by Wendi Zwaduk
She jerked and moaned. “Luke.” She slid her fingers into his hair. “Wow.”
If she liked what he was doing now, then she’d love how he planned to touch her next. He eased one hand down her body to her belly, then to the apex of her thighs. He palmed her pussy, but didn’t penetrate her. First, he wanted to give her time to adjust.
She held on to his head as he sucked on her breast. “Luke.” She shivered.
Luke hummed against her chest, making her squirm. Water sluiced over her body. He eased one finger between her pussy lips, drawing a shudder from deep within her.
“Luke.” She tugged on his hair and shuddered again. “I want to make you happy.”
In a moment. He pinned her between his body and the wall. Water cascaded down on them as he knelt at her feet. He parted her cunt lips, baring the tender pink flesh. The scent of her arousal mixed with the soap and curled around in his brain. Cream coated her lips. He’d take more time once they were out of the shower, but he had to taste her right now.
She shivered again. “Luke.” She ground on his face, bucking against him. “Feels so good.”
That was what he wanted to hear. When she shivered again, he relented. So soft and smooth. He liked when his partner shaved. Plus, she intoxicated him. He licked his lips and stood.
She stared up at him, a dazed look in her eyes. “You stopped.”
“Waiting makes later even better.” He squirted shampoo onto his fingers, then worked the suds into her hair. She groaned and leaned into him again.
“I’ve never felt so cherished in my life.” She reached around him and caressed his ribs. With her back to his chest, she situated his cock between her ass cheeks and rubbed him.
If she wasn’t careful, he’d go off just from her touching him. He groaned. He hadn’t been this close to the edge or this deep in so long. Maybe ever. “Rinse.”
She let go and stepped under the spray. Suds and water curved along her body. She wiped her face, then glanced back at him.
“Fuck,” he murmured. “I might be teasing you, but you’re doing just as good a job of teasing me.” He wanted to capture her between his body and the wall as he fucked her.
Her eyes flashed. “I’m trying to learn.”
“You are.” He grabbed the washcloth and added fresh soap.
“Let me.” She took the cloth from him. “When I first saw you, a tingle shot through me.” She smiled and smoothed the soap across his pecs. “All tanned and beautiful. I thought I’d been struck by lightning or zapped. I couldn’t not look at you.”
“You think I’m pretty?” Christ. He couldn’t think straight. “That’s not something anyone’s ever said.”
“I do.” She moved to his abs, then groin. When she reached his erection, she abandoned the cloth in favor of her hands. “I’ve never done this before.” She stroked him. “Tell me what to do.”
“Go slow and light.” He placed his hand over hers, guiding her up and down his shaft. “Like that.” Soap slid down his body and added lubrication. He didn’t feel the water, just her hands on him. Within moments, she picked up the technique of masturbating him and even managed to twist her hand. She toyed with his slit. The added sensation enhanced his pleasure. “Christ.”
“Good?” She knelt between his feet and used both hands. “Yes?”
“Not so hard. Use one hand.” He groaned, unable to think straight again. She was beautiful on her knees. Sinful.
She stroked his shaft, then flicked her tongue across the head of his dick. “Better?”
He tensed. Oh God. So much better. “Babe.”
“I want to learn so I can make you happy.” She resumed licking him. Water sluiced down her face. She reminded him of a water nymph.
Being with her made him happy and her mouth on him blew his mind. She parted her lips, welcoming him in.
Instead of pushing, he allowed her to set the pace. He palmed her head and planted his shoulders on the wall of the shower. “Yes, baby. Not so much teeth, but you’re doing everything else right.”
She glanced up at him and grinned.
The sight of his cock in her mouth, his princess taking care of him and showing him her devotion, knocked his senses inside out. She was so warm and inviting. When she sucked on him, she massaged his balls, too. For a novice, she learned quickly and excelled at the skills. He glanced down at her again and delight shimmered in his eyes.
The pleasure of her actions and the passion in her lovemaking overwhelmed him. He needed to feel her hands on him. Fuck. He wouldn’t be able to hold back. Each time she bobbed her head, she pushed him closer to coming. He tensed, despite his best efforts to keep himself in check. Nope, not going to happen. He pumped his hips. She’d worked him into a frenzy.
“Zara.” He eased away from her. “Fuck.” He took over the act and stroked himself faster. His balls ached. “Give me your hand.” His movements turned jerky as he continued to masturbate.
She rose on her knees and stroked him in time with his own ministrations. “Coming? Do it.”
The tone of her voice, pleading, innocent and sexy, pushed him right over the edge. He jerked forward, but continued to rub himself. A thick ribbon of cum shot onto the shower floor. “Jesus.”
She helped masturbate him until he stilled. “That’s beautiful.”
His knees weakened. He wobbled and helped her to her feet. Now that she’d relaxed him, he could focus on her now. He needed to. He rinsed, then cleaned her again. When she backed away from him, he twisted the knob to turn the water off. “Let me get a towel.”
“I’m not going to break if I have to do something for myself.” She stepped out of the shower first and grabbed the towel on the rack. “I’m not glass.”
“I know.” But knowing she was a princess changed things. He shouldn’t see her any differently because she was the same person as before, but still. He took the towel from her and dried Zara, then himself. “But you are someone important. I don’t want to unintentionally insult you by acting like a neanderthal or something.”
“Luke?” She clasped her hands together, caging his between hers. “I’m sorry I lied to you.” Her blush ran from her hairline to her chest. “I needed to know you cared before I could tell you the truth. You don’t understand how it feels to not be loved for who you are. You also don’t understand that there’s nothing neanderthal you could do that would insult me.”
He wanted to be upset with her, but had irritated himself. He couldn’t change the fact she’d lied to him, but how could she know who to trust when everyone in her circles had ulterior motives? She wasn’t upset with him for saying the wrong things.
“Do you know what made me trust you?” she asked.
“No.” He followed her out to the main portion of the apartment. “Where is your brush? I’ll detangle your hair.”
“You like to brush hair?” She gave him the side-eye.
“Uh-huh. It’s intimate and sweet, plus gives us time to recharge.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “It’s also sensual.”
“Oh.” She pulled the brush from her bag. “I…I trusted you because of your spirit. You didn’t ask me about my past or my pedigree. You were nice and sweet when I needed help. Others would’ve expected something in return.” She sank onto the bed. “It’s what drew me to you.”
He sat behind her and worked the brush through her hair. “I’ve never worked this hard for a relationship before.”
“No?” She tensed. “Why?”
“Because I’ve never wanted anyone so much—no royalty involved.” He ran the brush through her hair. “You make me happy. I want to do more than draw you. I want to learn every inch of you and taste you all over. I crave you.”
She turned around and faced him. “Just remember that when they come for me.”
“They will?”
“After seeing Corinne’s behavior and my photos on social media, yeah. It’s only a matter of time before someone comes looking for me.”
“Then let’s
enjoy the hours or days we have.” Fuck. He didn’t want her to go. He had so much art to create and he’d fallen hard for her. He couldn’t let his muse get away—not now and not ever.
Zara whimpered as he brushed her hair. Sure, he didn’t have to take care of her, but she felt protected with him and special. He cared. No one else gave her such reverent attention. Her scalp tingled and she grinned to herself. Now that she’d been with him, she didn’t mind being naked. Didn’t mind him seeing her imperfections, either. Plus he was right. Having her hair brushed was one of the most sensual things she’d ever experienced.
She slid her hands over her body. Her nipples peaked and she moaned at the sensitivity. “Luke.” He made her feel this way. The man had incredible power and she didn’t want him to stop everything. Her life wouldn’t be the same without him.
He pressed kisses to her shoulder and stopped brushing. “Yes, sweetheart?”
“I want to pose for you again.” She placed his hand on her breast. “Now. Please?”
“Yeah?” He squeezed her breast, then rolled her nipple in his fingers. “I want you, too. Want you to pose for me, to stay in my bed, imprint yourself on me…”
“Yes.” She ached into his touch. Her nerve endings were on fire. She rested her head on his shoulder. “Please?”
“You can, but in a little bit.” He situated his hand between her legs. “I want to make you fly.”
That was what she wanted, too.
“Stretch out on your back,” he murmured. “We’ll finish what we started in the shower.”
It sounded like heaven to her. She scooted off his lap and scrambled onto the bed. What she lacked in experience, she’d make up for in enthusiasm. Tasting him and seeing him come thrilled her. She wanted to experience both again.
He parted her legs and passion shone in his eyes. He kissed along her leg to the inside of her knee. His moves were so tender that she whimpered.
She grasped the sheets and writhed. He hadn’t even touched her pussy, but he already had her on edge.
His warm breath tickled her skin. The scent of his soap lingered on her skin. She grabbed the pillows to prop herself up to watch—she wanted to see everything.
He raked his teeth over her inner thigh, sending sizzles through her veins.
“Luke.” She dug her toes into the bedding. She’d never felt anything so exciting in her life—except sex with him.
Without saying a word, he had her full attention. He parted her cunt and eased his tongue across her skin. The touch was so light, it could’ve been his breath instead. She wasn’t sure.
She jerked toward him, needing more.
This time, he dragged his tongue across her sensitive skin, then feasted on her clit.
She moaned and threaded her fingers into his hair. The onslaught of sensations overwhelmed her. Her insides quivered. She bucked her hips, rubbing her pussy against his mouth. He sucked hard on the nub of her clit, eliciting a cry from within her. She had no idea how he knew what to touch to make her scream.
“More,” she managed. “Oh God.” She writhed. “Luke.”
He continued to lick and nibble on her. Every so often, he hummed and the vibrations shot through her.
She tensed. A girl could only take so much, but she’d accept everything he gave her. She panted, but he managed to blow her mind again. He reached around her bent leg and palmed her breast. As she shuddered, he rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger.
The coil in her belly tightened. A fresh wave of excitement rolled through her veins. He kept giving her new things to experience. She moaned and words escaped her. She wanted to make noise and let him know she approved, but nothing like words formed.
He raked his teeth over her inner thigh again and continued to toy with her nipple. “Tell me you love this. Tell me.”
“I do.” She bucked against him. “Luke.” He had her reduced to being able to say little more than his name. God, she couldn’t think, just feel.
“Good girl.”
His words vibrated down her spine. She shivered and the heat in her belly increased.
“Like that, babe. Let go.” He resumed licking her pussy lips, then brushed his face in her cunt. At the same time, he speared one finger into her channel. He continued to tease her nipple.
She clamped down around him, needing to feel him surrounding her. He’d changed her. The coil wound tighter and she cried out. The combination of sensations on her body was too much to take. She rode his finger and pushed against his face.
Tingles filled her veins and warmth shot through her body. She trembled. The world seemed to melt away around her. Nothing else mattered except Luke and this moment.
She cried out again and the coil snapped. She tensed as the most overwhelming feeling washed over her. She swore she floated again. The room seemed to spin. She sagged against the bed and closed her eyes as she caught her breath. Mind. Blown.
He kissed her pussy once more, then withdrew his finger and let go of her breast. He stretched out beside her on the bed. She still couldn’t think straight, but at least he was with her as she came down from the orgasmic high.
Luke tucked her to his side and petted her hair. “Beautiful.”
“Yeah?” She’d call it sleepy or sated. She twined her legs with his. “Luke?” A hundred thoughts filled her mind.
“Sweetheart?”
“Did your series involve me being limp and happy? I can’t remember,” she murmured.
“Sort of.” He traced the line of her jaw. “Do you want me to photograph you?”
“For the paintings.” She snuggled closer to him. “I want the series to be everything you envisioned.” Everything he could make it before they ran out of time.
“It will be.” He pulled his phone off the side table. “Pose for me.”
“Don’t have to pose.” She smiled. When he took the picture, she couldn’t quite believe the woman in the image was her. She didn’t resemble herself. The woman in the photo was happier, freer and in love. She smiled at the camera again. For the first time in her life, she’d made her own decisions, liked the direction in her life and wanted to keep this trajectory going.
He tapped the icon and took three more photos. Luke put the phone down, then turned over to face her. “You’re irresistible.”
“Because of my role?” God, she had to stop going right to that standard answer and trust him. “Tell me the truth.”
“Because you’re sweet and beautiful. You’re open and caring, too.” He switched off the light, then sighed. “We’ll make a plan in the morning. If you’ve got any security people still loyal to you, we’ll make sure you’re safe so you can go to class. If not, then I’ll do it alone.”
“I can’t go back to class. I’ve been outted.” She clung to him. That part of her world, her college career, was over for now. “It’s a matter of time before going to campus becomes a circus and no one in my classes will be able to concentrate. I’m a distraction because I’m a freak.” She’d been through this before. “They’ll ask me to go and say I’m welcome to stay on campus, but they’d like me to consider a lower profile.”
He kissed her temple. “You’re not a freak.”
“Maybe not, but if I tell you we need to pull back or stay here, trust me. I know the score,” she said. She’d been through this before when she tried to visit the art museum in Lysianna alone or when she’d tried to go shopping without her team around her. She’d been mobbed, then attacked. People wanted a piece of her. Maybe that wouldn’t happen right away on campus, but eventually, someone would want something from her, a piece of clothing or a scrap of paper she’d touched, and they wouldn’t quit until they got what they wanted.
“I trust you completely. I’ll protect you and do whatever you want,” he said. “You matter to me, Zara.” He sighed. “I found my heart because of you.”
She listened to the sound of his breathing. He’d fallen asleep. The sound was so rhythmic and soothing. Zara snuggled up to him
and stared at the door. She had no idea how long she had until the royal guard showed up. They’d find her and her dream would end. How long would it be before she had to let Luke go? She didn’t want to. Hell, she’d fight every step of the way—unless he couldn’t handle the craziness of her life. Then she’d give him space. Still, she’d earned the right to have an education and a boyfriend who wasn’t out to get his sticky hands on her title.
Right now, she had precious hours with Luke. She had moments with the guy who made her whole. She craved the life she’d created with him. Let the guards come. Let them try to take the prize she’d won. She’d fight. Her life mattered too much to give up. Luke mattered, too.
She’d found her heart in his hands. How could she ever walk away?
Easy. She wouldn’t.
Chapter Nine
Zara woke to the smell of coffee. She blinked as she surfaced from sleep. Luke, clad in only a pair of jogging shorts, stood at the stove. A news program played on his tablet. She sat up and raked her fingers through her hair. Being with him and seeing him in the kitchen seemed so natural.
“You look like you belong in the kitchen,” she said. “You’re a man of many talents.”
“I try.” He glanced over his shoulder. “I made coffee if you’d like some, but I can make some hot cocoa or something else if you’d prefer. How did you sleep?”
“I slept well,” she said. “I had the best snuggle bunny to keep me safe. I could get used to that every night.”
“I could arrange that,” he said and fiddled with a coffee cup.
“What time is it?” She looked for an alarm clock and found none.
“Seven-thirty.” He brought the cup over and sat on the bed. “You don’t want any, do you?”
“No, I’m good. I’ll grab some cereal on campus or a granola bar.” She folded her legs beneath her. Who was she kidding? She probably wasn’t going to campus today. Her thoughts turned to Luke. “I’ve had a lot of firsts with you. Almost all of them, so yes, I should have some coffee or something to eat.”
