"I am sorry but I didn't know this is how  you felt about me. Need I remind you that your husband and I grew up  together before he met you at the University. I was simply being polite  in front of his highness when I referred to you as a childhood friend,  for we were somewhat children before we grew up into the proper adults  we are today.
I don't have time to be whoring around as you assume as I have a brother and community to take care of. I might seem quiet to you Ano, but you do not want to make  an enemy of me, especially with all the so called support I have from  influental men. I helped Tatenda get to where he is right now. He even  offered to give me money to start up my own empire but I refused however  asking him to give the money to the community. Unlike you I will not  gladly accept money I haven't worked for. And by work I actually meaning using the education I received not laying on my back as I assume you are good at. Now your dear husband is  coming back why don't you show those pearly whites and act as if we did  just not exchange words for the sake of your marriage because trust me  he will listen to me more that he does you," she smiled reaching for her glass.

Tatenda (Tate) smiled at both ladies as the music died down.

"Good  evening ladies and gentleman. Many of you have traveled from abroad  just to be here. Its lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves without a  care of how filthy rich the individual beside them is. However that  'filth' is the reason why I invited you all here," he said making  everyone laugh. "Now I am sure by now you all have a glass of this  lovely liquid we have been working on," he said raising his own glass as  several heads looked at their glasses. "This lovely little concoction is  not on the market yet. The only thing left is a name and I believe I  have the perfect name for it. So much was poured into producing such an  exquisite drink for those who don't like alcohol such that you won't  feel left out at special occasions. My close friend whom most of you  have had the pleasure of meeting inspired this even more and I am proud  to say I shall simply be calling this drink, L.O.V.E," he said looking  towards Rudo who looked at him in utter shock.

"That man there will surely give you the world and more," she heard Tate say as Munya continued with his speech.

"Now to kickstart this event. Well its already underway anyway," he said with a smirk as several individuals chuckled. "A case of the first few bottles is up for grabs but bidding will be done in private just to keep the excitement levels up," he smirked as the case was brought in. "Be the first to own a bottle if not the whole case. Now for the single gentleman and ladies looking for love, why not dine with tonights' blind date auction volunteers. The highest bid will have the honor of being my guests at my home, by home I mean my palace," he said as everyone became all the more interested. "Where their every desire will be catered to," he said in a seductive manner giving the ladies a knee shaking smile.

Getting the reaction he wanted he looked towards their table as he winked at Rudo. Only a few saw this as he stepped off the stage.

Taking his seat once more he leaned towards Rudo.
"Your claws are showing," he whispered into her ear noticing the glare she threw towards Ano as she looked at Munya in a weird manner.
Turning to face him he didn't move away from her such that their lips where a few inches apart. Placing his hand on her knee he saw her slowly unclench her fists.
"Much better," he whispered as she visibly relaxed. "Care to dance my love?" he murmured as he stood pulling her to her feet. Leading her onto the dance floor she noticed that the people who had been dancing had stopped as he turned to face her offering his hand. Taking it he gently pulled her close at a slow piece was played by the orchestra.

"What did she say to you?" he asked.
"I don't know what you are talking about?" she said looking away from him as he smirked.
"I was watching you ladies. As soon as Tate left you became tense. I know your body language love and this time it screamed blood," he smiled. "I must say I enjoyed watching her crumble under you, had me feeling all sorts of ways," he said as she looked at him apalled before she giggled looking at his chest.

"We have an audience remember," she said as he shrugged twirling her around.
"I seem to forget whenever I am with you love," he said sincerely as she smiled shyly.
Looking at the crowd surrounding them he saw a look of longing from some of the male guests making him pull her closer. A gesture she did not miss as she smirked at the fact that she knew she was the envy of most if not all the woman in that room.

"Making the big boys drool," he whispered for her ears as she chuckled admiring his dancing skills.
"Look who is talking," she countered as he smirked.
"It's not my fault," he said with an innocent look making her laugh at his expression.
Looking away from her a simple nod invited several couples to join them.

"Do you always command a room even in foreign lands?"
"It would be an insult if I am not given my due respect. My title expects it and besides I am forking out a good chunk of my money to fill their stomachs with food," he said.
"Hmmm I remember your talk about that 'filth', but your wealth must be downright disgusting," she said making him roar in laughter."

"I might be disgustingly wealthy but you cannot compare to all that and I am sure everyone here already knows, judging from the whispers I can see transpiring around us," he said looking into her eyes as he led her back up to their table.

"So this is how the other one percent live," she stated getting no response from him.
Calling over one of the numerous servants on standby he whispered into the mans ear before he disappeared. A trolley was wheeled in but she was too distracted to see this.
She watched in awe as a screen closed off her view of the dance floor giving them privacy before it became transparent for them to see the floor.
"They can't see us," he said as she felt his breath against her cheek. "Dessert?" He asked everyone as he nodded at the man to uncover the multiple trays.
"I will have a cup of coffee, thank you," Tate said not in favor of anything sweet whilst his wife chose the chocolate cake.

Selecting the ice-cream she thanked the server as he set the plate in front of her.
"Are you not having anything?" Rudo asked as the trolley was wheeled away.
Munya simply shrugged no as she looked at her plate.
"You can have some of my ice cream," she said as he smiled at her wondering how a person like her still existed.

Forgetting about their guests she lifted a spoonful of the delight to his lips as he accepted her offer with pleasure looking into her eyes. She smiled as she saw his eyes appear golden.
"Everything is ready your highness," a servant said in a low whisper.
"Excuse us," Munya said reaching for her hand helping her up.
Looking at him in question she stood up as he chuckled at her seeing the look of longing she had as she looked at her ice-cream.
"There is more for you where we are going," he whispered looking at her friends, giving Tate a slight nod which he acknowledged.

Ano however looked pretty much jealous. Placing his hand around her waist he led her away from the couple as Tate waved goodbye before looking at the guests.
"You still don't like her I see," Tate said to his wife. Ano was about to speak but stopped when they saw Rudo rushing back to get her ice cream smiling at the couple before leaving.
"What's not to like she is still the perfect woman in your eyes after all."
"Ano...," he warned with a glare making her roll her eyes as she stabbed her cake with her fork.

-----

"Oh my gosh," she whispered looking around her to find Munya on his knees.
Looking at the chair before then he helped her into the seat before a maid brought a bowl of warm soapy water. Removing her shoes he placed her feet in the bowl as he gently washed them seeing her relax. Wiping the water away he took some oil before he started massaging her feet watching her close her eyes in pleasure.

"Let me," She whispered as he stood up watching her go on her knees to reciprocate his earlier actions as he watched her in fascination.
Taking her hand they walked on top of the soft pillows sinking into the comfort.

"Now that I have you to myself," he said as a tray was placed before them.
He took away her bowl of ice cream before she could even protest. Reaching for the chocolate covered strawberry he brought it to her lips as she took a bite. Watching her chew and swallow his eyes held her captive as they darkened in color. Eating the half she had left he fed her several slices of fruit. Watching her lips glisten with the sweet juices of the peach she had bit into, he couldn't hold back anymore.

"I can do what I have wanted to do ever since we arrived here," he said pulling her head down to his lips.
Making sure to not put all her pressure on his chest. She gasped at the platter of fruit he had on his lap fell onto the pillows. Feeling the urge to clean up the mess a low growl stopped her as he kicked the tray away pulling her on top of him his lips finding hers once more.
Pulling away he looked into her eyes.
"It will be cleaned," he breathed before taking her lips.

She shivered as this kiss was different from the others they had shared. His hands slowly traveled down her back resting on her bottom pulling her close as she felt him grow hard. Feeling her become tense he slowly sat up pulling her onto his lap allowing her to straddle him. Looking at her he could see raw desire mixed with fear as she tried to catch her breath.
"You look absolutely breath taking," he whispered seeing her look away with a shy smile. "Please don't look away," he begged turning her face towards him.

"There is something I would like to ask you love," he whispered as she looked worried.
"Please go on," she whispered.
"May I meet your family once we go back home. I just want them to know you are well and maybe even get to know them," he said softly.
"As you wish," she said withdrawing into herself looking away from him.

"Hey hey," he said making her look at him. "Did I say something to offend you?" He asked.
"Not at all. It's just that my family is not perfect. I think it's best I speak to them first about your visit," she said.
He surprised her with a smile as he held her face between his hands pulling her face closer to his. Tasting her lips once more in a punishing kiss he pulled away his eyes looking hard.
"That's fine by me. Though you will not go alone," he stated in a no nonsense tone.
"But," she objected stopping when he placed a finger upon her lips.
"That's final," he said. "Now care for some ice cream," he said changing the subject.
"No thank you," she said getting off his lap. "Please excuse me," she said.

Sighing in frustration he watched her leave the room before he called for a servant. A young maid rushed in.
"Take this away," he growled standing to leave the room as well.
He needed a cold shower and fresh clothing. Instructing his guards to protect her he left for his private chambers. That was one of the perks of owning the hotel he thought to himself as he heard the melody of the music through the halls.

Using his palm print he gained access to his rooms waving the guards away as he stripped out of his clothes heading towards the shower. He cursed how easily Rudo could affect him with just a simple kiss. Going through their night he growled in anger as he remembered her reaction as they had shared each other's lips. This wasn't helping his situation one bit as he recalled her responsiveness in his arms. Even just from massaging her feet he knew she could be a passionate woman. It was that woman he wanted to witness.

Cooling off he wore loose pants deciding to work off his tension. Going towards a room that was always on standby he found John already there with several men.
"I'll take it easy on you," he said as his hands where secured in the gloves.
"Begin," he commanded. As two men came charging towards him armed with fighting sticks. Knocking the two men down he turned to the fresh wave of man.
"Again," he said as the previous opponents where helped off the mat.
This went on two more times as he beat the men into a pulp before a voice stopped the men from attacking their king.
"Stop," she spoke so softly it was unbelievable that they had heard him through their yelling.
"Please leave us," She asked as their heads bowed at her request. Even in pain he admired how his men tried their best to not show this weakness.
Standing tall and proud he watched her. She had control of the room so easily, even he was at her mercy. Bowing his head in shame he watched as several men where helped out of the room. He watched John close the doors leaving only the two of them. Getting a towel she walked towards him handing him the piece of cloth.

Wiping the sweat off his face he admiring the hard contours of his body as they glistened with sweat she stepped back as his chest heaved up and down making her wonder what it would feel like just to touch him there without any disturbances.
As if reading her mind he slowly stepped towards her. He heard her gasp as she stumbled back before he caught her in his arms. Pulling her towards him he looked down to find her feet still bare as her long dress had nearly made her fall.

Releasing her he watched her closely as she read the inscription in his chest. Looking at his face in shock.
Reaching out to trace the letters he closed his eyes enjoying her simple touch knowing she had no clue what she was doing. Above the inscription was a leopard sitting using its body to protect a heart. Recalling the work he felt proud knowing the artist had done an excellent job.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.
"What for?" He asked as she looked up into his eyes.
"Ruining dinner," she responded.
"You didn't do anything. I just wanted you to see you family and let them know you are safe," he whispered as his hands moved to grip her waist. Holding onto his forearms she could not believe what she saw.

"You didn't have these. When did you..."
"Yesterday," he cut her off as she looked the tribal tattoos covering both forearms. Looking closely she saw her name and then Munashe's on the other arm. Gently tracing the pattern he relaxed forgetting about the pain altogether as he remembered he had to take his pain medication. He had sat for hours as both his arms where attended to. 

"Why would you put yourself through so much pain?" She asked taking a step back seeing a flicker of true pain in his eyes.
"The only pain I go through is when you pull away from me. This does not even compare to that pain," he said as her lips parted in disbelief.
Pulling her back closer he wiped away the stray tear as she said, "I never want to cause you such pain."
He felt her hands go around his neck as he slowly straightened up lifting her off her feet as he held her body close.
"I love you Munya," she whispered into his ear as a tear rolled down his cheek from hearing those words.
"I love you more my queen," he whispered.

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