by Rye Hart
He scooped me up into his arms as he stood and I kept pressed against him, my legs scrambling to find purchase and he took me to the wall, pressing my back against it, thrusting his hips harder than I’d been able to fuck him on my own. He growled low and guttural, and I hoped that no one would hear us, especially his daughter.
But he wasn’t concerned. He put me to my feet and spun me around bracing his arm across my back and around my waist as he thrust into me from behind. This time he wasn’t gentle, and he took me in one long stroke, but my pussy was already used to him; already stretched out from his use.
His fingers twined in my hair, and he gripped it, pushing me down to touch my toes as he thrust harder. He didn’t let up until I came again and then my legs started to buckle and shake. He pulled me up against him and took me back to the bed where he put me down on my knees. “All fours.” He whispered. I did as he said and leaned forward to put my hands down in front of me.
My breasts swayed and bounced as he thrust into me and he reached around to play with my clit which had me coming all over him once again. I was spent, ready to collapse, but he was not about to let up. I slumped forward, burying my face in the pillows with my ass in the air. I stayed that way until I broke out into a sweat and then he pulled out and slapped my ass.
“Lay down.”
I fell over and spread my legs, and he climbed on top of me, pulling me to the edge of the bed and put my ankles on his shoulders. He stared into my eyes.
“Please come inside me.”
He nodded. “Don’t you worry, baby. I am going to soak you good.” He thrust and then his body tensed and his cock swelled at the head before twitching inside me and shooting hot streams into my depths.
He stilled a moment, and then he pushed my legs down and collapsed on top of me. I gave him lazy kisses on his face and neck, and he rose up a bit and brushed my hair out of my eyes and kissed me.
“I want it to always be this way, Cindy.” The look in his eyes was filled with certainty, and he kissed me once more before rolling over beside me and drawing me into his arms.
We fell asleep like that with everything perfect between us, and I didn’t want to think about any of our issues. I just wanted to hold him and kiss him for the rest of my life. It was a perfect dream, but come morning it became clearer that’s all it could be.
I got up in the early morning and climbed into the shower thinking about everything that had occurred. I’d promised to be with him, and while I had accepted in a moment of weakness, I’d honor it. I stood under the warm jets and let them sooth the aching muscles in my back and neck. He’d taken me so hard, and I loved it so much that the very thought had me wanting to go out to the bed and climb on top of him again.
I knew I had to decide what to do about going to Aramis or staying here, and while I loved New York, I wanted to know him better. I needed to if we were going to have a life together and I thought that maybe being in Aramis I could spend more time with Esme as well.
The queen wouldn’t like either of us, so at least we could stick together. She was a smart girl, and at least I’d have someone to go shopping with. It then occurred to me that I didn’t have any money. The thought was terrifying. If things didn’t work out between me and the prince, then I’d have to start all over again with nothing. But wasn’t that what I was doing now?
I shut off the water and stepped out to pull a robe around myself then I went to his drawer to find a t-shirt, and I pulled it on with a pair of joggers and tiptoed out of his room, leaving him in bed sound asleep.
I headed down to the kitchen and hoped to find coffee and perhaps something sweet. I needed my three favorite food groups to get me through the mornings, and once I had my coffee and a cinnamon bun, I had all I needed: sugar, carbs, and caffeine.
I pulled out my phone, which I’d tucked into my skirt, and sure enough, Patrick had tried to text me checking in.
I sent a quick message and let him know that I was fine and that I’d quit my job.
Where are you? The question came back as a response.
I’m at Enzo’s apartment in the city. I sent back. And then: Everything is okay. Call later.
Good, girl. We need 2 talk. I could hear his voice in his response, and I hoped he wouldn’t be too upset with me. He’d gone out of a limb for me, and I hoped that Selena wasn’t hard on him too.
I took my coffee cup to the sink to rinse it when I heard footsteps approach behind me. I turned and found Lucas walking over to the coffee bar.
I leaned back against the counter and watched as he fixed his coffee. “Good morning.”
“Is it?” He glanced up and put his cup to his lips.
“I think so.”
“I’m sure you would.” He gave a little chuckle, and I noted the hint of sarcasm in his voice. He put the coffee to his lips and sipped.
“What does that mean?” I stepped forward, and he turned his head.
“I take it you haven’t seen the news. It’s all over how you and the future king caused a scene at a charity event at which you were fired.”
“I wasn’t fired, I quit. And there was hardly a scene aside from Selena.”
He walked to the sink beside me and stopped. “You don’t get it, do you? There’s always going to be a spin on anything anyone wants to put out there. All you have to do is give them the ammo, and they’re going to pull the trigger. His reputation will be even more important when he’s king.” He tossed his last sip into the sink and turned to face me. “I know most people think that kings and leaders don’t do much, but his father works hard. It’s not an easy job. So, if you plan on doing it with him, then I suggest you shape up or ship out.”
He turned and walked away, and I went to the bar to get my phone and look through the news. I found the article on one of the major news sources along with an ugly picture of me getting right in Greg’s face. It was a close-up of me telling him I quit; only I looked like a complete idiot. I stared into my wild eyes in the photo which made me look like a crazy woman and decided that I didn’t know myself anymore. I couldn’t do this to him. I couldn’t mess everything up for him and Esme, and I knew my best bet was to get a car and head back home.
I tiptoed back upstairs and tried not to look at him as he slept peacefully in the bed. I grabbed my handbag that had what little money I had left and snuck back downstairs to call a cab. I needed to be gone when Enzo woke up .
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - ENZO
I woke up to find my bed empty, but the smell of her perfume was thick in the air, and it came from the bathroom where there was still steam on the mirror. I jumped in the shower and rinsed off and then grabbed my robe, which I was certain she’d had on since it was still damp and held her scent. She must have gone downstairs to grab a bite.
I was good with that. She could build up more strength for later. I passed by a mirror on my way down and found my smile so wide that I couldn’t get rid of it. It had been a long time since I’d felt this happy. Cindy and I were going to be together, and I couldn’t wait to tell Esme and watch her face light up with as much happiness as mine. I could already see it. It was going to be great.
The only obstacle would be my mother, but I could handle her. I had in the past, and even though she’d never warmed up to Esme, she tolerated her, and it was a manageable life. With me as king, she’d have to change her tune, and it would make it bearable.
“Morning, Daddy.” Esme met me in the hall, and I leaned down and gave her a big kiss on the forehead.
“How’s my little angel? Did you have a good night?” She and Margarite were supposed to have had another nail polish double feature, and since her nails were blue and pink, I guessed they had.
“Yeah, but I need to find something that Margarite will like. She’s not much of a horror fan.”
“You watched horror movies?” I didn’t know if I liked the sound of that, but as long as she didn’t end up in my bed, we’d be okay.
“Just one, but it wasn’t too bad. Th
ere wasn’t any bloody stuff like Lucas likes.” She stopped at the landing. “Did you have a good time, Daddy? Did you see Cindy?”
“I did. She came home with me, and well, I think she might stay a while if that’s okay with you?” I knew it would be and her eyes lit up as bright as her smile and she fell against me, hugging my waist tight.
“That’s wonderful, Daddy. I love Cindy! Is she going to Aramis with us?” Her eyes were hopeful, and I wished I had the answer to that one.
“I’m not sure, sweetheart. I think so, but you might want to turn on your charm.” We shared a laugh and headed down the stairs.
I hoped to find her in the kitchen, and when I didn’t, I fixed Esme a bowl of cereal and went off to search the rest of the house. By the time I had searched most of it, I was beginning to worry. Had she left?
Lucas was in the study going over our flight plans with the pilot of our private jet. I stood waiting for him to get off the phone. “Yes, that’s right, there should be five of us.” Five including Cindy. He hung up the phone and looked up. “I’ve got everything all set, so we can leave as soon as you’re ready.
“Do you know where Cindy went?” I had hoped she’d told him she was going to run home and pack a bag, but his face went pale.
“She’s not here?”
“No, not that I can find and it’s odd since we solidified our relationship last night.”
He raked his hand through his hair and looked up at me with wide eyes. “I am so sorry, Enzo. I spoke with her this morning.” His eyes closed tight, and he looked as if he might be sick.
“And?” My tone was harsh.
“Well, I may have spoken out of turn about the article that came out this morning.” He took his phone and swiped at it a few times, typing with his thumb and then he turned it around for me to see.
The image of her was most unflattering, and she looked like a wild woman, which is just what the article had stated she’d been. “You showed her this and said what?” My nostrils flared with anger. It wasn’t his place to discuss anything with her without my say so.
“I just warned her that the media would be on her constantly if she were to be with you when you’re king. I never meant to scare her off or upset her, only to make her think before she acted next time.”
“I was right there, and this incident was blown further out of proportion than the last. Not to mention it’s not your place to scold her or to tell her how to act with me.” I turned and stormed out knowing I’d have to call her and sort things out.
Esme met me in the hall. “Daddy, are you okay? Did Cindy leave?” She’d been listening. Her eyes were full of tears, and I pulled her into my arms and smoothed back her hair.
“We’ll call her. It’ll be okay.” I took her back into the study and Lucas left us alone while we called.
A man answered the phone. “She doesn’t want to talk to you, Enzo.” The voice was apologetic and a bit feminine. “I don’t understand what’s happened Patrick. Things were fine this morning, and I’ve already told my daughter that we’re going to be together only to find her missing not ten minutes later. I need to talk to her.” I heard a shuffling on the other end and Patrick scolding her to take the damn phone.
“Hello.” She had been crying, I could tell by the sound of her voice.
“Cindy, what’s the matter now? Lucas said you had words, why didn’t you come to me?”
“He’s right. About everything and I can’t handle it. I’ve made things bad enough. My mind is made up.”
“This involves Esme now. She thought you were staying.”
“Tell her I’m so sorry, Enzo. She’ll be better off without me too. I’m not cut out for your kind of life. I can’t just be your girlfriend forever anyway. I’m sorry.”
“I want more than that. I want you beside me. Beside both of us.” I was asking her to be with me forever, but she didn’t seem to care.
“It just won’t work. Goodbye, Enzo.” The phone went silent on the other end, and I placed my phone down on the table.
“What did she say, Daddy?” Esme searched my eyes, and as the tears filled up in hers, I knew I had to be strong for my little girl.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. We’ll all still be friends, but Cindy has decided to stay here after all. She sends her love.”
“Why doesn’t she like you anymore, Daddy? You’re a handsome prince and the future king, can’t you make her come home with us?” She turned and ran off before I could respond and I let out a deep breath as I heard her stomping up the stairs and slamming the door.
An hour later we were on a plane back home, and Lucas had apologized so much that I was beginning to grow tired of it. I didn’t need his pity. I’d go home and focus on my life and the things I had to look forward to as the king.
“Let me help,” said Lucas after some stretch of silence.
“No. I’ll be fine. I’m not trying to convince her again. I’ve spent enough time on it, and if she can’t see how much I love her without me having to hammer it into her skull, then it’s not for me.
“I’ll explain and I’ll apologize too.”
But I held my hand up and shook my hand.
“No, I’m going to go back to my life. I’ll find someone else. Someone who wants to be with me.”
He let out a long sigh as my phone rang. I reached for it and saw it was my mother.
“Yes, Mother, I’m in the air.” She always managed to call me while I was on a flight.
“I wanted you to know that the coronation has been moved up by a few weeks. Your father’s health is declining faster than we thought.”
“How is he?”
“Very weak and growing weaker by the moment. He wants to be with you when you take the crown, son. He wants that proud moment when he can pass on his reign to you.” Her voice was breaking, and she sniffled. I had never seen my mother give my father much affection. The two had always seemed as cold to one another as a pair of strangers, and I had often wondered if there was ever any love between them. Another reason I hadn’t wanted an arranged marriage.
“I’m so sorry, Mother.” I didn’t know what else to say.
“We’re ready for you to be home, son. Please come at once when you arrive. Your father wants to have a word alone with you.” I wondered if it was more advice like the last few times I’d spoken with him.
“Yes, Mother.” We exchanged our parting words, and I put the phone down and took a deep breath. I had too much to worry about without including Cindy. Maybe losing her was for the best.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN - CINDY
I hated packing up my house, and the worst part of it was not having anywhere to go. Patrick was in the kitchen nursing a paper cut, and he had unpacked three boxes looking for a bandage.
“These things hurt worse with cardboard for some reason. Look, it’s still bleeding.” He held up his finger, and I took his hand and gave it a kiss.
“I’m sorry, friend. Thanks so much for taking care of me.”
“Yeah, well, just remember that when my handsome prince comes along.” He lifted one of the boxes and stacked it on another. “You’ll like it at our place. Edward has already changed the sheets and had a Scentsy burning. I hope you like the smell of leather; it’s his favorite. The entire house smells like a new car, but I can’t get him to stop.”
“It’s fine. Thanks again for taking me in and I promise it won’t be for long.”
“Nonsense. It can be for as long as it takes and in this city, you never know.” He stacked another box, and I was glad to have his muscle with some of the boxes that had packed heavy.
My phone rang, and it was a number with an unknown area code. I put the phone down and pushed it across the table away from temptation.
“You should take it. Stop avoiding him and see if things could work out.”
“You have no idea what’s it like. His mother will never accept me, Patrick. She doesn’t even accept her granddaughter.”
He narrowed his eyes. “What
do you mean?”
I let out a long breath knowing it might be best to go ahead and let him know about the situation with Esme. It wasn’t my gossip to tell, but maybe he’d understand. “Esme is his daughter, and she hasn’t even been given his name yet. Her mother was a common woman who had a drug issue, and they had Esme and then she died. I don’t think his mother ever accepted her and they didn’t want him to keep the child. They tried to get him to have her adopted out, but he wasn’t having it. To this day, his mother treats her horribly and ignores her existence. Her own flesh and blood. Even the King won’t extend the birthright. Enzo said that upon his first orders, he’s going to give Esme the Roche name, and the title of princess.”
“What about the Queen? She won't still be in charge in some way?”
“No, the country has a monarchy, and the honor falls to the bloodline, not the spouse. So, she’s going to be even more pleasant I’m sure when the King dies, leaving her the Queen Mother.”
“Wow, and we think our politics are bad. But you know, some people are just that way, Cindy. Take Edwards parents. They know he’s gay; have known it since he was in high school, yet they insist on trying to introduce him to women. They hate me, and I’m not allowed at their house.”
“I had no idea.” I thought that everything was perfect with the couple. “You always say how great it is.”
“It is great, honey. Between me and Edward. We’re the ones who matter. But don’t get me wrong; it hurts. I’d do anything to have them accept me. But I have to live with knowing it might not ever happen. And as for what anyone else thinks, we’re content to tell them all to go to hell. Our love is stronger than all of it.”
I hadn’t ever considered that my issues with Enzo could be so similar to Patrick and Edward’s. I wished it was different. I’d do anything for the Queen to like me too. But with those stories floating around, it would never happen.
