Rise of a Queen: A Dark Billionaire Romance (Kingdom Duet Book 2)

by Rina Kent

  He’s studying me intently. He’s always doing that, watching me, pulling me to the centre of his attention as if I’ve always belonged there. “You should go rest.”

  “I’m fine.” Rest is the last thing on my mind right now. I clench my thighs together, trapping the tingles in. I can’t believe I’m turned on by just his appearance.

  If Lay hears about this, she won’t let me live it down.

  “You must have jet lag, Aurora.”

  “I don’t.”

  “You might not feel it now, but exhaustion will soon take over you. It’ll be better once you sleep.”

  “I slept enough on the plane.”

  He sighs. “Must you have an objection to everything? Stop fighting me about your health and go rest.”

  I’m apparently doing a shit job at showing my interest, so I try again, this time lowering my voice. “Are you going to join me?”

  I swear something shines in his eyes, but the blank façade returns all too soon. “I have to make a few calls.”

  “Fine.” I huff, getting to my feet. “Whatever.”

  I bypass him and stomp to the stairs like an angry kid with issues. Damn him.

  Upstairs, there are only two rooms, so I go into the first one. Sure enough, there’s a large bed with white sheets, and the curtains are drawn, hiding the sun.

  I kick my shoes off, then jerkily strip off my clothes. Disappointment sticks at the back of my throat like a foul aftertaste, but I refuse to acknowledge it.

  Screw Jonathan.

  I step into the glass shower and let the cool water submerge me. A full-body mirror is positioned in front of me, making me watch myself shower. It must be another one of the prince’s creations — a weird as hell one. Who even does that?

  I close my eyes and try to let the flow of the water rinse away my thoughts. But no matter how long I stand there, my mind keeps jumping back to the shitshow I left behind in England. This island is merely a temporary solution.

  There’s no way in hell I can escape forever. Besides, now that Layla and her family are involved, it’s one more reason to not escape. It’s not like I can take them all and smuggle them to Scotland or out of the UK with me.

  A warm body envelops me from behind, his hard chest moulding to my wet back. He pulls my hair to the side, baring my throat before he wraps a hand around it.

  Jonathan’s lips graze the shell of my ear as he murmurs, “Is this what you meant by joining you?”

  My thighs tighten as the earlier wave of arousal slams back into me with a vengeance. There’s nothing I love more than the feel of Jonathan’s body glued to my skin and his hot breaths mingled with mine.

  His free hand comes down on my arse, and I yelp, my eyes shooting open. God. It hurts so good with the water like this.

  My eyes meet his through the mirror. It’s slightly foggy now with the steam, but I can make out the spark in those dark greys.

  “What was that for?” My voice is so lustful, it would’ve been embarrassing if I wasn’t so turned on.

  “To get your attention. It needs to always be on me.” He grabs me hard by the arse. “Not anyone else. Me.”

  “Why?” I ask in the same voice, just to challenge him. Jonathan loves that — challenges, I mean.

  His grip tightens on my arse. “This is mine. Everything you have belongs to me, and no one gets to touch or hurt you under my watch.”

  He spanks me again and I slap a hand against the mirror, the water forming a rivulet that runs down the condensation as his words leave the confinements of my ear and creep under my skin.

  “No one?” My voice is soft, small, and filled with all the insecurities I’ve carried for endless years.

  “No fucking one, Aurora.” His voice drops. “Not even yourself.”

  “Jonathan…” I stare at him through the small visible space in the mirror.

  He slaps my arse once more, making me shiver in both pleasure and pain. “What is it?”

  “Ohh…I…”

  “Those aren’t words. Use actual ones.” There’s slight amusement beneath the order.

  I place my other hand on the mirror to anchor myself. For some reason, it feels as if I’ll fall if I don’t.

  My gaze meets his through the mirror. “Take me.”

  His eyes blaze, and I’m sure the needy tone in my voice doesn’t escape him.

  “Take you?”

  “Jonathan, please.”

  “Fuck.” Still gripping me by the throat, he slowly inches inside me, filling me to the brim.

  My mouth parts as the water drips down my skin to where we’re joined. I watch where his body meets mine, fascinated by the view. But that’s not the only place we’re joined. It’s everywhere from my back to my arse to the hand gripping me by the hip.

  Jonathan tightens his fingers around my throat, jerking my neck up. “Look at me. Watch me own you.”

  My light eyes clash with his darker ones in the mirror. I’m caught in a trance by the way he’s thrusting in and out of me with measured strokes. But that’s not the only thing that fills me with awe.

  It’s the look of utter abandon on my face coupled with the complete possessiveness in his features.

  Oh, God.

  Do I always look like that?

  His lips find the shell of my ear and he bites before speaking in a husky tone, “Everything you see and don’t see in there is fucking mine, Aurora.”

  He releases my hip and parts my arse cheeks with his strong hand. His thumb finds my back hole and I yelp, getting on my tiptoes.

  “W-what are you doing?”

  “I said everything you see and don’t see.” The tip of his finger pushes inside and I clench against his cock. “Mmm, feels virgin.”

  Oh, God.

  Shit.

  I’m not supposed to like having his thumb there, right? I’ve always thought that backdoor business wasn’t allowed, or at least, that’s how it was in my mind.

  If normal sex didn’t cut it, I didn’t feel the need to put myself through the pain of anal. But that was before this man gave me my actual rebirth.

  There’s a pre-Jonathan era and post-Jonathan era, and I don’t want to admit how fulfilling the second one is.

  His teeth nibble on the sensitive skin at my throat, most definitely leaving a hickey. “Is it virgin?”

  “Yes…” My moaned word is almost inaudible in the midst of the pouring water, but Jonathan seems to have heard it since a growl spills from this throat.

  “I’m going to fuck it and own every inch of you, wild one.”

  “N-now?”

  A dark chuckle invades the air. “No, you need preparation. I don’t want to hurt you with my cock. But soon, though.”

  Before I can think about the stupid disappointment that hits me for the second time today, Jonathan pushes his finger a bit farther into my arse and picks up his pace in my pussy.

  The feeling of being filled is so real, and there’s even that slight burn of pain that’s caused by his sheer size. It doesn’t matter how wet or ready I am. He’s so big and it always hurts so good to be pounded in by him.

  My eyes droop at the intensity of his thrusts, and I’m transfixed by the image in the mirror. By the way I seem so small in his hold, but also by how closely we’re joined, as if we can never be separated.

  That view throws me over the edge.

  Jonathan studies me with that usual focus of his as I come undone around him. My breathing hitches as pleasure rolls off me, making my legs unsteady.

  The way I look at him is more than pleasure and lust.

  It’s more than orgasms and dirty fucks.

  It’s something I thought I would never feel again after that black day eleven years ago.

  20

  Aurora

  I must’ve fallen asleep after Jonathan carried me out of the shower, because the next time I open my eyes, I’m on the bed.

  A sheet covers me up to my chin and the towel is still wrapped around me.

 
; I blink the sleep away from my eyes and glide my hand across the bed. Sure enough, Jonathan isn’t here. My chest falls at that thought, and I curse myself for it. Since when did the need to see him next to me when I wake up become a habit?

  The glass hints at the afternoon sun, shining through the trees. I stir and get up to search for my phone.

  I need to call Layla and make sure she and her family are well-installed and protected. Then maybe I can take a look at what’s going on in the news. That is, if there’s an internet connection here.

  I search through the bags on the chair and in the drawers, but there’s no sign of my phone.

  Ugh. It’s Jonathan, isn’t it?

  A tender ache hurts between my legs every time I move, and it brings back the memories of Jonathan taking me in the shower. It doesn’t matter how much he fucks me, each one is an experience all on its own, and I’ve become so attuned to this feeling. To him.

  It takes me a few minutes to put on a short summer dress I find in the bag he packed for me. How did he even come upon this? I bought it years ago and never actually got the chance to wear it.

  I let my hair fall loose to the middle of my back, put on flip-flops, and descend the stairs. I search in the kitchen and in the lounge area, and then in an office situated near the entrance.

  There’s no trace of Jonathan.

  My feet come to a halt as a dooming thought hits me across the face. Did he…leave me here?

  I rush outside, my heart hammering in my chest. The car and Moses are also gone. The sound of the breeze slipping between the tree leaves is the only presence around me.

  It’s almost like a ghost island.

  A shiver snakes up my body and wraps its meaty fingers around my throat. I instinctively rub my arms to drive away the goosebumps.

  Wait, no.

  There’s also a faint sound of…waves. I follow the scent of the ocean, legs unsteady, and my heartbeat won’t stop escalating. The idea of being all alone brings back memories of being utterly lost. Though I should be used to being lonely, I’m not. Not really.

  Especially not now.

  Sure enough, there’s a beach down the cliff. Its shore expands into the horizon, creating a marvellous picturesque scene when combined with the sky. The clear, blue water sparkles under the afternoon sun, but that’s not what causes me to stop and stare.

  It’s the man sitting on a chaise longue, a tablet in his hand.

  Jonathan is wearing only shorts and a white polo T-shirt, which highlights his tall, muscular frame.

  The sun shines on his black hair, which, for once, isn’t styled. It falls across his forehead in a tousled and carefree way. His eyes are covered with black aviators as he scrolls through his tablet with his usual serious expression. His brows are slightly furrowed, jaw set and lips in a line.

  I’m so used to those features, to the hardness and ruthlessness in them.

  I’m so used to him.

  When the hell did I become so used to this man?

  The fact that he didn’t leave me here on my own fills me with relief so strong, I nearly topple over from the force of it.

  My feet lead me to him of their own volition. The flip-flops get lost in the white sand, so I kick them away and walk barefoot. It’s not hot, but it’s warm enough.

  I stand beside his chair, my shadow falling across his face and chest, blocking the sun. Jonathan glances up from his tablet, and just like that, the serious expression slowly withers away.

  There’s still that usual harshness, the hardness of the man beneath. However, his features relax and his lips twitch in a heart-stopping smile.

  God. I’ll never get enough of his smile. It doesn’t help that he’s so stingy with it.

  “You’re up.”

  I’m still feeling relieved for finding him here. Add his smile, and I totally can’t find my voice right now, so I nod.

  He raises a brow. “You said you didn’t have jet lag.”

  “I was tired.”

  “Is that so? Did I exhaust you, wild one?”

  “A little.”

  “A little? We need to take care of that next time so that it’s more than a little.”

  “Fine, a lot. Happy now?” I couldn’t control the burning of my cheeks, even if I wanted to.

  “Come here.” Even though his eyes are covered with sunglasses, I can almost see the darkening of that grey colour.

  “Come where? There’s no room.”

  He clutches me by the wrist and pulls me down. I gasp, expecting us both to topple over the chair. Instead, I end up half-lying atop of him, fingers splayed on his T-shirt.

  “You were saying? Something about no room?”

  For a moment, I’m lost in his sunglasses-covered eyes, in the way they watch me. The weird, yet overwhelming, sensation I felt while staring at our reflection in the mirror during the shower hits me again.

  I shut the door on that thought and ask what I came down here for, “Where’s my phone?”

  “You don’t need it.”

  “I have to make sure Layla and her family are safe.”

  “They are. Harris told me they arrived at Birmingham.”

  “I want to talk to her myself. At least let me call Harris.”

  “There will be no talking to Harris.” He taps a few things on his tablet. “Here, call Layla.”

  I grin, taking the tablet from his hand, and dial Layla. I’m surprised it’s saved in his SIM card, even if it is under ‘Black Belt’. “Why do you have Layla’s phone number?”

  “She’s an important part of your life,” he says, as if that explains everything.

  I try to get into a sitting position, because lying all over Jonathan is distracting as hell, and wait for her to pick up. It rings a few times before she answers.

  “This is called stalking, Johnny. We are not going to stay at a hotel you’re paying for. Save your money for charity.”

  I stare at him. He wanted to make her and her family stay at a hotel and even called her about it? Why didn’t I know anything about this?

  The shades cover his expression, but I doubt there’s a reaction or an apology in there. He does whatever he pleases and is usually convinced that it’s the right thing.

  “Now, let me talk to Aurora,” Layla demands. “Or I’m going to come out of the phone and strangle you — wait. Don’t hang up. I won’t actually do it.”

  I chuckle. “It’s me, Lay.”

  “Mate! Are you okay? You’re unharmed, right? Did that brute Jonathan do something to you?”

  He did a lot of things, but none of them were brutish. If anything, they warmed my heart like nothing ever has.

  How sad is my life if Jonathan is the highlight of it? Or maybe it’s sad because I waited so long for something like this, and I got more than I bargained for in this impossible man.

  He might be a tyrant, but he’s the best to ever exist.

  “I’m fine, Lay. We’re at a beautiful island and I wish you were here. Are you guys okay?”

  “As long as you’re safe, we are.” She sighs. “Mama and Papa send their love, and they said we’ll all stand behind you.”

  “Lay…” My voice breaks.

  “Hey, don’t go sappy on me. We still need to talk about how you hid your past from me all these years. I demand compensation.”

  “A hug?”

  “In your dreams. Okay, maybe this once.”

  I smile. “Are you guys comfy?”

  “Totes.”

  My gaze trails to Jonathan, who could be either watching me or the ocean. “Maybe you should take Jonathan’s offer.”

  “Nope. Not gonna happen.”

  “Are you at your relatives’ in Birmingham?”

  “We decided against it. We didn’t really want to bring them trouble.”

  “Then where are you?”

  “Somewhere better than Johnny’s hotel.”

  “Where?”

  “He came over as soon as we arrived here and told us we were welcome at h
is mansion. Told you, he’s Daddy. Hold on.”

  Oh, God. No, she didn’t.

  There’s a rustle at the other end of the line before a smooth, familiar voice filters in. “Hello, Aurora. How have you been?”

  Before I can even attempt to greet Ethan back, Jonathan sits up, his arms enveloping me from behind as he snatches the tablet from my fingers. “What the fuck are you doing, Ethan?”

  “Oh, Jonathan. What a surprise.” He doesn’t sound surprised at all. “I invited Layla and her family to stay at my Birmingham residence as long as they please. It’s the least I can do to help Aurora in these difficult circumstances.”

  “Thank you,” I say, even though I’m secretly planning to kill Layla.

  Jonathan’s eyes fix on me before he focuses back on the tablet. “Harris will come over to take Miss Hussaini and her family to the hotel.”

  “No, can do. We’re cool right here!” Layla’s voice comes from the background.

  “You heard her,” Ethan says. “I’ll see you when you return. You, too, Aurora.”

  He hangs up before Jonathan can say another word. His hold tightens on the tablet and I suspect he’ll somehow bend it in two.

  The tension radiating off him could break something. He doesn’t like that Ethan is meddling, and I guess Jonathan will always see him as some sort of a threat — even if he’s helping.

  “Are we alone here?” I ask to divert his attention as a wild idea springs to mind.

  “Yes.”

  “What about Moses?”

  “He stays near the plane landing.” He pauses. “Why are you asking about him?”

  I stand up and pull the dress over my head. I went commando, so when I let the cloth fall on the chair, I’m completely naked.

  My nipples instantly harden; it’s less to do with the air and more to do with the way Jonathan straightens, his entire focus zooming in on me.

  His jaw clenches as he removes the shades, uncovering his darkened gaze. “Is that an invitation, Aurora?”

  “No.” I walk backwards towards the beach. “I’m going for a swim.”

  “A swim?”