Page 14 of Owned By Royal

She screams my name, her orgasm crashing over her, and I follow, emptying myself inside her long and hard. I collapse against her back, both of us breathing hard. The city lights glitter below us, indifferent to our little drama.

I kiss her shoulder and whisper, “Mine.”

She doesn’t argue.

Chapter Four

Sierra

The past days have blurred together most unexpectedly. Leaving me wondering when exactly Royal Madera stopped being the complication I tried so desperately to avoid and became the person I searched for without thinking.

Because of our parents, Royal and I are constantly finding ourselves in the same room. Every moment together gives an opportunity to fuck like bunnies and learn a little about one another. Charity luncheons turn into dinners, dinners into late-night sex in the car, elevator, and any flat surface when we manage to find a room.

And somewhere between all the stolen moments, we quietly stop pretending that whatever exists between us is temporary. We don’t put a label on it, but neither of us needs to. It is a full-blown physical relationship now.

Yet beneath every laugh and every quiet moment rests the uncomfortable truth that we’re both hiding parts of ourselves. Royal keeps portions of his life carefully locked away behind that thoughtful smile.

And I continue carrying the unbearable weight of believing his father may have murdered mine. Every time I tell myself tonight will be the night I confess everything, I lose my nerve the moment I look into his eyes.

Today is no different.

The familiar black sign reading 4R Ink comes into view as I park across the street. And despite everything occupying my mind, I can’t stop smiling. Royal invited me here yesterday after mentioning he had a lighter appointment schedule.

Casually saying that if I was finally curious enough to see where he spent most of his time, I should stop by. I’d acted indifferent, pretending I might have other plans. But the truth is I’ve been looking forward to this all morning.

This place is a part of him that exists completely outside the polished billionaire son everyone else knows. And I realize as I climb out of my car that this is the version of Royal I’ve been most eager to understand. The bell above the front door jingles softly as I step inside.

I’m immediately greeted by the unmistakable scent of disinfectant, tattoo ink, and fresh coffee. Rock music hums quietly through hidden speakers. The reception is empty, but the atmosphere is both energetic and relaxed. Before I have a chance to look around properly, a familiar voice reaches me.

“Well, look who finally decided to visit.”

Royal emerges from the hallway wearing a fitted black T-shirt and dark jeans. His sleeves are rolled just enough to reveal intricate tattoos winding over his forearms. I’d known he had tattoos; they cover his whole body, down to his thighs.

I’ve always found them fascinating and wished they were displayed more. So, seeing them in person is different. When he’s dressed for galas and business dinners, none of them are visible. Standing here now, I realize how carefully he separates his two worlds.

Society sees immaculate suits and polished smiles. This version wears ink proudly, his movements relaxed, his expression softer than the one reserved for photographers and business associates. His face brightens the moment he reaches me.

“You came.”

“You look surprised. You invited me, remember.”

“I wasn’t convinced you’d actually accept.”

“I’m beginning to think you underestimate my curiosity.”

“I’ll try not to make that mistake again.”

He leans down and presses a quick kiss against my forehead before gently taking my hand.

“Come on.”

He leads me farther inside the shop to the break room, where several familiar faces immediately turn toward us.

“Everyone,” Royal says, “this is Sierra.” He turns to me. “Sierra, meet Raiden, River, Roman, and Nadia, River’s wife and our receptionist.”

River is the first to smile. “So, she’s real.”

Royal sighs dramatically. “I’m already regretting bringing her.”