AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Anderson’s always been there for me, no matter what. Supported my decision to walk away from my duties, despite the added burden it would impose on him.” I swallow hard. “It’s time I repay the favor.”
“I get it.” His compassionate smile soon turns mischievous. “Even so, I fully intend on making you sing later on.” He dips his head into the crook of my neck. “And scream.”
A wave of pleasure spreads through me, my skin awakening with desire. It sends a craving deep within me to crawl on top of him, to feel his hands exploring every inch of my body. But before that can become a possibility, the SUV comes to a stop.
Normally, Archie’s quick in jumping out to open my door. Tonight, he pauses, glancing my way.
“Are you ready, ma’am?”
I hear the underlying meaning in his question. He’s not just asking if I’m ready for tonight, but for everything that will follow. The public engagements. My life being put back under a microscope. The royal household.
But like I’ve reminded myself repeatedly over the past week. Anderson needs me. As much as being thrust back into this life makes my stomach churn, I have to do it for him.
I’m not the same woman I once was. I’ve matured. Grown stronger. Found my voice. Learned how to stand up for myself and what I want. I won’t allow myself to be used as a pawn. Not anymore.
Squaring my shoulders, I give him a determined nod. “Thank you, Archie. I am.”
“Of course, ma’am.” He jumps out and walks around the SUV. It only takes him a matter of seconds, but with the nerves swimming in my stomach, it feels like each step lasts a year.
Finally, my door swings opens and Archie extends a hand toward me. I take it, using his support to stand, the lights of the cameras making it difficult to see. I remind myself this is no different from the award shows or movie premiers I’ve attended with Tristan.
But itisdifferent. They’re not here for him, although they certainly don’t mind the ability to capture shots of him, too. They’re here for me.
“Just picture them all naked,” Tristan murmurs as he places a hand on the small of my back. “That’s what I do.”
I meet his gaze, the flashes becoming more incessant as he guides me up the stairs, careful to leave enough room so he doesn’t step on the hem of my green silk gown.
“You do not,” I shoot back, purposefully ignoring the reporters’ questions about whether I’m here to resume my duties as Princess Royal.
“I pictureyounaked.” He bites his lower lip, the look he’s giving me causing my skin to heat.
His sinful stare, combined with how delicious he looks in his tuxedo, has me teetering on the brink of dragging him to the nearest dark corner to have my way with him, if only for a minute to help me forget everything.
Which is exactly what Tristan’s helped me do from the beginning.
He’s helped me forget.
And right now, I’d love nothing more than to forget.
“In fact, I’m doing it right now.”
“You’re horrible.”
“That may be so.” He pulls me to a stop. “But it worked.”
I furrow my brow. “What did?”
“My devious plan to distract you. See.” He gestures to our surroundings.
When he does, I realize I’m no longer walking through the throngs of reporters but standing in the lobby of the historic opera house. While it’s obvious some of the other patrons are intrigued by seeing me here, they’re nowhere near as demanding as the vultures outside.
Without a single care for the rules regarding public displays of affection, I drape my arms over his shoulders and hoist myself onto my toes.
“Thank you.” I touch my lips to his.
“Anything for you, beautiful.” He draws me close and deepens the kiss, but still keeps it respectful. When he pulls away and flashes a smile, I feel surprisingly at ease.
“This way, ma’am.”
