Page 6 of Princely Agreement

“Prince,” I say, not really thinking about the words coming out of my mouth as I memorize the curve of her full lips.

One hand slips around her waist as the other holds her, and we begin to dance. The library is almost as large as the dance floor, and with it being only the two of us I can easily move her where I want her to go.

“I’m not supposed to be in here,” she whispers to me like we’re sharing secrets. The thought makes my heart beat faster, and I wonder how many secrets I can get her to confess.

“Neither am I,” I agree, and when she smiles, I feel my body temperature rise like I’m standing in front of the sun.

She closes her eyes and begins to hum the same song as before while I lead us around the room. The more we dance, the closer I hold her, and pretty soon her feet are no longer touching the ground.

“Is this real?” she finally asks when I stop moving and look into her eyes. She’s flushed from singing or spinning or just being in my arms, but her hands move to my shoulders, and I feel her fingertips on the nape of my neck.

“If it’s a dream, don’t wake me,” I admit before I bend down and press my lips to hers.

Chapter Five

ELLA

I’m having a hard time believing this is actually happening. It’s too magical to be real. A lot of this day has been like something out of a dream, but when his lips touch mine, my body comes alive in a way I’ve never experienced before. It has to be real. A dream isn’t even this good.

He holds me close, my feet still off the floor. He easily picked me up in his big arms, making me feel small and dainty in his hold. His mouth brushes softly against mine, and all I can do is melt against his touch.

When he first walked in, I was taken aback by the size of him. I caught a glimpse of him across the room earlier, but it’s not like I could have missed him with how tall he was. I could also tell that he was someone important. It was the way people moved around him that made me wonder who he was, but I couldn’t bring myself to approach him. I’d been trying to stay under the radar and not draw attention to myself.

I felt awkward not knowing anyone at the party, and it was intimidating with everyone dressed up and the women being so beautiful. I wanted to shine and have my night, but I quickly realized I’m not used to being in large groups. My stepbrothers have kept me locked away for so long that it was overwhelming. And when I tried to blend in, it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I noticed a few men openly staring at me, and when one finally approached to ask my name I hesitated.

Part of me was afraid to give my real name, but then I was silent for so long, people started giving me strange looks. Someone asked if I could hear, and I wanted to die. What a fool I’d made of myself.

Flustered, I blurted out a random name before I turned to make an escape. I’d already embarrassed myself, so I couldn’t make it worse. Well, maybe if I’d stayed.

I went straight for the library, which was another place I didn’t belong. Matthew and Jace didn’t outright forbid me from coming in here, but every time I did, one of them would show up. Matthew would say he needed the room or Jace would come and be creepy. I know they did it to get under my skin, and it worked. Each day, their antics have increased, and now they’re starting to get angrier.

“Kiss me back, beautiful,” Prince says against my mouth, making me forget about them. They aren’t going to ruin this moment. My first kiss.

Wrapping my arms around his neck tighter, I kiss him back. Prince isn’t like anyone I’ve ever met, and he doesn’t make me feel awkward and out of place. He’s also easily the hottest man at the party.

When he walked into the library and his eyes locked with mine, warmth bloomed inside of me. I should have been scared because he could have done anything to me. The idea makes the pulse between my legs ache, and I kind of want him to.

We’re alone in a room together, with everyone else down the long hallway. There’s music and laughter all around them so they won’t hear.

When he held his hand out to me, without a thought I took it and let Prince pull me into his arms. For such a big man, somehow he’s gentle yet firm. I get the feeling he doesn’t want to let me go. It’s a sweet, sexy mixture that has me dizzy with desire.

Prince runs his tongue across my lips, and I part them, wanting to taste him. He does it the second I open, and now his kiss is needier. His mouth presses harder against mine, and I do the same to follow his lead. God, I hope I’m doing this right.

When he lets out a groan, it answers my unspoken question.

“Fuck, you taste good,” he says, and I whimper at his words.

I need to be closer to him, but the dress I loved hours ago is now in my way. Once again, I swear the man is in my head because he carries me over to one of the big chaise lounges and lays me down across it. He keeps his mouth on mine even as he pushes the material of my dress higher.

“Prince.” I whisper his name.

He freezes, then slowly his eyes close as he takes a few deep breaths. “Do you want me to stop?” It’s like he has to force the question out, and it only makes me want him more. Am I really testing this man's control?

“No, I don’t want you to stop.” I pull at his tie and start to undo the buttons of his shirt. He makes me bold, and suddenly all of my sheepish inhibitions fall away. The way he greedily keeps touching me makes me want him just as badly.

He watches my actions for only a second, and then the next thing I know, Prince has my dress pushed all the way as he tears away my panties. I don’t even have time to be embarrassed about the simple cotton underwear that doesn’t go with my dress.

He moves with urgency between my legs, forcing me to spread to accommodate the width of his body. Then a low groan comes from him when his warm hand rubs against me.

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