by Wendi Zwaduk
“I will.” He nuzzled her breast. He’d do just about anything for her, but first, they needed a rubber and he wanted to open her just a bit more. He pumped his digit in her pussy, then added a second finger.
Her legs trembled and she opened her eyes. “Oh, wow.” She rode his fingers, simulating sex. “God, it feels good.”
He kissed her belly, then slowly withdrew his fingers from her channel. “You’re sure?” He shoved his boxer briefs to the floor, then retrieved a condom from the dresser. “Zara?”
“I want you as my first,” she said. “Please?”
If he had his way, he’d be her only. God, he was thinking too far ahead, but damn, she intoxicated him. He tore open the packet and sheathed himself. Just his hand on his body had him right at the edge. This wouldn’t last long.
She stared up at him. Her kiss-swollen lips, dusty-rose nipples and curvy body called to him. Her cream covered her pussy lips. He’d never seen anyone so sexy in his life. Part of him wanted to stop time and photograph her in this moment. He’d never show anyone the image—it was just for him.
Luke climbed onto the bed and settled between her legs. “Breathe for me. It’ll be uncomfortable for a little bit. Just focus on me. I’m right here with you.”
She fixed her gaze on his and nodded. “I trust you.”
The weight of the moment settled on his shoulders. He wanted the act to be great for her. “Breathe, sweetheart.” He caressed her clit as he pushed into her. So snug, but she was made for him. He gritted his teeth and leaned over her.
Momentary panic filled her eyes.
“It’ll get better.” He moved his hips and focused on her. “So beautiful,” he murmured. “I love the way you’re surrounding me, Zara.”
She hooked her legs about his waist and panted. A shiver wracked her body. She fixed her gaze on him. Panic left her eyes within moments and she relaxed a bit.
“There you go.” He kissed her. “Relax. I’m with you.” He moved faster, pushing deeper. In and out, he became one with her. He couldn’t think straight—just feel.
Zara held on to him. At first, she seemed scared, but fell right into the act. She met him thrust for thrust. Her lips parted, but no sound came out. She arched her back.
“Yes, baby.” He nuzzled her neck as the orgasm built within him. His thoughts blurred. This wasn’t just an act—they weren’t simply having sex. With her, he made love. The concept blew his mind. He jerked forward as the climax hit. “Oh God.”
She writhed beneath him.
Luke surged into her and rested his forehead against hers. He added a couple more thrusts, then stilled as the orgasm spiraled through his body.
She panted. “Luke.”
As high as he sailed from coming, he wished she’d been able to come, too. He eased out of her and vowed he’d bring her to orgasm. A trace of blood dotted the sheets. Fuck. She really had been a virgin.
She stared at him. “I ache.”
“You’ve done something new.” He removed the condom and brought a towel over. He’d been given a gift in her trust and virginity. He wouldn’t trash this treasure for anything. No way. He tucked her to his side and allowed her to rest.
“I’m floating.” She rolled onto her side and buried her face against his neck. “I’m sleepy, too.”
“Rest.” He’d hold her forever if she desired. She’d inspired his creativity and made him believe love was possible. He’d fallen for her. Was it love? Too soon to tell, but he cared.
Her phone rang again, then buzzed. He picked up the device. “Looks like your sister wants you. Tell her you’re sleeping over tonight.”
“She always wants me.” Zara sat up and brushed her hair from her eyes. “Well, shit. At least she texted this time.”
“What’s wrong?” He moved the towel. “Everything okay?”
“It’s fine. My parents are coming to visit next week, though.” She scrubbed the back of her hand across her mouth. “I should go back to my apartment. I guess my parents want to video chat.” She frowned. “I didn’t know they knew how to video chat.”
He shrugged to hide his displeasure. He’d rather have her stick around. “I suppose if you’re going to talk to them, you shouldn’t do it in the nude.” He sat up and gathered her in his arms. “I’m breaking my rule to not date my models because you’re different. I can’t take my eyes off you.”
She blushed, but didn’t hide her nudity. “I like you, too.”
“Next time, I’ll bring you to orgasm, too.” He rested his forehead against hers. “You said you’ve never had a boyfriend. Well, you have one now.”
Genuine excitement blossomed on her face.
“Come back when the chat’s done.” He smoothed a lock of her hair in his fingers. “I want to sleep with you beside me.”
She sighed. “I so want to skip the chat.” She picked up her phone. “Give me your number now and I’ll text you so you have mine. We can send dirty texts tonight.”
He liked how she thought. “Yes.” His phone blinked with the new message. “Got it.” He wasn’t ready to let her go. “Stay with me. Tell them you’ve got a big test.”
She hesitated. “Let me get a bag and I’ll come back. My first class isn’t until ten, so we can spend the evening…creating art.”
“Yes.” His thoughts exactly. “You can pose for me again and we’ll have fun.” He couldn’t deny her if he tried. “I’m planning on working while you’re gone, so just come back.”
“I will.” She left his lap and dressed. “You make me feel stronger and bolder, like I can do anything.”
“You can.” He had no doubt she could do anything she set her mind to.
“I guess I can.” She grabbed her backpack. “I’ll give you a heads-up before I return, in case you’re busy.”
“Doesn’t matter if I’m busy. You’re not an interruption.” He wrapped the towel around his waist and followed her to the door. When she stopped, he kissed her. Damn. Now that he’d tasted her, he didn’t want to let her go.
She hesitated. “I don’t know what love feels like, but I’ve got flutters in my belly and I can’t wait to come back.”
“I can’t wait, either.” She was dangerous to him. She’d shifted his focus from art to romance. At least she’d helped him work the two into one thread. Still, she scattered his thoughts, too.
She left and the silence engulfed him. He leaned against the door. Up to now, he’d figured his life out. This year would be different, but he’d expected that. Then she showed up and he wasn’t as lonely. He felt human, too. Like his troubles didn’t matter. He wasn’t just a struggling artist, but one who also happened to be in love. He needed to channel his emotions into his work. If he did, he’d be unstoppable.
Time to create.
Chapter Seven
Zara rushed up to her apartment. A video chat. God. What was Corinne thinking? She’d probably gotten lonely and wanted attention. Part of her appreciated Corinne being there—she needed the moral support. But the rest of her wished Corinne would find something to do. Maybe she’d set Corinne up with that guy from her class.
Once she found out what Corinne wanted.
The noise in her apartment startled her. She touched the doorknob and hesitated. It sure sounded like there were a bunch of people over. Did Corinne know that many folks already? She opened the door and the noise grew.
At least twenty people filled the apartment. Music blared and someone had a light flashing. What in the hell? Zara walked past the knots of people toward her room. When she opened the door, she gasped.
A couple, both half-clothed, were stretched across her bed and engrossed in each other. When she looked closer, she recognized the anklet. No way. “Corinne?” She dropped her bag with a thud, trying to garner the couple’s attention. “What are you doing?”
Corinne sat up and fixed her hair. Her cheeks were flushed and breast heaving. She shrugged. “We’re throwing a party. Isn’t it fun? I met these people in the building and
invited them over. It’s a great time. I wanted to help you meet people on campus and the guys from the soccer team showed up.”
“I see that. They’ve trashed the living room.” She folded her arms. “I can meet people just fine, but I’d like to know why you’re making out on my bed.” She wanted some privacy. “I thought I had to come back for a video chat. I’m going to assume that’s not a thing now? The party was the thing?”
“Well, your room was closer for making out and yeah, I wanted you to get to know more people on campus,” she said as the guy left. He eyeballed Zara, grunted then walked out of the room. Corinne shrugged again. “He was cute and seemed to like me.”
The smell of rum filtered around Zara. “He seemed to like you? The rum had nothing to do with it, right?”
“It might.” Corinne pulled her shirt back over her head. “I wanted a good time and it happened, so I wanted you to join us. What were you doing? Studying something unimportant? You never let yourself have fun and this was my surprise for you. This is how college kids have fun!”
“I was already having fun with someone.” Zara rested her hands on her hips. “I don’t care if you’re drinking. You’re an adult, but why are you acting like this? And why are you letting them trash the living room? We have pay for the damages.”
Corinne smoothed the wrinkles in her blouse. “You always get the attention. Everyone wants to be around you and he liked me. It’s my turn to have someone look at me like I’m important, not just a side piece.”
“Next time tell me you want a party before you throw it,” Zara said. “I’m guessing the chat with my folks…was just bullshit?”
“Oh yeah.” Corinne blushed again. “Oops.”
“Corinne.” She didn’t have time for this. “So did my parents make contact?”
“No.”
She groaned. “Fine. I’m changing, then I’m heading back to Luke’s.” She picked out a T-shirt for the following day’s classes and a pair of jean shorts, then packed socks, a fresh bra and underwear. Nothing sexy this time in case Corinne asked too many questions.
“What are you doing?” Corinne shut the drawer for her. “Who is Luke?”
“The guy from the roof.”
“The hottie?”
“Yes.” She switched out her books and tucked her tablet into her backpack. “So?”
“What did you do?”
“We’re hanging out. He’s a nice guy and I wanted to go over to his place while you’re having the party. It’s a win-win. You get to have the party and I get to have some quiet.” She tucked some bathroom essentials into her bag, then faced Corinne. “I’m an adult.”
“You might be, but your parents will find out about this and you’re going to get burned.” Corinne held up her phone. “Look. They know.” She pointed to one of the social media outlets. “That’s you and him on campus. I didn’t know who he was, but doesn’t matter. This picture has Elmore all upset.”
She grabbed her brush. “He’s going to have to learn to live with his upset. I’m dating Luke.” She shoved the styling item into her bag. “I need to go. I don’t want noise tonight.”
“No, you want a handsome man. Did you kiss him?” Corinne followed her around the room. “You’re going to embarrass your parents. Don’t you even think about them? I’m here so you don’t make bad decisions. I know Elmore isn’t your Prince Charming, but he’s willing to marry you and doesn’t seem to care you won’t be queen. That’s got to mean something.”
She stopped in her tracks and her hackles rose. Corinne, the person who was supposed to care about and protect her, wanted her to marry a man who was willing to marry her even if she wasn’t queen? What kind of friend would nudge her to do something so wrong?
“It’s true. You don’t have many prospects and he wants to marry you.” Corinne folded her arms. “You could suck it up for the crown.”
“I don’t want to suck it up. I’m making my way, finding myself and I don’t belong with him.” She zipped her bag, then retrieved the cord for her phone. “I’m on social media in a post with Luke. Big deal. It’s not like we’re making out.” But once Corinne found out she’d posed for him, she’d have a fit.
“Stick around.” Corinne sank onto the bed. “It’s not the same having a party without you.”
“I wouldn’t know. I’ve never had a party that’s anything like that.” Her parties involved formal invitations, fancy dinners and ball gowns, but no fun.
“Well, I kind of told the guy I was making out with that I’m Princess Catherine from Lysianna. I might have said one day I’ll inherit the throne, too.” Corinne shrugged. “It was the rum talking.”
Zara’s blood ran cold. Corinne had been her lady for seven years. She knew everything and could get Zara into a ton of trouble. “Then you clean up the mess.” She grabbed her bag and stormed out of her room. When Corinne exited, she slammed the door.
Zara didn’t bother to look back. She navigated through the people. The guy from her room stood by the main door.
“I hear your roommate is a princess. What a crock of shit.” He laughed. “I bet you’re the princess.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She left the apartment and gritted her teeth as she strode to the elevator. She tapped the button to call the car, but before the doors opened, the guy joined her.
“We’ve never had a real celebrity here on campus.” He stood in front of the doors. “Is it you?”
“I said I don’t know what you’re talking about. She’s my roommate, but she’s been drinking, so I don’t know what she’s said.” She fiddled with her phone, texting Luke to meet her at the elevator.
“A princess, eh? Mafia?” The guy quirked his eyebrow. “You don’t strike me as the mob type and you don’t look like you’ve come from money.”
The doors opened and the car jangled. Luke stood in the corridor. “Hi, babe.”
She ducked under the guy’s arm and hurried to Luke.
“No fucking way. You are her.” The guy laughed. “The picture was right. Nice.”
The doors closed before she could argue with him, but she saw no point in it anyway. She sagged into Luke. “Well, that’s messed up.”
“What’s wrong?” He walked her down the hall to his apartment. “What’s going on? You’re white as a sheet.”
“Just a moment.” She sent texts to the guards, reminding them to keep an eye on the apartment and Corinne, then to also put a guard at Luke’s place. Her past had come to call and she couldn’t hide from him any longer.
“We need to talk.” Zara faced Luke. She shut the apartment door, locking them in. If she didn’t put her guard down now, she’d never do it.
Her phone rang, but instead of being the guards, it was the royal number. “Damn it.” She massaged her forehead. “Just a second. Hello?” She pressed the phone to her ear and hoped she hadn’t turned the volume up too loud. She wanted to be the one to tell Luke the truth, not for him to hear it second-hand.
“What did you do?” her stepmother snarled.
“What did I do?” She massaged her forehead again. “I’m an adult. Whatever it was, it’s not that big of a deal.” Getting her picture taken while she stood in front of the building on campus wasn’t worth her stepmother’s ire. “It was just a photo.”
“You’ve embarrassed the crown,” her stepmother barked. “You’ve embarrassed us all.”
Her head ached. “How? We were talking and nothing happened.” Not in that moment anyway.
“You’re dancing on tables and you’ve bared your chest to strangers,” her step-mother said. “I’ve seen the photos. They’re all over social media and you’re trending for getting out of control.”
“That’s Corinne. It’s not me.” She sank onto the bed and rested her head on her hand. “Mother, you have to trust me. I’m behaving. I am.” Tears pricked her eyes and she disconnected the call. Everything she’d worked so hard for was falling apart.
“I don’t know what’s
wrong, but I’ll try to fix it.” Luke gathered her in his arms. “Talk to me.”
She had to compose herself. God. Being honest sucks. “I need to tell you something that’ll probably make you throw me out, but it’s the chance I have to take. I lied to you.”
Luke kept her on his lap and sighed. “Lay it out for me. You’ve got a boyfriend? Husband?”
“Nothing like that.” She forced herself to look him in the eye. She could get lost in the hazel depths of his eyes and wished the world would melt away right now. “I’m a princess.”
“You said that.” He shrugged. “You’re not as high maintenance as some, but so what? There’s no shame in being needy.”
“No.” She left his lap and retrieved her ID from her bag. “See? This is my full name. I’m a princess.”
“HRH Princess Catherine of Lysianna?” He crooked an eyebrow. “How’d you get the college to make the ID? Wait, it’s a fake, right? Nice joke.”
She shook her head. “It’s real.” She offered up her driver’s license. “See?”
He narrowed his eyes and pushed both cards away. “You’re putting me on.”
“No.”
“I don’t understand. Who are you?”
The revulsion in his voice churned her stomach. “Let me talk, okay? I’ll explain.”
“Please do.” He crossed his ankles and arms while sitting on the bed. “I’m listening.”
She refused to cry or puke, despite her nerves getting the better of her. “My name is Princess Catherine Zara of Lysianna. I’m the second child of King Martin and Queen Ria. My brother, Charles, will be the next king. Until three weeks ago, my only acts of transgression against the crown involved my love of metal music and my decision to take college courses online. I’m not the ideal princess my parents wanted and I’m not even the daughter they envisioned. Corinne isn’t my sister. She’s my lady-in-waiting.”
He tipped his head and stared at her, but said nothing.
“I want to be my own person, which is why I came to Kenton. I used my middle name to buy time and earn my degree before the press realized I’m here. My plan worked until today.” She fluttered her hands and sank onto the arm of the overstuffed chair. “I didn’t want to lie to you, but I wanted to do this college thing on my own.”