Page 78 of A Royal Mistake

He shrugged, keeping his attention focused on his work. “I can’t even remember the last time I took a date to one of these things. I usually go solo.”

“Solo, huh?” She scraped a nail along his jawline. “That sounds dreadfully boring.”

“You have no idea.”

Quick as a flash, she hooked the finger in the open collar of his shirt and pulled him close. Her lips brushed his, feather light as she spoke. “Oh, but I do.”

Then she was kissing him, her mouth moving hungrily over his as her tongue invaded his mouth, claiming him with each thrust and parry. He loved this side of Pippa. When they were alone, she was free to be herself, to let her passion burn without fear of reprisal. When they kissed, there were no titles or protocols to get in the way. Just white-hot need.

He snaked a hand around the back of her neck, gripping her bun and tilting her head to gain better access to her mouth. When it came to Pippa, he was a greedy bastard, and he wouldn’t apologize for craving every goddamn inch of her. He dug his fingers into her thigh and she flinched, stiffening all over.

“Scheisse.” He’d gotten so caught up in the moment he’d forgotten about her injury.Again. What kind of bastard put his own pleasure before the wellbeing of his partner? He pulled back, searching her face for any lingering signs of pain. “We should really get some ice on your leg.”

She laid a hand over his, holding his gaze. Desire flared in her eyes. “I read somewhere that heat is just as effective at treating this kind of injury.”

“I’ve heard that too.” Careful to avoid the bruise, he pulled her into his lap so she was straddling him, the white lace of her panties pressed firmly against his hardened cock. “Problem is, I can’t seem to recall how much heat is required. What’re we talking here?”

Pippa grinned and rolled her hips, grinding against him with torturous friction. “Sizzling. Like burn the place to the ground.”

She slipped a hand between them and unbuckled his belt.

Henry froze, struck silent.

This was unfamiliar territory. Pippa was a virgin, and he respected that. He’d promised not to push her and he hadn’t.

Which was why his pants always stayed on when they messed around.

With deliberate movements, she unbuttoned his trousers and pulled his zipper down, freeing his cock. Her eyes widened in surprise. A heartbeat later, something darker and heavier descended.

She licked her lips, and it took all his self-restraint not to thrust against her.

Tension gripped the base of his spine and his cock stood erect, desperate for that delicious friction she’d given him just moments ago. With tentative fingers, she reached down to stroke him. Her touch was feather light as she ran her fingers down his length, flicking her thumb over his head in quiet exploration. She repeated the motion, and he strained not to thrust into her hand.

It was fucking torture.

“Does that feel good?” she asked, plumping her full lower lip between her teeth. “I want to make you feel good, Henry.”

“It feels amazing,” he rasped. “A little more pressure would make it incredible.”

“Like this?” She wrapped her fingers around his cock, and he covered her hand with his.

“Do you want me to show you how I like it?”

She nodded, and he slowly stroked himself with her hand, using her thumb to spread the bead of moisture at the tip of his cock. Her grip was firm around his shaft as she worked him root to tip, never taking her eyes off their joined hands.

His eyes drifted shut.

Her touch felt so damn good. It had been too long since anyone had touched him like this. Fuck. After so many nights grinding out his own pleasure in the shower, he was happy to let her explore his body in any way she wished.

Pippa’s weight shifted, and when he opened his eyes, she was on her knees before him. She looked up at him from under her lashes, a silent question hanging in the air as she stroked his cock.

“You don’t have to do this.”

“I want to,” she whispered, keeping her eyes locked on his as she lowered her mouth to his cock and flicked her tongue over the head.

Sweet mercy.

Was he dreaming? Was this really happening?