The Queen in the Kingdom

CHAPTER ONE

Nikki knew the moment her husband came through the grand doors. His power rolled forward, enveloping her.

Standing in the midst of the party, with her back to the entrance, she felt rather than saw him cross the threshold into the ballroom. Her hands immediately started shaking.

Not now. Gods, please, not now.

Along the edges of the gorgeous room, men in black suits took their places quietly, blending in with her serving staff. Mario's personal cadre of bodyguards. She recognized them because they'd once guarded her.

The guests mingling near the entrance all turned, the men bowing and women fluttering as they greeted the man who secretly ruled the Netherworld of New Olympia. Mario Udall .

It had been two months since she'd seen or spoken to him, beyond the text she'd sent telling him she was leaving him as she fled his Estate. Of course she'd known that wouldn't be the end of it. This was Mario Udall they were talking about.

She'd spent the last two months laying low, knowing he could come for her at any moment. He hadn't, though. He'd respected her wishes...

Or it had been some sort of game to him. One she didn't want to play. She was tired of games. Done with them. Done with him and his world of shadows and violence.

Mario's dark head was still barely in the ballroom. He was surrounded by people, couples in tuxes and ballgowns who would pay homage to the King of the Netherworld, men with solemn faces who wanted to shake his hand and whisper in his ear. Same as always.

Of course she'd known that eventually they'd run into each other. It was inevitable. She'd tried to brace herself for this moment. She'd gone over it a hundred times in her head. A thousand times.

She thought she'd be ready.

She'd been wrong. So, so wrong.

Mario Udall raised his head. His storm colored eyes swept over the crowded room. He was still surrounded by people, but he hadn't forgotten her.

He'd never forget. He was on the hunt.

Goosebumps rose all over her skin and her heart raced. He was more gorgeous than ever and even a ballroom away, she could feel the wash of power that always preceded his intimidating presence.

Get out. She had to get out of here now.

She glanced around, feeling frantic as she looked for an escape. But she was surrounded on all sides by beautiful, glittering people who were all but caging her in between the giant bouquets of peacock feathers and tables laden with crab and puff pastries.

Amris had opened another spa, and, to celebrate, talked one of his many admirers into opening their house for the extravaganza. The party was totally lush. He'd told Nikki to spare no expense and she hadn't. But now the excess was completely screwing with her need for a quick escape.

There was the staircase on the far side of the ballroom; she could probably wind her way through the partiers to get there...but it would leave her exposed. Mario might be able to approach her before she could get away. Still, she had to try. She couldn't stand here like a lamb waiting for the slaughter.

She looked up at the tall guest in a white tux who'd been talking to her. "I'm sorry," she interrupted him, having no idea what he'd been saying.

She'd passed off the behind-the-scenes responsibilities to Tasha, her assistant, about an hour ago and had been out among the guests ever since, at Armris 's insistence.

The tall black man smiled, showing perfect white teeth. He was bald and cut an unusual figure in the party. He reminded her of Sharo, the dangerous underboss in her husband's business.

"No apologies necessary," the man said in a light tenor voice that belied his height. "I've been babbling far too long. I was excited to meet the woman who made all this happen." He frowned down at her in concern. "Are you cold?"

"No." Nikki wanted to rub her arms to quell the goosebumps but instead lifted her hand self-consciously to her hair. Did she look as harried as she felt? Her hair was a shade lighter than it had been two months ago, worked into an intricate braid around her head. Would Mario like it? She wanted to kick herself the second she had the thought, but still couldn't shake it.

Tendrils were already escaping around her face. Her fingers smoothed them back, and drifted to her ears. She was wearing the diamond earrings Mario had given her. The studs hadn't seen the light of day for two months, but Armris had given her the dress and she'd wanted something to match.

Of course, she'd picked the one night Mario showed up and would see her wearing his gift. Sighing, she pressed her hand to her temple. At least she wasn't still wearing her wedding ring.

"You sure you're alright?" the guest in white asked.

On the far side of the ballroom, the DJ on the dais started a song the crowd recognized. A flock of the younger crowd rushed past, knocking Nikki into the giant man. His large dark hands reached out to steady her.

Nikki smiled weakly as she looked up into the guest's concerned eyes and tried to remember his name.

"Philan Rivers !" Armris swooped in, looking dashing in a black velvet tux that contrasted nicely with his dancing black eyes and swarthy skin. "So glad you could come to our party." The boyish designer and spa owner threw his arm around Nikki, cutting off her escape. "Are you enjoying it?"

"I am, thank you," Philan rumbled. "It's been awhile since I've been to a party off ship."

"Well, you've come to the right one. Nikki helped pull it off." Armris squeezed her. "Have you heard of her new event planning company? She just started it. It's called Perceptions. A lovely name, if I say so myself."

Nikki resisted rolling her eyes. Armris had thought up the name. He'd also called her up weeks ago and strong-armed her into starting the business, helping her file the right paperwork, and loaning her a generous amount of start-up capital.

"Tonight's her inaugural event," Armris was telling Philan Rivers .

"Is it?" Philian rumbled, his eyes crinkling as he looked down at her. "Congratulations."

"Thank you." Nikki forced a smile. She was happy, she really was.

Or maybe not happy. Content. Happiness was a lie. It seemed to her that everyone was simply trying to get by the best they could. So she did, too. And she stayed busy. That was key. When she was busy, she didn't have time to think. Which was why this event had been perfect.

She barely slept the past week and had almost had a heart attack when the caterers tried to change the menu on her at the last moment. But she'd called around to every fish market in the area and gotten them enough fresh salmon to make their piccata bites right in time. And then she had to fight with the florists to get the arrangements she wanted even though they'd agreed a week ago-

Nikki shook her head to clear her thoughts. "I should probably check on the buffet..."

She started to pull away but Armris shook his head. "Nikki, darling, the buffet is fine. Quit acting like Cinderella and enjoy the ball. Champagne!"

A waitress wearing little more than a purple bikini and headdress of peacock feathers sashayed by and offered her tray out to them. Nikki had a glass pressed into her hand before she could protest.

"

"To the hostess with the mostess. To Nikki," Arm8 whooped. Nikki tried to shush him; if Mario didn't know she was here before he certainly did now. She was about to extricate herself from Armris 's embrace when Ophelia broke into their circle.

"Hey guys, what are we toasting to?"

"Ophelia!" Armris greeted her. "We're toasting Nikki."

"Roger that." Ophelia was a hacker Nikki had befriended in the past few months and her friendship had turned out to be a lifesaver. Especially now since they were roommates after Nikki had moved out of Mario's penthouse. Ophelia relieved Nikki of her glass and downed the rest of the champagne.

CHAPTER TWO

Nikki craned her head slightly and tried to scan the room to see if her husband was circling closer. Armris still had his arm around her shoulders and was doing introductions. If she moved now, she'd appear rude. At least Mario hadn't approached them yet. Maybe there was still time for her to escape?

"Philian, this is Ophelia, resident tech genius who owns Aurum, the tech company. Ophelia, Philian runs a shipping business and owns-"

"A bunch of toys that can only be run on water," Philian interrupted, capturing Ophelia 's hand and kissing it.

"Awesome," Ophelia said, looking down her sharp nose. Ophelia 's face wasn't unattractive but Nikki didn't care for the way she wore her hair parted down the middle, black sheets falling to a blunt cut jaw. The whole hairstyle resembled a helmet. After two months of advising her friend to get her hair cut in softer layers, Nikki had given up, suspecting that Ophelia preferred to look striking rather than pretty.

Of course, that theory didn't jive with the way Ophelia flirted. Right now Ophelia was fluttering her dark lashes at the shipping mogul. "Do you share your toys?"

"I'll share mine if you share yours." Philian smiled.

"Right on. I'm heading out of here soon, but I'll look you up." Ophelia looked Philian over, from his bald head all the way down to his wing tip shoes. "You're what, six one?"

"Six two." Again, Philian's smile showed two rows of very white teeth.

"Nice. You know what they say about tall men." Ophelia looked pointedly at the guest's crotch.

"Ophelia," Nikki choked out, but wasn't sure why she was even surprised anymore. Ophelia was smart enough to realize her rudeness-she simply didn't care. "Philian was commenting on how nice this party is."

Even as she said it, her eyes were darting around. Where had Mario gone? Had he seen her?

"Oh, for sure. Great party," Ophelia agreed.

Armris, now hanging on Nikki, had somehow grabbed a second champagne. He pointed with his new glass, dangerously close to slopping liquid onto Nikki. "See that guy in the corner? That's Marco Mars, the movie star."

They all studied the handsome blond holding court in front of the staircase, surrounded by an adoring audience five people deep.

"Hot. I'd fuck him," Ophelia pronounced. Armris snorted in Nikki 's ear, leaning more heavily on her until she was surrounded by the scent of his cologne. It smelled good but was a little overpowering for her taste. Philian 's lips jerked briefly into what looked suspiciously like the start of a smile.

Nikki closed her eyes as Ophelia went on. "Didn't Annabel say she was auditioning for a movie that he's starring in? That would be, like, a huge break for her."

"Yes," Nikki said, focusing back in on the conversation at hand. "And she's perfect for the part."

"Where is that bitch anyway?" Ophelia frowned, looking back towards the entrance. "Annabelle is another one of our roommates," she told Philian, and then winked at him. "There's only one bed, though. Good thing we're such close friends."

Nikki all but choked on a sip of champagne. "How about another toast?" she said desperately. Philian 's grin was now ear to ear.

"To friends!" Armris started to toast again, but the hand that held the full glass was still around Nikki 's neck.

Ophelia grabbed the tipsy designer, and helped untangle him. "Gods, Armris, watch her dress."

Nikki was almost free when Armris caught her arm.

"Do you like the dress?" he asked. "It's one of my creations."

"I actually need to go fix it real quick," Nikki stammered, tugging at Armris 's grip. She'd officially reached maximum stimulus overload. She needed a breath.

"Stop, it looks perfect," Armris scolded.

"Very lovely. You're like a mermaid." Philian smiled down at her.

Nikki glanced down. The blue sheath was strapless, hugging her sleek form until her waist, where it shimmered into turquoise and then down into a sea-foam green train.

"Turn around," Ophelia requested and Armris 's hand pulled her into a spin that Nikki had no choice but to continue.

Of course, as soon as she twirled, her gaze swept over the crowded party, and Nikki looked straight into the eyes of her husband, Mario Udall.

Like in the movies, it felt like everything around them muted and became hazy. Eight weeks hadn't changed much-for him anyway. Mario wore his signature suit. Everything about him spoke of power, from the set of his broad shoulders to his piercing gaze. He stood in a crowd and rose above it, a man among boys.

He stood a little inside the doorway, flanked by two men dressed all in black. Shades, they were called on the street.

One glance, and Nikki stopped mid-twirl, letting her dress continue without her. She stared at her husband, the sight of him hitting her with earth-tilting force. His eyes locked with hers and there was a fire burning in their depths. Searing her to the core.

With time and space, she had convinced herself that she'd imagined the potency of his effect on her. Surely she'd exaggerated how, with a look, he could pin her in place and have her begging.

A half whirl later and she had her back to him, but no relief. She knew his eyes were on her and she could all but feel the ghost of his hands on her body.

More than that, a million other memories were flooding in. Him holding her at night, his body spooned behind hers. Him finally saying the words that she had waited so long to hear, whispering over and over that he loved her.

And that last night before she'd left him. The terrifying sight of him letting the leash off of his control and watching him brutally bash a man's head in. Over and over and over again, even after the man was dead. Mario hadn't known she was there, hiding in the shadows, but she'd seen. She'd seen and she'd never forget.

Nikki stumbled backwards. "I have to go."

Ophelia frowned and Armris 's head whipped around. They both realized the cause of her panic at the same time. For the past two months, Nikki had been Ophelia 's roommate, and Armris was a frequent visitor to their tiny loft. They'd listened to her rant, hugged her when she cried, and plied her with ice cream when she moped around for days. She'd never told them the extent of it, though. She'd never told a soul about that last night and she never would.

"Oh darling-" Armris began, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed convulsively.

Ophelia was more blunt. "Go."

Philian Rivers straightened to his considerable height. His eyes narrowed and Nikki froze at the mask of hate that settled over his regal features.

Nikki didn't want to know the reasons why the man in white despised her husband. Mario 's whole world was filled with darkness and vendetta. She wanted nothing to do with any of it. And she certainly had no interest in confronting Mario tonight.

Lifting her dress so she wouldn't trip on the mini-train, Nikki fled. Damn it, why had she let Armris talk her into wearing these five-inch heels? She couldn't go too quickly or she break her neck

CHAPTER THREE

"I'm sorry"Armris caught up with her, sounding sober again.

"You told me he wouldn't be here," she said through gritted teeth.

"I know," Armris sighed, and she almost stumbled.

He steadied her, then held her back as she snapped at him. "You knew? You knew he was coming, and you told me..."

"Look, I didn't know he was actually going to show up. I may have let it slip that you were working on this event with me. I didn't invite him."

"You dangled me like bait in front of him! That's an open invitation to a man like him."

She glanced back, and, sure enough, Mario was on his way towards the ballroom, moving closer to them. People seemed to magically clear out of his way. Shit.

"It's been two months, Nikki Bell. Don't you think you should at least talk to him?"

"I have talked to him." Okay, she'd texted. She couldn't bear to hear his voice, although she'd saved his voicemails.

"I mean face to face." Armris sighed again. Nikki felt a twinge of guilt. Her friends hadn't been anything but supportive, although they did point out, gently, that talking to her husband might be a teensy bit better than just ranting behind his back.

They didn't understand, though. And they never would because she'd never tell them about that night.

Keeping busy was the only alternative to curling up in the fetal position underneath her bedspread. Over and over, waking and sleeping, she heard the BANG of AJ's gun going off and the endless images assaulted her-the blood, those brief moments between life and death when she'd bowed over Iris's prone body and begged her to hang on, still believing that true love conquered all.

But it didn't. True love and happy endings were a lie. Iris's eyes had gone glassy and that was only the beginning of that night's violence and bloodshed.

So yes, She had run.

And in the last two months, she tried to build a life for herself. One she could actually call her own for the first time, not dictated by her mother or her husband. She was finally doing what she dreamed of all her life-she was living independently and starting to make her own way in the world. But gods, none of that mattered because HE was here. She couldn't avoid thinking about him anymore. He'd force a confrontation. It was his way.

"I can't," she said, pushing Armris away and rising up onto the first step of the staircase. He frowned but let her go.

"It's too much tonight. I can't. I won't." She was now talking to herself, climbing the stairs carefully because of the damn heels.

Halfway up, though, she made a mistake. She looked down.

Mario was standing amid the crowd, looking right at her. Was there sadness in the beautiful hollows of his face, in the shadows under his eyes? She'd expected anger.

Too late, She realized she'd been staring. He saw her hesitation, and it was enough. Oh shit. He made his living among the criminals of the underworld, where the slightest weakness could be exploited. So of course he read hers. And, like a siren's call, it moved him.

Holding onto the banister with both hands, Nikki watched him prowl through the glittering masses. He kept his eyes on her, and she read in them a promise. He was the hunter; she was the prey. And Mario Udall always got what he wanted.

Under her beautiful dress, her knees wobbled. With what-fear, desire, anticipation?-she didn't know. All she knew was that she was glad she had the banister to steady herself.

Run. Get the hell out of here.

But she stayed rooted in place. Because maybe, secretly, she wanted him to get what he wanted.

A wild card saved her. A curvy young woman walked in, her golden skin glowing against her outfit of pure white. Annabelle. The people around her formed an admiring circle and Annabelle smiled, basking in the light of their attention. But behind her, a server lifted a full tray of drinks and staggered under their weight. Nikki gasped as she saw what would happen.

The server stumbled and the glasses crashed down, sending liquid in a shining arc, splashing all over Annabelle's white clad form. Annabelle paused for a brief moment, looking down as the yellow stain spread all over her white outfit.

But Nikki should have known Annabelle could roll with any situation.

Further in the ballroom, the DJ had taken a break and the music was quiet, so people were turning to see this new entertainment. No one else would be able to pull this off, but Annabelle was a performer, and now she had an audience. She threw back her head and laughed.

With a practiced movement, she let the bolero slide off her shoulders, and tossed the garment onto the surprised server's tray. Every movement was part of the dance, and it was hard to look away. Her undershirt, a complicated camisole done up her front with little hooks was next. With quick flicks of Annabelle 's fingers, her top started to split down the middle as the audience held their breath.

She sashayed her hips, stepping forward. The people around her cleared away as she moved towards a buffet table. Her hands busy with her top, she still managed to step lightly up onto the table.

Now most of the room was watching. Annabelle remained mostly in place, moving her hips to a silent song.

The DJ filled the room with a throbbing beat. Now some of the younger and rowdier crowd came around the table, and Annabelle worked with them, blowing a kiss to her new admirers. A few fans started to holler.

Her top came off slowly, teasingly, until Annabelle dropped it and revealed a pale bra holding up an amazing pair of breasts. If the crowd hadn't been excited before, they certainly were now, and someone clued the DJ in. He turned up the music, bellowing into the mike, "Ladies and gentleman, please welcome-Venus!"

Annabelle was down to her heels, a sexy thong, and a half slip made of tulle that had underwired the poofy skirt she'd been wearing. Not much more than she wore to work at the strip club where she had her show. Even half-naked, she looked elegant, the mesh skirt around her hips flaring out like a ballerina's.

On the edge of the ballroom, Marcus Mars left his throng of admirers and glided across the parquet to the stage where Anna was dancing. He stepped up, the spotlight gilding his famous profile.

He held out his hand. Annabelle took it.

Nikki sucked in a breath. Her roommate was laughing, holding hands with the biggest star in New Olympia, and blowing kisses over her shoulder to her adoring fans as Marcus Mars stole her away.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Nikki 's staff cleaned the champagne and wet clothes away. Crisis averted.

Not quite. All that commotion, and Mario was still looking at her. Nikki staggered backwards, nearly falling on the steps under the weight of his stare. The promise in the stormy depths of his eyes.

Fate had one more ace up his sleeve. While his eyes had been locked with hers, Mario had forgotten to survey the crowd. The DJ's music ended and the crowd crush forward to cheer. And amid the waves of people, as if pulled by some magic tide, Philian Rivers washed into Mario 's path.

From her vantage point, Nikki could see her husband's sober expression falter as he looked up at the man who blocked his progression to her. She waited long enough to see the recognition flicker across Mario's features as he stared at the giant in white.

Another second and surprise left Mario 's face and hatred flooded in.

Nikki didn't wait to see what happened next. Slipping out of her shoes, she whirled and ran up the stairs.

The house was a mini palace, big as a hotel. At the top of the stairs, Nikki slipped past the sign marking the hall beyond as "Private."

Oh well, she'd ask Armris later who owned the palace so she could beg forgiveness for trespassing. Escape was more important at the moment. She hurried down the hall, testing a few of the doors to see if one could lead to a safe hiding place.