Page 83 of A Royal Mistake

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Pippa wasa mess as she waited for Henry to unlock the door to his flat. The ride from the hotel had been a short one, not nearly long enough to prepare for what would come next. Nervous energy churned her belly and her pulse thrummed so loudly Henry had to hear it. The entire building could probably hear it beating an erratic rhythm from her temple to her fanny.

Now, there was something she never thought she’d say.

The ultramodern low-rise was in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Vaduz. Probably not the sort of place bodyguards were left waiting in the hall, but no way in hell was she inviting Sarah in. She so didn’t need an audience when she cashed in her v-card.

Sarah had been present for a number of firsts—first period, first date, first kiss—but this was a moment Pippa refused to share. She wanted her first time with Henry to be perfect, with no distractions or worries about who might be listening at the bedroom door.

If she’d wanted to worry about onlookers, she’d have stayed at the hotel.

Granted, a leaked tabloid photo of Henry sneaking out of her suite at indecent hours would put an end to Their Majesties’ matchmaking. Surely not even Prince Gabriel’s ego could deflect such a blow. After all, how would it look to announce an engagement just weeks after such a scandalous headline?

Tempting as it might sound, she wouldn’t do that to Henry. He had strong feelings about the press—with good reason—and she respected his desire for privacy.

The lock slid open with a sharpthwackandshe started like a polo pony as the sound reverberated down the empty hall. Henry pushed the door open and slipped an arm around her waist, letting it come to rest on her lower back. The weight of his touch was like a balm to her frazzled nerves, the searing heat a welcome distraction from the thoughts whirling through her head.

“After you,” he said, guiding her through the door as he flicked the lights on.

The living room was sleek and modern, decorated in shades of grey. A few paintings hung on the walls, but there was a strong minimalist vibe. It wasn’t at all what she’d expected. Not that she had expectations, per se. It was just that she’d imagined the flat would be warmer, a reflection of Henry’s personality and world travels.

Hardwood clicked under her heels, each step sounding like the boom of a cannon. She kicked off her shoes and crossed the room, coming to a stop at the wall of windows overlooking the city. The flat was on the top floor and offered a spectacular view of the lights and life below.

“Vaduz is a beautiful city.” Pippa wrapped her arms around herself, fighting the shiver of anticipation that snaked up her spine.

She was going to have sex tonight. With Henry. How many times had she imagined this moment? God, more than she could count. And it was finally going to happen.Finally.

Would it hurt? Worse yet, what if she did it wrong?

Bollocks. What if she was bad at sex? Was that even possible?

Henry stepped up behind her, sliding his arms around her waist and pulling her close. “Vaduz is beautiful, but it’s not half as beautiful as you.”

She rolled her eyes. “That line is as old as time.”

Though she couldn’t see his face any more than he’d seen her eye roll, she could feel the curve of his smile against her cheek. “Just because it’s a classic doesn’t make it any less true.”

“A classic?” She tried to infuse her words with sarcasm, but it was impossible because she was smiling so hard. It was silly to be nervous. This wasHenry.

Henry, who she’d tried to throw out of her country.

Henry, who’d taken her for her first motorcycle ride.

Henry, who shared her passion for Stanley International and using his privilege to help others.

It didn’t matter how inexperienced she was when it came to sex. She trusted him with her body and her heart. It didn’t matter that they’d only known each other for a month. She couldn’t imagine sharing this experience with anyone else.

“Pippa.”

The stubble on his jaw scraped against her cheek, stoking the fire that smoldered deep in her belly. She turned so they were face to face, chests pressed together. They fit perfectly, his hard body lining up seamlessly with her soft one, as if they’d been made for one another.

Henry’s heavy-lidded gaze burned like wildfire, cutting straight through to the core. Her heart stuttered, and she stood frozen as he lowered his mouth to hers, cupping her chin with one hand while the fingers of the other skimmed up her arm, leaving a sizzling trail of heat in their wake. Every place he touched, her body came alive, burning with desire. He brushed his lips gently across the corners of her mouth before claiming her properly. The kiss was deep and possessive, the kind that would’ve curled her toes if they weren’t pressed flat to the hardwood floor.

She gave herself over to the desire pooling low in her belly. There would be no stopping tonight. No need to hold herself in check or show restraint. There was only Henry and her need for him. Her desire to become one with him.

Henry’s tongue skated along the seam of her mouth and she opened to him without hesitation. His peppermint breath was cool and crisp and she welcomed the sensation of his tongue sliding seductively along her own as his hands moved over her body, fingers splayed wide, palms pressed to her heated flesh.

Desire crackled across her skin.