Page 88 of A Royal Mistake

“Sarah’s fine.” Henry’s fingers skated down her back, sending a shiver up her spine. “She’s sleeping in the guest room.”

Pippa twisted around, meeting his eyes for the first time. They were soft and warm and her heart skipped a beat as his gaze flicked to her bare breasts and back to her face.

“After you fell asleep, I invited her in,” he explained sheepishly. “Even left a toothbrush on the guest sink for her.”

Relief flooded her veins. At least one of them wasn’t a total arsehole.

“Thank you,” she said, flopping back down on the bed. She rolled onto her side so they were face to face and pressed a languid kiss to his lips.

Paparazzi, condoms, body guards.

Who knew there were so many logistical considerations to losing your virginity?

“I also grabbed your purse. It’s on the nightstand.” He winked suggestively. “Do I get a reward for that, too? If so, I’d like to suggest naked yoga.”

Pippa laughed. “I think Sarah might have something to say about that. Besides, you promised me breakfast.”

“Fiiine.”Henry groaned and shook his head. “I really have created a monster. You’re ruthless, you know that? I almost feel sorry for Herr Neumann and the others. They won’t know what hit them.”

She shot him a smug grin. And who could blame her? For the first time in her life, things were going her way. She was in control. Setting her own path, making her own choices. Not just with Stanley International, but in her personal life as well.

She was in love. Completely, totally, arse over elbow in love.

When she’d first met Henry, she never could have predicted this outcome. If someone had told her she would stab him with a stiletto, it would’ve seemed more plausible. He’d been insufferable and arrogant and she’d thought him just like the rest, only interested in her title. In shoving her into a box and keeping her there with no regard for her thoughts or feelings or dreams.

Yet here they were. In love. He lovedher. Not The Princess Royal. Not the Crown Jewel. Pippa. Just Pippa.

Her chest warmed as she replayed the prior night in her mind. Henry had been so gentle, so attentive to her needs, giving her exactly what she needed and more. So much more. She’d been nervous, but the sex had been incredible. Better than she could have imagined, her orgasms and her feelings for Henry more intense than they’d ever been.

Sure, she was sore this morning, but it had been worth it. Joining her body with his, sharing that level of intimacy, it was like nothing she’d ever experienced before and she felt closer to him than ever. As if nothing could separate them now.

Henry kissed the tip of her nose. “Why don’t you take a shower while I make breakfast? There are some things we need to discuss.”

Her confidence faltered. Henry wanted to talk? She might be the newest member of the sex addled brain club, but even she knewwe need to talkwas rarely followed by anything good. And while technically he hadn’t said those words, it didn’t change the meaning. Growing up in the palace, she was an expert at reading between the lines.

Stop being so paranoid. Talking is key to any healthy relationship.

Or so she’d heard.

He probably just wanted to discuss what happened next.

Right. Because she was the one with a palace full of suitors back in Valeria.

Pippa forced a cheery smile. She could do this. She was a freaking adult and she could have adult conversations. Even if the idea made her want to lock herself in the bathroom.

“Sure. Sounds great.”

Henry slipped out of bed and grabbed a pair of boxers from the dresser. She watched as he stepped into them, the muscles of his back and legs rippling with each movement. Desire coiled low in her belly as she watched him retreat. At the door, he paused and turned back to smile at her. With the early morning light slanting across the room and his hair rumpled from sleep, he almost looked boyish. Hopeful even.

Then he vanished into the hall, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

She lay, staring at the ceiling for a few minutes. Down the hall, she could hear the telltale sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen. She should get up and get moving, but surely there was no harm in taking another minute or two for herself? Once they left the solitude of Henry’s flat, they’d have to face the real world again. Face her parents. And she was in no way prepared for that fight.

Not yet anyway.

Maybe after a hearty breakfast.

Mmm. Breakfast. Please let there be bacon on the menu.