Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91049 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 455(@200wpm)___ 364(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
“Europe?” Ms. Randell says, her voice peaking with interest and dare I say excitement.
“Yes, I… wait. I don’t know where exactly I’m going. I just know it’s Europe,” Cinder says with apprehension in her voice.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve given you more details,” I say and stand to walk over to the door.
“Oh, my. I left the water going for tea. I’ll see you when you get back, dear. You call me if you need anything,” Ms. Randell says in a rush.
By the time I get to the door, I only catch the back of a little woman with gray hair. I furrow my brows. When Cinder closes the door and looks up at me, her expression mirrors mine.
“What was that about?”
“I’m not sure. That’s the fastest she’s ever run off. Usually I have to hint that I’m exhausted before she leaves.” She shrugs. “Well, I think I’m ready. I have all my things packed.”
I wrap an arm around her waist and tug her into me. I’ve been dying to kiss her again. I search her eyes before lowering my head to capture her lips.
All else goes forgotten as I deepen the kiss. Her small moans wrap around me and draw me in. I have a mind to lift her and carry her to her bedroom.
However, when I take her to bed, I want time to savor her. We don’t have time for that at the moment. We have a plane waiting for us.
Yet I don’t rush to break the kiss. I take my fill of her as she shoves her fingers into my hair and tugs. I glide my hands down to her ass and palm her full curves.
She whimpers into my mouth. I swallow the sound, drawing her body into mine. I can’t get her close enough and I can’t kiss her deep enough. The more I take, the more I want.
I don’t pull away from the connection until her small hands push at my chest. I press my forehead to hers and catch my breath. She clings to the lapels of my suit jacket.
“Princeton… I’m not sure what you think we’re doing, but I’m not the type to just throw myself at anyone. I’m not going to jump in your bed. You’re a crowned prince. I’m not a fool.
“You could never do more than sleep with me and move on. I have enough going on in my life. I’m not trying to complicate it any further,” she says softly.
I’m amused by her words. I should have known she did her homework to find out who my family truly is. We go by Blake in the States, but we are the royal family of Verlez.
I lift her chin until her eyes meet mine. “You have no idea what you’re talking about, so I’ll excuse your words. You’re mine. I dare anyone to tell me otherwise.”
A gasp leaves her lips. I peck them, then her nose and smile. She has a lot to learn and I plan to teach her.
I spot the crown she wore to the ball on the coffee table. “You should bring that along,” I say and nod at it.
“What?”
I peck her lips again. “Humor me. Bring it along.”
CHAPTER 7
Kingdom of Verlez
Cinder
I truly don’t know what I was expecting. However, this isn’t it. This place is beyond breathtaking. I thought the castle back in New York for the ball was something.
Princeton’s palace is twice the size and three times as grand. This is what fairy tales talk about. It dawns on me that I’m in the presence of royalty. Not snobby socialites and entitled rich folks. Royalty.
“You know, when the file for your event landed on my desk and I did the research, it took a while for me to grasp the fact that you’re a prince. It’s only the second time I’ve gotten to plan a royal party,” I say sheepishly.
“You do know I never meant to deceive you? We prefer not to use our titles when in the States.”
“I respect my clients’ privacy. Honestly, if I were royalty, I don’t think I’d want to be made a fuss over either. It seems a little pretentious,” I say the words and blush when I realize I said them out loud.
Princeton snickers. His mother grins at me. Her eyes dance with mirth, but in a regal fashion she holds the laughter in.
“It comes with its pros and cons, love. I’m sure you would make a fine queen. There’s nothing pretentious about you,” she says with amazement clear in her voice. “I’m off to my chambers. You two get some rest.”
Princeton kisses her on the cheek. “We still have a conversation to have,” he murmurs to her.
“Yes, dear. I know we do. You just take care of the gift you’ve been given,” she says and pats his cheek.
I observe the two with curiosity. Something about the smile on her lips reads of mischief. Princeton looks frustrated, but he says nothing more.