by Terri Lane
“I mean, I lied about you living here,” she replied.
“You're really starting to dig yourself a hole with all these lies,” Allyah pointed out.
“I know,” Nina said.
“Why don't you just tell him the truth?” Allyah asked.
“I'm afraid he'll leave if I do,” Nina admitted.
“I guess that's a possibility,” Allyah said. “But what if you just tried?”
Nina sighed.
“I don't really want to think about that right now,” she said.
“Here,” Allyah said while carefully handing Nina a knife. “At least help me cut these up for tonight.”
“Where are we catering again?” Nina asked.
“A garden show in the uptown district,” Allyah replied.
“That should be nice,” Nina commented.
“I hate being outside. It always makes my hair frizz up,” Allyah said.
“Hairspray?” Nina asked.
“It makes it worse,” Allyah replied.
“Not with that attitude,” Nina joked.
Allyah tossed an apple slice at her and Nina giggled, picking the piece up off the floor before Maxie could gobble it up. She put it in the trash can. Allyah went back to peeling apples and setting them on the cutting board for Nina to slice. They did this in silence for a few minutes, Nina looking over at Allyah occasionally and trying to think of something to say.
“So, are you going to see him again?” Allyah asked, her eyes focused on the apples in the basket.
“We're supposed to go to the Museum of Natural History tomorrow night,” Nina replied.
“Oh, really? That sounds like it could be fun,” Allyah commented.
“If I hadn't already gone there about a million times,” Nina scoffed.
“You've got an attitude about everything today,” Allyah said.
“I'm sorry. It just has me relatively worried at this point,” Nina said.
“You're already deep in the hole. What could be worse?” Allyah asked.
“I have nothing to wear,” Nina admitted.
“You have plenty to wear!” Allyah said.
“I don't have anything remotely appropriate for the company of a prince,” Nina pointed out.
Allyah frowned, looking between the apples and Nina. She offered a polite smile and set the apples in her hands back in the basket.
“Well, then, we'll just have to get you something,” she said.
“What?” Nina asked.
“Put your shoes on. We're going shopping,” Allyah commanded.
“But what about the apples?” Nina asked.
“Set them in the fridge. We'll do them later. You live right up the road from a few shops that have plenty of rich looking clothes,” Allyah replied.
Nina smiled and hopped down from the chair to help Allyah wrap up the sliced apples and set them in the fridge. She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her purse before turning to pat Maxie on the head.
“We'll walk you when we get back, okay?” she said.
Maxie yapped and licked her face, causing her to giggle. After she locked the door, she followed Allyah down the hall and out into the sunny afternoon. She procured sunglasses from her purse and held her head up high as they briskly walked down the street towards the shopping strip.
“You know, you're really lucky,” Allyah commented.
“Why's that?” Nina asked, stifling a chuckle.
“Because you get to gallivant around town with a prince and I have to go home to a snoring husband,” Allyah replied.
“We both know you love Terrance more than you let on,” Nina teased.
Allyah scoffed.
“Sure! Whenever he pays the bills and gives me what I need,” Allyah joked.
Nina laughed.
“Don't be silly. You two have something special. This prince is just doting on me, you know?” she said.
“We've been over this, Nina. He really likes you,” Allyah said.
“I mean, I guess he does,” Nina said. She pointed to a shop. “Let's drop in here. I like their dresses.”
“I feel like every time I bring up the prince you avoid the impending conversation,” Allyah said.
Nina walked over a clearance rack and started digging through the vibrantly colored dresses, wiggling her nose at a few. She pulled off her sunglasses and set them in her blouse, then returned her attention to the task at hand.
“I don't think so,” Nina replied.
“I think you do,” Allyah said, taking the spot next to her to sift through dresses.
“It's just...” Nina trailed off, the sound of the hangers squeaking against the metal rail replacing her words.
“You're nervous. I know,” Allyah said softly. “I would be, too.”
“You sure he really likes me? Maybe this is just the aristocratic way of dating,” Nina said.
“Have you had sex?” Allyah asked.
“What?! Allyah—we're in public. Hush!” Nina whispered heatedly.
“Seriously,” Allyah whispered while leaning in close. “Have you?”
Nina shot her a hard look and then shook her head, looking down at a bright blue maxi dress.
“Well, that means he's waiting for the right time. It means he's serious,” Allyah said.
“How would you know that?” Nina asked.
“Because men are men even when they have money,” Allyah replied. “Even though he's rich, he could still use you if he wanted to.”
“That worries me even more,” Nina admitted.
“I don't think that's the case. Like I said, he's being a gentleman. I don't think he's using you, Nina,” Allyah said.
Nina smiled, pulling a warm green dress from the rack and holding it up to her chest. It looked beautiful with yellow swirls and red flowers decorating the length of it.
“That looks great. Get that one,” Allyah said. “He'll like it. I'm sure.”
“I think so, too.”
***
The city was abuzz with noise. As Nina stepped from the black vehicle, her silver heels clicked against the dull concrete and a gentle breeze caused her dress to sway sideways a bit. Robin stood at the steps of the museum and hummed when he saw her approaching.
“My dear Nina, you look absolutely stunning,” he said while leaning in to kiss her cheek.
Nina smiled and bowed her head.
“Thank you, Robin,” she said.
He bowed his head and held her hand in his, looking her over with a smile.
“Shall we?” he asked, motioning towards the museum.
“Absolutely,” she replied.
He led her up the steps and walked her inside, walking through the small line and handing the man their tickets. They made their way through some of the exhibits in the front, stopping to admire the Neanderthal exhibit that had just arrived. Many of the props looked realistic and had Nina in awe.
“And here I thought I would be bored,” she commented while leaning over to study a figure.
“Why would you think that?” Robin asked.
“I've been here so many times that I grew bored of it in my youth. I haven't been back since,” she replied.
“Museums are constantly in flux,” the prince commented.
Nina blushed and continued walking through, bending to read one of the explanations about prehistoric animals.
A hand slithered down her arm and interlocked with hers, causing her to sit up quickly and bump Robin's shoulder.
“Oh, I'm sorry,” she whispered.
“It's just me,” he whispered jokingly. “I hadn't meant to surprise you. At least, not yet.”
Nina eyed him carefully with a smirk.
“What does that mean?” she asked.
“You'll see,” he replied.
Excitement bubbled in her gut. She held his hand firmly as they walked through, passing the great paintings of their time and then strolling through the hall filled with music. Everything captured her attention. The abstract art was a bit
intense to look at, but the music eased her as she went through the rock and roll history exhibit and admired the concert photography from the 70's.
When they were finished, they ended up in the same hallway and a security guard approached with a set of keys.
“Your highness,” the guard said with a slight bow. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, we're ready,” Robin replied.
“Ready for what?” Nina asked.
Robin smiled, but remained silent, pulling her towards a side door that the guard unlocked. They climbed a few flights of stairs, Nina's heart racing with every step she took. She gripped the hand of the sweet prince who reassuringly gripped her hand in return. A smile crossed her lips. When they reached the top, she held her breath.
The guard bowed deeply and then opened the door to the roof where the sweet smell of fresh food greeted her nose. She could hear a solo violin playing a soft tune, the keys rising and falling as they stepped forward. It was gorgeous outside. She hadn't realized the sun was beginning to set and admired the view from her position on the roof.
“This way,” Robin said while tugging her hand.
Nina gasped at the sight before her. Just around the corner from the door stood a waiter with a white napkin resting over his arm and a musician playing the violin from a chair. A table was set with a simple white cloth and candles, a bottle of champagne next to it chilling in a bucket. As she gawked, the prince pulled her closer and gently helped her sit, her legs seeming to freeze up beneath her at the sweet gesture.
“Is this all for me?” she asked.
“Who else would be here?” he replied with a playful grin.
Nina looked down and blushed, listening to Robin pour her a glass of champagne. She accepted in gratefully and sat back in her chair while the waiter approached.
“Are you ready, sir?” the waiter asked.
Robin eyed Nina who nodded apprehensively.
“Fantastic! I will tell the chef to bring your meals,” the waiter said.
“Thank you,” Robin said.
Nina admired him from across the table, the champagne bubbling in her stomach as she raised her fingers to her red lips to cover the smile forming. She couldn't stop. It was beginning to hurt her face to smile so hard.
“What is it?” he asked.
“It's just...” she trailed off, tears welling in her eyes.
Robin gave her a sympathetic look and reached across the table to take her hand as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
“It's just so beautiful,” she whispered.
Her lower lip quivered. It was all she could muster at the moment, the appreciation she felt rolling in wave after wave of joy and confusion.
“Nina, why are you crying?” he asked.
She shrugged and gave a laugh, squeezing his hand.
“This is the happiest I've been in such a long time. It's just wonderful and I fear...” she trailed off again, biting her lower lip. “I fear I haven't been completely honest with you.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
She bit harder into her lip, looking down at the cloth table while running her thumb over his fingers.
“Well, about me,” she replied.
His eyes implored her to continue. Nervously, she looked between him and the city, trying to find a distraction from the mess she was starting to create. She laughed again and shook her head.
“It's silly, really,” she said. “I'm just not sure how to tell you.”
“Do you have a lover?” he asked solemnly.
“No!” she replied quickly. “Oh, no, Robin. I would never do that to you.”
He sighed with relief.
“I'm sorry—my worries can get the best of me sometimes,” he admitted.
“I couldn't ever do that to anyone,” she said.
“Good. As long as you're honest,” he said.
She offered a polite smile and looked back down at the table.
“I know we haven't known each other long, but I feel like we really click. I'm enjoying it,” she said.
“I am as well, Nina. I feel like I can truly trust you,” he added.
“Already?” she asked.
“Absolutely. You are so genuine, kind, open, and lively. I love your personality. I love how nothing is static for you, that you are willing to change your view on things. That's beautiful,” he went on.
“Oh, Robin...” she whispered.
Before she could continue, a plate of steaming lobster appeared in front of her and she smiled at the waiter who bowed deeply. The waiter walked away and Robin waved to the musician sitting next to them to leave as well. It became quiet save for the sound of motors below them, the city still buzzing even after the sun had set.
“Bon appétit,” Robin said with a wink.
Nina smiled and dug into her food, nodding as she chewed the savory pieces of lobster.
“This is delightful,” she commented between bites.
The prince nodded with glee.
“I'm glad you like it, darling,” he said.
When she was finished chewing, she dabbed her lips with a cloth napkin and sat back in her chair, one hand resting over her full stomach. She looked out over the city. Lights were sparkling as far as her eyes could see, washing over the bridge and towards Town Square.
“It's so beautiful,” she whispered.
“Yes, you are,” he added.
Nina blushed, looking over at the prince who was wiping his mouth clean.
“Shall we get a closer look?” he asked.
“Yes, please,” she replied.
Nina laced her arm around Robin's and leaned into him. They stood near the edge of the roof, admiring the city in all its glory. She sighed contentedly as they stood in perfectly comfortable silence, inhaling the greatness all around them. It was as if the universe bent to their will to accommodate for the energy building between them. Electricity crackled between their touching skin. A warm tingle grew in her pelvis and began to radiate outwards as Robin traced her bare shoulder with a finger.
“How long do we have up here?” she asked.
“As long as you like,” he replied.
“Good,” she said.
Her lips pushed into his, causing him to teeter slightly. The hand brushing her shoulder slid down to the small of her back, warmth radiating from his touch. A tongue poked around the edge of her lips. She sucked it in, hungry for more than his kiss. His hand never left the small of her back. Though she willed him to touch elsewhere, he remained mostly still.
As her hands came up to cup his face, he pressed her gently against the concrete wall separating them from the dangerous fall down. It was exhilarating. She could feel him pulsing, the bulge in his slacks evident as it pressed against her pelvis. She released a shaky sigh and then guided his hand to her breast, coaxing him to push further.
“Are you sure?” he asked in a low voice.
She nodded.
Carefully, his hand kneaded her breast in small circles, causing the tingle between her thighs to grow. She moaned into his kiss. His other hand gently caressed her side and slid down further, his thumb smoothing over the fabric covering her thigh. She shivered.
“Can I…?” he asked.
“Yes,” she replied quickly.
Eager hands lifted her dress and massaged her thighs, her soft moans echoing off the cement wall. His lips decorated her shoulder with kisses and pressed into the nape of her neck, causing her to tilt he head back. She teetered and caught herself on his shoulders.
“Maybe we should move,” he suggested.
“That might be wise,” she replied.
Without another word, Robin lifted her from the ground and carried her behind the table to a small brick opening in the building. It looked like it used to be a window. Nina leaned back against it and spread her legs open, pulling the prince down into her bosom. His lips fell to her breast and pulled the fabric aside, sucking her erect nipple into his mouth. She moaned softly, gripping the hair on the
back of his head.
His lips suddenly detoured south and he lifted her dress, burying himself beneath the fabric to find her rose bud that was engorged with desire. A tongue tickled her clit and she giggled, shoving his head down further. She leaned back into the brick with her mouth agape and eyes squeezed shut, twitching with every stroke of his feathery tongue.
As he sucked diligently on her swollen clit, he slipped a finger inside her entrance and she gasped in response. Her hips bucked forward as he slid in and out, continuing to lick fervently at her wet vulva. His tongue slid down and back up to her clit while his fingers increased their rhythm. It overwhelmed her with pleasure, her gut bubbling with excitement at the potential of being caught.
She rocked forward into his mouth, the sound of him sucking her skin causing the tension in her solar plexus to increase. She could feel her climax approaching. For fear of losing control, she pushed his head away and raised it up to her mouth where she kissed him hard, her hands reaching down to unbutton his slacks.
They hit the ground quickly, his boxers following suit, and she gripped his plump cock. She pulled him close while spreading her legs further, pressing her soaked entrance against his swollen member. He groaned and pressed his face into her neck.
“Oh, Nina,” he whispered.
“Yes?” she asked.
“You're so wet...” he replied.
She moaned and wrapped her legs around his waist, coaxing him to push inside. Fingers tangled into his hair as he slipped into her secret entrance, inspiring her to gasp and tighten her grip around his waist. He paused briefly, allowing her to become comfortable with his girth before pushing even deeper. A grin crossed her lips as he slid out, her hips twitching forward for him to get back inside.
As his flesh fused with hers, the sound of the city surrounded them, masking the moans that were growing in a crescendo as he pushed deeper and deeper. The brick was beginning to hurt her bottom, but she ignored it, honing in on the sensation of his cock filling her up. His greedy mouth took bold possession of hers, silencing the sounds that threatened to give away their position.
Heat and power radiated between them as his cock dipped in and out of her entrance. It ignited a hunger deep inside of her for him to pound mercilessly, her hands gripping his shoulders as he increased his rhythm. It was damn potent. He lifted his shirt to reveal a lean torso, his muscles flexing with every thrust.