Surprisingly Royal

👸chapter 30: Desperate

Oh. My. God.

Did he seriously just pull me into the water?

He has officially crossed the line.

"Why the hell would you do that?!" I shout, pushing a wet strand of hair out of my face, glaring at him.

He just laughs loudly and shamelessly, like he's been dying to do that all day.

"Laugh all you want. I will get you back for this."

"Yeah, sure you will," he says through his annoying laughter.

"You honestly look so cute and hilarious when you're mad," he adds. "Like a giant, fluffy marshmallow."

Oh, that's it.

No mercy now.

I swim toward him with every ounce of energy I've got and yank him underwater. He wasn't expecting it because, wow, that was way too easy.

He comes back up sputtering, eyes wide.

"Hey! What was that for?!"

"Who's the marshmallow now?" I smirk, floating back.

"Oh, you're asking for it." He starts swimming toward me with that mischievous glint in his eyes.

I don't wait, I race out of the lake, laughing and panicking at the same time. But he's right behind me, gaining fast.

Panic panic panic.

I try to pick up speed, but he's quicker. He grabs me from behind and we fall,me first, and him landing right on top.

I shut my eyes tight, heart thudding in my chest.

"Open your eyes, babe. I'm not gonna bite," he whispers, voice low and teasing.

I open them slowly... and instantly regret it.

He's shirtless. Right on top of me. Water dripping. Muscles on full display.

Why is the universe punishing me?

I glance up at him, locking eyes with his warm chocolate gaze, and something about it makes my chest flutter. Ugh.

Then my gaze drops to his lips. His stupidly perfect lips.

I bite mine without even thinking.

He leans in, his breath tickling my ear.

"You've really got to stop drooling every time you look at me. Makes you look kinda desperate," he murmurs, planting a soft kiss where he just spoke.

Shivers.

Literal shivers.

It takes me a second to register what he just said.

"Excuse me?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Exactly what you heard, baby doll," he says with that smug smirk.

"You think I'm desperate?" I push him off me and stand up, fuming.

"Pretty much." He gets up too, still smirking like he owns the world.

"Wow. Do you actually think you're some prince? Or a god? Because, spoiler alert, you're just a self-obsessed jerk who can't stop running his mouth."

"Maybe. But I'm also the self-obsessed jerk who got your attention." He raises a brow like he just dropped the mic.

I roll my eyes so hard it hurts.

"You know what? I'm done. I'm out of here." I storm off in the direction I think leads back.

"Oh come on, don't get all dramatic now."

"Just leave me alone."

"Fine. But you're walking the wrong way."

Wait. What?

I stop and look around. Trees, trees, and more trees. Everything looks the same.

Crap.

I take another path.

"Nope, not that one either," he says, still behind me, sounding way too entertained.

I groan and try another.

"Wrong again."

"JUST SHOW ME THE RIGHT WAY!" I spin around, totally done with this.

"Chill, princess. No need to throw a tantrum."

"Quit messing with me and tell me where to go!" I cross my arms.

"I will... if you stop acting like a spoiled brat."

"Did you just—?" I raise my hand, ready to throw something at his smug face, but... he's the only one who knows the way back and I don't want to get stuck here with him just because he wants to pay me back for it.

"And there's nothing you can do about it. You need me now," he says, grinning like he's king of the world.

I exhale sharply. "Fine. Can we just go already? It's getting late."

"You forgot something," he teases.

"What now?"

"The magic word, love."

I swear, this boy is going to be the death of me.

I take a deep breath to hold back my rage.

"Please." I mumble.

"Awww, look who's being a good girl now." He winks and finally starts walking in the right direction.

Ugh. Douchebag.

I don't say a word as we finally make our way out.

~~~~~~
Hey loves! 👋👋

I know it's been a while since the last update, and I'm so sorry for the wait. Life's been a little hectic lately, but guess what?

I'm back! 🎉

And there's plenty more drama and romance coming your way. So stay tuned, and keep reading. things are only getting better from here!

Love you 💕