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It wasn’t okay. It was extraordinary. It was beyond what was required. It was... “Just the same, I want you to know I’ll forever remain in your debt as will Lichtenstein.”
She smiled this time, though it was a little wobbly. “Good night, Henryk.”
“Good night.”
She closed the door, and I turned and stomped down the hallway.
Fucking responsibilities.
I growled on the way to my bedroom, slammed the door, and sat on the edge of the bed. I’d never met a woman like Erin. She was charming and beautiful. I was enchanted. And the kisses were... bliss. Heaven. More than I deserved.
My cock was still hard and it wouldn’t take much to finish off, but instead, I went to the ensuite to freeze myself in a frigid shower that didn’t cool my burning thoughts of sliding inside of her.
When I finally crawled into bed, loneliness swept over me. Normally, I didn’t mind being alone, but being with Erin highlighted exactly how alone I was. Mine was a solitary role, until I was married, at least. Rather, married again.
I hadn’t wanted to admit it to Erin, but one of the main reasons I’d agreed to my arranged marriage was so I could start a family, have a wife and children.
I was tired of being alone. Tired of all the articles questioning my bachelorhood, my sexuality, the women I “squired” around the country. I’d contacted the tabloids more than once to protest the word squire but it never worked. A marriage would stop all that. I hoped so, anyway.
And while we were of the same status and the same lifestyle, there were no guarantees that she and I would get along. I worried every night that I was going to end up in a Prince Charles/Princess Di situation and the world had already endured that once. No monarchy would survive it again.
I sighed and tried for sleep. Worrying would do me no good now. Only time would tell if marrying the woman my parents had chosen for me would be a good idea or a disaster.
***
IWOKE AT FIVE-THIRTYa.m. and started my day as usual with an hour in my personal gym, a quick shower, a spot check of my notes for the upcoming cabinet meeting, and then a brisk walk to the dining room by seven.
“Good morning.” Erin was already seated at the table, her head in her hands.
She looked up as I approached, her skin ashen. “I find absolutely nothing good about it.”
I laughed as Jordy poured me a cup of coffee. “Perhaps too much wine last night?” I nodded to Jordy who moved to her side of the table and poured. “The coffee should help. How do you take it?”
She nodded, then held the sides of her head again. “Cream and sugar.”
Jordy reached for the small serving pitcher of creamer, but I shook my head and he smiled and backed away. I was happy to serve Erin. “Here you go.”
I sat at the head of the table and reached for a slice of fruit. “You should try a piece of toast. It will settle your stomach.” In my younger days, when I was busy trying to figure a way around giving myself to my country, I’d had no choice but to learn a thing or two about hangovers and how to rid myself of them.
“Please don’t mention food.” Erin shook her head and wrapped both hands around her cup of coffee. “I didn’t think I drank that much last night.”
“The jetlag amplifies the effects,” I told her, also acquainted with travel while drinking. “Eat. And drink plenty of water. The only other cure is time.”
She sighed and glanced up at me. “I’m sorry about last night.” Her voice was soft, but she met my gaze and held it. The sincerity was appreciated but hardly necessary.
I took a scoop of eggs and a piece of toast. “What for?”
“For throwing myself at you.” She shook her head, then widened her eyes “I don’t usually... ever...I’m sorry.”
“Yes, you mentioned.” Heat surged through me. “I need to apologize too.” When I looked at her, the words tumbled out. “I wanted to stay with you. I’m sorry I walked away.” I swallowed, gulped, and the words were out there. I couldn’t take them back.
“Oh, shit.”
“Excuse me?” That certainly wasn’t the reaction I’d been hoping for.
“I mean... I didn’t... I wanted you to say... that.” Her words were broken by breaths and then she blinked up at me, eyes wider. “Really?”
I nodded because it was going to take a second to find words. When I finally did, all I managed was, “Yes.” And then I smiled. “You’re beautiful, Erin.”
