Page 74 of Royally Matched
“More!”
This time, I pump the accelerator with rapid pulses that blend into one continuous hum with a high-pitched wail. If I thought it was thrilling before, this is nothing short of exhilarating. I’m in my car with a gorgeous manwho thinks I’m beautiful, behaving in an entirely un-princess-like manner, set to embark on an adventure to solve a royal riddle.
Does it get better than that?
“Now we’re talking!” Marco grins at me and I find myself grinning back.
Who knew doing something as loutish as revving a car engine could make me feel quite so giddy, so alive? I sweep my eyes over Marco and wonder whether it would feel quite so wonderful if he wasn’t here with me.
But I already know the answer.
Chapter 20
Marco
I sit back in the tan leather seat and enjoy the feel of being a passenger in this classic car, driven by the most beautiful woman I’ve met. She skilfully navigates the narrow, winding streets of Villadorata, before the streets give way to the expansive motorway as we head out of the city toward the distant mountains, and the pull I feel for her grows stronger with each turn of the wheel, each rev of the engine.
This car is so Sofia. It’s a perfectreflection of her polished exterior: elegant lines, graceful curves, and a pristine finish. To the world, she’s the epitome of regal sophistication, composed, poised, always in control. But the deep rumble of the engine mirrors the fire within her, a passion she rarely reveals, but one that I’ve been fortunate enough to see. It’s like this car is a metaphor for her personality, and with each turn of the steering wheel, she allows herself to indulge in that hidden side, the one that craves speed, thrills, and the freedom to break away from expectations.
There’s something so very sexy about a woman who drives a car so expertly like this, and I’m finding it increasingly hard not to allow my already intense attraction for the woman at the wheel cloud my judgement.
Yes, she’s got a ridiculously hot car and looks incredible in it.
Yes, she is a beautiful woman, with those big smoky brown eyes and those luscious lips of hers.
Yes, she looks unbelievably good in jeans and a sweatshirt, her long, thick hair falling down her back, such a contrast to the prim and proper appearance with which she usually meets the world.
But she isn’t just some girl I’ve met and I’m enjoying a flirtation with. Far from it. Not only is she a princess—so already totally off limits to a guy like me—but she’s destined to be with my brother, a man who doesn’t know her. A man who doesn’t understand her. A man who has little regard for the woman beneath the facade, the woman who can drive me out of my mind with just one look.
“There’s not enough whistling in music these days,” I say suddenly into the silence of the car. Anything to quell my desire for Sofia, sitting so close to me within the confines of her sexy sports car.
Sofia slides her eyes to me before she returns them tothe road. “That’s a bold statement. Are you particularly fond of whistling in music?”
“I do like a good whistle in a song, and you just don’t get much of it anymore.”
Whistling in songs? What the heck am I talking about? I don’t know, but I’m committed to the lunacy now.
“Think about it. There used to be lots more whistling in songs. TakeDock of the Bayby Otis Redding. I’m pretty sure that song came out about the same time as this car was made.”
“You might be right.”
“I bet you’re hearing it in your head right now.”
She smiles. “You got me.”
“It’s because of the whistling. I’m sure of it.”
“Name me some other famous songs with whistling,” she says as she indicates and glides into the left lane as we sail past a slower moving car.
“Let me think.” I land on one. “Guns n’ Roses. That song about being patient. Oh, andWinds of Change,” I say, proud that I can back up my alleged interest in songs featuring whistling with more than one example.
“You’re a bit of a classic rock music lover, are you?”
“Moves like Jagger!” I exclaim, and I’m sure I make her jump. It’s like I’ve switched on a tap and now the whistling songs are flowing in my brain. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine. You’re an enthusiastic person.”
“It’s just that coming up with a more modern song with whistling got me a little excited.”