Page 21 of The Princess and the SEAL

Chapter 8

Giselle

AMOTORCYCLE RIDE? MY FIRST thought was to say no. He had told me to choose what to do, but I hadn’t. This was all my fault. I was sure he would be okay with me picking another activity, but the main reason that I took this vacation was to be open to new experiences. So, I decided to force myself to go with the flow.

My hands shook as I followed him downstairs. Of course I’d never been on the back of a motorcycle. My father was way too paranoid to allow me ever to endanger my life. He would absolutely flip out if he knew I was about to get on the back of a motorcycle with someone who was practically a stranger.

Giselle, stop! Your first thought is always what your father, your country’s subjects, or your fiancé would think.

I closed my eyes; it was time to start living my life, doing what I wanted to do, and not stressing about what my father would say if he knew. After all, I was about to become a married woman. Surely, I deserved some time to myself?

Ryan grabbed my hand, and we walked over to the innkeeper, who let out a dreamy sigh as we approached.

“Ah, the lovebirds. To be young and in love. Cherish this time.”

Her words shook me. Would I have this much fun on my own honeymoon? What would I even do? I pictured awkward, painful, loveless sex, followed by me spending the day alone in the spa, sobbing while Miguel played poker in some bar.

What was I doing?

The innkeeper placed her hand on my shoulder, which brought me back to reality. And the truth was that today, I was still not married. And I was about to go somewhere with Ryan, my own personal bodyguard.

The lady handed me a picnic basket. “I have prepared lunch and even added a bottle of wine for you lovers.”

“Merci beaucoup.”

“De rien.”

She turned to Ryan and began giving him directions.

I shifted side to side on the gravel beneath my feet and pulled on my hair. Maybe this was a terrible idea. I really should just get to my own hotel. Going on this indulgent excursion was so reckless of me.

Ryan put his arm around me. “Let’s go, babe.”

Babe. No one except for Ryan had ever called me babe, not even my fiancé.

The innkeeper led us out to the motorcycle. Ryan handed me my helmet and then strapped the picnic basket into the saddlebag.

Ryan adjusted my helmet for me and gave me a devilish grin. “Are you nervous?”

“Yes, actually, I am. I’ve never been on a motorcycle.”

“You’re going to love it—there’s nothing like the freedom of being out on the open road, the wind rushing through your hair, all your problems melting away.”

That did sound lovely. I took a deep exhale and decided to give myself permission to take a risk. “I’ll try to keep an open mind.”

“That’s my girl. Don’t worry, babe. I got you. Just hold on tight.”

Ryan put on his own helmet and effortlessly climbed on the bike.

Dear Lord, he looked so incredible in those jeans, which tightly hugged his sexy behind. I climbed on the back, wrapped my arms around his strong back, and said a brief prayer as he revved the engine.

When he drove off, my heart raced. I’d never done anything like this in my entire life. I forced my nerves to calm down. As we took our first turn, the cracked pavement below us made the bike seem a bit unsteady. For the first few minutes, I closed my eyes and clung to Ryan for dear life. But as the road smoothed out, the rumbling in my heart gave way to pure bliss.

I was really doing it. I was living my life. Uninhibited. Wild.

I opened my eyes and took in the beauty of the moment. For the first time in my life, I was truly free. Free on the open road; free to enjoy my day how I pleased, and free to be me. I still hadn’t checked in with my father. In fact, he had no idea where I was. I wasn’t doing charity work or making a public appearance to promote tourism for my country. I was being selfish and indulgent.

And I had to admit, I loved it.