heart raced at the nearness of him. He smelled like minty mouthwash and woodsy cologne, and the broody danger in his eyes excited her.
“Oh, all right. Why not?” she said. She hadn’t been out in ages. She worked constantly, and when she wasn’t working, she was helping out with Ava. She was in Europe of all places, and a prince wanted to show her around. She deserved one night to relax.
Marcus held a hand out to Kyra and she took it. A chill ran up her arm at his touch. Damn, he was hot. “I’d love for you to be my tour guide, Marcus. And since you’re offering, I’ll take that drink as well.”
“Perfect,” he said and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “You won’t regret it.”
And she didn’t.
Several drinks later, Kyra and Marcus sat close to each other at a bar in the City Center. He’d shown her around the capital, including taking her to a few historic buildings. Kyra not only enjoyed her Sovalon excursion but found herself enjoying Marcus’s company on many levels.
As they laughed together at the bar, Marcus’s hand slid over her knee. Her bare skin sizzled at his touch.
“Thanks for showing me the town,” she