A tear escapes, and I brush it away. “Thank you.”
I turn to see Oscar shaking my father’s hand, speaking to him in a low respectful tone. Oscar steps around me to speak to my mother, and I take my father’s trembling hand.
He speaks in a low tone. “I assume you’re pleased with the outcome of your plan, daughter.” The words are softened by the twinkle in his eye. He knows I made a strategic plan to secure Oscar’s place, and he doesn’t mind. Maybe he even admires it, since I made sure my joint efforts with Oscar benefitted the kingdom no matter the outcome to me personally. Kingdom above self is what he’s always valued.
“It takes a great leader to make the hard choices, as you’ve done, Papa. I’m glad you chose us to be the next leaders.”
He takes us both in. “You’re an asset to the kingdom that we can’t afford to lose.”
I kiss his cheek. “I love you too.”
His eyes water, and he clears his throat. “Yes, well. Thank you.”
I take my leave, grab Oscar’s hand, and practically fly out of the room.
~ ~ ~
The moment we escape to the privacy of my bedroom, we slam together in a passionate embrace, tumbling to the bed in a tangle of arms and legs. Somehow we manage to get our clothes off in a frenzy of kisses and strokes and I love yous.
Our bodies join together, finally, as close as two people can be. As close as our lives will be joined together as husband and wife, as king and queen, and as parents to the next generation, who will be born into a more modern progressive era.
Oscar’s hand holds my face, and he stills deep inside me. “Are you planning again?”
I beam. He knows me so well. “Yes, planning our glorious future.”
He slips a hand between us, stroking me rapidly. “Surrender,” he commands.
I do, the only place I ever will, safe in his arms. My head arches back, my breath coming harder in a haze of intense pleasure.
And then I soar.
He shudders against me a few moments later, a guttural groan sounding near my ear, before he gives me his weight.
I give him a squeeze. “I love you. I’m so glad things worked out as they should.”
He lifts his head. “I never doubted.”
“You didn’t?” I can’t help my surprise. It was not at all a sure thing.
He cradles my jaw. “I may have doubted in the beginning, but then when I got here and saw you in action, I knew it was Polly’s way or bust.”
I smile as he lifts himself off me and rolls to his back. “You did not know it was my way.”
He turns on his side, pulls me close, and kisses me tenderly. “What I knew was that you would rule whether or not you wore a crown because that’s how smart and driven you are. And I knew you would do that by my side because I was not going to let you go.” He cups my cheek, his thumb stroking the sensitive spot under my ear. “It was love at first sight for me, Pol. I knew there would never be another like you for me.” His voice turns fierce. “I would fight for you at any and all costs.”
“Oscar.” My voice chokes. “Thank you for fighting for me. You’re my hero, truly. You’ve done so many heroic, selfless things in my honor.” My lips part as realization hits. “You’ve been acting like a king all along, putting me and my kingdom above self. This new role as king is your destiny.”
“You’re my destiny. The rest is simply the gift that you bring along with you.”
My lower lip quivers, and he kisses me. Tears fill my eyes and brim over. He breaks the kiss and brushes my tears away with the pad of his thumb, his expression tender.
I’m just so overwhelmed by the wonderful miracle of our love. I never understood why people made themselves such fools for it. And then I saw the love Anna and Gabriel have for each other, and the romantic proposal Lucas gave to his love, Alice, and finally experienced it for myself. It’s the most powerful thing in the world.
“I will treasure what we have,” I say in a solemn vow.
“And I will treasure you.”
“I’ll treasure you too!” I kiss him and then I can’t stop kissing him as we both keep assuring each other of our mutual treasuring. I’m a fool for love right along with him, and I couldn’t be happier.
Love has set me free (with some strategic planning on my part). I can’t wait to make even more plans with my love by my side.
Epilogue
The royal wedding night
Oscar
I’m the one who was crowned king. If you need to pick me out of the middle of the Rourke clan, the fourth-born son, that’s how you do it. Prince Oscar is now King Oscar. I’m not bragging. It’s simply a fact made possible by the love of an incredible, high-energy, strategic-minded woman. She’s brilliant, lit up by the most amazing strength and spirit, and I love her with all my heart.
It’s been four months since the storm that took Polly away from me and ultimately gave her back. We’ve worked day and night to restore order to the kingdom. The press love us, her people love us, and her parents have grown to love me. Well, as much as they can, given their daughter hugs me frequently, in public and private, and moved me into her room the moment they agreed to the marriage. I hadn’t even put a ring on her finger yet. She’s breaking royal protocol left and right, but her parents tolerate it because they love her. And maybe also because they knew my intentions from the start. I told them at our first meeting that I love her and will do anything to ensure her happiness.
We married this morning in a formal church ceremony. The public lined the streets to cheer us on as we travelled from palace to church in a horse-drawn carriage. The press was there, along with TV crews. My family, too, of course. Queen Anna and Queen Polly have plans for strategic alliances between our kingdoms since they’re both now in the business of tourism. My brothers are happy for us, even Adrian, whom I left underfunded with the casino and alone when I flew here to be with Polly.
I knew I needed to make things right for Adrian after pulling out of the project, so I pitched the idea of investing in a casino to my sister Emma and her rock star husband, Jackson. They loved the idea and also agreed to perform there, which will be a huge draw. They live in France, so it’s a performance opportunity close to home. The plan is for a small venue inside for them on the second floor and, in good weather, they’ll perform on the rooftop terrace. Adrian is hoping the casino will open next summer.
Immediately following the ceremony, Polly and I signed into law a new mandate for the kingdom—women can lead solo. Right after that we abolished all restrictions against royal women. We’re known as progressive modern leaders, but, honestly, it’s just common sense.
Beaumont is doing well and life here has gone back to normal. Polly ensured emergency measures are in place to guard against future storms, and construction began on the northern side of the island on what are now royal properties. After I paid off her parents’ loan, Polly negotiated a good price for us to buy Peter’s land based on a fast cash sale, which he was eager for since he’s banished. The land was originally in her family, so her parents were beyond thrilled to reclaim their land. They had sold it in an early effort to build the tourism industry, not having the funds to build the resorts themselves.
Vaughn still works as a guard, but with an additional responsibility—he trains the palace guards for disaster preparedness. They’re the front line of safety for our citizens. And Marge is still close by, working now as a helper to Polly’s father, who has difficulty sometimes getting his body to do what he wants. Polly first offered Marge a job with our charitable foundation after all her good work during the disaster cleanup, but Marge turned her down with an interesting counteroffer. She’d like to be the nanny for our future children. Polly and I agreed. Marge isn’t warm and fuzzy, more practical and no-nonsense, but she has a good heart and always puts children first. Polly wants to wait on children until the rebuilding is complete. Ultimately, she wants a large family, after growing up an only child. I’m all for it, coming from a large family. I think
my family inspired her.
Now, finally, after the excitement of the day—formal wedding ceremony, royal mandates, and a royal ball—I get my wife all to myself. I’m lounging in the bed, shirtless, after undoing the tiny buttons on the back of her wedding dress for her. She asked me to wait here so she could do a striptease. Like I said, I’ll do anything to ensure her happiness.
She shimmies the bodice of the dress down, giving me a quick peek at her strapless bra before turning and looking at me over her shoulder with a sexy smile.
I sit up instinctively, wanting to touch, and she holds out her palm, stopping me. “Ah-ah,” she says. “This is a slow seduction, and I’m in charge.”
I smile, unbuttoning my black trousers. “You’re high on your new queenly power.” I love that she can finally claim it.
“That’s right,” she says, shimmying the gown over her hips and stepping out of it.
“Pol,” I manage in a strangled voice.
“Do you like it?” she asks, turning to set her gown over the back of a chair, giving me a prime view of her sweet ass.
She’s wearing a strapless lace bra with a white lacy scrap of thong. She always wears modest white underwear. There’s skinny silk straps from the waistband of the thong to the top of sheer white stockings.
I quickly strip naked, climb out of bed, and head straight for her, dying to have her.
She slams a hand against my chest. “Not yet.”
I groan. “You look amazing. This is torture not to touch.” And I’ve been wanting to all day.
Her lips curve into a slow, sexy smile, her voice a purr. “Watch.” She steps out of her heels and then slides her hands up her long legs with a sultry look before undoing the clip at the top of her stocking, slowly rolling it down her leg and off. This is worse than going excruciatingly slow with a virgin Polly because now I know what I’m missing. I want those long legs wrapped around me. I need to drive into her over and over. I don’t think I can wait to carry her to the bed. I may just fall on her like a wild animal and take her right here on the hardwood floor.
“You’ve got a very predatory look in your eyes,” she says in a husky voice as she slowly undoes the second stocking.
“You have one minute,” I warn, my hands clenched at my sides.
“Just for that, I’m going to go even slower.” She slips her thumbs inside the cups of her bra, stroking herself with a soft moan.
The blood rushes through my veins. I’m on fire with raw, throbbing need. “You’re going to be bent over the dresser in ten seconds.”
She smiles, her brown eyes sparkling mischievously. Finally, she undoes the front clip of her bra and tosses it to me.
I catch it and toss it to the side. “Five seconds.” Mine. Now. Need claws at me.
She cups both breasts, pushing them together. My eyes are glued to the deep cleavage. I don’t know what part of her I want to touch first, but I need to touch.
“Oscar,” she says in a teasing voice, “I’m so wet for you. I’ve been imagining your hands on me all day long.” She shimmies out of the thong and tosses it over her shoulder.
I move at the same time she does, and we slam together, mouths hungry, hands grabbing. At the last minute, I guide her back to the bed because it’s our wedding night and I want softness under her when I pound into her. She spreads her legs, welcoming me in. I roll on a condom in record time and take her in one hard thrust. We both groan.
She wraps her legs high around my waist and rocks into me, her hissed, “Yessss,” driving me on. I pump deep and hard in a rapid rhythm. I need it, and she’s right there with me, her nails digging into my shoulders.
Oh, fuck. Slow it down. I angle her hips up for deeper penetration, and she moans deep in her throat, and then she goes over. I let go, riding it out with her. Her pleasure is my pleasure, and then I’m gone, rocking deep over and over.
I collapse against her, utterly spent. My God. The virgin princess has become the erotic queen. I swear I’m going to be king of the bedroom as soon as I can move.
She kisses my cheek and whispers in my ear, “My love. My first, my last, my forever.”
I lift my head to kiss her tenderly. “My wife.”
“Yes,” she says with a big smile and hugs me tight.
Our lives begin together now as husband and wife in a love so powerful it extends to an entire kingdom. The time before our love was simply time we were waiting to meet.
~ ~ ~
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Don’t miss the next book in the series Royal Shark, Adrian’s story, where he reunites with his childhood friend Sara. Turns out they made a pact to marry when they turned 25. Guess how old they are now?
Read The Rourkes series now!
Royal Shark
Adrian
I’m a card shark, so taking the lead on the new casino on Villroy is a natural fit. I’m personally invested, and I’m proud to run the place. Except, after a month in operation, it’s been more of a headache than I ever imagined. I need a right-hand man (or woman) to take some of the pressure off.
And then my twin, Silvia, gets in touch about Sara, a girl we were close to as children when her family summered in Villroy. Sara was like me—loving poker and loving to win. We upped each other’s games. At twelve, we swore a solemn vow to marry when we were twenty-five. Silly, I know.
We’re now twenty-five.
But that’s not why Silvia contacted me. Sara is in trouble, running a poker game in New York and upping the pot high enough to attract the wealthy underbelly of the city. Of course, I ride to the rescue! I don’t want her to put herself in danger, and she’s the perfect person to join me at Villroy’s casino.
Except the stubborn woman won’t stop her game, won’t leave New York, won’t leave her sister who she’s raised and who goes to college there.
So I linger. They need me back home, but she needs me too. And the longer I linger, the deeper I fall. I can’t give up my casino, yet I can’t give her up either. But can I convince her to give us the chance our younger selves knew we deserved?
Excerpt
Sara
“Definitely look up your cousins, uncle, and aunt while you’re here. That’s so sad that you have this whole family you’ve never met.”
Adrian lifts one shoulder. “Not exactly sad. I mean, I never met them, so I never knew what I was missing. Silvia says their gruff and growly.”
“Ooh, I like gruff and growly.”
“Do you now?” he growls in a deep voice.
A hot shiver races through me, my belly quivering. Ah, hell. Now he knows how to get to me. I swallow hard as he lifts my arm, murmuring, “Goose bumps.” He stops walking, stroking a finger down my forearm, and those goose bumps aren’t going anywhere. He lifts heated eyes to mine. “Interesting.”
Our eyes lock for a long hypnotic moment. My breath stalls, my pulse scrambling. The attraction crackles in the air between us. This is not one-sided. Self-preservation kicks in, and I pull my arm free from his grip, resuming our walk at a quick pace. I just need to get safely home and away from Adrian.
He keeps up with me as I babble about the best restaurants and bars in every possible direction. I’m flustered and hot and not gonna do a thing about it. Avoid temptation! I need to keep Adrian in the sweet part of my memories. I’m only up for casual hookups, and he is not a candidate. Or is he? I stop babbling as I consider this. Maybe it would be casual since he’s leaving on Thursday.
But I know him too well. We’re friends. Well, we were.
My brain is scrambled by lust. Keeping my distance seems safest, so that’s what I’ll do.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say brightly. “If you want authentic Cuban food, that’s the best place.” I point across the street. I’m back on my food tour of Brooklyn that he never asked for. What is wrong with me? I need to chill. Why is he so damn quiet? He could interrupt at any time.
/> By the time we get back to my apartment building, I’ve run out of steam. I cannot say one more word about food, and I’m exhausted from trying to keep myself distracted by his sexy presence as he quietly listened at my side.
I stop in front of my building’s door, suddenly awkward over how to say goodbye. Usually this part is a relief for me with a guy and a real quick thing. Maybe I don’t want to say goodbye.
He steps close with a smile that lights up his gorgeous face. His voice is warm honey, and I’m melting all over again. “It was really good to see you again, Sara.”
I can barely breathe. “You too.” I lift my hands at an awkward angle, unsure if we’re going for a hug or a handshake.
He takes my hand, lifting it to his lips, and brushes a kiss across my knuckles. I flush with heat, my heart skips a beat, and my stomach flutters. I. Am. Toast. This is so not me. Then again, I’ve never experienced anything sweet like this from a guy. Not since…him.
“See you tomorrow at the game.” He holds his hand out, palm up, and wiggles his fingers. “Give me your phone, and I’ll add my number.”
I fish it out of my purse, unlock it, tap over to contacts, and hand it over. He taps rapidly, his lips curving up in a small smile before he hands it back.
I look at the screen. Instead of Adrian, he added himself as “My Hero.” I meet his eyes. “Seriously?”
“Remember when I saved you from the sharks?” he asks with a grin.
I swallow hard, my heart pounding. I can’t believe he remembers as much about me as I do about him. I thought he moved on to bigger and better things. He’s a prince living large; I was just the summer visitor.
“Sharks? What sharks?” I don’t want to admit how much I’ve replayed our summers in my mind.
He tilts his head. “Your poker face could use some work. Admit it, at one point wa-a-y back I was your hero.”
“That was a lifetime ago,” I say softly.
“Seems we’ve got some catching up to do.”
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Other Books by Kylie Gilmore
Royal Player (The Rourkes, Book 5) Page 18