Frog Tale

by JT Schultz

  “It feels strange to be in here. Strange and yet…”

  She closed the distance and the temperature of the room rose as did his libido. “Yet, what?”

  Like I’m home.

  If the saying “home is where the heart is” held truth, then his heart had always rested with Chloe. He tore his eyes from her and glanced around. “This is as elegant as you are.” He shifted his attention to the office then looked back to her. “You work a lot?”

  “That would be all I do.” She answered then smiled weakly. “Okay, work and further my education.”

  “Yes, two degrees, very remarkable.” He honestly was impressed and had known she would achieve success.

  She nodded and stepped around him, her smile faded. “Why didn’t you come to see me sooner?” her tone quiet, carried sadness. She pivoted in the spot she stood and her dark eyes met his. Grief blinked at him from behind her long lashes. “I honestly thought I had lost my mind. You were the frog. I don’t know how many times you told me you were a prince. I didn’t listen. Who you were didn’t matter as much as how much I cherished you.” Her voice cracked with emotion and she hung her head.

  “Chloe...” He didn’t know what to say. “At first I stayed away because of the age difference. You were sixteen. Things would have been very difficult.”

  She lifted her head and thought for a moment. “How old are you?”

  He cleared his throat. “I’m thirty-four which means I’m six years older than you.”

  A thoughtful expression crossed her pretty features. “That’s why you had me change in the bathroom?” She debated. “Makes sense now, I guess.”

  He grinned. “You’re as smart as you are beautiful. Yes what can I say, I was a frog with ethics and you were very attractive, even if you didn’t see it.”

  Her full lips thinned. “What about when I was grown?”

  Sighing, his own smile faded and he placed his hands in his tuxedo pant pockets. After a moment of thought he went for honesty. “I thought you deserved more than a scarred man.” He had spoke his insecurities out loud and sat down on the edge of the bed. “I wanted you to have the best, and I wasn’t what I thought you deserved.”

  “How completely selfish of you for not telling me the truth and not letting me decide for myself. I should be furious with you and my father both for not saying anything to me.” Her gaze never wavered from him and she stepped closer to him then sat on the bed next to him. A long slender finger with a manicured nail traced his scar. His body flamed and despite the thickness of the tissue, it was sensitive to the intimacy of her touch. “I always thought you were perfect.” Her voice was low and sultry. She leaned her head then pressed her lips to the mark.

  His fears and doubts subsided and were replaced with desire and longing. “Forgive me for staying away. I missed you so much, but I didn’t think you’d want me.”

  An odd expression crossed her face and she rose from the bed. “Luc, I…” She covered her face with her hands and he could see something bothered her terribly. He removed himself off the bed and walked over to where she stood. Chloe looked so distressed. He gently captured her fingers in her hands and kissed them.

  “Il mio cuore, what’s the matter?”

  Her dark eyes raked over his face like a gentle caress and she shook her head. “How could you think for a moment I wouldn’t want you? Luc, I’ve mourned you well into my adult life, when I heard you on the phone yesterday, my soul ached and I thought I was that crazy teenager again. I wasn’t supposed to love a frog, yet I did. I cherished our friendship.”

  His heart tightened. “Chloe your kiss is what changed me back into a prince. You’re kiss was more than that of a friend but someone who loved me unconditionally.”

  You’re my true love Chloe, I just can’t tell you that part.

  He smiled then continued. There was so much he wanted to say to her, but wasn’t sure where to even begin. “You were never a crazy teenager, however to this day I still wonder if you drive better than the way you worked a remote car.”

  A weak smile dusted her lips. “Most days and I have officially stayed away from self hair dying products of all sorts.”

  Relaxing a bit, he shook his head, remembering the hideous orange color her gorgeous ringlets had turned. “Chloe, not coming sooner will forever be my regret. I owed you so much more and I’m the man I am today because of how you treated me.”

  Her dark gaze studied him. “I can’t believe you’re a prince.”

  “I’ll refrain from telling you I told you so.”

  “I know a certain frog who wouldn’t have hesitated.” Her mouth curled into a small smile.

  “That frog looked out for your best interest.” His brows lifted and he touched the gold and diamond tiara necklace. “I can’t believe you still wear the necklace.”

  “I never take it off―ever. It’s the constant reminder I could be anything, maybe even a princess.” Her last word was barely audible, her voice so faint he almost missed what she had said.

  “I couldn’t be that lucky.” In reality, having her as his wife still remained nothing more than a dream and from where he stood a very beautiful dream.

  A sexy smile curved across her lips. “Don’t sell yourself short Prince Charming.” A thoughtful look crossed her face. “Wait here.”

  She stepped away from him and walked into her large closet. He had to admit he was most curious, until she stepped out, holding the red remote Porsche in her hands. “I still have this.”

  “I can’t believe you kept that thing.” He chuckled and awe touched is soul.

  “I couldn’t part with it. When I was younger I used to take the car in the backyard and remember the day I almost killed you.”

  He crossed the floor to her and lifted the vehicle out of her hands. “You didn’t almost kill me and, as I recall, I had the time of my life.” He grinned wickedly then glanced down at the Porsche. “Of course, the fun began after the terror wore off.” He sat the car in the chair and studied her. “I’m glad I came on this trip. I don’t think I will be ever be able to apologize enough to you for not coming sooner. I’m truly sorry, Chloe.”

  Her dark eyes scanned his face and she nodded. “I forgive you.’ Again, her words came out a whisper, but this time her voice held a sexy undertone heating his body the same as a hot caress.

  He lowered his head toward her and her lashes closed as he reached for her. His mouth claimed hers in a kiss and she gasped. Luciano skimmed his tongue along the soft fullness of lower lip and gently eased her back on the bed. Sliding a hand over her soft curves he savored the feel of her beneath his touch and his tongue entered her mouth. Her back arched and her tongue met his. He deepened the kiss, while his hand cupped a firm breast over the silky fabric. The ache in his groin intensified and he wanted her in every way.

  Chloe’s hands moved to his tuxedo coat and ran from his shoulders, down his chest then reached for the button and undid the jacket. When her hands clutched the fabric of his shirt he lifted his head. Her eyes opened and he closed his fingers around hers, again savoring the moment and the fact he could touch her now, something that circumstances had prevented him from doing in the past.

  As much as he wanted her and his body ached. “Il mio cuore…”

  “What’s wrong?” Worry coated her words.

  “Il mio cuore, you’re perfect, but I was not prepared for an encounter like this.”

  She blinked and looked confused for a moment then nodded. “If you’re talking about a condom I don’t bring men here. I don’t usually have those kinds of relationships, but I’m on the pill if that will suffice?”

  “It’s more than fine.” He sat up, then rose off the bed and flipped on the nightstand light, crossed the floor to the light switch and flipped the lever down, leaving the room illuminated by the soft glow on the nightstand. He shrugged his coat off and placed his tuxedo jacket over the arm of a plush chair where, no doubt, she sat and read until the wee hours of the morning. His
lips twitched at the sight of the Porsche. He discarded his tie and slipped off his shoes then inched his way back on the bed.

  Reaching up, his hand touched her hair and removed the clip. Dark long waves fell around her shoulders and face. “I can’t believe you are even more beautiful.”

  She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I still can’t believe you’re real.”

  A wicked grin tugged his lips up, while curiosity nipped at him. “I have to ask, do I look anything like the man in your dreams?”

  She nodded and her smile broadened. “Yes, maybe a bit older, but I guess in my heart you were always the man, down to the scar.”

  For some reason he’d forgotten about the mark the witch had given him, even if it were for a fleeting moment. The only thing that mattered was the fact he held Chloe. He eased her back onto the bed. “You’re about to find out how real.”

  Her breath caught and her eyes closed. He brought his lips to hers and the soft velvety texture of her tongue grazed his lips. Sliding a hand beneath her, he pulled her close and parted his lips so their tongues could mate. Her fingers slid over his body as she removed the shirt from his pants, sent fire through his body. When her touch skimmed across the skin of his stomach he lost all thought. As far as he was concerned, nothing outside of the room existed and all thoughts escaped him as he relished in the feel of the woman―once the girl he’d loved and in so many ways, and still did.

  He ran his hand down over her waist to her thigh still covered by the length of the silky fabric of her dress. His hand slipped beneath and smooth skin teased his palm. She moaned against his tongue and her hips shifted slightly. He wanted to bury himself inside her, but at the same time wanted to take his time and savor every moment. Luciano peeled his lips from hers as her fingers undid the buttons of his shirt and her eyes opened.

  “Is everything okay?” He had no clue why he suddenly had doubts. He had held insecurities for so long, they were hard to let go of.

  “Fine.” Her fingers reached for the button at the wrist of his shirt and undid it with ease then used her other hand to do the same to the other side. She pushed the shirt from his shoulders and allowed him to finish removing the soft fabric. Rising from the bed, he stood and tossed his shirt to the hardwood floor before reaching out a hand and helping Chloe to her feet.

  Their gazes locked as they stood under the faint glow of the moonlight. Luciano’s attention fixated on her as she ran her soft touch over his shoulders and down his chest. He snaked his hand out again, captured her fingers in his hand, and pulled her close against him. His mouth covered hers and the kiss was hotter than before. Her breasts were hard against his chest and through the light fabric he could feel her nipples grow taut. Her hands ran over his bare flesh and his fingers reached for the zipper at the back of her dress.

  He unfastened the tie around her neck and the dress slipped to the floor. He groaned against her tongue as her perky breasts grazed his chest and she stood in nothing but her thong. Luciano’s erection grew while her hands were already making light work of the belt and opening of his dress pants. When her smooth touch dipped below his boxers and her fingers teased his hardened length, he needed more. He gently eased her back from him, removed his pants and the remainder of his clothes.

  Sudden hesitation and surprise crossed her face when she noticed his size, which indicated to him she wasn’t as experienced as he’d thought. “Relax,” he whispered, stepping closer to her and running his hands up the soft skin of her arms. He led her back to the bed and covered her mouth in a hot kiss. Her nipples hardened and he lowered her back so he could savor all of her. He lifted his lips long enough to trail down her slender neck and collarbone. Hot kisses moistened her flesh and her body writhed beneath him as he sucked one of her firm nipples into his mouth and allowed his fingers to graze and play with the other hard peak.

  A moan escaped her and her fingers laced through his hair. He continued to trail kisses over the flat of her stomach until he reached her silk thong. Carefully he peeled the damp fabric away and tossed it off the bed. Dark eyes locked with his and he gently traced a finger over her wet folds. Her full mouth parted and her lashes fluttered closed in pleasure as his finger slid inside the wetness. Hips bucked against his hand and his body hummed in desire. Needing to be inside her, he removed his fingers so he could position his body between her legs.

  Chloe’s legs parted wider and he couldn’t remember wanting a woman as fiercely as he wanted the lady with him now. He eased his torso over her and her arms wrapped tight around his neck as the tip of him pressed against her wet and ready entrance. A quick thrust had him inside of her and her inner walls wrapped around him snug. He wasn’t expecting her to be so tight and with every ounce of control waited until her body adjusted. Her bottom lip slipped between her teeth and he knew the look.

  “Relax, Il mio cuore. This is incredible.” He kept his voice soft and low hoping to sooth her. Her head lifted slightly and her tongue teased his lower lip. Heat seared through him and he parted his mouth and met her tongue with his while he slowly inched in her a little deeper.

  Her hips met his stroke and he worked in a steady rhythm inside her. She moaned against his mouth and picked up speed. He couldn’t get in deep enough and her rocking hips burned his desire on. With a low growl, he rolled over onto his back taking her with him. Her legs shifted and she straddled his body. His hands slipped to her hips as she lifted her upper body and ground her wetness against him. A gasp left her and her palms planted on his chest. The slick wet of her walls clamped around him, her head threw back in a soft wail and her shoulders trembled as an orgasm claimed her.

  Luciano tightened his hold on her and slammed into her one last time. A feral growl left him as his release pumped hard and fast. Chloe’s slender frame collapsed on top of him and she struggled for air. His breath was just as ragged and he held her close to him savoring the feel of her skin and soft dark tendrils against his flesh.

  “Stay with me tonight.” Her voice was a whisper and her cheek lay against his chest.

  “I want to,” he answered and knew there was no other place he’d rather be then in her bed and by her side. He’d left her once and as sure as the moon lit the night sky, he knew to his soul, he wouldn’t be able to leave her again―not without officially killing his soul.

  Chloe woke to discover Luc wasn’t in bed with her and after listening for the shower, gathered he had left sometime during the night. Her heart raced and already she missed him. Somewhere down deep, she knew all the feelings she had for him, buried so deep for so long were quickly working their way to the surface.

  She hurried and after a quick shower got ready and walked downstairs. The house was still quiet and she knew for the early hour of the morning that her mother would still be sleeping. She stepped into the kitchen where the maid had set out fruit and breakfast items for the royal family of Cammarata. No one was there, no one except Queen Ella.

  “Good morning, your highness,” she greeted in hopes to dispel some of the uneasiness she experienced whenever around the woman.

  “Save the pleasantries, Chloe.” Her tone held venom and carried a slight sting.

  Patience being a virtue she normally had, she thinned her lips and bit back a catty remark. She ran her hands down the smooth linen of her skirt and forced a smile. “I’m sorry, did you not sleep well?”

  “I slept just fine.”

  Bitch.

  Hating the terse and, as far as she was concerned, uncalled for tone of the royal pain in the ass munching on a croissant, she tried to be civil. “Is there something bothering you, your highness?”

  The woman stepped closer to her and glared with contempt. “I don’t like you Chloe. I think you are nothing but a common slut dressed to the nines.”

  Anger fueled her temper, yet there was something about Queen Ella that sent every nerve in her body on alert―she knew to proceed with caution at best. “I’m sorry to hear of your dislike, your highness. Howe
ver, you're our guest, if I can be assistance in making your stay with us more pleasurable―”

  “Stay away from Luciano.” She hissed like a demon from the seventh layer of hell.

  I waited half my life.

  “I will try to be accommodating however―”

  “Don’t even think of accommodating him. He is above you in every way. It would be most unfortunate for your family if you―”

  “Ah Chloe, there you are.” Luciano walked into the brightly lit kitchen.

  Turning, she cast him a weak smile. “Good morning,” she greeted. He knew her, and glanced to the queen before returning his gaze to hers. His eyes held apprehension and displeasure flickered over his features before a smile curved his lips. “Apparently, our fathers have abandoned business for the golf course and left the latest trench of sugar in our hands. If I may, I would like to discuss the latest development with the new supplier.”

  The look in his eyes held her gaze fast. Her hands ran down her skirt smoothing the soft linen. Her palms were damp from the awkward situation with Ella. “I would be happy to attend to any concerns you have and can get the seller on the phone.”

  “I would appreciate that, I’m ready now,” his tone was crisp and formal.

  She nodded and glanced at Queen Ella. “If you will excuse me please.”

  “Remember what I said. Heed the advice of a queen.” Her voice sent a shiver down Chloe’s spine.

  She wanted to cry but instead turned to Luciano and struggled not to reveal the emotion she had for him or how badly Ella intimidated her. “If you will follow me to the office...” she whispered, walked past him and didn’t slow her steps until she stepped into her office. The door shut, the lock clicked over and she finally turned and faced Luc. Her shoulders relaxed slightly and the realization on how the queen’s warning had stressed her tremendously. The words of the venomous Ella settled into her mind and she didn’t know if she should say something to the prince.