Page 20 of Claiming His Virgin Princess

ILSAWASMETat the airport by a stranger who escorted her to a limousine. He was friendly but it was an effort to respond to his conversation. She’d expected Noah.

Nerves hit and her stomach churned. Had she been right to come?

Maybe he’d changed his mind. Maybe he regretted his invitation.

But Noah would have told her.

Her bemusement grew as they drove away from the city, until the driver explained that she was to join the yacht. When they reached the sea it was almost dark. But there was a speedboat waiting for her and out on the darkening water a familiar graceful yacht.

Ilsa’s heart leapt even as her palms grew clammy, doubts surfacing.

But when she finally climbed aboard there was Noah, reaching for her, pulling her close so she felt his heat envelop her. His eyes were so bright and hungry that exultation rushed through her.

‘Ilsa, at last.’ His fingers meshed with hers. ‘I wanted to come to the airport but I didn’t want to draw attention to the fact we were together. I thought you’d prefer to keep that quiet as long as possible.’

That banished her flurry of nerves and she smiled.

‘Thank you. I hadn’t even thought of that.’

Her mind had been fogged thinking about him.

‘Come inside.’ He led her through into a familiar lounge. ‘If you’re not tired I thought we could have a drink and watch as we approach the city. It’s supposed to be spectacular.’

‘I’d like that.’

‘Good.’ He squeezed her hand then headed to the bar, leaving Ilsa disappointed that he hadn’t kissed her hello. She’d dreamed of his kisses and so much more.

‘Here you are.’

Noah handed her a tall glass and she laughed. ‘Cherry juice!’

‘Freshly made. The galley is well stocked with fresh fruit for you.’

She tilted her head to one side, surveying him. He was as vital and gorgeous as she recalled and she found it hard to catch her breath when he was close. But it was the laughter in his eyes and his obvious pleasure at her delight that made her pulse quicken.

‘That’s very considerate. Thank you.’

‘Don’t look so surprised.’

She shrugged. ‘Maybe I’m more used to people focused on whattheywant.’

He put down his glass and took her hand. ‘Believe me, Ilsa, I’mveryfocused on what I want.’ His voice dropped to an abrasive note that drew her skin tight in delicious anticipation.

‘Yet you haven’t even kissed me.’

Ilsa caught her breath. She hadn’t planned to say it but the words spilled out. Because she was frustrated by the distance he maintained while she hungered for more.

She could have initiated a kiss, but something prevented her. Lack of expertise. Or a shadow of doubt? The only other man who’d professed to want her had lied. He’d been more concerned with her status than her.

Noah squeezed her fingers then let go, shoving his hands into his pockets, leaving her dismayed.

‘Noah?’

Why the withdrawal? He’d looked at her as if he wanted to eat her up and his words had implied just that. But she didn’t have the experience or the confidence to be sure.

‘What do you want me to say, Ilsa?’

His gaze dropped to her mouth and she felt it like a graze, her lips tingling in response. Heat shuddered through her, that strange hollow feeling low in her body teasing her again.

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