Yes, I'm sure.
Meg would take care of Veronica's debts—and help her along her way. But, Adrian was trying to be realistic.
The gift would be a parting gift—he couldn't actually stay with her.
His heart ached in his chest—his legs felt heavy.
She moaned in the bed, her arms searching for him in her sleep. He crawled back to her, slipping her back into his embrace. She sighed in her sleep when she felt him again.
Her chewed his lip—what had he done? His body had taken over and now—he knew that leaving her—it was necessary.
But, it might also be the hardest thing he's ever had to do.
She moaned in his embrace. Her cheeks were still blushing under the moonlight. She smiled in her sleep.
He pulled her closer into his arms, wrapping the sheets around them.
He pushed the other thoughts away.
For now, though, he could simply enjoy the moment.
Chapter 28
Veronica awoke to the early morning pink sky. She opened her eyes bleary—she had never slept so deep.
It was like a dream—an amazing and hot dream—when Adrian had pushed himself inside her, and they came together, tangled in the sheets. She moaned with a stretch—extending her arms.
She blinked and realized that she was alone on the bed—she sat up, still naked and looked around—Adrian wasn't here. Veronica looked down to her own body—she couldn't help but admire it—knowing that her own curves had seduced the prince last night. She felt proud—she felt strong. She checked the time on the clock—almost 7 AM.
Veronica gasped, "I'm late!"
Breakfast should already be out—she hoped Dexter had taken care of it.
She threw herself off the bed and gathered her clothes. She would need to run back to her room anyways—for a new skirt and blouse. She picked up her blouse-admiring how Adrian had ripped it apart, desperate to feel her. Her cheeks burned—her body still sung from last night. She recalled the popping sound from with her, and how much the desire on Adrian's face ignited her.
It was totally worth it.
She looked into the master bathroom—thinking he might be in there. But, he was nowhere around. She put her clothes on as best as she could—clutching at the ripped seams, keeping them together. She opened the door to the room, a bit embarrassed if she had to face the bodyguard.
But, as she poked her head out—Max wasn't there.
That mean Adrian must be somewhere else.
She felt an uncomfortable ache in her stomach—Adrian had left her alone, without a note or text—did he simply leave?
Maybe he didn't want to wake me?
But, the uncomfortable feeling in her stomach grew a little bigger. She rushed out of the room—she didn't have time to dwell on it. She peeked around corners, rushing through the familiar halls—she heard the bustle of crew around her—they were all getting ready for the next stop today.
A new thought hit Veronica—when is the prince going to announce his engagement?
The thought hadn't occurred to her earlier—she had been so lost in her own humming body. What would that mean? He would have to choose a woman that is within his class—does that mean, that it's over?
She shook her head, but the connection—it was so real. Sure, she didn't have that much experience in the love-making department, but wasn't that what it was? Didn't they connect on a deeper level than just sex?
Veronica's vision turned hazy as she stepped into the hallway that lead to her room—these thoughts forcing their way into their head. There would be no a way a crown Prince would give up his throne—but, she had to mean more to him than just sex, right?
Honestly, she didn't know what to think.
She was about to reach her room when a hand landed on her shoulder.
Veronica shrieked in surprise. She turned to find herself staring at Cressida. She wore a suspicious frown, and then looked at Veronica up and down.
"What's wrong with you?" she eyed Veronica's torn clothing—her eyes opening in surprise.
Veronica tugged on her clothes, "Oh—nothing, ran into—a fan..."
The story sounded ridiculous. Cressida raised an eyebrow, "A fan?"
Veronica shrugged, "A small one—clearly it won."
She tried to laugh as if it was a clever joke. She was sure she looked ridiculous. Cressida narrowed her eyes.
"Anyway—" she flipped a hand out, "I need to make some arrangements for Adrian and me...uh, what was your name again?"
Veronica gulped, "Veronica—but, doesn't he have a rescheduled date with Gisela?"
Cressida eyed Veronica, "Gisela isn't here anymore—didn't you know?"
Veronica's stomach dropped— "What—how did that—when did that happen?"
"Some time last night—" Cressida looked annoyed.
Veronica stood there baffled, how did she not know that?
Her stomach turned, she was busy getting fucked by Adrian—did it happen then?
"What happened?" Veronica could feel that something was coming—something that smelled like trouble. As if on queue, Cressida narrowed her eyes into a smile.
"Let's just say—she found some good reasons to leave—reasons that shouldn't be leaked into the public."
Veronica gulped, that sounded ominous.
Cressida looked at her phone, flashing some highly manicured nails, "So that doesn't explain the fucking mystery woman from last night."
Veronica's eyes widened, "A mystery woman—on board?"
Veronica could feel her chest tighten, wondering how much Cressida knew.
"No—idiot," she snapped at Veronica, swiping at her phone annoyed, "There was another woman in Adrian's room last night—but, Gisela was gone by then—and the stupid bodyguard wouldn't let me in."
Veronica's heart dropped, "The guard was there—outside the door?" Max had been outside the door while Veronica cried out Adrian's name. Did that mean that Megan knew too? Veronica had broken her promise to Megan—she had slept with the prince after Megan had warned her.
Cressida growled, "So that means one of the woman on board was getting fucked by my future husband—" her nails scratched along the phone's screen, "So Veronica, I will need to ask you something."
Veronica's stomach dropped. She was positive that Cressida had the capacity to claw out Veronica's eyes—but what worried her more was her threat about Gisela. Cressida had gotten rid of Gisela in the blink of an eye, without Veronica even knowing about it— and it was Veronica's job to know.
What kind of threat could run a royal woman off a boat in the middle of the night?
Veronica had a feeling that Cressida was smarter than she looked.
"Sure," Veronica stuttered.
Cressida flashed her a wicked smile, "I need you to keep surveillance for me—let me know if any woman is visiting the prince—and help me make his decision airtight—I can't risk anymore pussy around him."
Veronica's jaw dropped—she could only assume that Cressida didn't see Veronica as a suspect.
Cressida turned her nose up, "And, I'll make sure you get a nice tip once we're engaged."
Veronica nodded—she needed to get out of here, before Cressida put any other clues together, before she smelled the lingering sex off Veronica's body.
"Of course ma'am—I'll be happy to do that—now, if you'll pardon me," Veronica gestured toward her door.
Cressida seemed satisfied, and turned with a swish of her hair, "I'll be in touch soon."
Veronica watched in amazement as Cressida left the hall—feeling both threatened and exposed.
How was she supposed to help Cressida with her plan?
How did Cressida manage to get a woman off the boat without me knowing?
Veronica felt strangely powerless, like she was a playing a game that she didn't know how to play.
Once back inside her own safe room, she washed up and replaced her outfit. Her other outfit was torn like crazy, she debated throwing it away—but the thoug
ht of Adrian's touch made Veronica cling to them, like a sweet memory.
"It was almost scary," Dexter's eyes were open.
They were wrapping up lunch and it was only her and Dexter in the dining room—the rest of the crew was tidying up the ship, it was almost time for their final destination. They would dock at the city and then stay overnight—so that the Prince could spend the night on the boat before flying out of the country the next day. Veronica knew that he had to announce his engagement.
Her world felt twisted.
It dawned on her while she made her way back from Cressida's conversation—that Cressida was the only one left. Somehow, she had won—and Veronica didn't really seeing it coming. To be honest, she had been paying so much attention to Adrian, that she didn't realize the eligible bachelorettes dwindled away. In cruel irony, Veronica had done her job well.
To Veronica's disappointment and heartache, she had to serve Adrian in the dining room.
At first, her heart fluttered when she walked into the room for lunch. The staff told Veronica that Adrian had slept in late, and so he was going to have lunch after he attended to some royal matters. Veronica could guess that he and Megan were holed up in one of the many office rooms.
Veronica blushed when she heard that, the prince slept in late, huh?
I guess I tired him out, she smiled to herself.
But, when she entered the room, she deflated.
Adrian's eyes fluttered to her for a moment—she thought she could see a blush on his face, highlighting the green in his eyes. But, he looked away, focusing back on Cressida. Megan was behind him, her stare on Veronica—her mouth pulled into a tight line.
Adrian didn't say a word to her throughout the whole meal. Veronica held a jar of water in hand, refreshing their cups and adding plates to the small table. He kept his focus on Cressida only, asking her questions and replying back with short and curt answers. Cressida oohed and aahed at every word he said, she batted her eyes at him.
Then, Veronica saw Cressida's foot rubbing up and down Adrian's from under the table. Veronica burned within. She wanted nothing more than to throw the water at Cressida's face.
"So—I know you haven't officially asked," Cressida's looked at Adrian with long lashes, "But, we can drop the antics can't we?"
Adrian stopped with the fork in midair, "What antics?"
He set his fork down, taking a deep breath— "I can assure you Cressida, that I don't put up with antics."
Veronica smiled, Adrian was setting his foot down early—showing Cressida who was boss.
She waved the comment away, "I mean—Adrian, I can call you Adrian now—that I'm the last one left."
She held his gaze, he stared at her without a word.
Cressida pursed her lips, she wasn't happy with his response.
That must be why she wants to finalize the engagement—because he doesn't seem too fond of her.
Veronica's heart fluttered—maybe Adrian really didn't Veronica as just a plaything.
Then, why had he left this morning?
Cressida continued, "Adrian—I just want to hear you say it, say that I'm the one—you picked me." She leaned forward, exposing her fake breasts through her low cut dress.
Adrian opened his mouth—he didn't look like he was going to agree.
"Yes you are," Megan's voice said from behind Adrian.
Adrian snapped to look at her, a look of surprise on his face.
Megan stepped forward—she pulled out her tablet, as if she had all the information she needed.
"You and Adrian will be married—you have made it through all the rounds and are, so to speak, the last one standing," Megan looked to Veronica briefly—making a point, "The prince will announce your engagement tomorrow when we arrive home."
Cressida squealed with delight, clapping her manicured hands, "Oh my gosh—I can't believe this is happening—this is so exciting—I have to prepare for the announcement, I need more clothes." Cressida pushed herself away from the table, clearly ignited with the news.
Cressida looked between Megan and Adrian, "I am just so surprised—I knew the prince and I had a special connection."
In an instant, Cressida leaned down and grabbed Adrian's face—pushing it to her lips. Adrian tensed in surprise, as Cressida looped her tongue into his mouth.
Veronica's jaw dropped. The pitcher fell from her hands, breaking on the floor.
The three of them looked at Veronica, when the glass shattered. She felt the heat in her face—but, it wasn't from embarrassment. Adrian reached out to her instinctively, "Are you OK?"
Veronica nodded, speechless as she bent towards the broken glass.
Cressida smiled sweetly but her eyes narrowed at Veronica, Cressida's eyes fell back onto Adrian's.
"I have to get going fiance—once we dock, I need a few more outfits." She sauntered away from the table, humming happily. But, before she went out the door—she turned back, her eyes focused on Veronica.
Chapter 29
Megan paced in front of him, "You have got to be kidding me!"
She threw her hands into the air while she spat rants at him. How could he be so careless and how could he sleep with Veronica after she explicitly told them both no.
"It just happened—" he tried to defend himself, but he was feeling weak already—when he left Veronica alone and naked in his bed. He felt a little empty.
"Oh—so your dick just magically ended up inside her," she snapped. Adrian was taken aback, he had never seen her so angry.
"I—I don't know what came over me."
She groaned, "Of course you don't—because I tried to stop you before you would do something like that—and now look at you, you're a wreck!"
Adrian checked himself, he felt better than ever—his body awoke with a fresh air in his lungs, after he slept cradled around Veronica all night. Aside from feeling the guilt of leaving Veronica behind, his body had never been so alive.
Megan turned to him, her face was set as stone, her eyes were brimming with tears—he had never seen her this way.
"What is it, Meg?" he reached out for her—he didn't like to see her so vulnerable—it made him feel worse.
She sighed, "Sir—I didn't want you to go through this—don't you know what this means?"
Adrian shook his head, it was already painful leaving Veronica this morning.
"You cannot and will not choose her—and that knowledge will haunt you forever—the both of you," Megan stared straight at him. She wasn't angry anymore—in fact, she looked sad. It clicked in Adrian's mind. Meg hadn't been keeping him and Veronica apart because she wasn't royal—she had kept them apart because she could see Adrian's attachment to her. Megan pitied him. Megan could see the prince had feelings for Veronica—it was obvious to him now. And now, he would need to walk away.
He hung his head, "Shit—I did this to the both of us."
Meg set a hand on his shoulder, "Mistakes have been made yes—but your future bride waits for you at lunch."
He sighed, feeling like the air choked around him. He'd always be trapped, "I'm not entirely hungry."
But, he walked out of the room away towards the dining room.
Adrian realized that he had changed his life—he wanted Veronica more than anything, but now—he would have to hurt her. He needed to accept Cressida.
Cressida left the dining room. It was just the three of them now. The lunch with Cressida had left him irked—he should have realized sooner that Cressida had been playing a game all along, and she was a champion.
Meg said out loud, "I have to get some of things prepped for tomorrow—I'll leave you to say goodbye." Megan left the room, leaving Veronica and Adrian alone.
He stood, unsure what to say—his eyes raked over body and her crisp and clean suit. His hands itched to tear it off of her, he wanted to feel the fabric ripping under his hands, like they did last night. His cock pulsed to life.
I have to stop thinking like this.
Veronica spoke fi
rst, "We should be arriving any minute sir—do you need me to get you anything before you leave?"
Her voice was soft and he recalled her moans.
He couldn't take it—it was like she had a spell on him, every piece of her drove him crazy. It was like his body was addicted to her—it would never stop getting high off her. He took a step towards. Her eyes widened, and she bit into her lip which sent an electric shock to his groin.
Fuck—he thought, I need to do something—anything.
"I don't have to leave until tomorrow—" he reached out for her, "and since Cressida is busy—maybe..."
The words felt embarrassing, he knew what he was asking for.
I'm asking for a goodbye.
He thought bitterly, I'm asking her for more sex—like she's a quick hit— he felt like an asshole.
But her cheeks flushed, "I would love that."
Adrian snapped back to her gaze, "Really—are you sure?"
Adrian knew that this time would be the last time—could they both handle knowing that?
Veronica nodded with assurance, her eyes on him—he felt a smile spread across his face. He reached for her hands and brought them into his.
He looked down into her dark eyes, "Follow me."
This time, he didn't want anyone knowing about them—he just wanted some privacy. He gave Max one look—one that he didn't give often. He gave Max that look when Adrian's mother passed—the look that told him, Don't follow me.
Max waved them off as Adrian and Veronica snuck off the boat onto shore. The boat had docked and within those minutes, both Veronica and Adrian changed into something more comfortable and also more discreet. He wanted to look like everyone else. He didn't have much time either—Megan would catch on, and she was sure to stop him.
He was only making it harder for both of them. He held onto her hand as they slipped between the crowd, weaving and bobbing through the people. He had been here before—and he had hiked some of the trails. This city was beautiful—it was smaller than most others they visited. The small town crept along the green mountains that climbed up from the shore—the town had been built climbing along the mountain.
His Royal Majesty : A Royal Wedding Romance Page 13
