He unsnapped her bra before she had even stood up again, and her breasts pointed at him in accusation of arousing her past the point of decency.
At long last.
Together they pulled off her panties, then their bodies met, his erection fitting neatly against her belly. They breathed heavily, skin heating as they managed a very tentative kiss: a wisp of tongue, a graze of teeth, the tiniest, smooth, teasing and taunting until they couldn’t stand it anymore. Then they fell onto the bed and Simon crawled over her, covering her with his body, with his kisses, tasting and testing her skin until she moaned with urgency.
He rolled on the condom and entered her carefully. Their eyes met for a moment, and the look of concern on his handsome face made her smile. She lifted her hips to welcome him and enjoyed his expression of rapture as his eyes slid closed and he sank deep inside her.
Pleasure coursed through her at the feel of his big, strong body wrapped around hers. She moved with him easily, enjoying sudden and intense relief from all the tension that had built between them in the short time they’d known each other.
“Ariella.” He rasped her name with a hint of surprise, as if discovering it for the first time. Somehow it jerked her back to the reality of who she was. Ariella Winthrop, whose life had been turned upside down by the scandalous circumstances of her birth and now by a shocking international romance. Even as she writhed in Simon’s arms she couldn’t help wondering if this was all a crazy mistake. Would she wake up soaked in regret at compounding the madness that was her life lately?
If the press found out she and Simon had slept together they’d have a field day. They’d be clamoring for snapshots of the “royal smooch” or any casual indiscretion.
She’d let this whole thing spiral out of control. In D.C., she could have easily kept Simon at arm’s length until he went back to Britain, instead of embarking on an ill-advised romance that would have people whispering and gossiping behind her back.
“Ariella.” He said it again.
“Yes?” Was he asking a question?
“I just like saying it. Celebrating it. That we’re here together at last.”
She chuckled, then carefully maneuvered them until she was on top. “You’re a hard man to resist.” That was the truth. You couldn’t say no to Simon. At least she couldn’t.
She leaned forward to kiss him, then her hair trailed over his chest as she rose and moved over him. His eyes closed and his face wore an expression of sheer bliss as she rode him. His hands wandered over her chest, enjoying the curve of her breasts and circling her waist. Then he deftly changed positions again and took back the lead.
Thoughts slipped away as he drove her deep into a world where worries didn’t exist. Nothing mattered but their two bodies, moving in sync, holding and clutching at each other, their breath mingling and their skin sticking together as they edged closer and closer to the inevitable climax.
Afterward they lay in each other’s arms, as countless other couples must have done over the years in this same grand chamber. Dukes, princes and earls, wives, mistresses and probably a few comely servant girls as well.
“What are we doing?” She breathed into his ear. It wasn’t the first time she’d voiced the thought aloud.
“We’re in the throes of a passionate romance,” he answered.
“You make things seem so simple.”
“Usually they are simple, and people go out of their way to make them complicated.”
“But how long can it go on for? You live here and I live in D.C. It’s silly.”
“It’s wonderful.” He stroked her hair, his eyes soft.
She exhaled slowly. “It is.”
“So we need to enjoy our passionate romance one day at a time and see where it takes us.”
“With the press breathing down our necks?”
He shrugged. “They’ll do what they want to do, regardless of what we want or hope for. I try to ignore them in general. Unless I need some PR for World Connect. Then I’m all smiles and pithy sound bites.” He grinned.
“I need to cultivate that attitude.” She rested her head on his broad chest. “They’re just doing their job. As you said before, they’re not likely to leave me alone any time soon because of the president being my father, so I might as well get used to them.”
“Good, because on Sunday we’re going to a charity polo match and there will be plenty of press there.” He had that mischievous look again.
“Uh-oh.”
“It’ll be fun. And you’ll get to meet my family.”
Anxiety spiked through her. “Your older brother and his wife?”
“They’re away on a tour of Australia, but you’ll meet my grandmother and assorted cousins, aunts and uncles. And my younger brother will be there.”
She swallowed, trying not to let her panic show. “Your grandmother…the queen?”
“Don’t be intimidated. She looks fierce from a distance but up close she’s very warm and easy to talk to.”
She blew out a breath. “I hope I won’t stutter like an idiot.”
“You are the last person on earth to feel flummoxed in the presence of royalty. Especially since you’re already sleeping with it.”
She chuckled. “There is that.” Then her gut churned. “Does the queen know? I mean, about us?”
“If she reads the papers she will.” He stroked her cheek. “Don’t worry. My family will love you. It will be fun.”
Fun. Ariella very much doubted that it would be fun. Intimidating, alarming, fraught with potential pitfalls? Yes. Fun? Not so much.
Either way, in less than two days, she’d find out.
Seven
Ariella tried everything she could think of to get out of attending the polo match. The Duke of Buckingham had officially hired them for the wedding so she really should be in London scouting out suppliers for the party. But, yes, it would be a Sunday and in England most things were closed on Sunday. She should get back to the U.S. and…well, yes, it would still be Sunday.
So on Sunday morning she found herself combing her hair with shaking hands.
Simon opened the door dividing their rooms and looked in. He smiled when he saw her. “Just checking that you haven’t climbed out the window.”
“What if they all hate me?”
“They’ll love you.” His ebullient confidence did nothing to soothe her frazzled nerves.
“I don’t know anything about polo.”
“You don’t need to. Clap when our team scores and you’ll be good.”
“What if a reporter asks probing questions?”
“They won’t. It’s a very exclusive event and there are unwritten rules that keep them at a respectful distance.”
“What if I become hysterical and make a big scene?”
He grinned. “Then we’ll call some nice men in white coats to come take you away. Would you like a glass of Pimm’s to soothe your nerves?”
“No, thanks. I really don’t like to drink before noon. Especially on Sunday. It affects my aim.” She brandished her mascara wand.
“Quite understandable. I should probably warn you about my uncle Derek. He’s likely to be three sheets to the wind by noon and isn’t shy about expressing himself.”
Uncle Derek? She’d never heard of him. Her confusion must have shown in her face.
“He’s my mother’s brother, so not royal by birth, but he’s latched on to the family and is hanging on with a death grip. He tries to be more traditional than anyone so he’s not likely to approve of me dating an American.”
She sighed. “It’s not like we’re…serious.” Was she trying to convince herself? Their weekend together had been so easy and fun. She and Simon really clicked. They could talk about anything. And the sex…
“Says who?” He sauntered into the room. “I can be very serious when the occasion calls for it.” He walked up behind her where she stood at the mirror and slid his arms around her waist. His lips pressed hotly into her neck and sent heat
plunging to her toes. “And I seriously like you.”
She blinked, looking from her startled face to his relaxed one in the mirror. “I like you, too, but it is a strange situation, you have to admit.”
“My entire life is a strange situation, by most measurable parameters.” He nibbled on her ear, which made her gasp. “I don’t let it bother me.”
“I guess when you put it that way…” Her words trailed off as their eyes locked in the mirror. His managed to sparkle with amusement and desire at the same time. His hands roamed over her hips and belly, setting off tremors of desire. Last night’s lovemaking still reverberated in her mind and body. If she could just get through this afternoon without any drama they’d be back in bed together, tonight. Their last night before her flight back to D.C. tomorrow.
Without making a decision to, she turned and kissed him, smudging her carefully applied makeup and gripping him in a forceful embrace. If this was all they ever had it would be well worth it. No regrets.
At least she hoped not.
* * *
“And this is my grandmother.” Simon smiled encouragingly. People milled around them in the royal enclosure, laughing and clinking glasses. Photographers were at a discreet distance. Mallets thwacked against balls somewhere in the background.
The queen looked so tiny up close. Ariella began to curtsey, but the queen stuck out her hand, so she took it. Cool and soft, the fingers closed around hers with surprising strength. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Winthrop. Simon tells me you’ve never been to a polo match before.” Steel-blue eyes peered into her very core.
“No, this is my first.”
“Simon also informs me that President Morrow is your father.” The queen’s cool grip trapped her hands.
“Um, yes.” Did she realize they’d never met, or even spoken? “Rather a surprise to both of us.”
“Surprises do keep life interesting, don’t they?”
“They do indeed.”
The queen bombarded her with information about the various polo ponies, their breeding and track records and finer qualities. She was clearly skilled at holding the entire conversation with little participation from others. Ariella decided she’d work on that skill herself. It seemed a safe way to keep conversations on the right track.
Simon smiled and nodded and generally seemed delighted at how things were progressing. Ariella smiled and nodded while thinking, Omigosh, I’m chatting about horses with the queen. And I don’t know anything about horses. And I’m sleeping with her grandson.
She was definitely ready for a Pimm’s by the time a new arrival interrupted their conversation to greet Her Majesty. Simon procured her a large glass of the tea-colored drink with its floating mix of strawberries, apples, orange and cucumber. She knew the sweet taste hid a base of gin, so she sipped it gingerly, not wanting to find herself giggling and falling over in her stilettos as some of the younger guests were already in danger of doing.
Simon’s younger brother Henry was at the center of the group of more rambunctious partygoers, and Ariella felt a sense of apprehension as Simon led her over to meet him.
As tall as Simon, but with curlier hair and bright blue eyes, the youngest prince had a reputation as a hard-partying playboy.
“I see you convinced her to step into the fray.” He fixed his eyes on hers as he kissed her hand, which felt very awkward in front of the gathered crowd of guests. Young girls, spilling out of their expensive dresses, stared at her with curiosity.
“My brother, Henry, Ariella Winthrop.” Simon made the introduction.
“I think everyone in the developed world knows who Ms. Winthrop is. And she’s even lovelier than her photographs.”
What did you say to a comment like that? “It’s nice to meet you.”
“But is it? You haven’t known me long enough to be sure.”
“Don’t scare Ariella.” Simon was smiling. “She’s just heard the pedigrees of the entire equine half of the polo team from Gran.”
“I hope you showed a suitable degree of fascination. Gran is very suspicious of anyone who doesn’t share her passion for horses.”
“I freely admit that I know almost nothing about horses.”
“I thought Montana was cowboy country?” Henry was obviously enjoying this.
“Some parts of it are, but not where I lived.”
“I think Ariella would make a marvelous cowgirl.” Simon slid his arm around her waist. She tried to keep a straight face. Did he really want to do that in front of all these people? She felt eyes boring into her from all directions. “But I intend to make her fall in love with England.”
Henry raised an eyebrow. “He must be serious. Usually he can’t wait to get on a plane and go somewhere looking for adventure.”
“Ariella has me thinking about adventures closer to home.”
Ariella could hardly believe her ears. He was all but declaring himself. Maybe this was some kind of ongoing joke between him and his brother. She had no idea how to react. “I like England very much.”
“Well, thank goodness for that. There’s one thing I can’t change about myself, and that’s my homeland.” Simon squeezed her gently, which sent a ripple of confused emotions through her.
“I’m not sure you can change all that much else, either.” Henry teased Ariella. “He’s very bullheaded and opinionated.”
“I am not.” Simon shoved him gently. Ariella could see the brothers had a friendly sparring relationship, but that they cared for each other deeply. As someone who’d never had a sibling to rib her, she found their closeness touching.
“Ariella came up with the idea for an outdoor concert to raise money and awareness for World Connect.”
“I like.” Henry grinned. “The lawns in front of the Washington Monument would be a great spot.”
“I agree.” Ariella smiled. “No harm in aiming high.”
“Especially when your dad is the president.” Henry winked. “We royals aren’t averse to a little nepotism when the occasion calls for it. It’s how we pass on the throne, after all.”
Ariella’s stomach clenched slightly. Everyone seemed to assume that she had a relationship with her father, when nothing could be further from the truth.
“Uh-oh, here comes trouble.” Henry’s nod made Simon turn.
“Too true. Let’s head it off at the pass.” He turned and led Ariella away from Henry and his gaggle of blushing admirers toward a tall man in baggy tweeds, approaching fast through the knots of glamorous polo-goers.
“Your uncle?” The man’s bushy brows sank low over slitted dark eyes and his cheeks were the florid pink of a smacked behind.
“Good old Uncle Derek. Here to pour gasoline on untroubled waters.”
Derek marched up to Simon and launched into a conversation about the polo team, totally ignoring her. She counted the burst blood vessels in his cheeks and wondered if he intended to simply pretend she didn’t exist.
“Uncle Derek, do hold your fire a moment so I can introduce you to my honored guest, Miss Ariella Winthop. Ariella, this is my mother’s brother, Derek, the Duke of Aylesbury.”
“Just visiting England, are you?” His haughty voice grated on her ears.
“Yes, I’m going back tomorrow.”
“Oh.” He turned back to Simon and launched into a tirade about poor sportsmanship at his shooting club. Simon caught her eye as he nodded and yessed his uncle. Ariella sagged with relief when Derek finally finished his monologue and sauntered off.
“He’s irritating but harmless. I try to ignore him.” Simon’s whispered words in her ear made her giggle. “One thing you learn to do as a royal is present a united front. We don’t need the public to know that behind closed doors sometimes we drive each other insane.”
“Quite understandable.” She admired his ability to play the role he’d been born to. Such responsibility and the strict code of conduct would be too much for a lot of people she knew. It almost invited rebellion and debauchery, but Simon handle
d his unique life with ease and good humor.
Which only made her adore him more.
There was a brief commotion as one of the players fell off and, unable to support weight on an injured ankle, was helped to a medical tent.
“Simon, we need you!” Two of the other players beckoned from their horses. “Hugh couldn’t come today and Rupert’s still down with the flu so we’re short. You know Dom would be happy for you to ride his horses.”
Simon glanced at Ariella, then back at them. “I can’t, I’m afraid. It would be rude to desert my guest.”
“Oh, that’s okay,” she protested. “I’m sure I can take care of myself for a few minutes.” The game had been going on forever, it seemed. It must be nearly over. “You go ahead.” She knew his side was winning and she didn’t want everyone blaming her if things went south because Simon couldn’t leave her side.
“You’re a brick.” He kissed her cheek softly, which made her gasp and glance around as he jogged off to change.
Great. Now she was adrift in unfamiliar waters. And her glass of Pimm’s was empty, mint leaves clinging limply to the remains of the ice cubes. She decided to go off in search of another, and hope someone scored the winning goal while she was at it.
“Ariella.” A voice startled her as she headed down the side of a marquee. She turned to find Simon’s uncle Derek right behind her. “A word, if you please.”
Actually, I don’t please. But she didn’t dare say it. She paused, still half turned toward the drinks tent.
“Simon’s young and impressionable.” Those frighteningly large salt-and-pepper brows waggled up and down. “Enthusiastic and charming but not terribly bright, I’m afraid.”
Her mouth fell open. “I find him highly intelligent.”
“I’m sure you do.” He swigged from a glass of clear liquid. “A coronet has that effect on women. The fact remains that a dalliance with you could destroy his future.”
“I hardly think that…” She didn’t know what she was about to say but it didn’t matter because Derek blazed ahead.
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