I wanted you to have something here that would make you feel as if your mother was with you.
Happy Housewarming.
-A
I shook my head as I unwrapped the copy of Pride and Prejudice we had argued over. I opened the book and gently flipped through the pages as Chadwick looked over my shoulder.
“Oh, is that Pride and Prejudice?”
“Second Edition.” I closed the book and ran my fingers over the spine.
“I’m guessing this was from Alex?” Chadwick stood back and narrowed his eyes.
“What makes you assume that?” I looked around the room, trying to pick a place to put the book.
“One, you haven’t had a ton of guests today. Two, that silly smile.” Chadwick wiggled his eyebrows over his glass.
“Shut it, Chad. Yes, it was Alex.” I sighed. “I guess this is why Ned didn’t join us for lunch. He must have snuck up here while we were eating.”
“You like him.”
“Ned?” I laughed.
“You like Alex.” It wasn’t a question. I looked at Chadwick, wondering what I should tell him. Maybe it was the wine, but I felt like I could trust him with just about anything.
“Yes.” I groaned. “A lot. So much more than I should. I’m starting to not even care that he’s a prince.”
“His title is why you’re playing hard to get?”
“I’m not playing hard to get. What the hell would I do with a boyfriend who’s in line for the throne?”
“What the hell would he do with an American duchess?”
“Harsh, but true.” I fell down into the old leather chair behind the desk. “And you summed up the whole problem in one sentence.”
“I don’t get it. You like him. He likes you. Why fight it?” Chad leaned against the desk. “You’re making this more difficult than it should be.”
“Maybe. I don’t know.” I leaned my head back and stared at the ceiling. “Hey, there’s a pattern up there.”
“You’re drunk.” He looked up at the ceiling. “Ew, someone put wallpaper under the molding. That needs to go.”
“Heh. Tipsy, not drunk.” But I was on my way to being drunk. This is why I didn’t drink in public. He was also right about the wallpaper.
“Samantha?”
“Yeah?” I leaned my head to the side so I could see him.
“What would your best friend tell you to do about Alex?” He lifted his glass to his mouth.
“Jess would tell me to hit that.” He sputtered into his cup and I laughed. “Actually, she has told me to hit that. Several times now.”
“She sounds like a smart woman.”
“You’d love Jess.” I turned my attention back to the ceiling. “Her boyfriend e-mailed me pictures of engagement rings. He’s going to pop the question soon. I was sad at first that I wouldn’t be there to celebrate with her, but then I realized it had worked out for the best. They’re going to need their own space.”
“I’m sure she’ll still want you to celebrate with them. Maybe you guys can go dress shopping this summer when she comes to visit.”
“Oh, God. You take her dress shopping. I’ll send my card—just don’t make me go with you.”
He laughed at me. “I’ll set her up right.”
“Good.” I bit my lip before turning to look at him. “Why did you argue with your boyfriend?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Oh, come on! I spilled, you spill. That’s how this works.” I sat up straight and tried to give him the puppy-dog look. He laughed at me so hard he tipped his wine glass and had to use his jacket to wipe the liquid off the desk.
“Okay, okay.” He sighed. “Daniel technically isn’t supposed to be gay.”
“Daniel?” I leaned forward. “Adorable Daniel, the Duke of Minsington?”
“That’s the one.” He sighed into his cup. “Want another glass of wine?”
“Why not? I sense a good story coming.” I stood up and we made our way back to the kitchen. Stanley and Margie had left, but the bottle of wine was still sitting on the island. I poured us both another glass and headed for the family room. Stanley had stoked a fire, so we sat down and watched the flames.
“Okay. Daniel and I have been seeing each for years now. It works, because I was living at the palace and he usually makes a trip to the city at least twice a month.” He sighed. “The thing is, it can’t last the way it’s going. He won’t officially come out. He’s worried that his family will cut him off.”
“Can they do that? I thought Lilaria legalized gay marriage.” I set my glass down on the table.
“Yes, gay marriage was legalized, but that doesn’t mean his family is a fan.” Chadwick stared into the fire. “Danny could stand up to his family. They can’t take away his title or disown him, but they could make his life hell.”
“And that’s enough to keep him away?”
“No. He keeps trying to figure out a risk-free way. He’s all about playing it safe and covering all his bases.” He took another swallow of his wine. “I’m just tired of waiting.”
“Chadwick, you didn’t have to come here.” I frowned. “You could have stayed and figured something out.”
“We didn’t fight because I moved out here with you. I wanted to come. His estate is only an hour from here. We fought because I’m tired of being careful. I don’t want to have to keep my distance or only stay in. I want to live life with him and we can’t do that in a bedroom. Well, there’s only so much we can do in a bedroom.”
“Oh.” I looked at the wine in my glass. “Even without the wine, I wouldn’t have any sage advice.”
“Ah. Well, maybe I do.” He pursed his lips when he turned to look at me. “You have someone who wants to be with you. Do you know how much he had to rearrange to be able to come out here with you?”
I shook my head no.
“A lot. A ton. He called in favors to get people to cover some of his appearances. That man is willing to go out of his way for you. Stop being dense.”
I blinked at him in surprise. “Sorry.”
“Don’t tell me. Tell him. Everyone has baggage, Samantha. His just happens to be very public. He needs someone who will be with him that he can trust. He needs someone who isn’t going to use him or let him forget that he’s human.” Chadwick reached over and poked my shoulder. “He needs you.”
“You just poked me.” I looked at his finger.
“I did. I poked a duchess.” He snorted. “That’s a first.”
“You really think he needs me?”
“I think you need each other.”
“Oh, geez.” I sighed. “What if he breaks my heart? It’ll be all over the tabloids. The American duchess that was dumped by the prince.”
“Maybe you’d be the one doing the dumping,” Chadwick pointed out.
“And what if there is no dumping?” I said the words quietly.
“You mean, what if you guys decide to tie the knot and make adorable little babies?”
“I hadn’t thought about babies, but what if we fall in love? Where does that leave him and his title? I just can’t imagine starting something with him, knowing there’s an expiration date.”
“Oh, honey. I think it’s too late to be worried about falling in love.” He chuckled. “And why would it affect his title? You’re a royal. There’s no reason he couldn’t marry you. Heck, The Prince of Wales in England married a commoner. The world is changing.”
“But me? I’m not from Lilaria. Not really.” I frowned. Chadwick thought it was too late for me to worry about falling in love? It wasn’t love. It was fascination. I liked him, yes. I respected him. I certainly lusted after him. But it wasn’t love. Yet.
“Royals have married royals from other countries throughout history. The key is to make the person feel loved. Let them know you would put them first.” He said something in Lilarian that made me sit up straight.
“What does that mean?” It was the exact phrase Alex had used on the plane after helping me with my dress.
“All things are possible with love.” He smiled at me. “It’s a very common expression here.”
“All things…” I let the words sink in and tried to apply them to me and Alex.
“Think about it.” He stood up and stretched. “I’m going to bed.”
“Thanks, Chadwick.” I smiled at him.
“For what?”
“For letting me be me.” I stood up and hugged him. “For poking me, for talking this out with me.”
“Ah, you’re a sap when you drink.” He laughed. “Go get some sleep.”
“All right, but I’m not drunk.”
“Good night.”
I took our glasses to the kitchen and rinsed them out before heading upstairs. Chadwick must have had someone unpack my bags because my clothes were in the closet and dressers. On a whim I grabbed one of the satin nightgowns and slid it on. The wine had me hot and the cool material felt good against my skin. I brushed my teeth and climbed into bed but couldn’t get comfortable. My mind kept going over the phrase Alex had used. Could it be true? Could love get someone through anything? I ran my fingers over the necklace around my neck.
After a while I decided to get a glass of water. In less than thirty seconds out of my bedroom door, I had stubbed my toe and ran into a small table. I held onto the stair rail and took the steps slowly. How ironic would be if they brought me back here and I fell down the stairs my first night? A small lamp in the corner of the kitchen gave me enough light to find the glasses. I poured myself some water and leaned against the counter.
I was contemplating making a snack since I had never gotten around to making my sandwich when someone knocked on the front door. My body froze in place except for my heart—it sped up. I set my glass down and made my way through the living room. Maybe Chadwick had gotten lost on his way to his house. I wasn’t crazy though and grabbed a large bust from a nearby table. Edging to the door, I tried to peek out of the small window at the top, but I couldn’t see anything.
“Who is it?” I called.
“Alex.”
A Royal Sleepover?
—Lilarian Tale
If I had thought my heart was beating fast earlier, it didn’t compare to what happened when I heard his voice. I twisted the lock and peeked out the door.
“What are you doing here?” I brushed some of my hair out of my eyes. He was standing there in jeans, a dark T-shirt, and a simple jacket.
“I have to leave tomorrow afternoon.” He tucked his hands into his pockets. “May I come in? It’s cold.”
“Oh, yeah.” I pulled the door open wider and stepped back. His eyes raked over me and I realized I was standing there in my nightie.
“What were you going to do with that?”
I looked at the statue I was clutching and set it back on the table. “I don’t know. Bash you on the head I guess.”
“I see.” He definitely saw something. His eyes were locked on me like laser beams. “I thought you slept in your underwear.”
“That was a joke.” I frowned.
“This isn’t so bad either.” He took a step forward, his fingers grazing the material along my waist. “Were you sneaking down here for a glass of milk?”
“Water.” My voice caught and I had to swallow to wet my throat. “Why are you here?”
“I told you I’d see you before I left.” He didn’t move his hand from my waist and his fingers were causing waves of need to wash through my body. “And I found out I have to go to Paris tomorrow afternoon.”
“Oh.” I chewed on my bottom lip. “Thank you.”
“I was hoping to catch you before you went to bed, but I never expected to find you dressed like this.” His fingers slid up a little farther to trace the thin strap.
“I wasn’t expecting company.” My fingers itched to run over his chest.
“What would you have worn had you been expecting company?”
“Shorts and a T-shirt, if I have any left after Chadwick packed my stuff. He hates them and made me go shopping.” I took a deep breath when he shifted closer to me. “Lucky you.”
“Lucky me.” His breath rushed over my skin and I shivered. “Why did you want to see me, Samantha?”
His fingers had moved to brush the hair off my shoulder and grazed along the skin of my collarbone. I don’t know if it was the wine or the fact that I didn’t want to fight it anymore, but I threw caution to the wind.
“Kiss me.”
“Not exactly a request.” His eyes darted down to my lips.
“It’s a demand.”
“About damn time.” His mouth crashed down onto mine as his arms wrapped around my body. I ran my hands over his chest while I greedily returned his kiss. When he pulled me against his body, I groaned in pleasure. Spinning around, he pinned me against the front door and I could feel the bulge in his pants pressed against my hip.
He pulled away from my mouth to trail kisses over my neck, his tongue flicking over the pulse point below my ear before he bit down gently. I let my head fall back against the door and moaned. His hands ran over my waist, down to my hips, and back.
“Jesus, I can’t get enough of you.” He whispered the words right before he captured my mouth in another scorching kiss.
He wasn’t the only one that couldn’t get enough. I’d opened Pandora’s box and there was no turning back. I pushed his jacket off his shoulders and he let go of me just long enough to let it fall to the floor. His hands slid up over my body, his thumbs tracing my nipples through the material of the nightie. Fire ran over my skin, every cell in my body alive with need.
I ran my hands under his shirt to trace the ridges of his muscles before tugging the material up. He shrugged the shirt off quickly and threw it to the side. The moonlight poured in through the windows, making his eyes glow as he moved back to me. He slid his hands down to cup my rear and lifted me from the floor. I wrapped my legs around his waist and sighed in relief when he pressed his hard body against my hot center. His mouth teased my lips open and he kissed me as if he was drowning. I shifted my hips in a slow move, enjoying the feel of him between my legs. Then again, harder.
“Oh, f*ck.” He pulled away from the kiss and groaned against my neck.
“I want you.” I whispered the words into his ear as I moved against him again. Forget caution. Forget willpower. I wanted Alex and I wasn’t going to fight it anymore.
He stepped away from the door, still holding me against him. I kissed along his jaw as he stumbled through the house and up the stairs. When we reached the landing he moved much more steadily and we were in my new room in no time. He set me down next to the bed and cupped my face in his hands.
“You’re sure you want this?” He was breathing heavily and pressed his forehead against mine. “There’s no going back.”
“I told you.” I traced the top of his jeans with my fingers before tugging at the button. “I want you, Alex. All of you. Right now. No more games, no more waiting.” Slowly I slid his zipper down before pushing his jeans off his hips.
“Are you on birth control?” He kicked his shoes off, stepped out of his jeans, and let his boxers go with them.
“Yes.” My breath caught in my throat. He was gorgeous. “Should I worry about you being tested?”
“Done. I’m clean.” He looked at me seriously. “You?”
“After my last boyfriend. No problems.”
Taking a step closer, he grabbed the bottom of my nightgown and pulled it over my head. His eyes ran over my breasts and down to the tiny black panties I was wearing.
“I’ve wanted to undress you since I helped you with your zipper on the plane.” He wrapped a hand around the back of my neck, tilting my head up. “If we’d been alone, I would have torn that dress off right then.” His lips touched mine in a slow, teasing kiss while his free hand ran over the outside of my breast and down to my hip. “It was torture to leave you that night in your room.”
He moved us back until my legs touched the bed and he lowered us down carefully. The warmth from his erection against my skin was intoxicating. He slid a hand up to cup my breast while he kissed me, his fingers pinching my nipple gently. I moaned and my hips bucked against him.
“So eager.” His deep chuckle rumbled out of his chest. He shifted so that he could slide his hand between us, rubbing the growing moist spot between my legs. “So wet.”
Carefully he peeled my panties down my body and I helped kick them off my feet. He slid back up my body, his face skimming along my skin. I sucked in a deep breath when he nuzzled the curls between my legs, but he didn’t stop until he reached my breast. I fisted my hands in his hair when he closed his lips over the peak of my left breast. Pleasure washed through my brain and I could only form one thought. More. I wanted more.
His hand slid between my legs and I opened willingly. With sure fingers he explored between my folds and slid deep inside. I dug my fingernails into his shoulder and groaned loudly.
“You’re beautiful.”
I opened my eyes to meet his gaze as he worked my body slowly. I slid a hand between us and he shifted so I could touch him too. I ran my fingers along him, enjoying the way he sucked in a deep breath. After a moment he pulled away and slid his mouth down to my other breast to tease it gently with his teeth. When he shifted to his knees between my legs, I reached down to stroke him again, taking the time to touch every bit of him.
He growled loudly and sat back, his eyes running over my body. I was breathing heavily, more than ready for him. I leaned up enough that I could pull his head down to mine, needing his kiss, while he teased my opening. With painful restraint, he slowly entered me. Much slower than I wanted.
“Damn it, you’re tight, Samantha.”
I couldn’t respond. My breath was caught in my throat as he finally rocked his hips home. He stayed there for a minute, letting me get used to him, until I moved under him to let him know I was ready. When he finally started moving, I couldn’t think. I couldn’t do anything other than experience this moment.
“Oh, God.” I moaned.
He brought his mouth to my ear. “Alex. My name is Alex, not God. I want to hear you say my name.”
“Oh, God. Alex. Alex.” I said his name over and over again with each thrust of his hips.
“Samantha.” He whispered my name in my ear and I understood what he needed. I dug my heels into the bed and lifted my hips for a better angle. He groaned loudly and picked up his pace.
“Samantha, I can’t wait much longer.” He gripped my hip with a hand, slamming into me. It was too much and I couldn’t hold on any longer.
“Alex!” I screamed his name as I fell over the edge into oblivion. He came right behind me, burying his face against my shoulder, his hot breath tickling the hairs at the nape of my neck.
We lay there limply, our hearts thudding in our chests. After a moment, he shifted so that he was supporting his weight on one arm while he slowly kissed my neck where the charm of my necklace rested. When his mouth touched mine in a soft, gentle kiss, I sighed in contentment. He finally left my mouth, but only to nuzzle my hair. Rolling, he slid out of me and pulled me onto his chest. I traced the planes of his face with my eyes, appreciating the way his features cut sharp shadows in the moonlight. I liked the sated look he was giving me, pride and possession mingled together.
“You look smug.”
“I feel a bit smug.” He chuckled.
“I can’t think of a better way to have christened my new bedroom.”
He kissed my cheek. “Well worth the wait.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t wait so long next time.” I propped my chin on my hand and used my finger to stroke the stubble along his jaw.
“Couldn’t agree more.” He ran a hand over my hair and I closed my eyes. “But right now, I don’t think I can move.”
“This could be addicting.” I let my head slide onto his chest, enjoying the sound of his heartbeat.
“Get some sleep.” I felt him shift a bit before pulling a blanket over us.
“Are you staying?” I asked. I was in that sweet spot between wakefulness and sleep.
“As long as I can.”
Does the Return of the Duchess Herald New Jobs?
—Lilarian Daily
The chirping of birds woke me up. I opened my eyes slowly, enjoying the laziness that permeated my muscles. I shifted and tried to untangle myself from the sheets when I realized I was pressed against Alex.
“Good morning.” His voice rumbled out of his chest. He was propped on his elbow looking down at me.
“Uh.” I made a face and closed my eyes against the bright light streaming in through the windows. “That’s weird.”
“What?” He chuckled.
“Watching me sleep. Is this going to be like those movies where we have sex and then the really hot guy turns out to be a creeper?”
“You make little mewing sounds.”
“I do not.”
“Like a baby kitten.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “I am not a baby kitten. I’m sleepy and annoyed.”
“It’s cute and sexy.”
“Oh, no.” I groaned. “You’re a morning person.”
“Mmhmm.” He moved so that I was lying on my back and nuzzled my neck.
“We’re going to have a hard time.” I sighed as his hand ran over my stomach.
“I think you’re right.” He moved so that I could feel him pressed against my leg.
“Oh boy.”
“You can say that again.” He chuckled as he slid under the sheet, his mouth trailing over my skin.
“Oh boy.” His mouth covered one of my breasts, his tongue running over it teasingly. “Oh boy.”
When he spread my legs and pressed kisses to the tender skin there, I whimpered. I was starting to think I had been waking up to the wrong alarm clock all these years. As he took his time tasting and licking, I closed my eyes and floated along the bliss. When he slid his fingers inside, my hips moved in response. I was tender in a good way, like after you exercise for the first time in a while. One thing was sure, he had given me a good work out.
He focused all his attention on the sensitive place at the top of my mound while he worked the perfect rhythm. His fingers flicked just the right spot and I groaned loudly. I reached down, tangling my fingers in his blond hair. My movements increased and he understood the cue. Crawling up my body, he licked and sucked as he made his way out of the sheet. Reaching between us, he rubbed the head of his manhood against me.
I whimpered, needing him, and he smiled smugly. “Ask me.”
“For what?” My voice came out breathy.
“What you didn’t ask for last night.”
I licked my lips. “Please kiss me, Alex.”
His mouth covered mine and I could taste us mixed together on his lips. His tongue slid into my mouth while he continued to tease me under the covers. He eased in just enough to make me moan, then pulled right back out. I growled into his mouth in frustration. When he did it again I slid my hands over his ass and pulled at him. I made some headway before he chuckled and pulled away.
He sat up and the sheet fell behind him, letting me enjoy the sight of him in the morning light. Gripping my hips, he pulled me to him, tilting me upward so that he could slide in. My breath left on an exhale of pleasure as he filled me. I wiggled against him, wanting more, but couldn’t get enough traction. I reached above my head and placed my hands against the headboard and pushed, making us both groan.
He ran a hand over my stomach and between my breasts before cupping the back of my neck. He pulled me against him and moaned, his hips setting a slow rhythm that was just enough.
“I could watch you all day.” He groaned louder when I pushed harder against the headboard, slamming him deeper. “God, that feels good.”
“Samantha. I’m Samantha, not God.”
“Samantha.” He leaned forward, bracing himself on the hand that had been holding my neck. “Samantha, you feel so damn good.” His words slipped into Lilarian and I only paid attention to the sound of his voice.
As we moved together it wasn’t fast or rushed, but a steady pace to find the finish line. When his breathing hitched, I was right there with him, my orgasm slamming into me as I felt him jerk inside of me.
He laid on me and rolled so that we were on our sides but still connected. It was a comfortable feeling and I liked knowing he was still inside me. My body was still twitching with aftershocks of pleasure. His hand lazily ran up and down my arm.
“That’s a great way to wake up.” I sighed against his chest.
“Glad I could help.” I looked up into his blue eyes and enjoyed his smug grin.
“But now I want a nap.” I rubbed the tip of my nose against him.
“That sounds like a great idea.” He pulled me tighter against him. “Unfortunately I have to leave soon.”
Disappointment crashed into me, even though I had known he would need to go. I didn’t say anything for a minute, just listened to his breathing and wondered what he was thinking. His hand continued its steady movement against my skin and I sighed. I fought against the nerves that were starting to bubble up underneath my skin. The realization that I was already in deep was sinking in slowly.
“Do you have time for breakfast?” I looked up at him. We couldn’t lie here all morning if he needed to go. And I needed to do something other than obsess about my fears.
“I have time to eat.” His eyes twinkled down at me. “And to take a shower.”
I rolled away from him and stood up, looking over my shoulder as I walked to the bathroom. “What are you waiting for?”
I turned the knobs for the water until I found a comfortable temperature. I was checking to make sure we had enough towels when he slid his hands around my waist. I sucked in a breath and fidgeted in his grasp.
“Your hands are so cold!”
“That’s why I’m trying to warm them up.”
“Dirty.” I stepped away from him and pulled open the shower door. I smiled at him as I moved under the water. He followed close behind and turned a knob so the extra shower head came to life.
“You already know I don’t play fair.”
My soaps had been put in the bathroom, which was kind of creepy, but I didn’t linger on it for too long. I poured body wash onto the bath sponge and began to lather my arms when Alex plucked it from my hands.
He didn’t say anything, just ran it over my body in slow circles. I had thought I was more than sated, but when he knelt down to wash my legs, my hormones came alive. He looked up at me, his wet hair trailing water down his shoulders as he lifted one of my feet and then the other. There was something gentle in his expression as he took his time cleaning me and it made my heart thump in a different way.
When he had finished I took the sponge and gave him the same treatment. I took my time cleaning every inch of his body. When I moved my hands down his thighs, he twitched and started to grow hard. Alex grabbed my wrists and wrapped my arms around his neck. He kissed me slowly before pressing his forehead to mine.
“I’d like nothing more than to stay locked away with you, but I have to go to Paris.” He twined his fingers with mine. “And if you kept doing that we aren’t going to make it out of your room.”
“Now you have something to look forward to.”
His eyes bored into mine. “I won’t be able to think of anything else.”
Eventually we finished getting clean and dried off. Thankfully, there were extra toothbrushes in the cabinets. I pulled out some new clothes and got dressed while he pulled his jeans from the night before back on. He stood there for a minute, looking around the room.
“What?” I pulled on a sock and looked at him as he frowned.
“I think my shirt is downstairs.” Alex looked at me and raised an eyebrow.
“Oh.” I realized we had left evidence. “Oh! I’ll go down and grab it.” I opened the door, but someone had folded and stacked his shirt and jacket neatly just on the other side. “So much for no one knowing what happened here.”
He took his shirt and pulled it on. “They won’t say anything, Samantha.”
“I know.” I frowned. “It’s not them I’m worried about.”