The Virgin's Royal Secret Read online

  “Bedroom,” she whispers, making me fight back a groan. I spin her around and unclasp the top of her dress, tearing the zipper down and baring her gorgeous back.

  “Fucking hell, Natalie, you’re killing me.”

  She giggles. “My name isn’t Natalie, you know.”

  “It is tonight.”

  I slide the fabric down her body and it pools to her feet in a whisper of silk. All she’s wearing is a sheer, black thong. In those heels, with her hair tumbling down her back and her ass round and perfect, I’m gone. She has me, hook, line, and sinker.

  I scoop her into the cradle of my arms and carry her to my bed. Placing her gently onto the mattress, I stand at the foot of the bed and stare down at my prize for the night. I shuck my tuxedo jacket and let it fall to the floor, not giving a fuck where it lands. Then I go to work on my bowtie and cufflinks.

  She giggles and hides her face behind her hands. “You’re wearing more clothes than I was.”

  “There’s an art to wearing a tuxedo. It requires a lot of detail.”

  “And in my case, the fewer clothes—”

  “The better.” I pull off my shirt and open my trousers.

  She’s trembling under my gaze, her eyes wide as she watches me undress. When I’m down to my boxer briefs and nothing else, I climb onto the bed. Her knees are pulled up, and she’s hiding her breasts with her hands. Naughty little princess.

  “No hiding, now. How can I enjoy you if I can’t appreciate your beautiful body?”

  I’m teasing, but there’s real fear in her eyes and that gives me pause. “I’m sorry. I’m just…I’ve never done this before.”

  I reach for her hands and pull her up until we’re both on our knees in the middle of the bed. “What do you mean?” Her cheeks go pink and she looks away, but I gently turn her back toward me. “Are you a virgin?”

  Her big, innocent eyes find mine and she nods.

  Fuck. I can’t take her virginity. She’s too sweet for a one-night-stand. I begin to back away, but she grabs me by the shoulders and kisses me hard. Then she breaks the kiss and slides her hand down my front until she’s gripping my shaft under the fabric of my boxers. I throw my head back on a loud groan and my toes curl as she strokes me.

  “Don’t you dare run away. I’m a big girl, and I know what I’m doing. This is exactly what it looks like. One night. No real names. No repeat performances. I want to be in control of what my first time is, not my heart or emotions.”

  I’m shocked by her admission, but I can’t deny the appeal. She’s not after a crown or money. She wants me because we’re attracted to each other. I can give her that.

  I nod and take her face between my palms. “That’s fine, but I’m going to make sure you never forget me.”

  A grin turns up her lips, and she says, “You’d better.”

  Chapter Three

  Alexander

  Beautiful dark eyes lock onto mine as I resolve to make good on my promise. I kiss my way down Natalie’s body, my cock so hard it hurts. I want nothing more than to drive into her, sate this raging need, but she’s a virgin and I’m not a small man. I’d hurt her, and that’s the last thing I want to do.

  “Lie back for me, princess. I’ve got to get you ready.”

  She doesn’t hesitate, instead lying with her arms stretched over her head and her knees bent but not apart. “What are you going to do?” her voice is wary, nervous, and fucking hot.

  “I’m going to eat your little pussy until you can’t see straight. Then I’m going to do it again.” My voice catches on the words. I want her more than I’ve ever wanted anything, and my restraint is beginning to wane. “Now spread your thighs and don’t try to hide from me.”

  Her knees part and those damn knickers of hers are keeping me from my goal. Hooking my fingers in the waistband, I tug the fabric down and toss the panties aside. Then I slide my hands up her legs and over the soft skin of her inner thighs. She trembles and tenses and I know I need to distract her from her fears.

  My lips trail over her knee, the ticklish spot in the middle of her thigh, and then finally I’m settled between her legs. My God, she smells sweet and ready. I push one finger inside her slick pussy, loving the sounds she makes with each drag out and slide inside. But I want to taste her arousal. I want to feel her pleasure on my tongue. I lower my head, pressing my lips to her neatly trimmed mound. Then I part her lips with my fingers and swirl my tongue over the swollen bud of her clit.

  “Oh,” she exclaims, hips bucking off the bed at the contact.

  I press my palm down on her pelvis, keeping her pinned as I lick and suck her clit. God, she tastes like peaches and cream and I want more. I sink a second finger inside her and move them in time with the swirls of my tongue. Her moans grow louder, stronger, and soon, her hands are tugging at my hair and she’s clenching around my fingers as her climax takes her.

  “Please, I need this. I need you.” She doesn’t call me James, and I won’t dare call her Natalie. Not now. Now we’re just two people caught in a web of passionate desire, focused solely on each other. There’s no pretend play, no false personas. When I fuck her, I want her to know exactly who is inside her.

  I pull back and roll on a condom, then spread her thighs farther apart, opening her as I ready myself to take her virginity. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

  She nods. “Please.”

  Leaning over her, I stare into her eyes and align myself with her entrance. “Don’t tense up, okay? Just keep your focus on me. Watch how good you make me feel as I sink inside your gorgeous body.”

  Her irises lock on mine and as I push in, I see a flicker of apprehension mixed with pain. I hold back, arms trembling from the intense effort of keeping myself from pushing deep. She’s not ready for that and I don’t want to hurt her if I can avoid it.

  “Why did you stop?” she asks.

  “I’m just letting you adjust. I’ll start moving in a second, I promise.”

  She responds by wrapping her legs around my waist and lifting her hips, taking me deeper. Her moan is music to my ears. “Start moving now.”

  “Kiss me while I fill you, my beautiful princess.”

  I lower my lips to hers and our kiss goes from soft to explosive all at once, and in the heat of our joined mouths, I thrust hard and fast until I’m fully seated inside her. She cries out, but soon her pained noises give way to pleasured moans.

  We begin moving together, her hands over my back and shoulders, my lips trailing down her neck. All the while I’m sliding deep inside and pulling out as far as I can go before we’re separated, and I thrust forward again.

  “You’re perfect,” I murmur, kissing her jaw.

  “I’m…oh, God, I’m going…” she says on a groan. Then she’s pulsing around me and my balls tighten up without warning. I grip the sheets and try to hold off, but the sounds she’s making send me past all hope of control. I fill her with jet after jet of my release as her heels dig into my ass and my guttural groan fills the room.

  We stay like that, wrapped in each other as our hearts slow to a normal tempo and our breaths finally calm. Soft fingers trail through my hair, and she smiles.

  “Thank you,” she whispers. “That was everything I fantasized it would be.”

  I offer her a cocky wink. “Glad to know I didn’t let you down.”

  Finally, begrudgingly, I leave the bed to go clean up and dispose of the condom. I hope she doesn’t leave while I’m gone. I want to keep her until we have to face the light of day.

  A pang of loss settles in my chest. Maybe it’s because our night is almost over. Maybe she’s already worked her way into my heart. And maybe, she’s more than I bargained for.

  * * *

  Mila

  I wake up with James’ arms around me, his warm body reminding me of the intense experience we shared a few hours ago. I’m still a little sore, but the memory of his eyes locked on mine as he entered me for the first time, makes a pulse of arousal run through me. I
want him again, but I can’t. I have to leave. He’s not my forever. He’s the key to opening myself up to possibilities.

  I slide out from his hold and snatch my knickers off the lamp where he’d tossed them last night. Then, as quietly as possible, I collect my—the queen’s—gown and prepare for my walk down to the lobby. All I have is what I’m wearing, no purse or phone, but I know if I show up at the palace gates, Chester will let me inside without trouble.

  James shifts on the bed and lets out a sigh as I reach for the doorknob. My heart jumps into my throat and I glance over my shoulder at his inviting form splayed out and tangled in the sheets. I could crawl back into bed with him. Let him send me back to the real world on the tail of an explosive orgasm. But I don’t. I open the door and slip out of his life without another word.

  After the concierge calls me a car, I wait with my focus on the lift. Will he wake and come for me? We never exchanged our real names, no contact information, just soft words and passionate touches. My car pulls up and I see the light for the lift come on. The driver gets out and calls my name, cocking a brow in question. I can’t wait any longer, and I’m not sure I want to. If I see James’ face, I’ll run right back into his arms.

  “Take me to the palace," I say, a little breathless as I dash into the back seat.

  “Right away, miss,” the driver mutters as he shuts the door for me and walks around the car.

  We start moving away and I glance out the darkened window and see him. James. He’s walking toward the hotel’s doors and coming for me. I nearly tell the driver to stop, but fear and determination grip me. James isn’t the man I’m supposed to fall for. He’s one night of passion.

  A short while later, we pull up to the security gate and I smile brightly at Chester. The man looks me over, smeared lipstick, morning after hair, and gown far too extravagant for nine in the morning, and he gives me a wink. “Her Majesty told me we’d be expecting you.”

  God, I have to get my clothes, my purse, and get to my car without seeing Gemma. She’ll want details. I’m not ready to give those moments to anyone else.

  When I sneak in the servant’s entrance, I see my clothes and purse waiting for me on a soft leather chair. There’s a note stamped in wax with the Royal seal. I pick it up, break the wax, and I smile.

  Mila,

  You ran off last night and damn it all, I didn’t get a look at which handsome fellow you took home. Your clothes are freshly laundered. Keep the dress and shoes but I need the earrings back. Technically those belong to The Crown, not me. ;)

  Much love,

  G

  God bless the queen. I make quick work of changing into the more sensible clothes I’d been wearing before Gemma’s fairy godmother moment. Draping the gorgeous gown over my arm. I reach up for the earrings and my heart lurches when I realize I’m missing one. Oh, God. I’ve lost The Crown’s property. I’m going to lose my job.

  With shaky legs I walk to my car, trying to think about where that earring might have ended up. Somewhere in the ballroom? The back of the car from last night? The lift? In James’ bed?

  My drive home is filled with thoughts of James, flashes of his kisses, his teasing touches, the way he groaned out his release at the end. I shudder as a ripple of pleasure rolls through me just from the memory.

  I pull into my apartment building’s parking garage and sigh as I finally let the prospect of life after James hit me. Back to the real world where I’m not a princess. All I have is Gus, my cat, and my nosey neighbor Pam.

  Five flights of stairs, a hallway that smells of someone’s burnt toast, and flickering fluorescent lights. That’s what greets me when I get home. I put my key in the lock and manage to get inside just as Pam pokes her head out. Thank God. I can’t deal with her questions this morning.

  Gus meows and runs toward me, his begging filled with annoyance. I know what he’s thinking. How could I leave him here all alone, with nothing but the dry food I left out for him? I drop into a crouch and reach out to pet him, but he turns his back on me. Cats hold grudges.

  “Oh, you’re fine, fat cat. I bet you didn’t even touch your dry food, did you?”

  Walking through the small studio apartment, I stop at my closet and hang up the dress before stepping out of my shoes. I put them away and pad back to the kitchen where I open up a can of Gus’ favorite food. He purrs as soon as he hears the seal break and hops up onto the counter as I fill his bowl.

  “Get down, Gus,” I scold, placing his food dish on the floor, where he promptly goes to town.

  My thighs ache where James’ hips pressed into them over and over. It’s a strange feeling I can’t get past. I need a shower, maybe a run in the park to clear my head. Then I catch sight of myself in the mirror and see that one damn earring glittering in the light.

  I have to go back to that hotel.

  Chapter Four

  Alexander

  She just left. I can’t believe Nat just left me without a word. Not even a morning shag to remember her by. But, if I’m honest, I want more than just a shag.

  I chased her down to the lobby, but the woman was already in a car, heading God knows where. Even now, I can smell her perfume on my haphazardly thrown on tuxedo shirt. I sit on the bed and try to force myself not to think of her. I fail.

  My phone rings on the bedside table and I reach for it, rolling my eyes when I see George’s name flashing on the screen.

  “What do you want?” I grumble.

  “You were supposed to meet me at the car at eight-thirty. It’s after nine.”

  My brain is foggy from a night spent with a beautiful woman rather than sleeping. But it hits me after a little thought. Brunch with our cousins—with King Ryder before we head back to our own country.

  George sighs and grumbles, “I don’t want to be the ones keeping the king and queen waiting. We can leave that to his little sister and her husband. I know we’re princes ourselves, but Ryder still out-ranks us.”

  Fucking hell. I tear around the room, tossing my belongings into my overnight bag. “I’ll be down in a minute.”

  “You’re fucking right, you will. Mum is livid you left last night.”

  “I can’t talk about this now. I’ve got to change clothes and I’ll meet you at the car.”

  He chuckles over the line. “You shagged her last night, didn’t you?”

  “Who?” I play dumb, not ready to discuss Natalie with anyone.

  “The girl in the red dress.”

  “George,” I warn.

  “Fine, don’t tell me. Maybe I’ll do some digging and have a turn with her myself. There are perks to being identical.”

  Jealousy erupts like a geyser from my chest. I take a harsh breath, but the line is already dead. That fucking asshole. He won’t lay a finger on her if I have anything to say about it.

  I heft my bag over one shoulder and head out of the hotel room, but something sparkly catches my eye. Lodged in the carpet is a diamond teardrop shaped earring. I bend down and pick it up, inspecting the jewelry more closely. It’s all I have left of my mystery woman.

  I slip the earring into my pocket. One day, I’ll find her and give it back.

  We arrive at the palace with two minutes to spare before we’re officially late. My mum hasn’t said a word to me but I feel her frustration as George and I walk behind her.

  “You really stepped in it, brother,” George says under his breath. “She’s icing us both out. You know why?”

  I roll my eyes. “Why?”

  “Because she doesn’t know which one of us is you.”

  Our mother turns her head and glances at me over her shoulder. “I birthed you two and I know exactly who you are, Alexander. George, I’m icing you out because you encourage him in his reckless behavior.”

  “Mum,” I start, but the doors to the dining room are opened and we’re lead inside the massive space filled with portraits of generations of royal families.

  “Honestly, I don’t understand why my sister’s chil
dren can find love but my own refuse to settle down.”

  “We’re only twenty-seven, mum,” George says.

  “By that time, your father and I already had William.”

  “Well, I’m sure he’s got at least one bastar—” I elbow him in the ribs before he can say anything else. Our mother doesn’t need to know a thing about William’s love life.

  “Have a seat, Mum.” I pull out her chair and she settles while George takes the place next to her.

  After the king and queen join us, along with the rest of our cousins and their spouses, we chat like it’s old times and I haven’t been gone for years. I get to know Gemma and learn about my other cousins’ whirlwind romances. “Well, Alina, it looks like you finally got what you wanted with Lord Haverford.”

  She blushes and Kingston pulls her close, pressing a kiss to her temple. “We both did,” he says.

  “See, boys. Look at how happy they are. Everyone is settled, starting their families, and my three children can’t even manage to find a girl they like enough to date her longer than a week.” Mum puts on a disappointed air as though her entire future hangs on whether we provide grandchildren.

  Queen Gemma excuses herself, saying she needs to walk around a bit due to her pregnancy. All the women in the room attend to her, and Ryder looks slightly stricken himself. “Is she all right?” I ask.

  He watches her go and sinks back into his chair as soon as the door closes behind the women. “I think so. She’s been restless this past week. Uncomfortable. The doctor says the baby could come at any time now.”

  My chest tightens at the excitement in his voice. He’s so fucking in love. For the first time, I wonder if that’s the kind of future I want. A child, a wife, a family.

  George is busy on his phone, probably planning his hook up for the night. I can’t let this opportunity slip by.

  I put my hand in my pocket and fiddle with the earring I stashed there. I don’t know why I did it, but I couldn’t be without my reminder of her.