NOT ROYALE ENOUGH [18+]

30.

SARAH

The lust that had clouded my mind just moments ago vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold wave of realization. My chest tightened as the truth hit me like a slap.

You did it again, Sarah. You broke the code. Again.

“Could you, um... could you step back?” My voice trembled, barely above a whisper, as panic clawed at my insides. I tried to shift to the side, desperate to put some space between us.

Christopher didn’t say a word. His piercing gaze locked on mine, but he obliged, taking two slow steps back. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes... they were watching me, waiting, as if daring me to make my next move.

And I did.

I ran.

I yanked the door open and bolted out, ignoring the sudden shouts from Chris, telling me to stop but his words only pushed me harder. My heart pounded in sync with my steps, adrenaline driving me forward, away from the suffocating room, away from him, and away from the mess I had just created.

My heels clicked loudly against the marble floors as I noticed the corridor was empty.

Seemed luck was at my side for once.

I didn't stop, didn't turn around. Instead, I quickened my pace, clutching my dress and holding my breath as though that could make me invisible. Once I reached my room, I slammed the door shut, leaning against it for a moment to catch my breath before locking it.

Spinning toward the mirror,  I scanned my reflection, searching for any sign that screamed I'd just had one of the most sinful orgasms of my life—at the most important event in this kingdom, no less.

Oh lord.

My cheeks were flushed, my lips swollen, and my hair slightly out of place. Panic rose in my chest as I ran to my closet and yanked out a fresh pair of underwear, quickly removing the ruined one. It felt ridiculous, as if changing it could erase what has happened. But I had to try. Next, I grabbed a mint, desperately hoping to cleanse my mouth of the lingering taste of him.

Not that it helped—his intoxicating taste lingered, not just in my mouth but on my skin, in my head.

Frustration bubbled up as I smoothed concealer over my neck and collarbone. I knew I hadn't seen any marks, but it's better safe than sorry. My hands trembled slightly as I worked, a mix of shame and frustration coursing through me.

Gosh, I did it again. After all the lectures I'd given myself, all the reasons I'd listed to keep him at arm's length, I'd given in anyway had crumbled the second he touched me.

I shook my head, trying to dispel the thought. This is not the time to think about Chris. My focus needed to be on his cousin.

Nate.