Page 27 of Royal Bastard

“Ah. Aruba is out in the ocean, baby, somewhere. Shall we go now?” She grabbed her bag and we left the apartment behind.

“I’m kind of sad to leave it. It was the first place that was totally mine, that I was free in.” She gave me a sad smile and took her children’s’ hands. “The future is already looking brighter though. I don’t think I’ll miss it.”

“We can keep it if you like, as a private place, to you know…” I wiggled my eyebrows at her, and she giggled.

“Maybe.” She bit her lip and gave me that innocent look she knew drove me mad. “We might need it later, when the girls are bigger.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I gave her a wink and we left the apartment behind. We had a much brighter future ahead of us, brighter than we’d both ever imagined. We had each other, that was the best part of all. We had each other, for now and always.

* * *

The day wasa blur of moments that would fast forward to a memory, that would then fast forward to another memory. Our wedding day had been perfect. Royal, but perfect. There had been a carriage, a dress that was already going viral around the world for it’s splendor and beauty, and enough pictures had been taken to fill a library. Now it was all done; the dancing, the laughter, the cake. All done.

Evie was officially my wife. Her daughters were princesses, as was she, and our wedding day had been beautiful. Her gown was so heavy, encrusted with gold seed pearls and diamonds, and the train so long, a foot for every year of her life, that she’d needed help to change when we’d left to go on our honeymoon.

Now, she was naked on the private beach beside me. A satellite phone was all that connected us to the world, and that was only for her daughters to call her on. We were totally alone, at last.

“The girls were so beautiful in their dresses.” Evie sighed as she stared up the cloth covering the umbrella we rested under.

“Those were good choices, I agreed. The girls had truly been princess in tiny little ball gowns made just for them with tiaras of their very own.

“I loved the whole day.” She was glad to be relaxed and on the beach, I could see it. “I miss them already.”

She looked at me guiltily, but I understood. “They’re your babies, and you’ve only had them back four months, princess. Two days is all I asked, and two days is all I expect. Then we head back.”

“They adore you, Henry.” She grinned at me, happy.

“Good because, I adore them. Imps that they are.” There were always giggles and laughter when the girls were near, and I loved how relaxed Evie became around them. They were funny, bright young girls, and they all loved each other very much. I was just happy to be included.

I was lost in memories, lost in her, when she asked me something. I didn’t hear it, I just kept my gaze on those eyes of hers.

“Henry?” My wife held her hand out to me, waiting for my response.

“What? Sorry. You just take my breath away. You’re simply beautiful, do you know that?” I saw relief flood her face and felt my heart melt for her.

“I asked if you wanted lunch?” She smiled and turned around to pull sandwiches out of a hamper.

I pulled her close, and her legs straddled me as she bent her head to kiss me with passion that still wasn’t slaked. The sandwiches were forgotten.

I picked her up and walked off the beach and to our bedroom in the bungalow a few feet away.

“Are you alright, princess? Do you want a drink? Something to eat?” Setting her on the bed I saw a woman happy with the world.

An impish grin came onto her face the affluent as she looked back at me.

“I could use a shower, if you want to give me a hand.” Her right eyebrow crooked, a golden invitation if I’ve ever seen one.

I settled over her and bent to kiss her full lips.

“I want you just the way you are, Evie.” I whispered the words against her lips as she spread her thighs, and welcomed me in.

I nestled outside of her heat, not ready to be inside of her yet. I needed to be more in control of myself, and her smell and the feel of her against me made that impossible.

I slid my mouth from her soft lips to the curve of her ear, where I nipped at the lobe.

“I love you, Henry. I will always love you. Forever.” Her voice was tight as her own passion rose.

“I love you, Evie. My wife, my princess.” I pushed against her shoulder until she leaned back. Her firm breasts shifted around and caught my attention.