Page 94 of The Un-Apparent Heir

“I can call her when we get to the hospital,” Paul said. “Deep breaths. In the car.”

Sanne and Paul arrived at the hospital about twenty minutes later. It was a chase with the press who were even more invasive than they were twice prior. They had begun camping outside the gates of KP. They didn’t know Sanne’s due date even remotely since they had originally said “spring” and then “late spring” to avoid this hiccup. Of course, with Natalie and Ed next door, there was also the opportunity to catch Natalie’s ever-expanding waistline if she, god forbid, ever took a walk in the gardens in public view or stepped out into a waiting car. The royal baby watch was in full swing.

24

TRYING AND HOPING

“They are all miraculously down,” Winston said. “Somehow. We have a quiet house on a Saturday afternoon. Has this ever happened?”

Lucy shook her head. It was their first week in the new house. They lived like nomads. Winston’s furniture order delivery was weeks off and they had limited options. Lucy attempted napping on a floor mattress like a poor postgrad in a shitty London apartment. 15 million could buy a new house in Berkshire with beautiful views. It could buy fast settlement and no hassle. However, it couldn’t make hoity-toity custom furniture happen any faster. Their last house sold with furniture and it wasn’t as if the castle got new digs all that often.

“I think they are run down. Lots of change,” Lucy noted.

“How are you?” Winston asked. “I feel like I’ve said nothing to you all day.”

“I’ve been in a circle of hell, so little to report.”

Winston patted Lucy’s stomach lovingly. “Dreadful. I’m sorry. It hits you hard sometimes.”

“Not what I wanted to be doing—nor showing so soon. It’s only a minute before someone calls me out. They’re going to start running the line of ‘don’t drink the water at the palace.’ I don’t blame them. I wish I hadn’t. And ironic that people will say you can’t keep your hands off of me.”

“Well, I wish I could say that. It’s not that I wouldn’t like to. It’s not that at all. It’s more of a… well, I want you to be in a better place.”

“What does that mean?” Lucy asked. “How do we manage this? I’m not being snarky, but… we have the professional opinion on it and it’s unhelpful.”

“Was it? I thought it was clear. Lots of foreplay, you give all the cues, and I’m just here to be supportive and not make demands.”

Lucy let out a long groan.

“We’re rewiring everything. That’s all, Luce,” Winston said.

“Are we just going to avoid sex completely while I’m pregnant?”

“If you want to.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Lucy, if you want to have sex, just say it.”

“I don’t want to have sex—not yet—but I need to get off. I’m not ready?—”

“Don’t be so reductionist and assume sex equals penetrative sex. That is what you’re not saying. Why can’t you get off if you want to?”

“I have hang-ups.”

“Lucy, we both need to try. Tell me what you want.”

“I want to be wanted. I want to be chased a bit. If you are asking me to direct you as to what to do, I can’t. It’s not in my nature and?—”

Winston cut her off with a kiss. She melted. He tried, at least. Lucy struggled to ask for anything at this point. She assumed her job was to give him what he wanted. She struggled to communicate anything with him that involved sex. They were once so connected by this, but it felt all awkward and new.

Winston continued kissing her. His hand found its way in between her legs. She began to kick off her leggings. Winston whipped them off, along with her panties. He gently pushed her on her back and parted her legs slightly, teasing her. She bit his lip, a sign she was not in a playful mood and wanted him to move along. He ignored her, knowing she should enjoy it more. Sometimes, she appreciated it. Now, though, Lucy was desperate. If he was going to get her this close, she wanted him to finish it.

Lucy’s wetness crept up the longer he worked on her clit. Winston dipped two fingers inside her. She gasped and he pulled back, a look of concern across his face.

“No, no, it’s good,” Lucy said. “It feels good.”

“Okay. Tell me to stop before you get uncomfortable.”

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