The Dark Prince (The Dark Prince Trilogy #1)

by Autumn Winchester

  “You have changed him, too. I can see the difference in him,” Zinna went on, knowing that Summer was doubting what she was saying, but it wouldn’t do any good to try to tell her otherwise. She doubted herself and that Chase could have feelings for her because of where she came from. Zinna had gone through the same feeling about Ryder. What Summer needed was time to come to terms on it herself. And she would in time.

  “He was always the one that kept to himself and would never do business at home. He was hardly at home to begin with. But since you have come here, he hardly wants to leave wherever you are,” she ended with a knowing look as Clare joined them again.

  “It’s not much,” Clare said, blushing as she handed the drawing pad to Zinna, who opened it, flipping through the pages.

  “These are really good,” Zinna said, truly impressed.

  Summer knew there was a few drawings of the rooms Clare had been forced to live in, along with Chase, Summer, and even Zinna and Ryder. Clare had amazing talent, and they were just quick sketches from memory without much thought having to be put into them.

  “This one is my favorite,” Zinna said. It was a picture of Chase holding Summer from behind, his head against hers as she held herself together. It spoke volumes to how everyone saw the Prince and Princess, when they showed their true feelings. This drawing held so much raw, unsaid, emotion.

  Summer looked over the newest picture, and tears gathered in her eyes. Was that how everyone saw her when the she was able to be herself? Or was she not holding up the walls as well as she thought?

  “I saw Chase and Summer one day in the kitchen. I couldn’t see their faces since they were facing the sink, but it just felt right to draw it like that,” Clare explained, her voice quiet. “That was one of the days that Summer was in a lot of thought, I think.”

  “It’s amazing. Has Chase seen this?” Zinna asked.

  “No,” Clare laughed. “I’d prefer him not to yet. He’d try to talk me into taking art classes.”

  “That he would,” Zinna agreed. “But he would be more than happy to let you, too.”

  “Maybe later. I have enough on my plate,” Clare replied with a shy smile.

  “Ok, something happier now,” Zinna said, changing the subject and bouncing in place slightly. “Make-up time. Summer first!”

  “I’m okay,” Summer said, eyes wide. She wasn’t a fan of make-up and could live without the full experience.

  “Non-sense,” Zinna said, moving to sit on the coffee table in front of Summer. “Now close your eyes so I can make you shine!”

  Summer did just that, giving in. She told herself that it washed off. Zinna was gentle, brushing different things against her face. Eye shadow, some blush, and made Summer’s eyes pop more. Not much, of course, since Summer wasn’t the type to like much done with anything about herself. But it would be more than enough to draw Chase’s attention to her.

  When Zinna was pleased with her work, she moved on to Clare, who happily complied. They had done this during the time that the younger girl stayed a few nights at Zinna’s house.

  “So, Summer, did you see any shows when you were in Vegas?” Zinna asked as she finished with Clare.

  “No,” Summer answered with a shake of her head. Zinna refused to let the girl look at her face, so she leaned back against the couch, watching the two giggle over something.

  “Darn. Next time, you should see Thunder Down Under,” Zinna said with a sweet knowing smile.

  “What’s that?” Clare asked, head tilted to the side.

  “A show,” Zinna laughed. “Firefighters, well I don’t think they are real ones, but the men are dressed up as such. They dance to music and strip. It’s like the best adult strip club ever!”

  “Uh, no thanks,” Summer said with a deep red blush. She couldn’t even keep her embarrassment down when seeing Chase half clothed. There was no way that she would be able to sit and watch a group of men naked and dancing.

  Nope. No way as she blushed deeper.

  “You may like it,” Zinna said with a laugh. “It’s not that bad at all. The lights in the audience are shut off, so no one would see you blush as red as a tomato.”

  “Still pass,” Summer said with a smile. It did sound a little appealing, even amusing, but it was not something she’d ever do willingly. She’d much prefer to be at home reading a book, or just spending time with Chase.

  Chase and Ryder exited the office area at the right time, catching Zinna laughing in amusement with Summer blushing and Clare trying to hold her giggles in.

  “What did you do to my girl, Zinna?” Chase asked as he took in how she looked. She looked happy, a small light still in her eyes. He also took notice that she had makeup on, and looked wonderful. Her eyes were lined in dark colored liner, drawing more attention to the depth of them.

  “Oh, nothing,” she laughed out.

  Chase walked around the couch, kneeling down in front of Summer. He gently took her hands in his, giving her a huge lopsided smile. She looked back at him, shocked and feeling out of sorts as his small lustful look.

  “You look amazing, my Princess,” Chase whispered out to her, as he watched her blush deeper red. He even kissed the top of her hand that he took a hold of.

  How red can she get? Chase thought to himself in amusement. Slowly, to give her time to push him away if she wanted, Chase leaned in and met her lips in a small, tender kiss. His lips just barely brushed against hers before he pulled back. He saw the disappointment in her eyes that the kiss was short, but he didn’t want to push his luck.

  Summer was speechless. She felt wanted by this man, and she liked the feeling. And she had been wanting to kiss him for days, more so since the kiss in the elevator. She gave him a small, shy smile as she ducked her head. She felt pretty now that he told her so. She was confused to why he never tried anything in bed like most men, as they slept together every night. Every time she felt wanted, but then the small insecurities pushed their way in.

  Would things ever get easier? Why did Chase always have to knock a brick down when she would get an entire wall put up, protecting herself from the hurt that she was sure would come in time?

  Chapter 26

  On Friday, Summer was able to finish her second test within an hour, much shorter than the five-hour window that she had. She took a deep breath after pushing that submit button, feeling accomplished. She still had hours to spare before Asher showed up and Chase was shut away once again. She knew that soon, he wouldn’t be so busy, although she didn’t know what to think about that.

  On one hand, Summer enjoyed their nightly talks, as Chase made sure he made time for his wife, showing her that he could be there for her in her time of need, no matter what. She came first, always. Then on the other hand, Summer wasn’t sure what to do with her growing feelings and wasn’t sure what to make of his attention towards her. He hadn’t touched her once to indicate he wanted more from her. But it was obvious that Chase adored her. Maybe even loved her.

  Of course Chase loved her. He told her that once or twice, but knew not to say it again with words, but with actions. He didn’t want to frighten her away. It didn’t help that he couldn’t keep his hands off of her the day after her small make over. She was so just beautiful. Zinna certainly knew what she was doing, and Chase almost wished he’d have asked her to help Summer the day of the small wedding instead of Valerie. It may have been a better choice all around, actually. But Trent was the only one with a license to marry them.

  Her dosage of her meds was reduced that day, due to Kayla’s insistence, to begin weaning her from it. The mother figure wanted Summer to see how she could deal with life like a normal person, since things were calming down for the most part. There was no better time like the present. Since Summer took the meds at dinner time, she couldn’t yet tell the difference. But for once, she wasn’t concerned like she thought she should be.

  Chase had told her about the trip into downtown for Monday evening at some hotel that she hadn’t caug
ht the name of, and that Asher would be tagging along. She was looking forward to it, but not sure why she’d go with him when it wasn’t that far away.

  Zinna had commented yesterday about doing a reception. The small girl, although big in her ideas, was positive that Chase and Summer would be together for years to come and the world needed to know it.

  Summer wasn’t so sure about it. She didn’t want a party, and hoped that with Chase’s insistence alone would get them out of having to attend one. She couldn't help but like Zinna, but that girl was a whirlwind when she latched on to something. She didn't like taking ‘no’ for an answer. Summer wondered if she would ever feel as secure as the other girl did. She wasn’t so sure she ever could.

  After shutting the computer down, and letting Clare, who was deep in concentration with headphones in her ears, finish her own work, Summer made her way to the bathroom in her bedroom she shared with her husband. Deciding that a shower sounded like a good idea to waste some time.

  It was strange calling it her room now. Summer was so used to not having a room, or even a place of her own. Let alone things that were for just herself and she didn’t have to share. It was still so new. Everything that Chase offered her was. Walking into the bedroom, Summer wasn’t paying attention to her surroundings, since she was now used to not having to look over her shoulder. She still did when there were strange men in the house, but none of them were allowed upstairs, so she didn’t have to worry or be stressed out.

  So when she happened to look up as she headed towards the closet to grab some clothes, she saw a very good looking, naked man walk out of the bathroom. Chase didn’t notice her as he had a towel over his head, trying to dry any water he could. He was still in need of a haircut.

  She froze, her mouth forming a small ‘O’ of surprise as she gazed over his body. This was the first time she saw him naked, and in daylight at that. Her eyes slowly made their way over his toned body.

  She knew he worked out, as he got up early most mornings to do just that, either running up and down the driveway, or lifting a few weights in the garage. But what caught her attention was the Marcel family crest she knew well by know, as most of the items in the house had it in some form. And also the newest necklace that he had given her on Monday.

  The crest was tattooed around his right rib, blending in with his scar that Summer was able to just barely see. If someone didn’t know about the scar, they wouldn’t be able to see it as clear as she could. But it fit him perfectly covering the scar in the right places. He had gotten the scar from a knife wound years ago. Summer didn’t want to pry on why he got it, and Chase never volunteered any information either.

  Summer knew, only because Trent had commented on it a week ago, that Chase got the scar by defending himself from a boy years ago. Chase was protecting his mother from a snatch and run on the sidewalk. Of course, her husband dismissed it being something big and daring, saying it was the right thing to do. His mother could have been killed, stabbed to death, right there if Chase hadn’t have stopped the drugged up boy looking for money for another needle of meth.

  Looking down farther, her wide blue eyes were met with the package her husband carried. She knew his cock was decent sized, it had brought her enough pleasure months ago, but she hadn't really realized just how well-endowed he was. She gulped, alerting Chase to her presence. He dropped the towel from his head to the floor, a smirk in place as his wife looked at him, not blinking.

  Teasing her, he brought his left hand to his balls, slightly scratching them as his cock began to stir. Quickly, Summer’s eyes shut as she shook her head, her cheeks reddening. She was embarrassed at being caught, but was more shocked that she liked what she saw. And her lower belly grew with butterflies. She fled to the bathroom as fast as her legs could carry her, closing the door rougher than she intended as Chase’s full out belly laugh followed her. He knew exactly what she was thinking.

  He shouldn't have done it, but couldn't help himself when he caught her staring at his cock. He was a gentleman for the most part, but he was a man after all. He had just gotten back from his run and wanted to get cleaned up before Asher arrived in a few hours. He hadn't expected Summer to be in the bedroom when he came out, as she had been busy taking her test when he got back. He wondered how she would have reacted if she had known he had masturbated in the shower, cumming hard from a vision of her naked on her knees, sucking him off. Although he had come hard, his cock stirred back to life as Summer had clearly checked him out.

  After dressing in sweatpants and a form fitting t-shirt, Chase made his way downstairs to start a late breakfast. He knew that neither of the girls had eaten yet, wanting to get their schoolwork done and out of the way. He was truly proud of both of them for taking it seriously and getting what needed done in a timely manner. It gave him a piece of mind that they could make it out in the world when the time came, if they needed to.

  By the time that the food was cooked and set on the table, Summer was making her way down the stairs. Her hair was still wet, but she had on yoga pants and an oversized sweatshirt. She didn’t think they would be going anywhere that day. Chase loved how she seemed to love to wear his sweatshirts all the time. The fact they were so big on her not bothering her at all.

  It took her awhile to get her thoughts and emotions back under control. She was warm all over after shutting herself in the bathroom, taking a longer, cooler shower. She took time to shave her legs and armpits. She washed her hair thoroughly and let the conditioner sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out. She had stalled as long as she felt she could get by with.

  She could remember parts of her wedding night so clear once more and she wanted to feel like that again. She wanted to feel adored, cherished, and loved all at once. Summer wanted to feel such release like she had that one time, knowing that Chase would be the only one ever to make her feel like that. Summer wanted to ask him to show her, to help her with that, but there was no possible way she could. Not while sober, at least. And there was absolutely no way she would touch another drop of alcohol.

  She had thought she had her reactions and wants settled, packed away and sealed, until she entered the kitchen. Seeing Chase setting the table with the cooked food made her mind return to his naked form earlier. Everything came out to the surface quickly. Her face flaming as she remembered how much she enjoyed looking at his body.

  “Hey,” Chase said with a lopsided smile her way. “Clare will be down soon. She wanted to finish something up before she lost her train of thought.”

  Without a word, Summer took a seat, trying to look anywhere but at her husband. It was amazing that just almost three months ago, Summer wanted nothing to do with him, and now she was craving things she never thought she’d want.

  “Help yourself,” Chase said, taking his own seat after getting his mug of coffee.

  Summer slowly helped herself to the French Toast, knowing that it would be cooked perfectly. Chase knew how to cook well, and she enjoyed the times that he did make something.

  “You seem flushed, honey,” Chase stated, still seeing the redness to Summer’s face. Her eyes were wide with want, a need almost. He knew what she needed, but did she?

  “I’m fine,” she mumbled, looking at her food and stuffing a bite into her mouth. She clenched her thighs together, trying to mentally make a list of things that needed done to keep her mind off of other things that she didn't think should matter to her.

  “If you say so,” Chase said, knowingly, but allowing her lie. She’d tell him in due time in some way or another. He took another bite, watching his wife who was clearly aroused. It was mildly entertaining, but he was able to keep his thoughts, and his own desire, down for the time being.

  “Did you sleep well last night?” he asked, hoping to calm her before she ran off again.

  “Yes,” Summer answered after swallowing. She had woken up early, finding herself tangled around Chase as he laid on his back, a soft snore leaving past his lips. She was tucked into his
side tightly; it was her favorite spot.

  “Good,” he smiled at her. “I don’t agree with Kayla, but if you do feel overwhelmed the next few weeks, let me know. I worry about you.”

  “Okay,” Summer replied, not sure how to respond. He didn’t need to worry about her.

  “But you won’t tell me; I know you too well,” he mused aloud, giving her a look filled with love and desire. Desire to do whatever it took to make sure she was well mentally. “But I do hope you will, Summer. You are part of my family, and I care about you.”

  She gave him a sad smile and shrug. He was right. She wouldn’t want to burden him with such things.

  “Asher will be here later,” he went on. “And then the fun begins.” He took a breath, thinking over how to tell her what he found out shortly before his run. “Tony, from Las Vegas, let it slip that I married you. He’s been taken care of, in fact while we were there, but I had my suspicions about him anyway. But now that Jason knows about us marrying, rumors are that he is not too happy about it. I know for a fact that he is planning things, but he’s not saying anything yet.