Recklessly Royal

by Nichole Chase

  “I’m imagining a bucket of water where you guys are scrubbing her with giant brushes while she cusses at you.”

  “That’s not too far from the truth.” I laughed, remembering the eyebrow threading.

  “Much better.”

  “Excuse me?” I looked up at him confused.

  “You relaxed.” With the hand on the small of my back he rubbed gently with his thumb. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “No, it’s not your fault.” I shook my head. “You’re right though. I shouldn’t have to separate Cathy and Princess Catherine.”

  “Then don’t.” He shrugged like it was the easiest thing in the world.

  I sighed but didn’t respond. It was almost impossible to explain how I had to manage being two different people. I didn’t even want to think about it.

  The music stopped and David guided us from the dance floor. His hand stayed on my back, his touch sending goose bumps over my skin.

  “Would you like something to drink?” He leaned close so that his warm breath washed over my cheek.

  “A water would be nice.”

  “No more alcohol?” His smirk was understandable.

  “I think I’ve had my share for the year.” I smiled. “Maybe the next five years.”

  “Well, there goes my plan for getting you drunk.” He winked at me.

  “You do remember what happened to the potted plant, right?” I shuddered.

  “That’s a good point.” Picking up a glass of water he turned and handed it to me.

  “So how long are you going to be staying in Lilaria?” I sipped from my cup.

  “I’m not sure.” He spun the wine in his glass with a look of disappointment.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” I touched his arm gently.

  “I’m not upset about that—I’d just much rather have a beer than a glass of wine.” He looked at the glass with sad eyes.

  “Well, that I think I can fix.” I looked around the room. Things were calming down, Sam was still dancing with Alex while teasing Daniel for stepping on her dress. “Come on.” Grabbing his hand I pulled him along behind me.

  “Where are you taking me?” He set his wineglass down on a table as we walked.

  “Does it matter?” I looked back at him and raised an eyebrow.

  “No.” He shifted his fingers so they laced with mine.

  “Okay, then.” I winked at him and pulled him with me.

  We went through the servers’ entrance and through the kitchen. David didn’t say a word, just followed as I wove through the counters. Taking a small hallway, I led him into a smaller, much quieter kitchen that served the family wing. Opening one of the refrigerators I tossed him a bottle of beer before digging through the freezer for my favorite ice cream. He sat down at the island while I found a spoon for my frozen treat.

  “How many kitchens are there?” He took a sip of his beer.

  “Three,” I said. “The large one for formal functions, the employee kitchen, and this is the family kitchen.”

  “And you have a cook who takes care of your stuff in here?”

  “Two master chefs that rotate and their assistant staff.” I frowned. “To be fair, we often host dignitaries or visiting royals in the family wing. So it’s more often than not, there are additions to our family meals.”

  “So, your family wing isn’t really so much about family.” He wiped some of the condensation from his bottle with his thumb. “And more about making certain people feel special.”

  “It’s our home.” I sat up straighter, annoyed. “We’re not the only family that has guest rooms or visitors.”

  “True.” He shrugged. “Just seems so foreign to me. It would be annoying to have to get dressed just to go get a snack. Or what if you forget something in your office?”

  “Well, I’m not normally hanging out in my room naked, so it’s not a big deal.” I laughed. It really didn’t seem like a big deal to me. I hadn’t known anything else.

  “That’s a shame.” Heat followed his gaze over my body and I bit my lip. I was starting to feel nervous about my plan to seduce him—what did I know about seducing a man? Then again, maybe it was going to be easier than I thought.

  I smiled up at him from under my eyelashes. “Does that mean you hang out in your room naked?”

  “It’s been known to happen.” He laughed. “Especially if I can’t find a clean towel after a shower.”

  The thought of him standing there while water rolled down his body made me suck in a breath. Yep. That was a sight I wouldn’t mind. Not in the least.

  “You’re teasing me.”

  “Nope. I hate to do laundry. You have to gather it all up, then wash it, then dry it, then fold it. And to add insult to injury, once you’ve done all of that you still have to put it up in the closet.” He spun the liquid in his bottle slowly. “I’d rather do the dishes than the laundry.”

  “I started doing my own laundry in college.” I laughed. “I didn’t know I needed to read the labels. Needless to say I lost a lot of things because I didn’t realize they had to be dry-cleaned.”

  “It must have been a weird transition.”

  “I love it. For so long I didn’t get to do the regular stuff. I was expected to ask people to do things for me like I was helpless. I hated it. I hate asking for help.” I scraped the bottom of the ice cream bowl with my spoon. “Now I get to be independent and make time for things that everyone else does.”

  “On top of being a full-time student and a full-time princess?” He cocked his head to the side. “When do you sleep?”

  “How did you know I was a full-time student?” I raised one eyebrow.

  “I might have asked Sam a few questions.” He ducked his head and smiled.

  “And why would you do that, Dr. Rhodes?” I couldn’t help the grin that pulled at my mouth. I stood up and set my bowl and spoon in the sink.

  “I couldn’t stop wondering what it would be like to kiss you.” This time when he looked at me, there was heat in his gaze.

  “Maybe you should find out.” I turned around and leaned against the counter. I hoped I looked sexy and inviting, but I probably looked excited and nervous.

  He stood up slowly and walked around the kitchen island to stand in front of me. His suit jacket hung open and I could see the muscles under his shirt shift with each step, but it was his eyes that drew me in. Placing a hand on either side of me on the counter he leaned close. I felt as if he was searching my soul, looking for something in particular. As if he had found his answer, he dipped his head and his lips captured mine.

  It was slow and careful, as if he was waiting for some sign. When his tongue brushed across my bottom lip I sighed and ran my hands over his chest. I hadn’t been kissed in so long I had almost forgotten what it was like—that connection between two people who wanted the same thing: each other.

  One of his hands moved from the counter to grasp my hip, pulling me tightly against his body. I melted into him, delighting in the way we fit together. Twining my arms around his neck I let my mouth dance with his, tasting and exploring. His hand on my hip moved to cup my ass, gently massaging as he pulled me even tighter against him. I could feel the growing bulge in his pants and it excited me to know that I was the cause.

  I pulled my arms away and slid them under his jacket, pulling his button-up shirt out of his pants and running my hand along his back. His mouth left mine to trail kisses along my neck and I sighed with pleasure. When his hand moved to cup my breast, I groaned and pushed against him, wanting more. As his kisses moved lower and lower I let my head fall back and was lost in the sensation. His lips skimmed the top of my dress, his warm breath collecting in my cleavage as he inhaled raggedly.

  Looking up into my eyes, he touched my cheek. “I’m sorry. I got carried away.”

  “I’m not sorry.” There was no way I was going to let him get away now. I laced my fingers in his hair and pulled his head back to mine. I craved his kiss like a dying woman in
the desert.

  His hands weren’t as gentle this time, touching and exploring my body as I did his. I had made up my mind and I knew what I wanted. I wanted David. With shaky hands I reached for his belt but he stopped me.

  “Is there somewhere else we can go?”

  Sucking in air I realized that we were still in the kitchen. While it was unlikely anyone would be coming up here anytime soon, it wasn’t a risk I was willing to take.

  “Yes.” Taking his hand I started to pull him along, but he stopped me with a kiss. His tongue hungrily explored my mouth. We stumbled through the kitchen like that, locked in each other’s arms as we looked for the door. My back pressed against the cool wood and I moaned when he used one leg to push mine apart and planted himself against my hot center.

  His lips left mine and he nipped at my earlobe while I tried to peek out into the hallway. Once I knew the coast was clear I opened the door and pulled him with me to my room. When we were inside I closed the door and tried to calm my racing heart. Xavier, my dog, lifted his head from where he was lying and then went right back to sleep. I had never brought a man into my rooms before. At least not a man that I intended on seducing. Apparently my dog didn’t care half as much as I did.

  David didn’t seem to notice my hesitation. He moved behind me, his hands running over my waist while his lips brushed along my bare shoulders. I leaned into him, enjoying the feel of his manhood pressed against me through the thin material of my dress. When his hands moved up to cup my breasts I moaned.

  “I want to see you.” I whispered the words, needing to see the desire in his eyes to give me the bravery to go forward.

  Gently he turned me around so that I was facing him and I stared into his heat-filled eyes. His hands slid up my bare arms, over my shoulders, and along my neck to cup my face. Tilting my chin upward he studied my face with hooded eyes.

  “You always get what you want, don’t you, Princess?” His deep voice rumbled underneath my hand on his chest.

  God, I hoped so. Because right this moment there was nothing I wanted more than David’s skin pressed against mine.

  “Undress me.” The words came out husky and I prayed he’d do it. I was scared that if I did it myself he would see my shaky fingers.

  His dark eyes flashed and he reached behind me to slowly pull the zipper down. Carefully he slid the material off, exposing me in my underwear and shoes. I felt even more naked knowing that he was seeing me in my strapless bra and garter belt.

  David let his gaze rake over me and I could feel it like a hot touch. With sharp movements he pulled his jacket off and threw it over a chair before undoing his tie. I watched with short breaths as he knelt in front of me, his messy hair obscuring his face as he pulled one shoe off and then the other. I reached down and unhooked the garters so that he would be able to remove the stockings, but he didn’t roll them down as I expected. Instead, he nuzzled between my legs and my knees went weak. My head fell back against the door and I thought I’d faint.

  His hands cupped my cheeks, while his mouth pressed hot kisses through the material of my panties. When he finally stood up, he lifted me into his arms and carried me to my bed. After lying me down on the soft duvet, he undid his pants, letting them fall to the floor, followed by his shirt.

  I had been right when I thought that he would be a delicious visual treat naked. The man was an Adonis, with the kind of muscles a man got from hard labor, not lifting weights in front of a mirror. When he crawled onto the bed, covering my body with his, I froze for half a second before sinking into his kiss. When he shifted so that his leg was between mine, my heart stilled.

  I was really doing this, finally getting rid of the virgin baggage. And with a hottie who made me laugh. So why did I suddenly feel worried I was making a wrong decision? Was I rethinking this?

  With deft hands he undid my bra and his warm mouth found one peak. My doubts dissolved in a rush of pleasure and I closed my eyes to enjoy the sensation. No one had ever touched me the way David was touching me. I let my hands run over his shoulders and down his back. When he leaned up to capture my mouth once more I let my fingers slide over his abdomen and down to his hardened shaft. He sucked in a breath and murmured in my ear something I didn’t quite understand.

  His hand followed the same path mine had and his fingers stroked gently along the growing wet spot between my legs. When he moved the fabric out of the way and touched the delicate skin my breathing accelerated. I focused on his kiss as he teased me open and gently slipped one finger inside.

  I couldn’t stop the sharp intake of breath or the way my body froze in shock. It wasn’t that I hadn’t done the same thing myself before, but it was entirely different to have it done by someone else. I tensed, unsure if I liked the sensation or not. It was different and slightly uncomfortable.

  “Cathy?” David pulled back and looked at me, worry creasing his brow.

  “Yes?” I took a deep breath and tried to not look relieved when he pulled his hand away.

  “Are you . . . is this your first time?” His voice sounded odd, surprise laced with frustration.

  My heart stopped in my chest as I looked at his face. What had I done wrong that he had figured it out?

  SEVEN

  I DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING at first. I didn’t know how to respond. Was it really a bad thing that I was a virgin? That I hadn’t taken that step yet?

  “Does it matter?” I fought the urge to cover myself up.

  “Of course it matters.” Sitting up, he ran a hand through his hair.

  “Why?” I sat up and pulled a pillow over my chest. Shame was beginning to smother the flames of lust.

  “You can’t—you shouldn’t just give that away.” He stood up and pulled his pants on. His excitement was still evident, even though anger laced his words. “That’s reckless!”

  “It’s mine, isn’t it? I can do whatever the hell I want to with it!” I stood up and pulled the blanket with me so it saved the little bit of modesty I had left.

  “Why the hell would you give it to me?” He held his arms open.

  What was I supposed to say? That he had made me laugh? That he had treated me like a normal person? Or how about the fact that just the sight of him made me want to pant? I couldn’t tell him that. I still couldn’t believe I’d gotten him into my bed at all. And now . . .

  Now it was all falling apart. Turning into the worst nightmare ever. Well, no, that wasn’t quite true. At least I knew he wouldn’t sell the story to tabloids.

  Sam would kill him and find a swamp to hide his mangled body.

  But here I was, naked in front of a man that I wanted, and he was rejecting me. Shame burned through my body and tears rushed to my eyes.

  “Cathy.” He took a step forward and I took one in retreat. “I’m just saying that this isn’t something you should just give away. If you’ve waited this long it should be with someone that is special.”

  “I’ve waited long enough to know that I will likely end up with someone that only wants me for what I can give them.” My voice rose and I stomped to the door. “You were different! I thought you just wanted me.”

  “I did!” He reached for my arm but I shook him off.

  “I didn’t realize that my virginity would be so damn disgusting.”

  “It’s not—”

  “Look, don’t worry about it. I’m leaving.” I opened the door and started to walk out.

  “No!” He took three steps forward and pushed the door closed. “You’re not going out there like that.” If I hadn’t known better I would have thought his words had seemed possessive.

  I looked at him confused, unsure why he would care if I left, until I realized I was still wrapped in the blanket. And then to my utter embarrassment I realized it was my room.

  “Get out.” I jerked the material closer.

  “Fine.” He picked up his shirt. “But this isn’t over, Cathy. We’re going to talk.”

  “Not likely.” I turned my face away from him,
scared that he would see the tears gathered in my eyes.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you.” He pulled his shirt back on before letting his arms hang limply at his sides.

  “Just go.” I shook my head. Nothing he said was going to make any of this better.

  “I’m leaving, but for what it’s worth I did want you for you.” He started to say something and then thought better of it. “Good night.”

  He pulled the door shut behind him and I leaned against the wall. Hot tears ran down my cheeks and I gripped the blanket tighter around me. Humiliation flowed over my body and I couldn’t believe I had actually tried to seduce someone and he had run from me faster than a kid from a haunted house.

  Walking to the en suite I dropped the blanket and turned on the shower. If I was going to be this miserable I might as well drown my mortification under the rain showerhead.

  What was I supposed to do with myself at this point? I wasn’t interested in sex anymore, which was for sure. Was I supposed to just get dressed and crawl back into bed? After the shower I threw on some of my most comfortable nightclothes and sat down on the small couch in the corner and opened my laptop. There was no way I was going to get any sleep at this point, so I decided I’d get a jump on things for tomorrow.

  There would be cleanup from the wedding, media attention to deal with, and the tasks I’d taken on while Sam and Alex would be gone. I answered e-mails, forwarded things to Selene, and uploaded some of the pictures I had taken from the night. I even sent a message to Selene to see if she could schedule a lunch with Meredith and Marty while they were in town. It would be nice to make them feel a bit more involved with the family. Especially since they spent the majority of their time in another country.

  I’m not sure when I fell asleep, but I woke to the soft shuffling of feet in my room, and the stream of sunlight coming through the windows. I wiped at the drool on my cheek and turned to see who was in my apartment. Selene was straightening my bed and had David’s jacket draped over her arm.