NOT ROYALE ENOUGH [18+]

34

SARAH

The moment my feet hit the ground of California, I was struck by a huge relief rushing down my veins. The hum of the jet's fans died down behind me as I was led down the stairs by Christopher and I found myself stealing glances at him, without even realizing it.

It still surprised me how quickly we'd arrived. The fact that his parents had allowed him to leave so soon after his coronation felt almost impossible. But all the same, I was thankful but still wondered how they let him go without a single reaction.

A sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of us, its polished exterior gleaming in the sun. The driver stepped out, a man in a crisp suit who handed the keys to Christopher with a slight bow before walking off without a word.

"No guards?" I asked, arching a brow as Christopher moved to open the passenger door for me.

"Why would I need a guard?" he replied casually and I felt a sudden way with the way he spoke. His response wasn't rude or mean, it just felt... weird.

"I..." I hesitated, unsure why I even brought it up. "I just thought, since your coronation, you'd be..."

He shook his head, cutting me off. "I don't need that here."

"Oh." The single word came out quieter than I intended, and I didn't press the subject further. Instead, I slipped into the car, smoothing my dress as I settled into the leather seat.

My eyes stayed on him as he walked around to the driver's side. He climbed in, started the car, and fixed his gaze straight ahead. No glance in my direction. No sly, devious smirk-the one he usually wore when he was up to no good.

Nothing.

I thought that, without guards or an audience monitoring his every move, he'd at least try to tease me, maybe even push his luck and make some attempt to seduce me to his bed as always. But instead, it felt like he wasn't interested in me anymore.

Was he satisfied with the one time we had sex?

But the time in his office, I thought. . .

I turned my attention to the window, trying to shake off the uneasiness settling in my chest. It was like a rope tightening around me, suffocating. I needed to relax, to be patient.

Any moment now, I told myself. Any moment, he'd start with his flirty antics, and I'd be ready to shut him down like always.

My body jolted, every nerve on edge, as I felt his hand slid to my thigh. The fabric of my mini skirt offered no protection and that alone was enough for my adrenaline rushing all over with full speed.

"Um, Sarah, love."

"Yeah." My throat felt dry as I swallowed hard, trying -and failing -to control the sudden heat pooling between my thighs.