Page 59 of Claimed By the Crown Prince

A sound of distress almost came out of her mouth. She had to put her hand up.

Before she could give in to the almost overwhelming temptation to touch him one last time, wake him with her body, Laia stole from the bed and went back to her own room.

She didn’t look back. She couldn’t. Because she knew that if she did she’d imprison them both here for ever, and that was a fantasy that could never come true.

CHAPTER TEN

WHENDAXWOKEthe next morning he wasn’t sure what had woken him. He only knew that he was alone in bed. And he didn’t like that.

Ironic after a lifetime of avoiding exactly that scenario.

Now he knew he wouldn’t rest easy unless Laia was by his side and in his sight.

The previous night came back to him. The moonlit walk to the beach...the glowing water...

Coming back here, making love again and again. With a desperation that—

He sat up. They had to leave today.

Dax was filled with a sense of urgency. He needed to see Laia.Now. To talk to her. To say...

Dammit.

He didn’t know what to say, but what he did know was that this couldn’t be it. He had to see her again. Keep seeing her. In spite of the reasons why he shouldn’t. Or couldn’t.

Maybe she was making breakfast. Dax pulled on a pair of sweats and went downstairs, but even before he reached the kitchen he had the uneasy sense that he was alone.

It was another glorious day in paradise. But it didn’t feel like paradise any more.

He saw a movement in his peripheral vision and a wave of relief went through him.

She hadn’t left yet. She was on the main terrace.

But as he walked out and saw her fully, his sense of urgency faded and turned to wariness.

She turned to face him, and something turned to dust inside him. This was Laia, but not the Laia he’d had in bed last night, or in the phosphorescent sea. This was the Laia he’d met in Monaco, and when he’d first arrived here.

She was wearing a smart cream linen trouser suit. Silk chemise. Hair pulled back. Discreet jewellery.

Princess Laia, Queen-in-waiting. Ready to go back out into the world.

He felt exposed. Still a little fuzzy from sleep and an overload of pleasure. Dressed only in sweats.

He folded his arms across his chest. Retreated behind a wall. ‘Going somewhere?’

For a second something flashed in her eyes, but then it was gone. ‘You knew we only had another twenty-four hours. We can’t leave together, in case we’re seen. Shamil is on his way in the boat to pick you up. You’ll be taken back to your hotel to get your things.’

She had it all worked out and organised.

Dax lifted his wrist and pretended to consult a non-existent watch. ‘By my reckoning there are at least another three hours.’

Did he sound desperate? He felt desperate. And angry. That she was so put-together and not looking as if she was aching for him. As he was for her, even though his body was still heavy from the pleasure of their lovemaking.

He couldn’t help saying, ‘So that’s it? You’ve had your secret passionate fling and now you’re ready to embark on phase two of your life?’

Her cheeks flushed but it gave him no satisfaction.

‘What else did you expect, Dax? Are you saying you want something more?’

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