Papa,
I have arrived safely in Bayeux but have unfortunately lost my phone. Luckily, I ran into an old friend from university, and she graciously allowed me to stay with her at a bed-and-breakfast in town. Could you please overnight copies of my identification and my credit cards to my hotel? I’ll pick them up tomorrow. Please don’t worry about me—I’m safe. I’ll call you tomorrow.
Love,
Giselle
Sent.
Ugh, I hated to lie to him, but if I told him the truth, he would freak out. Tomorrow, when I said goodbye to Ryan, I would go to my hotel and call my father.
And try to forget this night ever happened.
I ran back up the stairs, and luckily for me, Ryan was still in the bathroom.
A few minutes later, he emerged.
My mouth gaped.
Good Lord, he was hot. His huge chest tapered down to a narrow waist above the visible line of his boxers, peeking out of his pajama pants. The scent of cologne filled the air.
He gave a slight smirk and asked, “Would you be more comfortable if I put on a shirt?”
I shook my head no, unable to speak, afraid the only thing that would come out of my mouth would be drool.
“Good. Normally I sleep naked, but since you’re a virgin and all, I didn’t want to scare you.”
“How considerate of you.” I tried not to stare at all the tattoos covering his broad chest.
“Your turn, Princess.”
The way he said “Princess” sounded illicit. Usually, I hated the term, but from those lips, it evoked a sense of sex.
I slowly removed my jewelry and placed it in the first drawer of the nightstand, next to a copy of the Bible. Guilt consumed me as if the good book could tell how much I wanted to sin. I quickly shut the drawer.
I grabbed my nightgown and toiletries from my luggage and locked myself in the bathroom. As I jumped in the shower, and the water hit my bare body, I kept reminding myself that only a few minutes ago, Ryan had been naked right where I stood now. Had he fantasized about me while he was in here?
What would it be like to lose my virginity to this warrior?
I couldn’t help wondering if this night was the beginning of a love affair. An affair to remember.
A love to forget.
Chapter 5
Ryan
AS I WAITED FOR HER IN THE bedroom, I couldn’t stop picturing what she would look like naked. Imagining how she would taste. How her body would react to my touch. How incredibly tight she must be.
I needed to be inside her.
But I had to go slow with this girl, so slow it would hurt. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. I wasn’t that guy.
She had to want me. She had to beg me to fuck her, to take her virginity, or I wouldn’t touch her.
I had to force myself to not think about ravaging her, so I grabbed a book from my pack. Reading had been my refuge since I was little, much to the shock of everyone who just saw me as some dumb foster kid born to a drug-addicted mom who didn’t have a clue which one of the men she’d screwed to get a fix was her baby daddy.
My mom had lost her parental rights long ago. She didn’t even know I was a SEAL. And I was certain that I would never learn the identity of my biological dad. I’d even registered on one of those genetic sites and still had no leads.
Books took me away from my life. Over the years, my tastes changed from books about sharks to war novels. The first time I read The Red Badge of Courage, I knew I wanted to join the military. Then, after one of my many foster dads beat me to within an inch of my life, I vowed never to be helpless again. I’d become a Navy SEAL—the biggest, baddest motherfucker on this Earth. No one would ever hurt me or anyone I loved again.
Giselle emerged from the bathroom wearing a silky white nightgown. Damn, she looked incredible. I’d never seen a body like hers. Her breasts were full but not fake, her waist was tiny, and she had extremely curvy hips. Voluptuous, real, a bombshell.
I was dying to see her naked.
Her shoulders dropped, and she covered her chest with her hands when she caught me ogling her. “Sorry, I realize this nightgown is a bit inappropriate. The other ones I brought are of a similar style. I’m not trying to tempt you.” Her tone was serious and not in the least bit flirty.
I couldn’t wait to touch and explore her body. “Consider me tempted. But don’t worry, sweetheart, I have self-control.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” She flashed me a dazzling smile, then looked at my book. “What are you reading?”
“Nothing.” I tossed my book aside, wanting to focus completely on her. “Come here.” I motioned her over to me. “What’s your plan for your vacation?”
She sat on the edge of the bed. “I didn’t have anything concrete. See the Bayeux tapestry, visit some museums, travel around this part of the country. Just live life.”
“And your fiancé didn’t offer to go with you so you could get to know each other? If you were my woman, I wouldn’t leave you alone for a minute.”
She bit her lower lip. “No, he didn’t. I’m not sure that he’s fond of me. We’re very different. He’s more of a playboy prince. Instead of helping his country, he spends his days on his yacht sunbathing, and his nights in the clubs partying.”
Her description made me hate him even more. “Sounds like a loser. I can’t stand rich motherfuckers who don’t work. Especially royalty.”
She wrinkled her face. “We aren’t all lazy.”
“Didn’t say you were. He should join the military like Prince Arthur and Prince Douglas. I like Prince Doug—man, that guy seems cool as shit. He held the Invincible Games for wounded vets. One of my buddies competed. Dude is blind, but he’s now a Paralympian swimmer.”
“Oh, that’s amazing. What an inspiration your friend is. Yes, everyone loves Doug. He’s a good man. We’re quite close, actually.”
“Really? I’d love to meet him one day.”
“That could be arranged. I’m going hunting with him and Art next year. Maybe I can get you an invitation.”
I stared at her. This woman was going hunting with the future King of England? And she just invited me—some American bastard? My own family wanted nothing to do with me, and now I was hanging out with royals.
Look at me now, ma.
“That would be awesome.”
She paused and looked me in the eyes. “So, what is it like being a Navy SEAL? It must be terribly exciting.”
“I love it. It’s not just a job, it’s my life. My calling. My Teammates are the best men in the world.”
“Have you always wanted to be a SEAL?”
“Yup.” I left it at that. I did not want to tell this girl about my past, have her pity me, and realize that no one had ever loved me. I had no desire to be emotionally intimate with her or anyone else. Ever. Giselle and I couldn’t be more different. She had a royal lineage that could be traced back centuries; I didn’t even know who my fucking father was.
I’d spent my deployment planning every aspect of this trip, fantasizing about backpacking solo through Europe. The rest of my Teammates returned home to their hot wives, adorable kids, and loving families.
Every homecoming at the port, I rushed past the sexy women holding Welcome Home signs, dodged the newborns waiting to be held for the first time by their daddies, avoided the parents who were so grateful to greet their sons, and beelined straight for the solace of my truck.
My brothers-in-arms invited me into their homes and encouraged me to learn to trust and love someone. But deep in my heart, I knew that my destiny was to be the best SEAL I could be. My buddies with families hesitated before they walked into the line of fire, worried about the loved ones they would leave behind if they died.
I didn’t have that problem.
As a SEAL, I never wavered. I was first to fight, last to leave, and always ready to deploy or attack the enemy at a moment’s notice.
Need a volunteer to take down a terrorist? I was
the man.
I knew that one day, I would die honorably in battle.
And no one but my Teammates would miss me.
It was better that way.
Her eyes widened as she stared at my bare chest. “I’ve never seen so many tattoos. Did they hurt? Do they mean anything?”
“No, they didn’t hurt. Well, not that I remember. I was blazed when I got them. This is a skeleton frog holding a trident, representing my buddy who died last year. And this one is my class number from SEAL training.”
“I’m sorry about your friend.” She leaned in to get a closer look, but her feet remained planted on the floor.
“Babe, come here. I won’t bite. I won’t touch you if you don’t want me to. I mean it. You’re safe with me. There’s only one bed in here, but I can sleep on the floor if it makes you more comfortable.” I meant every word I said to her. I just hoped she believed me.
“I’m sorry. You must think I’m so silly.”
I took her hand and interlaced her fingers with mine. “No, I think you’re beautiful. And innocent. It’s refreshing. I like you.”
She sat next to me, and her finger traced along my tattoos across my chest. Her delicate hand felt different to me than the touches had by other women. Giselle seemed enchanted by me, something I had never really experienced.
She’d claimed not only to be a virgin, but she had never been alone with a man. Her sheltered life was the exact opposite of my hedonistic youth.
But even though she was innocent, her situation was very complicated. I needed to ask more questions. “When’s your wedding?”
Her face fell. “Next month. When I return from this trip, we will start the festivities.”
When I was a little boy, I always envied people like her, people who were rich and cultured. I’d always assumed that if only I had been born with a silver spoon in my mouth, my life would’ve been easy. But now I realized her world came with pressures I couldn’t even begin to understand.
At least I was free to be with whoever I wanted.
And I wanted her.
“What would happen if you didn’t go through with it?”
Her face contorted as if that was the weirdest question anyone had ever asked her. “I’d be exiled from my country. It would humiliate my father, in addition to my fiancé and his country. The trade agreements between my country and his would fall apart. The military support we have would be threatened. I’d be the laughingstock of the royal world. And these days, with the Internet, I’d probably be made fun of worldwide.”
Got it. But I didn’t want to stop challenging her on this. She needed to think about the outcome of this decision. “So, what you’re saying is that you could still walk away.”
She huffed. “Ryan, you’re impossible. I’m getting married next month, no matter what. I’ve given my word to my fiancé and my father, and I will honor it.”
I was impressed by her commitment to her country. The princess and the frogman had something in common, after all. I was willing to die for my country. She was willing to sacrifice her happiness for hers.
I brushed a lock of golden hair back from her face. “I respect that. I’m sure you’ll be happy. And don’t worry, Princess. Your husband will find you just as beautiful and sexy as I do.”
“I’m not sure. He has never even kissed me. We went on a date, and he didn’t even try.”
I shook my head. “Like I said, he’s a fool.”
I pulled her in for a kiss. She didn’t resist; she reclined beside me, her lips welcoming mine. Her hot little tongue traced my mouth, and I couldn’t help but think what that tongue would feel like on my cock. I imagined her eyes looking up at me as I fucked her mouth.
Dammit.
Breathe, Ryan.
Her hand touched my shoulder, making its way down to my chest.
Normally, I didn’t spend too much time kissing, too eager to fuck and forget. But I wanted to move slowly with her, make her feel comfortable with me.
Her mouth opened wider, and she kissed me deeper, her hands exploring my body. Her delicate nails scratched my chest, and a pleasurable shiver rippled through me.
Then she grazed my crotch, and I was dying to feel her hand on my cock.
I touched her breasts, but she pulled away from me.
“We really shouldn’t be doing this. This is very reckless of me. I don’t want to lead you on. I plan to remain a virgin until my wedding night. Tomorrow, I’ll be out of your hair, and you’ll be free to find a woman who will be more than happy to have sex with you, no strings attached. I wish I were her, but sadly, I am not.”
I kissed her neck; she tasted like a perfectly ripe peach. “You’re not leading me on. I’m enjoying every minute we have together. Let’s just enjoy tonight. When you tell me to stop, I will.”
Chapter 6
Giselle
MY BODY WAS ON FIRE. I LET MY lust control my mind. “I don’t want you to stop yet.”
God, I should stop. I have a fiancé…
But he’s not exactly waiting for me back home.
Two wrongs didn’t make a right—but this was beyond right. It was heaven.
Ryan offered me an amused smile. “Good. Now, where were we?” He pressed his body to mine, and I felt every inch of him. I’d never been kissed like this, by a man who clearly knew what he was doing. Yet he didn’t seem to be in a rush, nor trying to go further. His kisses varied in intensity. Some were strong and passionate. Others were sweet and playful. But all of them flooded my body with desire.
My nerves tingled, and I knew I was in big trouble.
I explored his chest, caressed his biceps, so hard and huge. I was high on his scent, his sex, his strength. I couldn’t get enough of him.
His hand clamped on my bottom, and he squeezed. Our kisses became deeper and wetter, and before I knew it, he’d rolled me under him, pressing his hard erection deep between my legs.
“You okay?” He slipped off the strap of my nightgown, exposing my décolletage.
I nodded. Better than okay. Best I’d ever felt in my entire life. Heat rose within me, and I experienced a raw pang in my core that I’d never felt before.
His lips made their way down my neck, delicately kissing my chest until he pushed down my slip. He grabbed my right breast, and I moaned as he sucked on it.
I threaded my fingers through his hair as his kisses turned more urgent— harder, rougher. His hand grasped my thigh, his finger tracing the hem of my panties, and I was afraid I was going to explode.
So, this was what I’d been missing all these years. Maybe he was right—sex was the most important part of a relationship.
I wanted more.
I wanted this; I wanted him.
But I couldn’t possibly have sex with him. Not tonight. Not ever. It had been my choice to remain a virgin until my wedding night. I couldn’t imagine sleeping with more than one man. Sexual freedom didn’t extend to female members of the royal family. Honor was everything.
His mouth took my other nipple—and I went wild. My breathing quickened, and I writhed against him.
When his free hand slipped into my panties, I knew I had to stop him before I was unable to resist.
I forced myself to pull away from his lips, my body on fire from his touch. “I think that’s enough kissing for tonight.”
Tonight. There was only tonight.
Would I regret stopping this moment tomorrow? In a month? Forever?
His jaw clenched, and he finally exhaled. “Fine, Princess. Come here.”
I could tell he was frustrated, but I appreciated that he didn’t pressure me to go farther. He pulled me into his arms, and I rested my head on his chest. His fingers stroked my hair.
Would my fiancé ever kiss me the way Ryan had?
I didn’t have to wonder, for my soul knew the answer.
No.
Chapter 7
Ryan
THE NEXT MORNING, I WOKE WITH my arms wrapped around Giselle. My balls were in a worl
d of hurt, but even so, spending the night with her had been worth it. Man, she was beautiful. Her long blonde hair fanned out over the pillow, making her look even more angelic.
I hopped out of bed and hit the head, hoping not to wake her. I resisted the urge to jump in the shower and jerk off. I’d never had a girlfriend and had rarely spent the night with a woman. I didn’t even know what to do “the morning after” but bounce.
I wasn’t willing to let her go today, despite telling her I would take her to her hotel. But it wasn’t just because I wanted to fuck her. She intrigued me. When would I ever get another chance to escort a princess around France? What was the harm? It was only for a week, then she would run off and get married, and I would be nothing more than a distant memory of the time she went slumming with an American.
I emerged from the bathroom, and she was still asleep. I checked my email on my phone but found nothing important. I also scanned the news to make sure I wasn’t a wanted man for kidnapping a princess, but luckily, I didn’t find any articles about her, so I threw on my clothes and left the room.
The innkeeper waved at me, motioned me to wait, disappeared into the kitchen, and returned carrying a tray of food.
“Breakfast in bed for the newlyweds.”
I took the tray from her. “Thank you.”
I went back to the room. Giselle had woken up and was standing at the window. I heard birds chirping outside and smelled flowers instead of my usual alarm of gunfire and smoke. I couldn’t help but think how different this moment was from my day-to-day life. How nice it was. How normal.
She flashed a wide smile. “Good morning. How did you sleep?”
“Best sleep I’ve had in almost a year.” I placed the tray on the bed, and she climbed back in with me. I pressed the coffee and poured her a cup, then served us both croissants. Mine tasted delicious, flaky, and buttery. I ate a few berries, tried some yogurt, which tasted way better than the kinds I’d had back in the States, and finally dug into my cheese-filled ham omelet.
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