Page 11 of Scandal Queen

I stared at him for a moment. He made it sound easy. I could all too easily envision our world inside our private kingdom, but it wouldn’t be easy.

Loving him wouldn’t be easy.

No other option remained available though. I sent him away once and the scorch in my chest still ached from just three days without him.

“So the prince of the realm falls in love with a commoner?”

His lips quirked into my favourite smile. “The prince of the realm just fell in love.”

My eyes closed as he brushed his fingertips along my jaw. The air shifted and I held my breath waiting for his kiss. When it didn’t come, I opened my lashes. I blinked up into his heavenly face. The one everyone thinks they know, but really, it’s just mine; he’s just mine.

“Princess Leia,” he whispered, and my heart hammered against my ribs. “My princess.”

I tried to shake my head, a nervous giggle building in my throat. He held me still though; not letting me escape from the moment.

“I’ll worship you like a queen until there’s no breath left in my body.”

I sagged a little at his words. They bound me so tight in need and want, for a moment my brain stopped processing any thoughts at all. Then as my faculties came back, I pressed myself into his chest. My fingers pulling at his hair as my lips sought his, needy and hungry. He groaned as he leant into me, his arms pinning me as tight as could be. The hard lines of his body beneath his jumper made my blood rush with heat.

Placing his hands firmly at my waist, he lifted me onto the counter. My legs opened so he could move between my knees. I leant my head back so his lips could trail a path along my throat, moaning slightly as his warm mouth breathed against my skin. Shivering a little, I pulled him closer, clamping him with my knees, breathing him in as I melded my lips to his. My tongue probed, dancing with delight at the taste of coffee and mint.

A kiss to heal my aching heart.

“I’ve missed you so much, Leia. The word missed doesn’t do it justice.” He spoke against my mouth, not breaking contact.

“You could have come sooner. Saved me at least twenty-four hours of heartache.” I refused to stop the kiss. I wanted it forever; never-ending.

“I’m sorry.”

My fingers ran around the collar of his jumper, teasing at the skin I wanted to touch underneath. His own hand lifted my T-shirt, his palms spreading against my ribs, his thumb grazing under the edge of my bra.

“What were you doing?”

“Telling them I wasn’t backing down. That I’d made my choice.”

I almost paused, but he distracted me by unclipping my bra and bringing his hand back around to cup my right breast. I groaned loudly; not an adult conversation by any way, shape, or form.

“I love that noise.”

Jesus. Heat flooded me. It burned between my legs until I could have been sat on the stovetop and not on the kitchen counter.

“Mummy?” We both froze at the sound of Daisy’s voice. With wide eyes I met his stare.

“Oh fuck,” I mouthed.

Damn that man. His smile flashed and he pulled his hand out of my top. “To be continued later. May I?” His gaze held mine for a split-second and he nodded to where Daisy’s call had come from the top of the stairs. I nodded briefly and then he turned away, leaving me burning in his wake. His light footfall landed on the stairs, echoing through the small cottage as he paced to Daisy. “Hey, soldier.” I could hear him through the floorboards.

“Ollie! Mummy said we wouldn’t see you again.” A piercing arrow of regret darted into my heart. I’d doubted him. Been so angry I couldn’t even see straight. A mistake… but one I didn’t plan to make again.

“I’m so sorry, Daisy.” His muffled voice easily reached my ears. “I’ve had a lot of things to organise, but I’m here now. How are you feeling?”

“Wide awake.” He chuckled which was then followed by a quiet pause. He must have been whispering.

“I forgive you,” she said, and it just made me ache all over again.

“Right then. Are you well enough to come down and watch some late night telly with Mummy and I?”

“I’m not allowed to watch the telly after seven.”