Page 77 of A Royal Mistake
“I’d say you earned it, Your Highness.”
“And I shall treasure it above all my other ribbons.” A throaty laugh rolled off her lips as she waved the flag over her head, eyes sparkling with delight. “This is truly the best gift ever.”
They moved into the sitting room, which was decorated with rich shades of purple and gold, and took their usual spots on the settee.
He rubbed at the scruff on his jaw. “I still can’t believe Prince Gabriel shot the king. I have to admit, I did not see that coming.”
“That makes two of us. I won’t forget the look on my father’s face as long as I live.” She grinned deviously. “I don’t think Gabriel will either.”
He lifted a brow.
“Relax. He’s fine.” Her lips quivered. “Just a bit shook up.”
“You’re terrible,” he said, pinching her thigh lightly.
Pippa flinched.
Verdammt.
He’d forgotten all about Dom’s point-blank shot to her thigh.
“Let me see.” He gestured to the spot where she’d been tagged. “Did you ice it?”
“Not yet,” she admitted, deflating. “By the time Their Majesties were done lecturing me, I just wanted a hot shower and clean clothes.”
“And then I showed up?”
“Pretty much.” She looked up at him from under her lashes, her next words delivered with a teasing lilt. “So, as you can see, my lack of proper post-paintball care is entirely your fault.”
“Let’s see if I can’t rectify that situation.” He hooked his hands behind her knees and pulled her closer. She sucked in a sharp breath but didn’t protest, so he pushed up her skirt, revealing her upper thigh.
Scheisse.
There was a sizeable bruise where Dom had tagged her. The skin was a mottled bluish-purple. It looked painful as hell. What had he been thinking shooting her at such close range?
It was a good thing his brother was staying on the opposite side of the castle. If they crossed paths tonight, he’d be tempted to shoot the bastard again.
The sentiment must’ve shown on his face, because she said, “It doesn’t hurt. Much.” She forced a liar’s smile. “All part of the game, right?”
He made a noncommittal sound and flattened his palms to the tender flesh just above her knees. The last thing he wanted to talk about right now was his brother. They needed to move on to a safer topic. One that didn’t include his family and would distract Pippa from the discomfort of her bruise. “How’s the business plan coming along?”
“Almost finished.” She tensed as he gently kneaded her sore muscles. “I took your advice and enlisted the help of a few non-profit directors who’ve worked with The Royal Foundation in the past. It’s been really helpful. Getting their feedback, I mean.”
He worked his way up her thigh, careful to steer clear of the bruise. Her skin was so damn soft. And warm. Growing warmer by the second.
Pippa’s breath hitched, but she forged ahead, speaking more rapidly now. “I’ve also been doing some research in my spare time. Did you know the most effective programs for empowering female entrepreneurs in developing countries also address psychological and socioeconomic constraints?” She toyed with the hem of her skirt. “You probably knew that already. Sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize to me.” He glanced up, tearing his eyes away from her exposed flesh. “Ever.”
She gave a shaky nod. “It’s just that I feel like things are finally coming together. I mean, I know there’s still a lot of work to do, and I know the fundraiser is work, but I’m looking forward to some time away from the palace. It’ll give my parents a chance to cool down, and with any luck, maybe a few of the suitors will defect while we’re gone.”
Who could blame her? Between her overbearing security and the suitors, this suite was probably her only respite.
“I’m looking forward to having such a stunning date.” He skimmed his fingers over her outer thighs, pushing her skirt up around her waist and revealing a pair of white lace underwear.
Jesus Christ. They were the most virginal panties he’d ever seen, and he wanted to rip them off with his teeth. His cock thickened in his trousers.
“I’ll bet you say that to all the girls.”