Page 47 of Royal Darling
Emma
Life is good. I have never felt so happy in my life. I’ve never had so many orgasms in my life either. Jackson surprised me with his generosity in the bedroom. And the music we create fills my soul. I’m in love with the whole world today.
We’re about to go to Milan, but I need to check in with the guards first. I find them in the kitchen, sipping espressos. “Good morning.”
They snap to attention. “Good morning, Your Highness,” Viktor says.
“Good morning, Your Highness,” Oliver echoes.
I had a talk with them the morning after Jackson and I hooked up, informing them that we were now a couple and I would appreciate them keeping that to themselves since we weren’t ready to go public with it yet. This was not exactly the truth, the couple part, but I want our privacy. Jackson may well leave after the thirty days we agreed to; he may even object to the idea of us actually being a couple. I don’t know what he’s thinking. All I know is he’s not Mr. Commitment.
And I’m halfway in love with him.
I know it’s crazy. It’s too fast. And I swore to myself to keep it casual, knowing his reputation, knowing my family wouldn’t approve. Maybe what I’m feeling is just all the crazy good endorphins from the orgasms. Iwaslong overdue. I flush at the memory of this morning’s orgasm and concentrate on getting myself a cup of espresso. I could use the caffeine. Jackson is a night owl and keeps me up late. He’s figured out that, even if I go to bed at my regular time, all he has to do is softly strum his guitar nearby. It’s like a siren song, a seductive irresistible pull on my body and soul. Next thing you know, the guitar is back in its case and I’m straddling his lap. Of course I’m still up at dawn. Damn internal alarm clock won’t ever snooze.
I take a sip of espresso and turn to the guards. “We’re going shopping in Milan today. We’ll be taking a motorcycle.” I’m planning on riding behind Jackson.
“Ma’am, I wouldn’t advise that,” Viktor says. “For your safety, we’ll take you in the car.” He means the rented Mercedes with tinted windows. I’m forever riding in them.
“Jackson is an experienced rider. I’ll be safe with him. You may take the second bike if you’d like or meet us there in the car.”
Viktor frowns. “We’ll get back to you on the arrangements, ma’am.”
I head for the living room and take in the view of trees and rolling hills. It’s a little chilly to go out to the lake, so I shift over to the family room with its large window to admire the lake view from here. I haven’t heard from my family and I take that as a good sign. They’re giving me some space, something I never really needed or asked for before. I suppose once Jackson leaves, I’ll go home. It’ll be close to Christmas, and I’ve never missed a Christmas with my family. If I’d gone through with my marriage, I might never have had another Christmas back home. I wonder what Jackson does for Christmas. I push that thought away. I’m not going to invite him to spend it with me. Even if he has some feeling for me, if I just blurt out my feelings like I did with Adam, it could backfire and scare him off. Better to just enjoy what we have now and play it by ear.
I smile to myself. I’m learning to do that more now, playing it by ear. I practice guitar diligently, but I’m also letting my fingers play to see where it might lead. You know, that is a good way to live, letting myself play and seeing what happens. It’s much better than rigid rules and routines. And, so far, this new way of life has only brought good things, beautiful music and a wonderful time with Jackson.
A short while later, I head up to the master bedroom to see if Jackson’s ready yet. He’s dressed in a gray thermal shirt, black jeans, and black motorcycle boots, his hair a little damp from the shower. His gaze collides with mine, and I’m suddenly breathless. One look from those heated blue eyes is all it takes.
He stalks toward me, wrapping an arm around my waist and walking me backward until my back hits the wall. His head slowly lowers, his eyes smoldering, his lips curving into a slow sure smile. “I like you in these jeans.”
I stare at his mouth, stupid with lust. “My laundry returned today. I thought they would be better for the motorcycle ride than my dress.”
He slides a hand under my hair, cupping the back of my neck with a warm firm grip before his mouth crashes over mine, rough and demanding. I wrap my arms around his neck and return the kiss passionately. A moan escapes as he lifts my leg, grinding into me. Sparks of pleasure shoot through my core, radiating outward. I’m already wet, my body primed for all he makes me feel.
He pulls away suddenly and runs both hands through his hair, grumbling something to himself. Then he grabs his leather jacket from the back of a chair and pulls it on. “Let’s go.”
I follow him out to the hallway. “What’s wrong?”
He stops and half-growls, “What’s wrong is you’re too damn tempting all the fucking time.”
I hide my delight, fighting back a smile. “Maybe it’s you that’s too damn tempting all the fucking time.”
He brushes his thumb over my lower lip before pushing it into my mouth. I suck his finger, my gaze on his heated eyes. “Fuck,” he growls and pulls me back into the room, kicking the door shut and locking it.
We slam together in a furious frenzy, ripping our clothes off as we kiss and bite and suck. In a flash, he turns me, bending me forward and pushing my palms flat against the wall. His heat sears my back. The first thrust makes us both groan, and then it’s fast and hard and deep, a primal race toward the finish line. He’s urging me on, his gravelly voice in my ear, a torrent of filthy words that thrill me. His hand slips between my legs, his fingers driving me closer and closer to the edge. My vision dims, and I break violently, harsh cries ripped from my throat as I shudder under him. He’s right there with me, thrusting deep, his breath harsh in my ear. “Luv,” he says and lets go, pumping into me in hot spurts.
My head drops. Slowly, reality returns and, with it, two disturbing truths. That wasn’t love, it was just a luv.
And we forgot the condom.
Jackson
I forgot the fucking condom. Idiot. See, this is the power she has over me. I have never forgotten the condom, not even when I was flying high or pissed on too much whiskey. Always the condom. It’s Emma. She’s too much.
I rub the back of my neck. “Hey, don’t worry, I got a clean bill of health six months ago.” I finally got a physical after I dropped all my vices. I got the all clear and told myself I’d stay that way.
She lifts a shaky hand and smooths her hair. “I’m good too, so you don’t worry either.” She lets out a little laugh. “I’d better go wash up.” She grabs her clothes and rushes to the loo.
