Taking hold of her hand, he practically dragged her out so that she had to run to keep up with his long-legged stride. Maybe not, since he nearly pulled her arm out of her socket. "Zaid," she begged to be released and walked at his side into the inner sanctum of the yacht. 

Her breath was taken away by the sheer luxury of the place, to come to her bedroom with plush carpets, pillars, glass, and padded walls in creams and tans, even a sofa at the end of the bed, chairs, and dark wood cabinets. "I have just died and gone to heaven," she whispered, not wanting to disturb the room, and this was all hers. "Oh Zaid, it's divine!" She threw her arms around him to hug him.

Strong arms went around to hold her to him. "Sheikhdomship? Really Charlotte?" he asked stunned. She laughed kissing him. She felt so happy.

"Baby?" she suggested laughing at his horrified look.

"I leave you to your unpacking, then we can go on land, hopefully, that would bring you back down to earth," he noted dryly, easing out of her hold. Walking away shaking his head and smiling. 

Lottie went off to explore. She had one of the staterooms with her own bathroom, and walk-in wardrobe to squeal and do a little jig. She went to get her phone, taking photos to send off to her mother. It was like seeing the Palace for the first time, yet she had to keep her excitement to herself. 

Was she finally finding herself? She sank onto the bed stunned. Or was she finally allowing herself to admit she was in love with him? Her prince. And he was no spare heir. He was the most amazing man, who held her heart. Always had.

In the following days, they spent a lot of time on land, mainly shopping. Josh and her, since Zaid was tied up with work. When she brought up the fact he was supposed to be on holiday, he waved her away, scowling at her. 

She looked around, finding they were alone to kiss him, and race off to join Josh and hit the shops. That night there was going to be a party on the yacht, and she wanted to find just the right dress to knock him off his socks.

Standing in front of the mirror, Lottie ran her hands over the blue lace figure-fitted dress with no lining to show flesh through the lighter lace pattern, and with a very plunging neckline, had her completely freaked. 

The dress was beautiful but wasn't her. Any minute now she felt like she was going to fall out even with the Hollywood tape.

Nope, she shook her head, not happening. Lifting the long skirt pooled around her feet, she went back to her wardrobe, flicking through her clothes and removed a long, flowing caftan of coral chiffon, satin,  and Georgette fabric, silk with grey embroidery, Empire waist to strip, and redress, feeling much better, kicking off blue high heels to step into grey ones, and not as high.

Once done, she headed out, joining the others. A private party on the yacht, the second saloon filled with the mega-rich, and superstars, noticing how the other women dressed, as in the other dress, all glitz and glamour, lace, diamonds and pearls, plunging necklines and pulling it off. 

She had felt so naked, and exposed.

"What have you done?" Josh hissed in her ear as he joined her.

"The only thing sensible. I'm not parading around like...um...them," she said softly. "Not me, not my scene." All the men were dressed in tailored suits or tuxedos, all looking debonair. It was like walking onto a film set, surreal. Then she saw her, in red, completely covered from head to toe though glittered under the lights, sparkling, blond hair twisted up in twirls like someone out of a fifties movie. "Not wearing white tonight I see," she muttered under her breath, grabbing a glass of champagne as a waiter passed, carrying a tray full.

She should've stayed in her room. "Josh you don't have to hang around me, go and mingle, have fun. I'm going to get some fresh air." She turned and walked away. 

No one would miss her, because she didn't know anyone, except for Zaid, Josh, and of course, Christine, who fitted in perfectly. She wandered off to the side of the yacht, running fingers along the rail to pause and stare across the lights dancing on the dark waters from the city lights. 

A waning moon in the night skies with twinkling stars.

"I thought you brought a new dress for tonight," a familiar voice washed over her to glance sideways, finding Zaid immaculately dressed in a tuxedo and pristine white dress shirt.

"I changed my mind. It wasn't suitable after all. I would take it back tomorrow."

"As you wish. I'd make sure it goes back."

Her eyes widened. "There's no need. I'm quite happy to do it," she smiled. 

The last thing she wanted was to have him see that dress. Far too revealing. She never would've bought it in the first place, without Josh in her ear. Now out of his influence, she saw it was unsuitable and felt uncomfortable wearing such things. 

She loved the free-flowing movement of the caftans. The satin underlay followed her curves against her skin, however, the overlay of chiffon teased the sight, yet not revealing. Soft, and she always felt more feminine in this than that revealing of the flesh of her legs, thighs, and cleavage.

"As you wish. Now why are you out here?" he asked gently.

"Enjoining the views. It's so peaceful out here and tranquil."

"You like the tranquillity, don't you Charlotte?"

"Yes I do," she admitted. 

Living with a busy, lively family that was loving and funny, she used to like to find a quiet corner to read or study. Matt the actor. Jenny the dancer. Her mother, the painter. Her father, the writer. It was amazing how they could afford to live. Maybe because they were good at what they did. 

Each is very good in their field. Then there was her. The youngest and so unlike anyone else, they all teased their mother if she had an affair with the milkman or if she was adopted. The only problem with that one was she was the spitting image of her mother. Her mother had the gentlest of smiles, just for her. Probably the only one who understood her, though she was deeply loved by the others. 

"So is this what you normally do on your yacht?" she asked curious.

"It had been a while. I do come here to get away from it all, relax, and yes have such parties."

She turned around to lean her elbows on the rail, holding the glass in her hand. "How long since you have done this?" she asked frowning because she had always been at his side for the last four years.

"Five years. It has been a while," he smiled.

"And what a shock to the system," she laughed.

"One might agree," he stated. "Like you, I do like the peace and calm."

"Am I that obvious?"

"Always have been." They both turned to look across the dark waters to the lit-up city.

"Do you normally come here?"

"No, Monte Carlo."

"Ah, the city of gambling, and car racing, so?"

He sighed. "Gambling mostly, however, would watch a race, if one is on."

"Please not roulette," she begged.

"No, prefer blackjack or poker."

"Ah, the man's thinking game, not a luck of little white ball."

"Still luck of the cards, Charlotte. I do like backgammon."

"Of course you do," she smiled. A game commonly played in the Middle East. "Better than chess. I would never understand that game."

"You always have to think ahead."

"And if they don't do as you think?"

"Reroute. Always have a backup plan."

"You play chess, don't you?"

"Every day, Charlotte, every day," he sighed.

"Then you should play roulette. A non-thinking game," she suggested realising that he did in real life always had to be ahead of the competition. "Have you ever lost Zaid?"

"Not as yet, and don't plan to."

She believed him to smile. "Won't you be missed?" she asked instead.

He looked around. "Not as yet, however..." He offered his arm to be taken, and she was led back inside at his side. 

She stayed there as he introduced her around, not as his secretary but as Charlotte Johnson. A guest. Her heart swelled, and she didn't have to prove anything. Just smiled, nodded, and answered direct questions. Just happy to be at his side, whispering and laughing as they used to do she realised. What had she been thinking? To run her fingers down his arm absently that stilled as Christine approached them.

"Lottie honey," she purred. "You should be mingling, enjoying yourself that is why I'm here. There is no need to dress down. That blue dress you brought was so beautiful, and so you."

Lottie closed her eyes briefly. "I'm fine," she said, "unless?" she looked at Zaid and backed off. She wouldn't put him in that position. "That's so nice of you Christine," she eased away to mingle in the crowd that now saw her for what she was, an employee. 

Christine taking her place to be the perfect hostess, she could never be. Turning, she glided out and race back to her room, only to be stopped by a restricting hand.

"I told you to wear that dress," Josh hissed. "If you want to catch his attention, then you have to stand out." Pain and doubt flashed through her eyes to shake her head. "Wear it," he insisted.

"Not tonight."

"Tomorrow night." 

Reluctantly she agreed and headed back to her room, asking Josh to make her excuses, that she was tired and retiring for the night.

****

Once more standing in front of the mirror, Lottie knew she hated it. 

No more, she would choose her own clothes to strip. Changing into a light pale blue summer dress, and flat sandals, taking a launch to the mainland, and going back to town returning the gown. She went through the other dresses on display to find an emerald green gown, which still had a low cut front but not as bad, and body-hugging, small cupped sleeve gaped with a satin band around the sequined long green dress to hold up against her.

Just a quick try-on and she was gone with her new purchases that had been much cheaper than the other. It seemed less material, dearer the dress. Amazing. Much happier, she went off to find a little cafe. She ordered coffee, chose a table near the window, looked out across the Aegean sea, and smiled at the sight of Zaid's yacht. 

It was the biggest, and the most beautiful with clean lines of white glistering under the Greek sun. It was all so serene to just sit back and enjoy the views.

A dark shadow fell upon her to look up and smiled. "Zaid, how lovely. Please join me." Her smile froze at his hard glaze.

"What are you playing at!" he demanded to know.

"Sorry," she asked astonished.

"That dress. What were you thinking?" She blinked and lowered her eyes. "I refuse to let you attend tonight unless I provide proper attire. I'm not having you parading around like some white trash."

She gasped at the insult and paled. "Fine," she swallowed hard. "I won't bother to go." She loved that dress.

"Fine," he said, turned and left to leave her seated. 

The day dulled, crying quietly into the coffee, waiting until she got her composure back before she left. She wandered around the streets until it was time to go back with the others on the launch. Sitting in the back, head down, pretending to read her phone. 

Once back, she went to her stateroom and put on her pyjamas, and black fluffy slippers, dropped into the sofa at the end of her bed and flicked on the television. She rung downstairs for her favourite comfort food. Cheap wine, and popcorn.

Josh entered her room after knocking she ignored and told him firmly she wasn't going, end of discussion. No matter how hard he pleaded, only to have Christine check up on her. 

Yeah, rub it in with your classic white long-sleeved stunner of a dress. 

"I'm fine Christine. Too much sun. Have fun," she forced a smile, then sunk into depression.

Maybe it was time she moved on. She chomped on popcorn that she swished down with expensive white dry wine as she watched the Avengers kick butt on the bad guys. She had no butts to kick but her own. 

Tears rolled down her cheeks. 

It was over. 

She had never been told not to go by Zaid before. 

Or he was embarrassed by her presence. 

She didn't know who she was anymore. 

Zaid stormed in taking her by surprise, wiping at her cheeks with the sleeve of her pyjamas as he sat down at her side on the sofa and pointed at her food. 

"Popcorn, deal with it," she snapped, still upset by what he had called her. She never deserved that. "And where do you get off telling me what to wear!" she demanded to know.

"What? Flesh and cleavage, not happening," he growled deep in his voice. She bolted up and went into her wardrobe and brought out her dress and stormed back to wave it in front of him.

"What's wrong with that!" He stared at her. "Zaid?" she asked startled.

"It's emerald," he stated.

She frowned confused. "And?"

"What happened to the blue monstrosity?"

She swallowed hard. He had been talking about that dress. She knew he would never approve of that dress. "Took it back, made a huge mistake, it wasn't me."

"I could have told you that so why did you buy it?"

"Peer pressure," she offered, feeling guilty. It wasn't Josh's fault. She wanted to impress Zaid and stepped forward. "It was a stupid mistake that I came to see, me, not anyone else. I changed it for this. I love it Zaid, yes it is figure-hugging, sequined but it is so glamorous. I've never owned anything like this before, and if you are offended by it, then fine. I won't wear it in front of you," she offered, hating the distance between them. 

He had never called her names before.

"I think you look perfect as my companion. I going to change as you will, and join the others. I just hope I don't disappoint you," he said softly.

"You never could," she returned softly.

He nodded, and left, leaving her to quickly change, keeping her hair free after being brushed to tumble freely over her shoulders and retrieved a fine laced gold shawl, and matching clutch bag that also matched her strappy high heels. 

Lifting the long gown, so as not to trip over, she rushed out, leaving behind the popcorn and wine and wandered upstairs into the main saloon room, where the others were waiting.

"You look fabulous," Josh praised at the sight of her. "Guess you were right. That's more you."

"So it was your idea," a deep voice drawled behind them. 

Lottie spun around, eyes begging also taking in his suit and opened-necked light blue shirt, no tie, and a satin blue handkerchief with white dots in the top pocket of his jacket. Even if not wearing the tuxedo, he still looked so dashing, if not a little bit rakish with his dark hair, and dark stubble. There was a different air about him tonight. "It would be just the four of us tonight. I had enough of crowds. Charlotte," he offered his hand, having her cross over to take and led away to be followed by the others.

He helped her down into the launch, settling her down at his side, heading towards land to be met by a limousine. Driven to the restaurant, and shown to their table, facing views of the surrounding waters. 

Zaid held out Lottie's chair for her to be taken with a thank you. She let her shawl drape over the back of her seat then reached for the menu to glance over. "You don't want me to order for you?" he dared to tease. 

She leaned closer to him, shoulders touching. "You might have to. I can't understand a thing. It's all Greek to me." She held back a smile.

"Because Charlotte it is," Zaid whispered back, amused. "Leave it with me." She shut the menu to replace it.

"I see anything looking too foreign, you will regret it," she promised.

"It is all foreign," he stated to her annoyance.

"I meant slimy yucky things, and please nothing with its head left on. I don't want to face beady, black, dead eyes."

"No beady, black, dead eyes, noted," he smiled.

"Thank you."

"Any other requests?"

"Next time we eat where I can read the menu, myself," she suggested.

Zaid shifted to place an arm along the back of her chair, his leg brushing hers. "I tell you what, you trust me tonight, and next time we dine on the yacht, you can have whatever your heart desires. I would fly anything you want in."

"Or I could cook," she offered to receive an arched brow.

"You cook?" he asked most surprised.

"I used to." If it wasn't for her, they would've all starved. Thankfully now they had a full-time housekeeper and cook to look after her family. They needed it.

"We shall see," was all he said.

She leaned even closer, against his side his arm still behind her open to her, tugging at his dinner jacket. "You don't trust my cooking?"

"I haven't tried it yet."

"Ah, but you have to try it first. I think I would start with my Lasagna."

"That's Italian."

"I know," she smiled, easing back, resting back against his arm. 

Zaid ordered the banquet so they could taste the real flavour of the area. Where they could pick and choose what they wanted to eat, having the local wines that she did enjoy. If not sure, she always asked Zaid before she tied anything, so not too surprised by anything out there. Music played in the background, tapping her foot most of the night or hummed happily.

"Shall we dance?" Zaid whispered in her ear, his breath warm against her skin. She melted and agreed instantly. Excusing themselves from the table, they went to the provided dance floor where others were dancing cheek to cheek to the slow romantic music.

Zaid swung Lottie into his arms to swirl around on the provided dance floor in perfect time and rhythm. "I see you can dance," she said softly. 

In all the four years together and all the palace functions, they had never danced.

"Did you doubt it?' She shook her head. "You survived dinner?" she nodded smiling.

"Did you doubt it?" she couldn't resist, having his arm tightened around her waist, held against his long, lean form yet hard, male, and so intoxicating as they moved around the dance floor with other couples.

"I don't remember you ever been like this before."

"What's that?"

"Sassy." Chewing her bottom lip, she looked up into watchful eyes. Still holding her hand, he lifted his hand, brushing a thumb across her bottom lip, just like he had on the plane, warming all over. "Ever since we went to Melbourne you have changed."

"I have?"

"Hmm. Hissy fits, talks back, and is now sassy." Colour flooded her cheeks.

"Sorry." 

Her other hand held onto his broad shoulder from behind, her body now pressed against his, feeling him, warming all over. It was nice, feeling his thighs brush hers. Suddenly aware of his thumb caressing her back. At first, she thought she had imagined it. Nope. Just the briefest touch that felt so good, leaning in closer to him as the music changed to a slower beat, moving as one. 

More swaying, his warm breath brushed his cheek as his dark head lowered closer.

"Don't be. I'm finally seeing the real Charlotte, who isn't always calm, nice, and tolerating."

"Thanks," she noted dryly. "I'm all those things," she grumbled.

"I said not always, so have you enjoyed your night?"

"After a rocky beginning, yes."

"Mind you I expect my Charlotte most of the time. If you have this urge to change just do it not around me," he advised.

"Huh! You're the one causing it," she chuckled against his thumb still against her bottom lip to look up into his dark rich eyes to sigh. "I had a wonderful night Zaid. Once I'm back at work, you'd have your old Charlotte back."

"And if I don't want my old Charlotte back, but this new and shiny one?" Her eyes dropped down to her dress.

"You want me to wear this to work?" she asked dazed.

His laugh was rich and deep warming her. "And have the palace in a flap? I don't think so, do you?"

"I could always wear..."

"Don't even suggest it," he warned soberly. "And you would never listen to your friend again. Got it." She nodded. "Why would you listen to anyone else, when you have excellent taste, I would never understand."

She looked up into his eyes to lose herself in their depth. "Well Zaid, not really my sort of party, was it? Never been to one like that before." He frowned, dropping his hand away though still held her hard against him.

"You have been to plenty of Palace functions."

"Yes, but not as a guest. As part of your entourage. That was different Zaid."

"Ah, so that explains your odd behaviour. You do have to come back to work for me."

"Coming from the man who threatened to take away my job."

"Never," he laughed, eyes twinkling.

"So you were only trying to keep me in line. Thanks for the heads up."

"On the condition, you don't ever threaten me with your resignation. I won't release you, Charlotte Johnson, never," he vowed. 

She sighed her breath touching his cheek, trembling in his arms.

"I don't want to leave you Zaid," she whispered leaning her head against his shoulder. "I was confused. I don't know anything, anymore, except for the fact I belong here, at your side, working, helping you any way I can."

"Can we get rid of those slippers," he asked hopefully. Her fingers dug into his shoulder.

"No!"

"What about if I get you a real one?"

She pulled back slightly. "Really? No, it wouldn't be fair, if I'm not there, travelling all the time. We have been travelling a lot lately Zaid, nearly two years straight."

"Yes, we have. I don't plan to travel as much, spending most of the time at the Palace. Would that make you happier?"

"I would like that, so what is this all about? Being here in the Greek Islands?"

"I told you I needed a break."

"From me, I know."

"I can send you back ahead if you want?" Her lips parted, his thumb pressed back against her bottom lip, gaze dark and smouldering, taking her breath away. "However, that doesn't suit my purpose."

"What is your purpose Zaid?" she asked curiously. He just smiled, eyes sparkling. He never gave his plan away, ever. Shaking her head, she rested it against his shoulder just to enjoy being in his arms. Then it was over, and they were leaving the restaurant.

The night was much cooler, wrapping her wrap around her shoulders and tying in the front so as not to lose it or slip off. Zaid glanced sideways at her to see her shiver after the warmth of the restaurant. He shrugged off his jacket to place over her shoulders to have appreciating blue eyes, and a thank you smile on her lips, as she tugged it closer around her. 

Even slipped her arms through the far-too-long sleeves. Keeping her hands warm. "Do you want to go back?" She nodded. Taking her hand in his, they went to join the others. "We are heading back. Stay and enjoy. I would send you the launch, just ring when you need it."

Christine was about to argue, when Josh jumped in, placing an arm around her shoulder. "Let's paint the town red, Chrissy. It's not every day we are here, now is it?"

"I guess not," she allowed to be led away.

Once back at the yacht, Lottie raced off to go and change into a flowing long kaftan. Just a plain red one, and resisted wearing the slippers. It wasn't like she needed them to go barefoot. Zaid's jacket folded over her arm as she joined him on the outside deck, finding him seated on a sofa, still dressed in his suit pants, and opened-neck shirt, holding a solid crystal glass of whiskey in his hand. 

She draped the jacket over the table.

"Help yourself to anything you want." She nodded, reaching for his jacket to slip back on since they were outside, and settled at his side, tucking her legs up at her side under the hem of the dress, wishing she had brought her slippers. "I didn't mean my clothes," he noted taking a sip of his whiskey.

She smiled, snuggling up against him since they were alone. "You said anything. Shall I get my little friends," she teased, nearly choking on his whiskey.

"That won't be necessary," he noted, unimpressed to have a soft chuckling. 

He placed his arm around her so she could snuggle up against his side instead. He brushed loose hair from her cheek with a finger, his glass cool against her skin. He pressed his glass against her lips and then took a sip. 

She looked up and passed him to the sparkling stars in the sky and moon.

"It's so beautiful here," she whispered, not wanting to spoil the atmosphere of just them, alone. He pressed a button dimming the lights on the deck, giving off a very soft yellow glow from under the sofa. The rest of the lights turned off, opening the night sky to them. "Oh, even more so," she gasped. 

Zaid guided her to lie down on his lap to enjoy the night, and serene surroundings, until the others came back. 

She made her excuses and headed back to her room, climbing under the covers with a smile on her lips as she drifted off to sleep.