Heroes Ever After Boxset: Books 1-3

by Alana Albertson

  I knocked on her door, and she opened it.

  She smiled when she saw me. No one ever smiled when they saw me. “Did you sleep well?”

  “No. But I feel better. What did you want to do today?”

  “I was thinking we could walk around town and see the Bayeux tapestry.”

  I loved that she was finally making plans and not just going along with what I wanted to do. “Let’s go.”

  I was eager to explore Bayeux, especially with Giselle as my company. We stopped for breakfast at a local café. Giselle ordered for us in perfect French. A few people seemed to stare at us, and I wondered if they recognized her, but no one said anything to her. Plus I hadn’t seen any more paparazzi.

  After a delicious breakfast, we walked to the museum.

  Giselle took my hand. “The Bayeux Tapestry shows the events up until the Norman conquest of England. It’s simply gorgeous.”

  I was in awe of the vast cloth which depicted epic battles. Swords, shields, and soldiers stitched in remembrance. To think this was the way these warriors’ lives were immortalized warmed my soul. It was truly a stunning piece of art.

  And I was grateful to see it with Giselle.

  We strolled through some more exhibits with Giselle narrating as we went.

  “How do you know so much about art?”

  “Oh. I studied it at college.”

  “Right. You went to the Sorbonne?”

  “Yes. It was glorious. J’adore Paris,” she said, sounding wistful.

  “I’ve never been.”

  Her eyes lit up. “Oh, we must go. The nightlife, the food, the museums; it’s my favorite city in the whole world.” She bit her lower lip once she realized what she’d said. “I mean, you must go. Someday.”

  Her words weighed on her. I wanted to go to Paris. When I’d originally planned this vacation, I figured I’d try to swing a quick stop after seeing Normandy. Now I wanted to go with her. But our time was running out.

  After our day date, Giselle went back to her room to freshen up. I ordered a bottle of champagne, flowers, some strawberries and chocolates, and a cheese tray and knocked on her door.

  She greeted me wearing a sexy dress.

  I was obsessed with her body. This was the longest I had ever been around a woman romantically and not slept with her.

  I was starting to see the problem with my past. I had always assumed that I was just a player. Keeping people away from me ensured that I didn’t get hurt.

  But, and I hated to admit it to myself, I actually enjoyed being around Giselle. I liked the way she asked how I was feeling. She had tried to do something nice for me with the tour, and I had a great time at the museum today.

  This was her last vacation before her marriage—I needed to do something great for her as well.

  She beamed. “Hey, handsome. You brought me flowers?”

  “Yeah. I wanted to thank you for today and yesterday. It was really nice of you to arrange the trip for me.”

  “Don’t mention it. It was nice of you to offer to be my bodyguard and not ditch me after you met my father.”

  “Well, it wasn’t completely altruistic.”

  She smirked. “Oh, really? Why is that?”

  “Because I’m crazy about you.”

  I put down everything I was carrying and pushed her against the wall. She didn’t resist and met me kiss for kiss, stroke for stroke. I felt the outline of her panties through her dress, and I was dying to rip them off and taste her pussy, but I held myself back.

  Why was I so drunk on her? Why this girl? Why now?

  Fuck. I pulled myself off her. “Sorry. I can’t resist you.”

  “Don’t apologize. I love kissing you.”

  But I wanted more.

  I brushed her hair out of her face. “Hey, why did you say we should go to Paris?”

  She shook her head. “Forget it. It was a slipup.”

  “Wait, now you don’t want to go with me?”

  “No, I do. It would still be fun. But . . .”

  I took her hand and gazed into her eyes. “But what? Tell me.”

  “This may seem silly, but I have always wanted to go to Paris with a boyfriend. I’ve never had a boyfriend and I know I’m engaged, and it’s weird and all, but I’d love to go to Paris with you. We could stroll along the Seine, dine at a romantic bistro, visit the Louvre, kiss at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Well, maybe not that since a ton of paparazzi are certain to be there. Still, I think we could have fun.” She looked at me shyly.

  Paris is for lovers.

  I didn’t even know where I’d heard that phrase, but it rang in my head.

  And maybe, if I took her to Paris, we would become lovers.

  At first, taking her virginity seemed like a sleazy goal, even to me. But now, there was more to it. I liked her . . . I cared about her.

  I wanted to know what it would be like to sleep with someone I had feelings for. Until this trip, I hadn’t even known that I was capable of having feelings for a woman; back in San Diego, I was deployed continuously. Even if I wanted to start a relationship with a girl, I never had the time.

  Well, I still didn’t have the time. We had less than a week together. I had to shoot my shot or I’d regret it.

  I grabbed her hand and pulled her closer. “Let’s go.”

  She bit her lip. “To Paris? Now?”

  I leaned in and kissed her again. This time more intimately, slower, lovingly. My cock was so hard it was painful. I needed her.

  “Tomorrow morning. With me. Let’s go fall in love.”

  Giselle

  PARIS! I COULDN’T BELIEVE RYAN was taking me to Paris. This was my dream come true. How did I get so lucky?

  Getting mugged was a blessing, not a curse.

  I booked a romantic hotel in the heart of Paris. Ryan had wanted to find a bed-and-breakfast, but he quickly relented when I emphasized the need for extra security in Paris. I found his Achilles’ heel quite useful.

  Next was to call my father and inform him I would be heading to Paris. He seemed slightly annoyed but didn’t say anything else. I assured him that Ryan was behaving like a perfect gentleman, and we would be getting two rooms, all of which was true.

  The next morning, Ryan insisted on renting a car and driving to Paris. I would’ve preferred to take a limo, but I wasn’t going to argue.

  After a quick stop for lunch, we finally arrived in Paris and checked in.

  “So, where do you want to go first?” I’d been here plenty of times before, so I wanted Ryan to take the lead. This was his vacation, after all.

  “I’ve made a reservation at a restaurant with Eiffel Tower views. I hope it’s up to your standards.”

  Ah, he was so adorable. “You don’t have to impress me, Ryan. I’m just happy that I’m here with you.” He smiled and leaned close for a kiss. It was just starting to get good when he pulled away.

  “Babe, I need to run an errand. I’ll be right back. Don’t leave this room or open the door under any circumstances.”

  Again with the paranoia. “I’m fine. Why are you so convinced I’m in danger? No one knows I’m here.”

  “Don’t start with me. Kim Kardashian was robbed in Paris, and she’s just a reality TV star. You’re a princess. And you were mugged. Just listen to me. Please. I’ll just be downstairs.”

  “Fine. I will stay put.” I had to trust he had a good reason for all of this. He kissed me again. “Lock the door behind me.”

  “Yes, bodyguard.”

  And now I was alone. Time to get ready for my date.

  I spent some time picking out an outfit—a sexy dress and high heels. I laid it out on the bed and decided to bathe.

  I drew myself a bath and added some bubbles. Before I stepped into the hot water, I looked at my naked body in the mirror. My entire life, I had been self-conscious; my thighs were too big, my tummy wasn’t flat. But for the first time, I felt not just beautiful but sexy. Ryan couldn’t keep his hands off of me, and he was gor
geous. It didn’t seem to be an act, either. He truly wanted me.

  Maybe I should lose my virginity to him.

  I slipped into the bubbles and allowed my mind to roam. Ryan’s words rang in my head. Why did Miguel get to have all the fun? Why couldn’t I enjoy and explore my sexuality?

  I soaped myself up and pictured Ryan. A raw pang filled my belly. I wanted him. He wanted me. Why didn’t I go for it? No regrets. Just enjoy myself for the little time we had left together.

  I rubbed my nipples and began to feel a throbbing between my legs.

  Then I heard a knock on the door.

  “Babe, open up.”

  I knew what I should do: hop out of the tub, dry myself off quickly, throw on some clothes, and answer the door.

  But I didn’t want to.

  I climbed out of the bath and raced to the door, naked. I peeked through the peephole to make sure it was Ryan.

  It was.

  “Babe, are you there?”

  You can do this, Giselle. There is nothing wrong with wanting him. Miguel doesn’t deserve your virginity.

  I took a deep breath—and opened the door.

  Ryan’s jaw dropped, and his eyes bulged as he took in my naked body.

  Ryan stunned me as well.

  He was wearing a designer suit and carrying red roses.

  One look at me and he dropped the roses, slammed the door shut, and carried me to the bedroom. “Are you playing with me, Princess?”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m not. I want you.”

  And I meant it.

  He pushed the clothes I had laid out earlier off the bed and quickly undressed but left on his boxer briefs.

  “You looked so sexy in the suit,” I said and pouted.

  “Fuck the suit,” he said in a low growl.

  “Don’t we have dinner reservations?”

  “We can be late. I’ll eat you instead.”

  Ryan’s lips touched mine, and I sucked in a breath. He bit my bottom lip. This one kiss could last me a lifetime of loneliness. It was the type of kiss that writers in this very city wrote novels about. But this kiss wasn’t fictional; Ryan was here. And he was mine. For now.

  His hand moved to cup my breast. My naked skin tingled with pleasure. How could someone from the other side of the world know how to make my body feel so good?

  I gasped as he rubbed his thumb over my nipple. My body was on fire, and the throbbing between my legs grew deeper. I was desperate to feel him inside of me.

  His tongue quickly replaced his thumb. I moaned as he kissed and sucked on my tits.

  “Oh, Ryan!”

  His hand slipped down between my legs, softly caressing me. No one had ever touched me there, and the strength of his hand sent shivers through me.

  His eyes met mine with a devilish grin as he kissed his way down my body.

  Nerves rattled inside me. I tried to pull his head up. “Ryan, I’ve never done that.”

  “I know. It’s okay. Do you want me to stop?”

  “No, I’m just nervous. I may not like it.”

  He laughed. “Oh, you’ll like it, baby.” He spread my legs wide. “You have the most beautiful pussy.”

  Hearing his words made me feel so dirty, but in a good way.

  I shouldn’t be doing this. I should stop.

  He licked me slowly down my center, and the foreign sensation drove me wild. He made small strokes with his tongue as he settled between my thighs, and I arched my back in ecstasy. I stared at him pleasuring me, and the sight sent me to heaven. I closed my eyes and gave myself over to the moment. This was nothing like I thought it would be. I feared I would hate it, or it would be awkward, but it was nothing like that. In a word, it was absolute bliss.

  His tongue felt incredible. Pleasure built inside me. I felt like my legs would give out.

  “Do you like it, Princess? Do you like it when I lick your pussy?”

  I nodded.

  “Say it, Princess. Or I’ll stop. Tell me what you like.”

  “Don’t stop! I love it.”

  His mouth covered me, and he licked and sucked some more. I couldn’t possibly have ever imagined anything feeling as good as Ryan’s mouth felt on me. My breath quickened, and I felt like I was going to explode.

  I looked down, and Ryan was lapping me up. Just seeing this gorgeous man pleasing me sent me over the edge.

  “Oh my God, Ryan. Yes!”

  A rush of euphoria covered me as I came, pure joy filling my body.

  Ryan pulled himself up to kiss me on the forehead. “How do you feel?”

  “Incredible.” I paused and stared at his hard erection through his boxer briefs. I still hadn’t seen him naked. “Can I do something to make you feel good?”

  He shook his head. “I feel great.”

  I looked at him, perplexed. “I can try to suck on you. I’m sure I’ll be bad.”

  “That’s not even possible, babe. I’d love to, but not tonight.”

  Hmm. “Okay.” I climbed on his lap, rubbing myself on him. “Make love to me.”

  He exhaled. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  His rejection stung. “Wait, you don’t want to have sex with me?”

  He stroked my hair. “I do, babe. More than anything. But I don’t think we should.”

  I frowned. “Why? What we just did was pretty intimate.”

  “Save something for your husband. Once you sleep with me, you’ll never want another guy. I don’t want to ruin you.” He grinned.

  I hit him with a pillow. “You’re impossible. Let’s just have sex!”

  “No.”

  What? “Why? I thought you wanted me.”

  “I do. I just . . . I just think it’s a bad idea.”

  I couldn’t let this go. “Why? You clearly have had sex with many women. Why won’t you sleep with me?”

  He looked at me, a sad expression on his face. “Because I actually like you. And I think you’ll regret it. I admit, I initially wanted to seduce you and bounce, but I’m trying to do the right thing here.”

  I didn’t even know how to respond to that. But my heart broke.

  What was I doing with this wounded man? He seemed so strong and tough on the outside, but inside, he was sad and alone. He was developing feelings for me, and I was just using him for some prewedding fling.

  I was just the worst person.

  “Are you sure? I want to, Ryan.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure. Let’s get ready for dinner.”

  He grabbed his clothes and walked into the bathroom.

  A wave of guilt washed over me, not just for getting intimate with Ryan, but for playing with his emotions.

  I ached for him. I wanted him to feel as good as he’d just made me feel.

  And I knew that no matter what, I would miss him when he was gone.

  Ryan

  WE HAD A ROMANTIC DINNER, but my mind was elsewhere. What was wrong with me? Giselle asked me to blow me, hell, to take her virginity—and I had turned her down.

  Why? I loved sex; it was my favorite vice. I’d always been down to sleep with women without a second thought. Wham, bam, thank you, ma’am. Why was I stressing about this one chick?

  Why had I said no? I was losing my game.

  But I did know. I’d even told her. Feelings. I was having feelings for her. I never had feelings; I had closed that part of my heart off years ago.

  Ever since my mom OD’d, I’d been hesitant to trust people. The few times I briefly let anyone in other than my Teammates, I’d been destroyed. Never again.

  The next day we woke early and had a long day of sightseeing. Giselle covered her hair with a scarf to avoid being recognized. She took me to the Louvre, where we saw the Mona Lisa. My mind was utterly blown that I was actually going to museums in Paris with a princess. I would’ve never in my wildest imagination thought that this would be my life right now.

  After another intimate dinner where we dined on coq au vin and sipped a magnificent merlot, Giselle and I
strolled along the Seine River.

  The view of the Eiffel Tower after sunset was spectacular.

  I cupped her face and kissed her under the moonlight. “I’m crazy about you.”

  I was truly happy for once in my life. Even if we only had one night left together.

  Was this what my buddies talked about when they wouldn’t shut up about their wives? And if I was really falling for her, why did she have to be taken?

  I held her hand as we walked down the gaslight-illuminated street. We approached a corner, and Giselle stopped cold.

  I looked up and saw a dimly lit man with his arms around two women wearing tight dresses and fuck-me heels. Giselle looked like she was about to cry.

  “What’s wrong, babe?”

  “That’s . . . that’s Miguel.”

  Oh, hell no.

  Miguel noticed us looking at him and whispered something to the women. They nodded in unison and moved away from him.

  Giselle stepped forward and shed my arm.

  Got it. I was the help.

  “Giselle, darling.” He walked over to her and kissed her on the cheek.

  Rage seethed inside of me. His designer purple suit and shiny black shoes clung to his scrawny body. I wanted to throw him into the river.

  “Ladies, this is my fiancée, Princess Giselle. Giselle, these are my ‘friends.’”

  The brunette bounced over to Giselle. “Oh, hi! We’ve heard so much about you. I love Santa Cariña. Miguel said he’ll be running the casinos. I can’t wait to come visit. I’ve never been friends with a princess before.”

  What a mindfuck. What planet did these people live on? I felt like I was on some fucked-up version of the Royal Bachelor. I’d rather be fighting ISIS.

  “Hello, Miguel. This is Ryan. He’s my . . . bodyguard.”

  Knife. Heart.

  But that’s all I was. Her hired hand. I knew my role: be her bodyguard, protect her, take her to dinner, make her come.

  Then walk away.

  Maybe it was the red wine, or maybe it was just because I was a hellion and looking for a fight, but I couldn’t hold my tongue.

  “Well, since you two lovebirds are engaged and all, we should just leave you alone to celebrate your engagement. I can call your ‘friends’ a cab. Hey, Princess, maybe you and your fiancé can spend the night together in your suite.”