Chapter 119

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Day 5: Greenwich, CT

Annual Sentebale Polo Cup

When Maddie woke the next morning, her smile hit her lips before her eyes even opened. He was snuggled up behind her, his arm tossed over her hip in a looser version of the grasp he had on her when they fell asleep. Her eyes pulled open and she smiled wide. Her entire body warmed as she remembered what had happened the night before; the new, great big steps they were taking.

Her hand reached for his and he stirred behind her; not enough to wake, just enough to tighten his hold, to pull her closer. She could feel the slight morning stubble on his chin as he nuzzled against her. With a happy sigh, she turned to face him; his hand sliding around her as she moved.

"Harry..." She whispered; tucking close to him, enjoying her smallness against his tall, broad body. She tickled his chin with her finger, pressing a kiss at the juncture of his collar bones. "Captain Wales..." She smiled sweetly; inching closer to his warm, naked body. "Wake up baby..." She slid her hands down his chest to his stomach. "I need you."

And then she felt him stir; she felt his hands tighten at her back, felt him begin to harden against her hip.

"Madeline..." His voice was gravelly as he forced his eyes open. Though he tried for stern and annoyed, the smile was bright in his eyes, wide on his lips. "What are you trying to do to me?" He hugged her close, his body reacting to the way hers was pressed against him.

"I'm trying to make you a father." The sweet innocence of her words mixed with the sultry way in which she said them snapped his entire body awake. "Care to help me out with that?"

His eyes washed over her face, taking her in, and then he moved. "Absolutely." He rolled them both so that she was on her back and as his hands ran down her arms, lifting them up and over her head, his lips lowered to hers and everything in him heated up. Maddie moved her legs, making room for him and when she felt him, stiff and ready; she gasped into his mouth and tightened her fingers that were linked with his. And without warning, without much preamble—if her body pressing against his hadn't aroused him, her words most certainly did—Harry pressed into her; groaning at the warm wetness that awaited him.

"Good morning," he smiled down at his wife.

"Good morning," she repeated, letting him settle deep inside of her for just a moment before she arched up against him and he took her cue.

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Pulling up to the Polo Club in Greenwich was the first time since they arrived that she felt the familiar pull of home. Her heart warmed at the realization that in that instant, the home she was referring to was London. It was a bit of a dreary morning; cloud cover and a mist of rain had settled over the sprawling green countryside. As the car slowed to a stop, Maddie patted Harry's hand that had rested on her knee the entire trip and flashed him a smile. And when he smiled back, she felt the flush rise to her skin.

Maddie rolled her eyes at herself. Ever since they had decided to throw away the birth control pills the night before something inside of her had shifted. Though she had pulled the pills from the trash, not wanting the housekeeping staff to be in on their new little adventure, this change in their relationship had turned her into a giddy, silly, and completely horny woman. She was convinced, in that moment, that humans were so much more animalistic than she had ever given credit to. Maybe that base level drive to procreate had taken over her brain. She laughed to herself as she looked him over, her pulse quickening even then, in the car—ready to step out and greet people. She wanted him; on a basic, instinctual level.

"Pull it together," she whispered to herself; causing Harry to glance in her direction just as the doors were pulled open. With a quick smile and wink to him, Maddie slid her knee out from under his hand and stepped from the car.

They were quickly greeted by Cathy Ferrier, the Chief Executive Officer of Sentebale. Maddie really enjoyed the time she was able to spend with the smart, lovely woman who headed up the Foundation. She was there to hug them hello, press kisses to cheeks and introduce them to the property owners and operators. Maddie managed to pull it together and let her mind move past making babies with Harry for at least long enough to do her job.

But only barely. The idea of him putting on those white polo pants and mounting a horse—she had to physically shake her head to try to rid her mind of the thought.

"Maddie," Harry's voice pulled her attention to him. "I would like you to meet a great friend of mine..." His hand reached out to pat the arm of the tall, darkly handsome man next to him. "And the best polo player in the world."

"Stop," the man's voice was deep and rich and Maddie's grin pulled further.

"Nacho Figueras, my wife; Maddie."

"Your Royal Highness," he caught her hand in his; bringing it to his lips. "It's wonderful to meet you."

"It's wonderful to meet you too," Maddie grinned as he leaned in to kiss her cheeks. "I've heard amazing things about you and I know that my husband appreciates your continued support of Sentebale."

"Anything I can do to help," he matched her grin and turned towards probably the most beautiful woman Maddie had ever seen in real life. "And this is my wife, Delfina Blaquier."

The two women shook hands and offered hellos and just as quickly as Maddie could open her mouth to ask more about her, they were being ushered off to the tent where everyone was waiting.

Again; waiting for them. They would be enjoying a luncheon where Harry would give a speech to thank all of the contributors and then the polo match would commence. And the work began.

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"Right this way Ma'am," Libby gestured towards where Maddie would be sitting to watch the match. She had shaken many, many hands; made small talk with many people and now it was time to watch her husband do his thing. Maddie's smile widened as she saw Ella waiting for her.

"Thank you Libby," Maddie smiled as the young woman moved to her seat just off to the side behind her. "Ella!" She opened her arms to hug her best friend.

"Your Royal Highness," Ella's eyes gleamed as she dipped into a slight curtsey before hugging Maddie.

"You did not just do that."

"I absolutely did," she hugged tight and stepped back. "You look amazing today."

"Thank you," Maddie smiled and gestured for them to sit. "You do too. Thank you for coming."

"Wouldn't have missed it."

"You could have at least let me cover your ticket," Maddie's eyes narrowed just so.

"Not a chance," Ella shook her head, reaching for her glass of iced tea. "I'm a big fan of the work Sentebale does. You know that."

"I do," Maddie nodded, her hand reaching to squeeze Ella's. "I'm just really happy you're here."

"Me too," Ella squeezed back and the two women shared a look between them; of love and friendship.

"So..." Maddie smiled a thank you to the waiter who brought her the iced tea she had requested. "How are you feeling?"

"Really good," Ella's face softened as the conversation moved. "I've actually felt really great since I found out."

"Are you nervous?" Maddie watched as Ella shook her head, her eyes wide and open and...happy.

"No," her voice was soft and small. "I know that maybe I should be? Maybe I should be a wreck, but I'm not. I...I never thought I would want this. But I do."

"Yeah," Maddie smiled; her heart warming. "So what happens next? Or do you even know?"

"No," she shook her head, glancing out at the field as the horses began to appear. "I know what I want...or more accurately who I want but..." She shrugged, looking off into the distance as she grew sad. "But I have absolutely no claim to him anymore."

"No?" Maddie raised her eyebrows knowing exactly who they were talking about. "My guess is he would disagree."

"Well I guess we'll see," Ella looked down and took a deep breath. "Anyway...if he wants me or if he doesn't, I'm sure he'll be a good father."

"Bishop?" Maddie grinned. "Are you kidding? Bishop will be an amazing father."

"Yeah?" Ella smiled, her eyes dancing at the thought. "You think so?"

"Absolutely," Maddie nodded and Ella relaxed.

"What about you?" She studied the blonde Duchess next to her. "When are you and Harry going to get on it?"

"Hmmm..." Maddie grinned, a flush rising up her neck and into her cheeks. For a split second, she contemplated telling her, letting her in on their little secret. But as the horses trotted out to the field and she saw him, her heart grew in her chest and she changed her mind. Maybe she wanted to keep this little bit for just them—at least for a while longer. "I don't really know." And, thankfully, Ella was watching with the rest of the crowd as the players took to the field; lining up before them. And she missed the way Maddie's face softened as she watched Harry.

"Honest to God," Ella's voice was low as she leaned closer. "You know that I adore Bishop and that nobody does it for me quite like he does."

"It?" Maddie raised her eyebrows; amused at the way Ella's thoughts flowed.

"But I have no words for how sexy Polo is." She fanned herself with her hand as Maddie chuckled next to her. "Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones, but I can barely contain myself."

Maddie giggled quietly. "Well try your best to keep it in your pants."

"I make no promises," Ella winked and Maddie grinned. She was so happy she had this time with her friend, time to watch and enjoy the match and catch up. "I wonder if I have some kind of crazy condition...What do you think?"

"I don't know," Maddie grinned. "Are you attracted to the horses or the riders?"

"The riders." Ella rolled her eyes and then both of their attention was pulled from the conversation as they polo ponies ran past them. "Sweet Jesus, the riders," Ella's jaw slacked for just a moment before her eyes met Maddie's and they both laughed; focusing their attention and reigning it in.

"Well I think you're okay then," Maddie smiled and brought her hands together to join the group in applause and just like that, the match had begun.

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As the halftime break neared an end, Maddie and Ella were walking through the crowd on their way back to their seats. There were people everywhere; filing through the crowded walkways and Maddie's Protection Officers were close by as they moved. As they slowed to a stop in the traffic flow, they couldn't help but overhear a group of young women who were gathered together in front of them.

"I'm sorry but that man..." One of the women let out a long, heavy breath. "Fucking hot."

"Fucking hot." Another agreed.

"He's just so...tall and broad and...did you see the way he controls that horse?" Yet another spoke up. Maddie smiled at Ella who raised her eyebrows; listening to their tipsy back and forth.

"He rides that horse like a fucking God," the first woman pointed out.

"I honestly can't even deal with him sometimes," the second one groaned into her glass. "That Maddie is one lucky bitch."

And Maddie's eyes flew wide as Ella grabbed her arm. They were talking about Harry.

"She really is. UGH. If I were her, I would take him off that horse and drag him straight to the showers."

"I would take him off that horse and..."

"Ahem," Ella cleared her throat, unable to hold it in any longer. Maddie's eyes flashed even wider as she turned to Ella; quickly recovering when the women spun around.

"Oh. My. God."

"Hello," Maddie waved her fingers, watching as the women realized who she was; as the absolute humiliation began to wash over them.

"Oh my God..." One of the women clutched her stomach; nearly ill as she remembered their words. "Have you..."

"Yeah," Ella nodded; amused.

"Oh my God," another groaned, the mortification was too much as they looked at the wife of the man they were just lusting over.

"It's okay," Maddie smiled politely and took a step to the left; following where Sampson had cleared a path for them.

"I'm so, so sorry," the first woman shook her head; wishing she could run and hide.

"It's okay," Maddie shook her head as they moved past them; Ella snickering as she walked. "And you're right..." Maddie lowered her voice and smiled wide. "He is hot." And as the women gasped into stunned laughter, Maddie turned and hurried back to her seat.

"Oh my God..." Ella laughed as she and Maddie slipped back into their seats.

"I cannot believe you did that," Maddie turned an accusatory glare at her friend for drawing the attention to them.

"Me?" Ella pointed at her chest. "Did you hear what those women were saying?"

"Of course I did," Maddie shook her head.

"And?"

"And what?" Maddie shrugged.

"And what?!" Ella's eyebrows lifted. "These women are...Maddie. Those women were talking about how hot your husband is."

"I know," Maddie nodded, watching as the players returned to the field. "I heard them."

"And you just casually agree with them and move on?"

"Yes," Maddie laughed. "What am I supposed to do?"

"I don't know."

"And he is hot."

"You are a better woman than I."

"Come on Ella. I mean...look at him." Together their eyes watched as the game moved past them, focusing on Harry as he rode. "Those white pants, that riding crop. He's sweaty and a little dirty from the rain and the mud and...God. He really is riding that horse."

"Maddie!" Ella gasped under her breath. "What has gotten into you?"

"Sorry," she grinned, blushing slightly as her body stirred; remembering. "Sorry. It's just...I can't really blame them."

"That's big of you. I don't know that I would be so calm about it."

"Well," Maddie lowered her voice, shifting just a bit closer. "The thing about it all is that after this match is over, he's going to climb off that horse, he's going to smile for the cameras; charm, charm, charm and then..." A flicker of triumph flashed in her eyes. "He's going home with me. And between you and I...that horse isn't the only thing he rides like a God."

"Madeline!" Ella's voice dropped with her jaw. Maddie giggled at the shocked expression on her friends face. "Seriously. What has gotten into you?"

And honestly, Maddie didn't know but whatever it was—it was warming very single inch of her body, every pore; every nerve. This was getting out of hand.

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Maddie moved swiftly through the crowd, smiling as she passed through; offering a polite nod that spoke of a woman who was on a mission. The match was over and Harry's team had been triumphant. Ella had excused herself to run to the restroom, to search for crackers and ginger ale and Maddie had made a decision. She had about fifteen minutes before the players would be called to the stand to accept their awards and that gave her a small window of time to find him; to convince him.

Sampson and Arthur were close behind, keeping in step with her quick clip. The rain from earlier filled her nostrils with every deep breath she took trying to steady the way blood was coursing through her body.

She felt a flush travel to her cheeks when her mind stopped to think about where she was going; what it was she was doing. She knew it was the slightest bit irresponsible; the risks were great if they were caught. But she couldn't help it. Just the thought of him sweaty and hot and roughed up from the match—drew her pulse to the quick. And the images of him riding that horse; galloping full speed, standing to stretch as the wind whipped that polo shirt around his muscles.

She had to pause, take a breath, and gather her wits before she continued to the stables. Risks and responsibilities aside—there was nothing that would keep her from what she was about to do. The ground evened out as she drew closer; the smell of the animals, the hay, the water piercing into her senses.

As she passed riders and handlers, they offered polite nods; a quick dip of their necks indicating their recognition, their respect. Maddie smiled and waved and continued on. She knew where to find him; knew exactly where he was, most likely offering his pony an apple as he slid out of his pads and readied for the awards presentation. The thought of him sliding out of anything made her stomach quiver in excitement.

Entering the stables, she made a sharp turn to the right and her pace increased; she was so close to him now she could barely stand it. And then she was there. Maddie smiled and stopped a few doors before they reached the room Harry was in and she turned to her two officers, swallowing any pride she was holding onto and went for it.

"Would you two mind staying right here? I have something I need to speak to Harry about alone and..." She swallowed. "And I would appreciate it if you would keep the area clear?"

Maddie wasn't really sure if they believed her or if they didn't, but for the rest of her life she would be grateful for the way they didn't even blink before they nodded and stood down.

"Thank you," she grinned and, spinning on her heels, she hurried forward towards the room. Jim was standing just outside the door, casual and easy going and just beyond him, Maddie could see Harry inside; tossing his helmet to the ground, stretching his arms over his head.

And every intimate part of her body ached for him to touch her.

"Ma'am," Jim smiled a greeting and Harry's eyes snapped towards them; surprised to see her there.

"Jim," she smiled, tearing her eyes from her husband's sweaty body, from his mudded up pants and roughed up hair. "Jim, I would like to speak to my husband alone for a moment. Would you mind joining the others in securing the room? Please?" She smiled sweetly at him, feeling more at ease with the request after the way her officers had responded.

"Yes Ma'am," he nodded, not even thinking twice before he took his leave. Maddie watched him for a second, took a look in the other direction and, feeling brave and heady and unbelievably turned on, she stepped into the stall with Harry.

He watched her as she moved, taking in the sway of her hips, the tilt of her chin. He watched as she slid the stall door shut behind her and turned to face him; her fingers running along the riding crop he had propped up against the wall.

"Securing the room?" The corner of his mouth pulled up in a smirk. "Speaking in private?" He ran a hand over the back of his neck and met her eyes. "Am I about to get in trouble or something?" Maddie's lips curved into a grin, feeling the pink in her cheeks, the warmth between her legs. She took another step towards him and in a voice that made Harry's toes curl in anticipation, she answered.

"Or something."

"Madeline..." His voice dropped deep. "I know that look in your eyes."

"I bet you do," she slinked closer.

"Like you're about to jump into some sort of trouble."

"Hmm..." She smiled wide, her hands reaching out to him; traveling over his stomach to hold his hips. "You think so?"

Harry chuckled, a deep rumble that said he was on to her. "Like you're up to no good."

"Yeah?" She grinned, her head leaning to the side as she stepped up to him; close enough to feel his heat, to smell that spicy musk that emanated from him when he went for a run or rode hard. Her breath sucked in through her lips as she remembered. "Maybe I am." Her hands settled on his belt buckle.

"Maybe?" He crooked an eyebrow; not bothering to try to hide or adjust just the kind of effect she was having on him. He knew that look in her eye, the way she was breathing. He knew exactly what she wanted from him. He was surprised, a little shocked even, that she wanted it here; that she wanted it now. He was going to give it to her, no doubt, but that didn't mean he wasn't enjoying the tease, the temptation.

"What do you say, Captain?" Her hands ran down the front of his pants and her eyes flashed to his; surprised to find him hard and growing. "Oh..." Her lips formed a perfect 'o' as she breathed and then they pulled into a wide grin; and she knew. "Want to join me in a little no good?" Her hands slid back up to his belt buckle and tugged him closer to her.

"You know I have to be out there in fifteen minutes."

"And you know that I have been watching you this entire match, sweaty and hot and riding that horse and..." She sighed. "And you're not going to need fifteen minutes to get me there, Harry. I'm already there. I just need a little, extra..." Her hands were more demanding this time as she pulled him even closer, her legs spreading to allow room for him. "Push."

"God, Maddie..." He groaned, his hand sliding up her side to her neck; cupping her face and tilting it up to him. "Do you know what you're doing to me?"

"Yes," she nodded slightly and, lifting her foot to the tack box just next to them on the floor, she pulled her skirt up just a bit higher and led his hand to her thigh. Looking him straight in the eye, "do you know what you're doing to me?"

He shook his head, his lips twitching in a smile and his hand gripped her thigh; sliding higher and higher until he was at that soft juncture where her legs met. His fingers pressed into her hip as his thumb moved over her panties, swiping over the damp fabric and his whole body pulsed.

"Fuck," he groaned and Maddie watched as he surrendered to her.

Taking advantage of the moment, Maddie pulled at him; one hand at his shirt, one at his neck and his lips met hers just as his body pushed against her; backing her into the wall. She could taste the sweet, saltiness on his lips as his tongue slid into her mouth. And she felt victorious.

Her hands were hungry, greedy as they moved back to his belt; expert as they pulled it loose and moved on to his button, his zipper. Her hands were soft as she moved them into the band of his boxers, sliding around to his backside and pulling him tight to her. Harry's eyes opened as he gasped into her mouth and Maddie opened her eyes to look at him; heavy with lust.

With shallow breaths, he looked her over and realized. This was really happening. His wife; his smart, beautiful wife, was pressed between him and the wall to the stable with wet panties and her hands pressing his body exactly where she wanted him to be. And he was blown away; by how much she wanted him in that moment. He knew that this sort of thing happened; riders meeting women in the stalls to celebrate a win or grieve a loss. He had heard tales, he had once even turned back out of the stables after hearing moans coming from a stall. But he had never taken part. Until today.

Gulping back any hint of reservation he had—and really there was very little—he bent his head to kiss her and his hands moved higher, pushing the skirt of her dress as he moved. Though his initial reaction had been cautious, looking for certainty and clarification from her, those feelings had passed and he wanted this as much as she did.

"Yes," she whispered when his fingers stroked over her sex. "Harry..." She grinned when he slipped them into her panties; groaning at how wet she was. She wasn't lying; she was ready.

"Maddie..." He shook his head; in want, in lust, in warning. "You are going to have to be very quiet."

"I'll be anything you'd like if you would just..." She widened her hips, bringing him closer. "If you would just take me. Harry please."

"Madeline," his eyes darkened; his fingers moving methodically over her slit, running a warm circle over her clit when he reached the top. Maddie's knees slacked, her body weakening, and she was thankful for the support of the wall, of his arms. "You are going to have to be very quiet."

Maddie met his eyes, the desperate plea for more overtaking her features, and she nodded; her lips clamping shut. She would be anything he asked. And her hips rocked forward against his hand.

And Harry was gone; no ability to fight the urge he felt, the desire she ignited deep inside of him. His fingers curled, looping around her panties and pushing them to the side and then, with his teeth biting into his lip and his fingers pressing into Maddie's hip, he pushed himself into her; one fluid motion—as far as he could go.

Maddie let out a whimper as he filled her, her eyes widening as she adjusted around him; making room for him. And she had to remind herself to be quiet, remind herself that calling out his name was not okay in this moment. Her hands moved up his arms to his shoulders; holding onto him for stability, for support. Harry watched as she settled, watched as she took a breath, trying to calm, trying to prepare and then, so caught up in where she had pushed him—he couldn't wait any longer.

He pulled all the way out of her and, with a slow devastation, pushed all the way back in. He shuddered in her arms; his face lowering into her neck, burying his lips against her skin as he buried himself deep inside of her.

Maddie clutched at his shoulders as he began to move; hard and fast and rough against her; the maddening in and out. And she had been right. It wasn't going to take long to get her there. She had been so close to there all day. All she had needed was this; this sweet pressure of his body against hers, this mind blowing fullness that she only felt when he was within her, when he was moving inside of her.

"Oh God," she couldn't help the words that pushed from her mouth. Harry groaned into her ear and pulled his face from her neck so that his mouth could find hers. With one hand bracing them against the wall and one holding her tightly to him, his tongue pushed into her mouth, tangling with hers as his hips picked up speed, picked up depth and he caught her moans with his lips.

Maddie's fingers pressed into the skin at his shoulders, struggling to pull him closer; needing just a bit more of him, a second longer of this amazing way he was moving against her and then, as his lips left hers for just a split second, as he pulled back to look at her face; Harry was gone. The flush of her skin, the way she was splayed back against the wall, the way she clung to him as he took her with everything he had. He couldn't hang on much longer, of that he was certain.

"Fuck, Maddie," he breathed; pulling out of her completely before slamming back into her. "Come on baby...I'm too close...Come with me..."

It was quick. It was dirty. And it was everything she had wanted when she had come looking for him. And she went. Grabbing his neck, she pulled his mouth back to hers and he swallowed every one of her cries as she unraveled in his arms.

With a grunt and a groan and her heel pressing against his back, pushing him into her, Harry followed right behind her, his teeth sinking lightly into her lip as he emptied everything he had into this beautiful, glorious woman who had come to the stables looking for him, looking for this.

Harry was breathing heavy, his pulse slowing as the tension left his body and the wonderful sort of bliss that came with making love to her flooded his veins. His lips moved against hers for a moment; soothing over the way he had nipped at her towards the end. His hands moved softly over her hips; holding her gently as he moved his body away from hers.

Maddie gasped at the feeling of loss that came when he slipped from her, but smiled wide at the way his eyes were looking at her. And she could see what all the fuss was about; the pictures, the videos, the observations of others. He adored her; truly adored her and everything about the way he was watching her was evidence of that.

"Jesus Madeline..." Harry shook his head, tucking himself back into his pants; zipping and buttoning and redoing his belt. Maddie's grin stretched wide as she adjusted herself; smoothing her skirt, shifting the top of her dress. Harry stepped back towards her, his thumb moving over her lips. "Are you okay?" He smiled down at her; thinking of the ways his body had pressed against hers.

"I'm better than okay," her fingers wrapped around his wrist and she leaned her face into his hand. "I'm wonderful. Thank you. I mean it Harry..." She leaned up to kiss him softly. "Thank you. I needed that."

"Ha." Harry chuckled and glanced out towards the field. "You know if this is what baby making sex is like with you...I may very well want to try for those eight little ones we discussed in the beginning."

"Yeah?" Maddie giggled and rubbed her thumb under his lips; checking for any evidence of her.

"Yeah," his voice dropped as his arm circled her waist pulling her close and tight to him. "I love you."

"I know you do," she hugged her arms around his waist. "And I love you. Now..." She patted his ass and stepped away. "I'm going to run to the ladies room and freshen up and you...I believe you have an award to accept."

"Really? That wasn't what we were just doing?" He smirked as he watched her walk away from him.

"I'll see you soon, Captain," she slid open the door to the stall and with a wink and a wave, she stepped out of his view.

Maddie didn't know exactly what it was that had come over her, what it was that had taken over her mind in the last twenty-four hours, but whatever it was—it was powerful, it was instinctual, and it made her walk out of those stables with her head held high, her smile smug, and a whole new strut to her step.

For a full minute, Harry watched where she had just been, unable to believe it himself—what had just happened there. His mind went wild at the memory of it all. But there was very little time for that. He ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. It was time to get back out there.

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After a quick stop at the bathrooms to freshen up and to check and double check and triple check her hair and her dress, Maddie hurried back to the field. It was amusing to her, more than a little exciting, knowing that she and Harry had just had sex not far from where all of these people were standing, waiting for them to reappear. Her Protection Officers were close behind and if they had even the slightest idea as to what had just happened, they didn't let on at all. Maddie smiled and nodded and moved gracefully back to her spot next to Ella.

"There you are," Ella smiled at her friend, turning towards her as she stepped up to her.

"Sorry," Maddie smiled. "I got caught up."

"Sure," Ella shrugged, her eyes sweeping over her. "Did you go see Harry?"

"Hmm?" Maddie turned to her, slightly caught off guard by the question.

"I said..." Ella met Maddie's eyes, ready to repeat what she had asked and then, catching the look on Maddie's face, her eyes narrowed, her mouth twisting up as she shook her head slowly. "Wow..."

"What?" Maddie raised her eyebrows, confused.

"Nothing," Ella's grin turned smug.

"Doesn't look like nothing," Maddie prodded, noticing that the riders were beginning to assemble. "What is it?" Ella cleared her throat and moved closer to her best friend.

"You just had sex." Her voice was low and conspiring.

"What?!" Maddie's eyes went wide, her voice dropping to a whisper. "No!"

"Yes you did," Ella's arms crossed over her chest. "Yes you did." She glanced around the crowd with a small laugh. "At a polo match. My GOD Maddie." And though her voice spoke of disbelief, she was quiet enough, her face calm enough, that body was the wiser.

"You don't know what you're talking about," Maddie rolled her eyes; schooling her features, trying to hide her flush. It didn't help in the least that this was the exact moment the players began to file out to the stage. She caught site of Harry; rosy cheeks and mussed up hair and her body heated. Ella laughed as she watched it happen.

"Deny it all you want. I can tell."

Maddie took a deep breath and let it out slowly, getting slightly nervous at the thought that there might be something showing, that maybe Harry had left a mark on her skin or torn her dress or...

"Okay seriously," she whispered, her eyes meeting Ella's in a moment of urgency. "Do I have hay in my hair or..."

"I knew it!" Her eyes grew pointed, her grin deeper.

"Shh!" Maddie kept her smile in place as she narrowed her gaze. "Ella seriously."

"You're fine," Ella waved off her concerns. "Your cheeks are just...flushed and..." She giggled at the look on her face. "Nobody else will know though. You're good."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Ella couldn't stop grinning. "And naughty. You're incredibly naughty." Maddie had nothing to say, no counter to offer. She had been caught and she simply had to smile and take it. "And your husband is grinning like a damn fool."

"Well," Maddie swallowed and stayed calm. "He did just win a polo match."

"Mmm Hmm." Ella nodded, keeping her eyes forward as the ceremony began. "I cannot believe you."

"Me?" Maddie's eyes stayed trained on the stage; looking in the same direction as Ella. "I'm not the one who got knocked up at Buckingham Palace."

"Hey!" Ella turned to her.

"Sorry," Maddie looked to her friend. "Was that too soon?" The two women shared a warm, familiar, loving smile for beat and then the ceremony began.

As the riders were called to the stage, Maddie moved into professional mode; smiling appreciatively and clapping as the men stepped to the stage. She watched with pride as the winning team, Harry included, were rewarded for their efforts. And maybe Ella had been right earlier, maybe there should have been a part of her that was a little jealous of the tall blonde who was pressing kisses to her husband's cheeks and posing for photos. But in all honesty, Maddie could still smell his scent on her skin, she could still feel the heat from where his fingers had been on her body, still feel the amazing sensations he had left when he had been inside of her.

And that woman could pose for as many photos as she wanted, those young women from earlier could weave together any intricate fantasy about showering with Harry as they could possibly dream of. She had him; all to herself. And, as if he was proving that very point, when the photos were done and the players left the stage, he moved with great purpose—straight to her.

His eyes were hot on hers, his smile smug as he bypassed any words; his hand slid to her waist and his mouth bent over hers in a congratulatory kiss. Maddie moaned lightly into his mouth when his lips parted and his hand sank lower just to the top of her ass. And she knew there would be photos of this moment—when he let propriety slide. In a matter of minutes their embrace, their shared looks of love, would be all over the internet—she couldn't care less.

"Congratulations on your win," she smiled wide when he pulled back from her.

"Thank you," he winked and patted her back side just so before he stepped back. His body turned out as his eyes took in Ella. "Ella!" His face brightened as he moved to hug her, to kiss her cheeks. "It's great to see you. How are you doing?"

"Really well," she hugged him back, offering a slight curtsey as she did. "Excellent ride today, Your Royal Highness." And without looking, Ella just knew that Maddie's cheeks were pink.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Following some more socializing, a few quick showers and a short trip back to the city, Harry and Maddie spent the rest of the night relaxing with Ella over a casual dinner. The next morning was going to come early, they were flying out of New York to Denver—for the last leg of their trip. Saying good-bye to their friend was hard, leaving this part of their tour, the place where they had decided to start trying for a baby, was more difficult than Maddie had imagined. But they were headed towards her family and that made her smile. They were half way through with their royal duties and—so far—this trip had been an unmitigated success.

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