by Ali Parker
In the time that I’d been the king, I learned to appreciate the job. There had to be a way I could keep both parts of my life. If there was, I would work as hard as I possibly could to find a solution that worked for everyone. Tapping into my business side, there were many situations I’d had to negotiate. Treating this like another one of those would make it easier to come to a resolution.
* * *
After dinner, the car service drove us to another luxury hotel in the heart of the city, different than the one that we’d stayed at after we got engaged. I’d reserved the penthouse, which was big enough for Sophia to stay in while I worked with Maddox tomorrow. I knew that she would be comfortable in a smaller place too, but she was close to becoming a queen and deserved to be treated as such.
“Damn, Luke,” she said, walking through the door.
The curtains had been pushed aside, giving a spectacular bird’s eye view of the city. It even took my breath away. During my time in England, I’d always lived in my flat. I appreciated the privacy and having a place to call my own. While I still owned that place, I also enjoyed the best places that money could offer, especially when it came to Sophia.
“This is amazing,” she said, walking across the living area to the bedroom. “You could fit like ten people in this place.”
I strode over to her, and she turned. I drew her close to me and kissed her.
She moaned against my lips. “If we had ten people here, I wouldn’t be able to do what I want to you.”
“And what is that?”
I pressed my lips to the sensitive and soft skin of her neck. “This.”
4
Sophia
The feel of Luke’s lips against my skin set it ablaze. A numb, light feeling took residence in my brain as Luke dragged his lips over me. He peppered my jawline with kisses, and each press of his lips caused another electrical pulse to zip through me. My chest ached with the pounding of my heart.
I was sure he felt my throbbing pulse under his kisses.
My hands moved of their own accord, unbuckling his belt and popping the button of his pants. His rock-hard cock sprang up as I shimmied his briefs down. Grabbing him, he sucked in a breath. I stroked his length, needing him to feel what I felt at that exact moment.
He captured my lips again and sucked hard on my lower lip, dragging his teeth across it.
Opening my eyes, I caught the flash of desire in his. Locking gazes, I slowed my hand and forced him to watch me touch him.
The hairs on my arms stood up as a wave of tingles washed over my skin. In his eyes was my future. I wanted to show him how much I appreciated his love and how much I would fight for it when others were against us.
Dropping to my knees, Luke barely had time to speak before I drew his hardness into my mouth.
“Oh,” he moaned, fisting my hair in his hand.
I started with the tip, flicking my tongue over it before sucking. He tasted so good; I wanted more. Stroking him with my hand, I drew more of him inside of me. Closing my eyes, I focused on his moans of pleasure and how they mirrored my own.
He started to thrust, and I allowed him to move inside of me, wanting him to get the maximum pleasure.
“Fuck, Sophia,” he muttered.
Smiling, I cupped him and kneaded his other sensitive area.
Even though my jaw was a little sore, I pushed through it, licking and sucking him until I was sure he would come for me.
His breathing intensified, and I pushed to my limit.
“I’m going to come, Sophia,” Luke said.
I slowed my rhythm and locked eyes with him. Sucking on his tip, he shuddered.
I licked him again. “Do it.”
“Really?” he asked.
I muttered my consent, and his hands dropped to my shoulders as he moaned.
Picking up the pace, I stroked and sucked him until my mouth filled with his sticky warmth. I continued to suck until he was completely spent.
“Damn it,” he breathed as I slowed down in time with him.
Looking up at him, he dropped down to my level and kissed me. I stroked him again, expecting him to go soft in my hand, but he continued to retain his hardness.
“Now it’s my turn,” he said.
Before I could open my mouth, my back was on the floor. Luke lifted my legs and pulled off my shoes. They fell to the floor next to him.
He grabbed the waist of my pants and pulled them down over my butt, and they fell to the floor in a crumpled heap.
He pressed his hands against my thighs and put pressure on them, spreading me wide. I hadn’t realized how wet I was until that moment. The air clung to my lower region as Luke’s warm mouth didn’t waste any time in lapping me up.
My whole body tightened, and my back arched with pleasure. His tongue plunged deep inside of me, and I cried out.
“I like when you do that,” he said against my lower lips.
“I like when you do that,” I repeated, moving my lips closer to his mouth.
Luke pulled my legs up, wrapping them around his neck, opening me further to him.
My mind whirled, and the room spun slightly. I wasn’t sure if it was the wine or getting drunk off Luke’s touch, but either way, I didn’t care. I closed my eyes and focused on the pleasure centering in my core.
Luke’s expertise in finding my sweet spot built me up within seconds. He barely took a breath as he flicked his tongue and nipped at my clit, adding to the pressure deep within me.
“I want you inside of me,” I breathed.
“I am inside of you,” he said against my lips.
“No—”
“I’m a man who likes to repay his debts,” Luke growled.
Luke reached up, shoved his hands under my shirt, and found my breasts. He grabbed the sensitive mounds and squeezed.
My muscles tightened around his neck, and I had no energy to argue with him.
Giving in, I abandoned everything and fell into the ecstasy of his touch.
He removed his hands from my chest and brought them down to my folds. He plunged what felt like four fingers inside of me, filling me with an intense pressure that threatened to make me pop. His tongue worked my clit, and within seconds, I came for him.
He continued to work me until the orgasm reached its peak. I fell hard and bucked my hips to continue riding the orgasm to its completion.
I was still living on the high when I rolled over and popped up from the floor. On my hands and knees, I wiggled my butt in his direction.
“I want more,” I said.
The soft carpet fibers were rough against my sensitive skin. I couldn’t stop without him sticking his cock inside of me. I wanted—no, needed it.
“One sec,” Luke said, sprinting across the room.
I wriggled out of my shirt and bra, tossing them to the side. My skin was heated, and only his touch could satiate me.
With the same idea, he removed the rest of his clothes, and as he pulled the condom over his very-ready cock, I admired his broad chest and chiseled good looks. How the hell did I ever get so lucky to have this man in my life? While the riches and title might have been enough for some women, there was nothing compared to the deep connection that Luke and I shared. I wouldn’t have cared if we’d met as two normal people in any other situation. I would still care for him the way I did. His kindness and generosity meant more to me than expensive hotel rooms and the future possibility of being the queen of a country.
Though our surroundings were nice. I had to give that to him.
I hooked my finger at him, and he dropped down to me.
“You sure you don’t want to do this on the bed?” he asked.
“I can’t wait that long,” I said, grabbing him and guiding him inside of me.
He groaned and pulled my butt closer to him as he filled me to the brim. He slid in so easily, both of us completely ready for each other.
Luke pressed his hand against my back, and I bowed down, getting the maximum pleasure from
the angle. Luke did too as his breathing came quicker.
My orgasm built up much quicker with him inside of me. I squeezed my eyes closed, wanting it to last as long as possible. I wasn’t ready for it to end just yet.
Luke leaned over me, his sweaty chest sliding across my back. Reaching around, he cupped my breasts and rubbed his slick fingers over my nipple.
“Oh god,” I moaned. I wanted to be on the same level as him, but that wasn’t going to be the case if he kept touching me like that.
“I’m so ready for you, Sophia,” he said. “I want you to come for me again.”
“I will if you keep doing that.”
“Wish granted,” he said, kissing my shoulder.
He moved to my other breast and pinched my sensitive nipple. I cried out, and then Luke’s hand suddenly disappeared. He gripped my waist, harder than I would have normally liked, but even the sharp pain didn’t compare to the intense pleasure within me.
Luke thrust harder and harder, slamming into me with such force that my orgasm exploded out of me. I was barely able to breathe as Luke moved so quickly, building himself up.
“I fucking love you, Sophia,” he muttered before he let out a massive groan. I felt him soften only slightly before he pulled out of me. Sliding across my sensitive folds, I sucked in a deep breath.
“I love you too,” I whispered roughly.
Licking my lips, I still tasted the residue from when he came in my mouth earlier. The memory made my insides tremble.
I laid on the floor, completely spent. Luke had worked every single muscle in my body, and I felt as if I’d run a marathon in record time.
Luke pulled the condom off and tossed it to the side. He leaned over me, and for a second, I thought he was going to kiss me.
Instead, he shoved his arms underneath me and lifted me off the floor. The sudden movement made my stomach swoop, and I curled up in his arms.
He kissed me then, deep enough to make my toes tingle, and gently placed me on the bed.
Luke went over to the side of the bed and lifted the sheets and duvet cover.
“Come over here,” he said, hooking his finger at me.
“Do I have to?” I asked, the weight of the world pressed on my body. I was in heaven, and moving was the last thing I wanted to do.
Luke chuckled as I rolled over, falling into the comfort of the silky sheets. My eyes were heavy, and I strained to keep them open as the love of my life slid into the bed next to me. He pulled me close to him, and I rested on his chest. His heartbeat was a steady rhythm under my ear.
He ran his fingers through the length of my hair.
“If you keep doing that, I’m going to start snoring,” I said.
“You snore anyway,” he said.
I slapped a hand on his chest. “No, I don’t.”
His chest rumbled with laughter. “It’s cute. Go ahead. Fall asleep. It’s my favorite part of the night.”
“It is?” I asked.
He nodded his head. “Your slow breathing—”
“And snoring,” I cut in.
“And your snoring calm me. I feel as if I’m just a man with his woman. No worries or cares. At least for a little while.”
I considered that and knew I felt the same way. I was completely in love with Luke, and I couldn’t stop thinking of the day I could call him my husband.
5
Luke
Coming out of a dream-filled sleep, I opened my eyes. It was still dark in the room, courtesy of the blackout curtains I’d closed at some point in the night. A sliver of light peeked through, and I knew it was at least morning.
Turning over, I checked the clock on the side table, and it was nearly seven in the morning.
Sophia stirred and rolled over to face me. Her eyes were still heavy from sleep. “What time is it?”
“Time for me to go,” I said, holding back a groan. I didn’t want to leave her, but coming to see Maddox and how the business faired in my absence was the main goal of the trip.
“No,” she moaned, barely opening her eyes. She reached for me, and I pulled her close and kissed her. She melted into me, and I had to extricate myself from her before we had a redo of the night before. I planned on fucking her again later, but I would never leave if I didn’t do it now.
“I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
“Okay,” she conceded and snuggled into the pillow.
“What are you doing today?” I asked her. I’d gotten the hotel room for her to enjoy. There were enough amenities in the hotel to keep her busy for several days.
“Probably more sightseeing,” she said.
I gritted my teeth. I would have preferred she stayed safe in the hotel, but I knew if I said something, that would only make her want to do it more.
“They do have a nice spa here,” I said, in the hopes she would find that more appealing.
“I’ll have to check it out,” she said. Her voice was heavy with sleep, so I left her alone.
It didn’t take long for me to get ready, and by the time I came out of the bathroom, Sophia had fallen back asleep.
I wanted to kiss her goodbye, but I didn’t want to disturb her or be tempted by her naked body again. Instead, I took a mental picture of the sexiest woman I’d ever known. Her breasts slowly moved up and down as she breathed, and I longed to suck those perky nipples again.
And I would soon.
* * *
On the way to the office, I called my favorite cafe to place a delivery order for the office. Since I would be present at the office for most of the day, I wanted my employees to be happy and on their game. I planned on checking in with all of the departments, and I hoped they were ready for me.
I had given Maddox a day to prepare, and I expected that the day would run smoothly.
Once I walked into the office, a wave of déjà vu flowed over me. Victoria’s head peeked over the top of the desk at the center of the lobby. Her eyes widened, and she stood up straighter. She moved on instinct since technically, I wasn’t her boss anymore. Well, not her immediate boss. The kingdom still oversaw the business, but a vast majority of the executive decisions came from Maddox now.
“Mr. Walters, it’s so good to see you,” she said. “We weren’t expecting you until later.”
“This is still my company, and I am an early riser.”
“Of course,” she said, without missing a step. “I’ll inform Mr. Greene that you’re here.”
“Very well, thank you,” I said and headed for the elevators.
For years of my life, I strode across the lobby on the way to my corner office. It felt strange to come as more of a visitor. I wondered if that was how Father felt whenever he came to “check in” on me. He never ran the business in his youth. He preferred to stay in Qatar as much as he could, allowing whoever he’d chosen as his UK representative to run the company from afar.
While that method worked for Father, it didn’t work for me. I’d hidden in England, avoiding all responsibility when it came to the throne. It was a position I’d never wanted, and I was excited when Father and Mother had Abir on their own. If Father were alive and well, I would have completely agreed with the council that someone from the royal bloodline should rule. But nothing turned out the way I’d wanted.
My chest tightened as the elevator rose to the top floor. My palms started to sweat as I imagined how different life would have turned out if Father never fell ill. I wouldn’t have met Sophia, but I would be living my own life.
I couldn’t imagine life without her, but I would have never known the difference if she hadn’t come over to England for the interview.
I shook my head as the doors opened in front of me. I never regretted meeting Sophia, but I did regret Father dying and his final wish being for me to succeed him.
Stepping out onto the main floor, I stopped in my tracks as Maddox charged toward me.
“Hey, mate,” Maddox said, taking me in his arms for a tight embrace. He slapped a hand on my back a co
uple of times.
“Maddox,” I said. “Did you miss me that much?”
Maddox laughed and held me at arm’s length. “Blimey, did you stop eating? You’re thin as hell.”
I glanced down at my jacket. I didn’t weigh myself on a regular basis, but I supposed the stress from the job and losing Sophia might have had a physical effect on me.
“It’s a good thing someone ordered all of these amazing pastries for us,” Maddox said, dragging me into the main conference room. “Come on. Have one or five. You need it.”
About a dozen employees gathered around the tables covered with food and coffee.
“Our fearless leader has returned!” Maddox said to the group.
Everyone turned around and made their way over to me. I shook hands and caught up with everyone, even those who ventured into the room later in the morning.
When I worked as the CEO, I knew who worked for me, but I rarely spent time speaking with them. Now that I wasn’t on company time and someone else ran the show, I relaxed a little more and really solidified my connections within the company. I recalled faces and remembered vague details from interviews that were expanded upon throughout the morning. I got to know people’s family lives and what they did on their breaks from work.
A warmth spread through me, and I genuinely enjoyed their company. It wasn’t until Maddox pulled me away for a little one-on-one time that I snapped back to reality. Schmoozing with the employees wasn’t going to get me back to Sophia.
On the way to his office, the one that used to be mine, Maddox chatted up all of the employees that we met along the way. The atmosphere was much different now that he was in charge, and a pinch of jealousy flared in my chest. I forced it down. It was his right to run the company as he saw fit. He was always a chatty guy, and he used that strength in his running of the company. It hadn’t crashed and burned in the month since I quit, so he was doing something right.