Earlier this year, I was in New York, bored with mylife, making resolutions about going with the flow. Now I’m in bed with a prince who just told me I was his queen. Life is weird, but oh-so beautiful.
“Do you think we’ll be able to be together?” I ask.
“Without a single fucking doubt,” he says, running his fingers through my hair. “Maybe it’s because I’m the crown prince or spoiled—call it whatever you want—but I always get my way, Addison.”
“Are you sure?” I meet his eyes.
“Positive. Otherwise, I’ll burn the world down. My parents know there is a part of me that takes too many risks. That part of me scares them. I will use it if I have to. In the end, it’s us, together,” he says matter-of-factly, and there’s no arrogance in it. It’s certainty and faith.
A soft smile touches my lips, and I want to believe him. I want to believe that love is enough to overcome centuries of tradition, royal obligation, and a council of old men who think they get to decide who he spends his life with. My heart tells me that we’re different, special, and wanting each otherthisbadly means something. Against all logic, against everything I know about how the world works, I choose to believe that this man will find a way to keep me.
An hour later, we wake up, realizing we fell asleep in each other’s arms. Immediately, we start kissing again. Neither of us is able to get enough of this. When he’s hard, I climb on top of him, taking every thick inch inside me. This time, it’s more intense. I ride him with my hands on his chest, watching his face, watching how he watches me. The friction of him gripping my hips and me rocking against him is too much. I come again, and he follows soon after, spilling into me without hesitation.
I topple onto him, and he holds me in his arms.
My mouth is close to his ear as I try to find air.
“Stay with me tonight,” I whisper, not wanting this to end.
“I wasn’t planning on leaving, Addy.” He holds me against him. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”
Whatever happens next, whatever impossible obstacles we have to face, I know one thing for certain: I’m his, and he’s mine.
I won’t give him up without a fight.
18
LOUIS
Iwake up with Addison’s hair in my face and her body pressed against mine. This is the only way I want to start every day from here on out.
She’s still asleep, her breath even, with one hand curled against my chest. The early morning light catches the curve of her shoulder, and I trace my fingers down her arm. She stirs, but doesn’t wake, so I let myself have this moment of watching her, existing with her before the world outside gets too loud.
I stayed the whole night, which is also a first for me. Usually, I’m out the door within the hour because bodyguards follow me everywhere I go outside the palace, unless I sneak away. But they somehow always find me.
My phone vibrates on the nightstand, and I grab it.
Delphine
Mother is searching for you. Something about morning tea? She’s asking too many questions.
I text back with one hand while Addison mumbles something unintelligible and scoots closer to me.
Louis
Iwent for a run.
Delphine
Oh, so you started running again. Are you sure you want to put that on your schedule going forward?
Louis
Then tell her I’m currently at the chapel, asking the Lord about who I should marry.
Delphine
HA-HA-HA! She’ll NEVER believe that. Also, you’re going to hell for that.
