Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

“Kenley.” He swallowed hard. His hands roamed my hips, pushing my silk robe to the side. He gathered the corners of my gown until my stomach was exposed. His palms grazed over the flesh of my belly. He pressed a hot kiss on my skin.

“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”

I ran my hands through his hair. I nodded, smiling. “I am.”

“Oh, baby.” He brought me into his lap, crushing me with a kiss.

My hands circled his neck, melting into him. Melting into this moment. His tongue twirled along mine and I whimpered when he cupped my breast.

“You’re having my baby?” His voice was deep.

“Yes. I’m pregnant, Nic.”

“And you were going to sit and drink tea and not tell me?” He laughed.

“I took the test this morning when you went for a run on the beach. I was going to plan a big dinner surprise and wrap a baby present for you, but I couldn’t wait,” I admitted. “I guess I ruined it this way.”

He shook his head. “No. It could never be ruined.” He kissed my neck and throat. “You’re having my baby.”

I sighed. “Yes.”

“And you want to have the baby here? You want to stay in the U.S.?”

“I know how crazy it sounds. I know this was never the plan, but I think while I’ve been falling in love with the idea of us being parents, I fell in love with this place. The beach. The city. Adaline’s here. I love this house and it’s available. And we already have a staff. We just have to make them official royal employees.” I listed all the reasons I thought of why we had to do this. “We can raise a family here. And no one cares you’re a prince. It’s wild and unexpected, but we can live here like normal people. Sophia was right about that. And Damon needs a U.S. ambassador.” I knew I was speaking way too fast.

“You could fill that role and move the office to Charleston. It’s still on the east coast and accessible to the airport. You could still fly to Galona every other month. It’s not that bad. And your children will always have you.” I ran my hand along his jaw. “I’ll always have you.”

“Compelling arguments, Miss DuBois.” He pressed his lips together. I couldn’t read his mood.

“Will you at least say we can consider it? We can talk about it? Please, Nic.”

“I will consider it.” His arms scooped me close to his chest and he rose from the chair.

“You will?”

“Mmmhmm.” He took one long stride after another. “But I have something I want you to consider.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

He closed the bedroom door behind us and locked it.

“That we aren’t leaving this bed at least until lunchtime.”

I kissed him, loving him in a new way. He placed me in the center of the bed, kissing my shoulder and behind my ear. Forging fire under my skin until I was moaning for more.

I crawled on my knees, wanting him to take me like this. We had so much to celebrate.

His fingertip pressed to my rosebud and he groaned, passing over it as if he knew we’d have to wait for those pleasures for a while.

“Later,” he promised.

I nodded. I ached in a new way for him. If he didn’t fill me I’d burst into flames and burn to a pile of embers.

“Nic, I need you inside me.”

“So impatient, my dirty dirty, princess.”

He separated my slit and I whimpered, knowing I was dripping wet for him. But he loved it. My body turned him on. I reveled in the power of my body. He had taught me to embrace my strength and sensuality. I didn’t shy away from touching myself. I wasn’t embarrassed that my clit throbbed for him. I opened my body to him to love and to worship. In Nic, I knew I could be a siren or a sex goddess. Sex could bring us together. It could take us to new places. And I could let my hair down and he’d love me no matter what carnal desires I wanted. As long as it felt good he wanted to give it to me.