Tempting the Crown

by Violet Paige

“Fuck.”

  The headline flashed across the screen.

  American caught by His Royal Highness

  There was a succession of photos that blurred in random order of Molly losing her balance and me stopping her fall.

  This trip was supposed to be about support for irrigation funding, not about Molly. I stormed to the hallway.

  “Yes, Your Majesty?” The security officer nodded.

  “I need Sutcliffe and Kenley on the phone immediately.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  I slammed the door and paced in front of the TV. There was very little coverage about the event today, and an abundance of speculation about Molly. Who was she? Where did we meet? Why was she on a domestic trip with the king?

  I groaned. I knew she would be photographed, but I underestimated the press’s interest in her. The fact that I scooped her up in a heroic gesture only fanned the flames.

  Security knocked before entering with two phones.

  “Kenley is on this one and Sutfcliffe on the other.”

  “Thank you.”

  Kenley was the go-to on royal damage control. I told Sutcliffe to hold the line a minute.

  “Kenley, have you seen the headlines?”

  “Yes. They are taking over social media. I’m afraid the entire country knows about Molly Washington’s trip into your arms, Your Majesty.”

  Damn it. I closed my eyes. “Is there any way to extract more coverage on the olive groves? That’s the point of my being here. That needs to be the headline.”

  “I can release a memo from the palace regarding the trip today. I’ll update all of our sites.”

  “But that’s it?”

  “Sir, I think you need to be prepared for the frenzy over Molly. You have never taken a companion on a trip. It was bound to cause questions. Her citizenship creates even more interest. Americans in Galona. You might as well have caught a unicorn.”

  “I know. Sutcliffe mentioned it more than once.” He was still waiting for me on the other phone. “Do what you can, Kenley. Spin this away from Molly. The cabinet meeting is tomorrow. I need the votes.”

  “Yes, sir. I will do everything I can.”

  “Do more, Kenley.”

  I hung up with her and pulled the Sutcliffe phone to my ear.

  “Sutcliffe, I assume you know why I called.”

  “Miss Washington, sir?”

  He fucking knew why. He wanted me to admit I had been wrong to bring her. That wasn’t going to happen.

  “Yes.” I clenched my jaw. “I thought it might take the press longer to show their interest in her, but it was escalated by one picture.”

  “I saw it, sir.”

  “Everyone has seen it,” I snarled. “Ayla is working with her now, but I need protocols in place when we return tomorrow.”

  “I don’t understand, Your Highness, what type of protocols?”

  “I can’t let her return to her apartment in the city without security. She won’t be able to go to the library. Her world has just been interrupted. I expect a solution when we return.”

  “She’s an American citizen, sir. Maybe she should contact her embassy.”

  “This happened on a Galona domestic trip. She’s my responsibility. We are going to provide her royal security. Leave the embassy out of it.”

  “Are you suggesting she move into the palace, sir?”

  I rubbed the back of my head. “I’m suggesting you find a way to keep her safe. One that will satisfy my requirements and keep the country from imploding with gossip.”

  This was a fucking train wreck.

  “Your Highness, this is unprecedented. No companion has ever lived at the palace. It’s not possible.”

  I exhaled. “Make it possible. Find some historic anecdote. Find a loophole. You and I will meet when I return in the morning.”

  “I know my royal history, sir. To even broach this topic without scandal is impossible.”

  “Sutcliffe, I’m not asking. Am I clear?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  I tossed both phones on the couch and slumped in the chair with my bourbon.

  One trip. One tiny misstep and I had done what I avoided my entire life. I had fallen for a woman so hard that I was willing to break every fucking royal rule to have her.

  24

  Molly

  I knew something was wrong the instant I saw him. He was hiding a scowl when he should have been smiling.

  Ayla had chosen every inch of my outfit. I knew I looked more supermodel tonight and less princess.

  For the first time since I met Damon, it seemed as if he looked right through me. He didn’t seem to notice the subtle dip of the V between my breasts, or the slit that rose to my thigh.

  He met me at the car parked at the rear entrance of the hotel.

  “What’s wrong?” I searched the dark swirls in his eyes for answers.

  “Nothing, love.”

  I slid into the seat, careful to keep my knees and ankles together as I spun my glittery heels onto the floorboard. Ayla had been specific about every movement of the night.

  The chauffer held the door as Damon climbed in, his heavy frame engulfing the air in the backseat. I could feel the heat of his irritation. Only, I had no idea what caused it.

  “What’s the surprise?” I asked.

  He gazed out of the window. “Dinner.” His voice was flat.

  “Oh.” I watched the tiny shops of the village drift by. I had never been to Sangreaux. I wanted to stroll through the streets with Damon. Peek in the toy store. Buy chocolate from the candy shop. Stop by the local bar and sample martinis topped with their famous olives. But Damon didn’t see any of the charm. I knew the village wasn’t part of tonight’s surprise.

  The car finally stopped. I peered around the corner and saw a marina. At the end of a line of boats was an enormous white yacht.

  Damon stepped from the car and waited for me outside.

  Were we sailing on that? I could count three tiers. There was possibly another one beneath the water’s surface.

  Damon offered his arm. I slipped my hand through, connecting our elbows.

  “This is your surprise.” He nodded at the yacht.

  “It’s amazing. Is this yours?”

  He nodded as I noticed the royal crest of Sauvage.

  I took one of the crew members hands as he walked me along the plank. It was only wide enough for one person to pass at a time. Damon was directly behind me.

  “Your Majesty.” The crew bowed in unison once we were aboard. “Your state rooms have been prepared.”

  I looked at him. State rooms? I thought we were staying at the hotel tonight.

  I knew better than to question him in front of the crew. I followed as they led us through the tight corridor.

  The door opened and I stared at the bedroom. There were windows on three sides. A huge bed anchored against one wall, looking out on the sea. Everything was white and bright like the outside of the ship.

  “Leave us,” Damon instructed.

  I had expected to be shown a separate room. Ayla explained that when traveling, we would have to be kept in separate quarters. It was the only way to protect the sanctity of the crown. I realized no one was aware that the leader of the country was a member of The Titan’s secret society. The sanctity had already been spoiled.

  “What is going on?” I asked now that we were alone.

  He sat on the bed, dragging my hips to him. He pressed his lips to my navel. I heard a growl in his throat. His breath was warm through the black silk dress.

  “Damon,” I urged. “I don’t understand. Something has upset you.”

  “There aren’t many days when I wish I wasn’t king.”

  “That bad?” I ran my fingers through his hair. He looked in my eyes. That look made me melt. Made me forget all rational thought. It was sexy and forlorn at the same time.

  The captain blew the horn and we departed from the dock. I lulled into him when the yacht sped into the channe
l.

  “Are you going to tell me what happened to your good mood? Everything was fine at the olive grove.”

  His fingers dug into my sides, pulling my dress higher along my thighs. The slit fell open.

  “I need you,” he groaned.

  I nodded. “I need you too.” I feathered my fingers over his ears.

  “It can’t be dictated. It can’t be controlled.” He lifted my hem, revealing the satin panties that matched the black dress.

  My breathing escalated as his mouth began to explore exposed slivers of skin. I pushed my hips forward. He nipped at the satin, taking it roughly in his teeth.

  “You’re mine.”

  I nodded. “Yes.”

  “Mine when I want you.” He pushed the panties to the widest curve of my ass.

  “Yes,” I whispered.

  His tongue worked to separate my folds, pushing to my clit.

  The boat rocked gently and I leaned forward, catching myself on Damon’s broad shoulders.

  “Shit,” I groaned. His tongue lapped deeper.

  “Take these off,” he directed.

  I shimmied out of the panties without question. He leaned backward on the bed.

  “I want dessert first.”

  Holy shit. I’d never done anything like this. I climbed on top of the king, fully dressed in his tuxedo. My evening gown, splayed around me. I hesitated, but Damon was strong. He planted me right above his face. His tongue traced over my entrance as I sank down.

  “Oh God,” I whimpered. My head falling back as I began to lose control.

  His tongue darted in and out as I rode faster. My hips jutted against the friction he provided my clit. I was soaring high quickly. I looked out at the sea. Damon’s fingers began to explore my thighs and then I felt the pressure on my backside.

  I bounced when his finger breached the rim of my rosebud. It felt too good. Epic sensations coursed through me.

  “Come, baby. Come for me.”

  He sucked my clit powerfully, pushing his finger deep in my ass. It was a beautiful combination of erotic vibrations, ricocheting from my pussy to my ass.

  “Oh yes.” I panted, feeling the freedom that followed the first breach of the orgasm. I gave in. Falling. Spiraling. Crashing. Until I was useless.

  Damon kissed the inside of my thigh, before directing it to the other side of his body.

  I sighed. No man made me feel like he did. I thought it was a heat-of-the-moment sex confession, but I started to believe I really did belong to him.

  There was a ding, similar to a door bell.

  “What is that?” I asked. I had barely caught my breath.

  “That is dinner.” He sat forward, straightening his tie. “Shall we?”

  “But I—look at me.” I was flushed and my straight hair was wild.

  “You look sexy.” He winked.

  I leaned to the floor for my panties.

  “Leave them.”

  “What?” My eyes cut to him.

  “I have more surprises. Don’t touch them.”

  He helped me stand from the bed. I straightened my dress. “You know Ayla would die if she knew I was going to dinner without underwear.”

  He squeezed my hand. “We’re going to have to keep lots of secrets, love.”

  I leaned against his shoulder. I liked how it sounded when he said we.

  25

  Damon

  The crew let us dine alone. I assured them we could pour our own champagne. I didn’t need them hovering. For once I wanted to forget the servitude that surrounded me.

  Molly looked beautiful in the candlelight, but I realized she looked beautiful anywhere, under any circumstance. I needed her kind of purity. It steadied me when I thought I would crash.

  “Now that everyone is gone, can you please tell me what happened between the time we arrived at the hotel and when we met for our date?” She took a bite of salad.

  I wasn’t used to sharing, for many reasons. As king I didn’t have to express feelings or thoughts. I didn’t govern in a partnership with my siblings. I issued orders. It was my country.

  And now there was an angelic woman who had pure intent behind her questions. It was hard to ignore her naiveté. However, what happened today involved her. I made a decision to include her.

  “I’m pleased Ayla is so good at her job. She kept you away from phones and TV.”

  Molly placed her fork on the side of her plate. “Why? What did I miss?”

  “You are Galona’s new mystery woman.”

  “What?”

  “The trip in the grove. When you fell? There are pictures taking over every headline. It’s plastered everywhere.”

  “Oh no. Oh no, no, no.” She shook her head. “That wasn’t supposed to happen.”

  “No, it was a simple accident. But it has catapulted us somewhere I didn’t expect.”

  She reached for her champagne. “I don’t understand. It just happened a few hours ago. It was a trip. Shit.”

  I smiled. I loved it when her pretty lips uttered dirty words. “The picture looks like I rescued you from falling to your death. I’ve been painted as a fucking romantic, and you’re the American damsel.”

  “Ok. That I don’t like.” She cracked a smile. “Except the romantic part. You did plan a private dinner on a gorgeous yacht off the coast of Sangreaux. That kind of defines romantic.”

  I scowled. What I had planned for her privately wasn’t for public consumption.

  “I called Kenley and Sutcliffe. Kenley is working on a way to re-focus the press’s attention on the olive grove funding. Sutcliffe is working on a way to move you into the palace.”

  She blinked. Her sapphire eyes alive under the candlelight. “Move into the palace? You can’t be serious.”

  I nodded. “Oh, I’m serious, Molly. He will find a way to make it work with royal protocol.”

  “Royal protocol? I’m not interested in protocol. I have a place. I have a roommate. We live downtown.”

  “Neither of which can keep you safe against the press. It’s necessary for your safety.”

  She scrunched her nose together. It would have been adorable had she not been so pissed at me. “You can’t just move me into the palace.”

  I sighed. I had forgotten this part. “Right. How about like this? Molly, will you please move into the palace so I can protect you from paparazzi and rabid citizens who may believe you are a threat to national security?”

  She threw her napkin in her lap. “No.” She pushed back from the table.

  “I asked. That was what you wanted, isn’t it?” I dropped my fork and walked over to her.

  She spun to face me. “Asking is not supposed to be an afterthought, Damon. If you don’t see that, then I don’t see how I can keep doing this.”

  “I don’t have time to consider what everyone wants. That’s not a luxury I have. I have many others, but not time.” I pressed my gaze into hers. “I need you to be safe.”

  That was all that mattered. Her safety. Her wellbeing. How else could I guarantee any kind of normalcy for her in Freychon if she didn’t have security? She wasn’t thinking clearly.

  Her eyes fell to the floor. “This has all been amazing. Beautiful really. But I can’t be with a man who thinks I’m a treat. A trinket to carry around in his pocket.” Her blue eyes lifted and I saw the mist along her lashes. “You can tell Sutcliffe he doesn’t have to worry about damage control.”

  She gathered her train and started for the door. I grabbed her arm, spinning her to my chest.

  “No, Molly.”

  Her eyes landed on mine. “You were right that first night. It was a fantasy.”

  My ribs crushed against my lungs, squeezing the air into tight and uncomfortable places.

  I didn’t want to let her go. I had no intention of letting her through that door, but I had never begged. Fuck. What was this woman doing to me?

  26

  Molly

  I didn’t know I had that kind of resolve, but the words
flew out of my mouth before I had a chance to fully consider the consequences of breaking up with the king. I didn’t want to go, but it was the only way I could survive this without letting him shatter every part of me.

  I got it. He was a king. People jumped when he snapped. But I couldn’t be discounted so easily. I had let myself fall for the fantasy. Believe that beneath the cool exterior, he was as insane about me as I was about him. That when it came to decisions, he would be the knight in shining armor. The romantic. The Prince Charming I was a fool to believe in.

  I wiped the first heavy tear with my thumb. I refused to fall apart in front of him. I tried to break for the door a second time, but Damon’s grip was forceful.

  “Stay, Molly.” It was the first time I didn’t hear command in his voice. “Please, stay.”

  It wouldn’t be that easy.

  “I could,” I answered. “But it will happen again. You’ll demand I do something. You’ll make a decision without asking. Not because you’re trying to be a dick, but because you don’t know how to do this relationship thing any other way.”

  “Did you just call me a dick?”

  I pressed my lips. That might have gone too far. “Yes. When we’re alone, and it’s you and me. No titles. None of the royal bullshit, yes, you can be a dick. No other man would think it was even an option to just decide things the way you do. You plan without asking. You dictate. You’re a dick. I said it.”

  I didn’t expect him to laugh. His deep voice carried through the dining room.

  “I’m being serious.” But the more I tried to prove my sincerity, the harder he laughed. “Fine. I’ll find a state room, and wait until we dock,” I warned. “You think it’s funny. I don’t.”

  “No, Molly. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” He stepped in front of me. “This goes both ways you know. No one treats me with such royal disdain as you do.” He arched his eyebrows.

  “I respect you.” I folded my arms.

  “My customs? Culture? Traditions?”

  I twisted my lips together. I didn’t think it was the same thing. The parallel was a stretch. I had slighted his authority as Galona’s king multiple times, but how did that equal the way he made decisions without asking me?