Well Shit lol
She hooked her fingers into the waistband of his boxers, pulling them down slowly. He sprang free, thick and hard, and her breath caught. She'd never thought she would enjoy this, but she did… she loved what she could do to him. And she loved the way he looked down at her, all controlled power and raw need, it just made her pulse race."Good girl," he murmured, voice rough. "Now let's use that mouth for something useful."She wrapped her fingers around him, testing the weight and heat of him in her palm first… not using her mouth just yetHer thumb traced over the tip, drawing a sharp intake of breath from him that sent heat spiraling through her core. The power of it all, made her bold."Like this?" she whispered, leaning forward to press her lips against him, just a slight contact that made his grip in her hair tighten."Fuck, Keira." The words came out strangled. "Stop playing games."She smiled against him, feeling wicked. Her tongue darted out, tasting him with deliberate slownes
Keira stared at the velvet box in Alexei's hands, her heart hammering against her ribs. Now this… him giving her a ring made it seem so real."Alexei." Her voice came out smaller than she intended."It's not what you think," he said quickly, reading her expression. "Not yet, anyway." He opened the box to reveal not an engagement ring, but a delicate gold chain with a pendant. "This belonged to my mother. She left it to me."The pendant was exquisite, a small sapphire surrounded by diamonds in an intricate setting that looked vintage and precious. Keira's breath caught."Your mother's?" She looked up at him, searching his face. "Alexei, I can't—""You can." His voice was gentle. "She would have wanted you to have it. To wear it tomorrow night.""But what if—""What if what?" He stepped closer, the box still open between them."What if your father changes his mind about me? What if I make some horrible mistake tomorrow and embarrass your family?" The words tumbled out before she could s
Keira's emotions swung wildly as she paced her suite, phone in hand."Deep breaths," she muttered, squeezing her eyes shut. "Don't let the psycho princess-wannabe get to you." But she knew it wasn't the end of it. She was going to let Alexei know what had gone on.She glanced at her phone again. The message she'd sent her sisters glowed on the screen: Video call in five? Updates to be given.Both had immediately replied they'd be there, but Keira couldn't shake the feeling that she'd made a terrible mistake leaving without updating them first. She hated she might have caused her sisters any distress, but she hadn't had answers at the time. She'd gone from being kidnapped and then rescued to being whisked away to a foreign country and thrust into royal life within the span of days. Even for someone who prided herself on handling anything thrown at her, this was next-level insanity.The phone rang in her hand, startling her. Blair's name flashed on the screen along with Sutton's. Looked
Maria straightened, her polite mask slipping for just a moment before sliding back into place. "I'm sorry?""You heard me." Keira crossed her arms, fixing the other woman with a level stare. "Ever since you introduced yourself, you've been making little digs disguised as pleasantries. So, what's your issue with me?""I'm sure I don't know what you mean—""Cut the crap." Keira's voice sharpened. "The comments about my background, about how 'overwhelming' royal life must be for an outsider, about how I need to learn the 'unspoken rules.' You've been condescending to me since the moment we met."Maria smiled, but Keira could tell it was all performance, nothing genuine behind it. "I was merely trying to prepare you for—""For what? For the fact that you don't think I belong here?" Keira took a step closer. "Look, I get it. You're from a royal family, I'm not. You've known Alexei your whole life, I haven't. But if you have something to say, just say it instead of hiding behind fake polite
The question hit Keira like a physical blow and heat rushed to her face, but anger followed swiftly on its heels. She blinked, momentarily stunned by the cheek of his inquiry. How dare he."I beg your pardon?" she managed, her voice tight."It's a simple question." The King's tone remained calm, as if he were inquiring about the weather. "I need to understand the full nature of your relationship with Alexei."Keira's spine straightened as even more anger flared through her. "Was Alexei a virgin when he met me, Your Majesty?"The King's eyebrows shot up, clearly not expecting her to turn the question back on him."Because if my sexual history is relevant," she continued, finding her voice, "then surely his is as well. Or is there a different standard for princes than for the women they choose?""Miss Warner—""No." Keira leaned forward, matching his posture. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, we're living in the modern world, not the dark ages. My worth as a potential partner for you
She'd seen photos of the King, of course, but nothing had prepared her for the man's presence. He was as tall as Alexei, with silver-streaked dark hair and the same sharp jawline his son had inherited. But where Alexei's eyes held warmth and sometimes mischief, the King's were calculating and cool as they swept over her."Father," Alexei said, stepping forward. "May I present Keira Warner."Keira remembered her briefing… wait for him to extend his hand, address him properly, don’t speak unless spoken to. She stood her ground, spine straight, chin lifted slightly. Not defiant but not cowering either. She would not show any weakness. She may be shaking on the inside, but he would not know that.The King's gaze assessed her for what felt like an eternity before he extended his hand. "Miss Warner. Welcome to Wystovia.""Your Majesty." She stepped forward, taking his hand briefly. His grip was firm. "Thank you for receiving me." Keira didn't curtsey because no one had told her to, and she