Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers andpilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
But then, his lips finally touch mine in a whisper. Not constrained or tied down, but savoring, and I’m lost to him. The teachings of my childhood slip back to the dark recesses of my mind where they belong as I sink into the prince and his maddeningly tender kisses. I want him in whatever way he’ll have me, princess project or no. My body cries out for more.More!But before I can take what I so desire, he pulls away with a teasing grin.
“Let’s not mess up that gorgeous lipstick.” He taps a finger to my deep red lips.
“I can always reapply.”
He hisses. “Don’t tempt me, woman.” He takes my hand again and gives it a firm squeeze, leading me out of the sitting room and into a wide hall lined with open archways and carpeted in plush red. “Let me show you around a bit before the hyenas arrive.”
“You have so little opinion of the group of women that may contain your future wife?”
“I’ve met most of them before. Trust me, hyenas is putting it kindly.”
I do my best to stifle a most unkind snort.
