Risking the Crown Page 8

  “But it didn’t.” I took his hands in mine. “She’s alive and healthy. And you know now. You still have the opportunity to be her father.”

  His frown turned to a forlorn smile. “I do. I can still be a father.”

  “Yes. You can bring her back here,” I encouraged.

  The baby should be here under the royal crest. She needed protection. She needed to learn about the crown. She should be with her family, growing up inside the palace walls. And knowing there was another prince or princess on the way it seemed even more imperative the cousins grow up together.

  Sophia had never understood the royals. She was from a prominent Freychon family. Somewhere in the family tree there was a duke or duchess, but she always swore her family had outgrown the use for titles.

  Thank God Dominic had never required me to work with her. It was enough work to explain to him how important it was that Sophia be convinced to conform when she was around the family. They had been an unlikely pair from the beginning.

  “You think that’s what I should fight for? To raise my daughter?”

  I nodded. “I do.”

  “You always know how to bring me back, don’t you?” he whispered.

  “Maybe.” I grinned. “I’ve had a lot of practice.”

  I could feel the beast in him taming.

  “Years,” he teased.

  “And years.”

  His thumb brushed over my bottom lip. I liked how familiar he was with my body, as if it had always belonged to him. It didn’t feel like tonight was our first night together. It felt like this was what we always should have been.

  “I think I promised you a long hot shower,” he growled.

  “Oh, it’s going to be long? You didn’t mention that part.” I giggled.

  “So long,” he promised.

  I gasped when he lifted me from the couch and carried me to the master shower. He stepped inside, turning the water to the hottest setting and placed my feet on the marble floor.

  “You need to take those off.” He eyed my clothes.

  My cheeks flashed with heat and the words made my core ache. I wanted him all over again.

  I pulled the shirt over my head.

  “In the morning you realize Cinderella turns back into the cinder maid,” I whispered.

  He cupped my breasts.

  “No. She won’t.”

  His lips crashed into mine and I fell into his body.

  19

  Dominic

  The palace was beginning to stir. The chefs were in the kitchen rolling out fresh pastries. The launderer was ironing. I didn’t have to look out the window to know the gardeners were collecting fresh blooms for the drawing rooms and apartments. A cart filled with fresh coffee was probably on its way up to the apartments now.

  The routines were the same each morning. Only this one was different. I wasn’t in bed waiting for Kenley to appear with the daily rundown of the day’s agenda. She wasn’t going to barge in, demanding I get dressed and have a cup of coffee. Kenley was in my arms.

  “Good morning,” I growled into her neck as she stirred under me. I already loved the warmth and silkiness of her naked body.

  “Hi.” She shifted against my chest. “So last night really happened.”

  I nodded. “It did. Many times.” I waggled my eyebrows.

  She faced me. “Before I go, I want to tell you it was the best night of my life.”

  “Now, princess you aren’t trying to tell me something I don’t want to hear, are you?” I eyed her, while my hand slid under the covers.

  Her breath seized when I spread her legs and began to strum over her clit. Fuck. She was already wet and ready for me. My cock grew hard in almost an instant. I could feel my blood pumping and rushing for her.

  She swallowed. “I can’t resign.”

  I pushed a finger inside her before circling her nub. “You will resign.”

  There was no way I was backing down on this.

  Her head rolled back and forth. “Oh God.” She clutched my shoulders when I dipped to take her tit in my mouth. I sucked until it puckered under my tongue’s command.

  Her back arched and I sank my fingers deeper inside her. They were soaking wet from her sweet pussy. I groaned.

  “You’re killing me, Kenley. I can’t take what you’re doing to me.”

  Her hand reached low until she fisted my cock with steady strokes. And then Kenley did something incredible. She wiggled underneath me, grazing her breasts from my chest, past my hips until her mouth was at the tip of my dick. Her eyes were big and blue. Loving and lusting.

  “Oh fuck,” I growled, watching her lick the tip with her tongue. Her tongue was wild running to the base, tracing the thick vein that pulsed.

  I leaned forward, sliding my cock between her fuckable lips. She inhaled me with one thrust after another.

  “Shit,” I hissed, hitting deeper each time. I grabbed the headboard with one hand as I pumped in and out of her mouth. My cock was slick and swollen.

  And then I was in. All the way.

  “Oh, baby.” My hips rocked back and forth, taking my dick to new depths.

  I squeezed my eyes tightly as the fire bolt shot through me. If I wasn’t already on my knees, she would have taken me there. I came with a rush in her throat.

  She smiled.

  I pulled out of her mouth and fell backward on the bed. “Holy fuck. How am I supposed to accomplish anything today after that?”

  “Your schedule is still rather light today.”

  “That’s not what I meant.” I pulled her on top of me as she squealed.

  “I know, but I’m responsible for your itinerary.”

  I scowled. “And this is exactly why I’m requesting your resignation immediately.” I smacked her bottom with a playful whack.

  “You haven’t heard anything I’ve said.” I could hear her frustration. “It hasn’t even made a dent.”

  “Not true. I’ve heard all of it.” I tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “And I’ve always known your dedication to the crown. Always. I’m not questioning that. I never would.”

  “Then why are you putting me in this position? I took a vow to serve the crown.”

  “Because I’ve been given a second chance at life, my sweet Kenley. And I’m not going to waste it. Who cares if you aren’t royal? Does anyone really give a shit after my brother married an American? The rules have changed.”

  I saw her eyes mist over. “It used to matter,” she whispered.

  “Damon wants a modern monarchy and I have to agree with him. You are and I were raised and trained with the old traditions, but we don’t have to let those things determine what we want in life.”

  “Then why are you asking me to resign? I love my job. I’m good at it.”

  “There’s no one better,” I admitted. “I’ve never wanted anyone in that position other than you. And I definitely don’t want anyone else in this position.” I grinned, eyeing her full breasts.

  “I never thought this would actually happen. That it could happen. I dreamed about it, you know?” She propped herself forward and I studied the flecks of blue in her eyes. “But it was always a fantasy. There was no way for us to actually happen. First there was Sophia.” Her voice quieted. “And then there was the alcohol.”

  “Both of which are in the past,” I reminded her.

  “Yes.” She nodded. “But you see, I didn’t have a plan for this possibility. It was a dream. I didn’t plot out how to navigate it. I never thought about you ever looking at me the way I looked at you.”

  “It shouldn’t be hard to believe. You’re beautiful. Especially out of that stuffy suit.”

  “I’m serious. It was one thing to love you from a distance, this is different.”

  “I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been distant. We’ve always been together. Inseparable, really.”

  Her lips twisted. “Have you ever been this close?”

  “I plan to always stay this close.” I cupped her ass in
my hands. God, she had an incredible ass.

  She sighed lightly. Her breasts rose on my chest. “I want the answer to be simple, Nic.”

  “And it is.”

  “How can you be so glib about it? This is a career I have created. A reputation that has been built by respect and hard work. And that’s just me. What about you? Can you imagine?”

  “Imagine what?”

  “What people would say about you. The optics for a prince seeing his royal manager would be irreparable. Not even I could come up with a spin for that.”

  I laughed. “I think you could, if you had to.” I stopped. “I’m not worried about what people would say about me. I let public opinion ruin one relationship. You think I’d let that happen again? I’d never subject you to that.”

  “There is no way out of this. You need to realize it and stop acting as if we have a chance. Last night was beautiful. I’ll never forget it. But I can’t resign.”

  “Just when I think you have maxed out on principle, you surprise me by taking it up a notch.” I gripped her waist as I flipped her on her back.

  She gasped.

  “Listen to what I have to say.”

  She nodded. Her breath was ragged.

  “I want you, Kenley DuBois. I want you in my bed every night. I want you in my arms every morning. We could sneak around and hide what we have from the rest of the palace. But that’s not why I spent fifty days in that damn rehab center. I’m not going to hide you like an addiction. I’m not ashamed. I want you on my arm, not as my advisor but as the woman I love. You deserve the respect of this palace and the respect of this country. I can’t give that to you if you stay my royal manager. And I don’t want you to have anything less. Do you understand?”

  She looked at me. “Maybe.”

  “You can’t stay under my command. We won’t work like that. The only way is to take this chance. You need to step down. And I need to step up. I won’t have anyone whispering about you, that you’re in my bed because I demanded it. That you’re paid to be here. Don’t you see that?”

  “When you say it like that, I do. I actually do.”

  “Good.” I kissed her throat, pressing my lips into her skin. “Then I’ll have your resignation after I’m done fucking you?”

  “Yes,” she whispered. “But only if I can choose your next manager.”

  “You can.” I grinned. “I told you I could convince you.”

  “Just know, she’s going to be dreadfully boring and ugly. And old,” she added.

  I laughed. “Fine by me.”

  “Did you say you love me?” she asked.

  Hadn’t I always loved her? Hadn’t I always needed her? “Yes. I did.”

  “Say it again,” she whispered.

  “I love you.”

  “And this is real? All of it is real?”

  I pushed her legs wide, gliding a hand to her pussy. I had been rough and possessive with her all night. I knew she was sore, but she was wet. I was already hard again, ready to be inside her. To love her differently. With a new purpose. A different message from my body that would end all her doubts.

  “I think you’re going to need to clear my morning schedule, Miss DuBois.”

  “The ambassador expects breakfast,” she explained. “I can’t.”

  I separated her folds with a wide V of my fingers and she panted, bucking her hips for contact. But I wouldn’t give it to her.

  I blew a long breath over her nipple. “Then he’s just going to have to wait.” I winked.

  20

  Kenley

  I was going under faster this time than I had before. He said he loved me. How had this happened? When was my wish granted? Was it the day I greeted him in the plane or was it the day I left him at the center? I couldn’t figure it out, only that he was confident he wanted us as badly as I did.

  “Oh shit.” I gripped his shoulders when Nic toyed at my entrance with the wide tip of his cock. It was a beautiful pain. The rhythm he made, skimming around my clit eased the ache.

  “I really need to grab a condom,” he groaned. “But you feel so fucking good, baby. I want to feel you one more time.”

  I nodded. “Fuck me like this.” I panted. “Just a little,” I begged.

  I didn’t know if he was worried I’d change my mind, but he thrust inside me before I had my bearings. I screamed at the intensity. He was making the most of it. I’d get my diaphragm for the next time, I promised myself.

  “Oh, Nic,” I moaned as he pumped in and out with fire.

  “You’re so tight. So perfect.” He palmed my breasts, pinching my nipples as my whimpers grew louder. “I love your body,” he growled.

  His eyes sparkled. I couldn’t look away as he drove inside me. I knew he needed to find that condom, but we were climbing a peak, hand in hand. The friction we created was enough to set the sheets on fire.

  “Princess,” he growled.

  “Don’t stop,” I pleaded.

  I saw the wolfish grin on his face and was instantly picked up and tossed on my stomach. I bounced, smiling and laughing at his playfulness. Nic kissed my thighs and moved along my skin, peppering my ass with long lingering kisses.

  “That feels good,” I moaned.

  “Does it?”

  “Mmmhmm.” I lifted my hips. I didn’t know what I was doing. I let my body decide what felt good.

  I tingled with excitement when his fingers rounded my ass and spread between my cheeks. I remembered what he promised last night and I was equally turned on and nervous to try something I’d never experienced. Was that where this was headed?

  I felt the heat of his tongue lap at my skin and slowly make its way closer to my rosebud. I held my breath and then his tongue penetrated that tight ring of muscle. I let out a deep moan. Holy shit, it felt so good.

  I stopped clenching and he was able to push his tongue deeper. I’d never felt anything like it. There was so much sensation. So much pleasure in such a small opening.

  He nipped at my ass and his hands circled my waist. “That’s it, princess. Relax and it will feel good.”

  “Ohh,” I whimpered, when he replaced his tongue with a finger. I wriggled and groaned. This was different. My hips bucked and he spread my ass angling deeper. He pumped in and out and I resisted, tightening around his finger.

  I could barely accommodate this. How would I ever be able to handle his wide cock? Because that’s where things would lead. Maybe not today, but eventually. The idea excited me. I wanted to try something new and forbidden.

  He bit at my cheek. “Relax,” he coaxed. “You’ve never had anyone here before, have you?” He curled his finger inside my rosebud.

  “No,” I moaned.

  Ahh, it was so surreal. Every time I gave in I was rewarded with an entirely new set of sensitivity. My ass tingled with an erotic fullness. It was when I thought about it, and tensed, that I worked against the pleasure Nic was trying to give me.

  “One day,” he vowed. “I’ll show you what you’ve been missing.” He kissed me again, plunging his finger deeper. “But you have no idea what it does to me, knowing you’re a virgin.”

  “Shit.” My head fell backward as he pumped with a new fervor. Virgin? I guess he was right. I relished giving him this part of my body.

  “Tell me to stop, baby.”

  I shook my head.

  His tongue circled my rosebud again, coating it so he could add another finger. I whimpered. He was spreading me to complete fullness. I didn’t know if I could handle it, but I wanted it.

  “I’ll stop.”

  “No,” I cried. “It feels too good. Please don’t.”

  I heard the pained growl from his chest as he lowered his mouth to my ass again, licking and pumping his fingers. My hole was twitching and burning from his tongue and fingers. I needed and wanted them both.

  Just when I thought I had hit the height of nirvana, his cock slipped into my pussy and I howled with pleasure. I’d never been so filled in my life. I rocked back,
sinking onto his fingers and his cock at the same time. His fingers in my ass made his cock feel even bigger than before.

  “Fuck. There’s nowhere to move,” he hissed. “I’m going to come again.”

  “Yes,” I screamed. “Yes. Yes.”

  I rocked wildly, clenching his cock harder than I ever had.

  We had forgotten condoms. We had forgotten breakfast with the ambassador. The only thing that existed was the love flowing through our bodies and the most intense orgasms we’d ever experienced.

  I fisted the pillows in my hand as my first wave exploded inside me. The tears spilled down my cheeks. There was nowhere else for my release to go. My muscles seized with intensity when I heard Nic grunt behind me.

  “Come, love,” I coaxed.

  “But…”

  “Please.”

  “Fuck, princess.” He unloaded everything that he had left inside me. I stilled while he pumped and vibrated.

  Slowly his fingers retreated and he lowered me to the sheets, his cock still inside me. I loved the intimacy we shared. I loved the fullness of him inside me.

  “I do love you, Kenley DuBois.”

  “And I love you. I always have,” I whispered.

  “Ready to tell the world?”

  I held his hand against my heart. It was still beating out of control.

  “Yes. I’m ready.”

  21

  Dominic

  If there was one person who couldn’t possibly give me shit about my relationship with Kenley, it was my brother. I was on my way to his residence. Kenley’s resignation letter was in my hand. In my jacket, I had the folded letter about my daughter. Kenley insisted I tell him both things at once. I couldn’t keep secrets from the king. I knew she was right. She always was.

  The guard nodded when I arrived.

  “The king is expecting me,” I explained.