Page 48 of Royally Drawn (Resplendent Royals #3)
The Lies We Tell
KEIR
I couldn’t help but enjoy the look of Ingrid writhing beneath me as I fucked her. I’d been unsettled since I left last time, unable to explain why things felt off. Now, though, with her here—eyes rolling back, nails digging into my back, and moans getting louder and louder—all worries faded. That was the magic of Ingrid. She could ease my mind like this.
She came for the third time, her legs locked tight around me.
“Oh, Keir! Don’t stop!”
I wouldn’t. I ploughed into her harder, hitting the spot within her that made me want to cum, too. I came hard and fast as she fell back into the pillow, also satisfied with our impromptu love-making session. I loved this woman but never lusted after her as much as I did when she screamed my name.
I leapt up to get rid of the condom and returned to find her still a mess, just waiting for me. Her blue eyes followed me around the bed. I climbed in again, pulling her back towards me. I spooned her now, resting my chin on her shoulder. She was tiny, warm, and soft like velvet. I loved to spend afternoons like this with her.
“I missed you,” Ingrid said .
“I missed you, too. More than you missed me, I would bet.”
“Impossible!”
I kissed her shoulder. “How has everything been?”
“Chaotic. Astrid is still upset that Alex won’t be able to walk with her down the aisle. Rick will have to do it.”
“That’s sweet, though,” I said. “He’s willing?”
“He is bursting at the chance,” Ingrid giggled. “To the point, Alexandra told him to pipe down about it. She can’t do the walk. They’re going to bring her in through the side door.”
Alexandra’s body went through hell and back. The media was still angry she hadn’t walked out carrying the new baby even though she couldn’t do the stairs yet. I felt for her. It had to be rough to miss out on so much when your sister—and best friend—was getting married.
I listened to Ingrid’s breathing slow and felt her relax into me—deeper now. Contentment settled over us both.
“I love you,” Ingrid said sweetly.
“I love you, too, baby.”
I kissed her shoulder again.
Ingrid went dark. “I don’t want you to go.”
She turned to face me, her expression killing me. I didn’t want to disappoint this beautiful woman—the woman who trusted me more than anyone had ever trusted me. My responsibility was to care for her, not actively hurt her.
“I don’t want to go. I mean, I do. It’s my job. I wish my job could be where you are.”
Ingrid nodded, looking depressed.
“I will be back in spring,” I promised. “And so will you.”
“That’s so long off, mon cher.”
“I know. But nothing I can say will make any of this easier for you, Ingrid. You are the one I want most. You know that. The problem is, my life isn’t linear like that. It’s not like I can stay with you every day. If I could, I would.”
Her blue eyes took on that turquoise colour they did when she was about to start sobbing. My heart couldn’t handle it. This is why I avoided goodbyes. I never told anyone I was breaking up with them until I went on tour, rang them, and said it was over. I couldn’t do that to Ingrid. I couldn’t shatter her heart like that. She was different.
“I don’t mean to hurt you, Ingrid,” I promised. “I would never hurt you for the sake of making my life easier. I am not proud to admit I have before, but I won’t be like that with you.”
“Then… after this assignment. Can you stay local? Stay in Norfolk, maybe?”
“I have another year left, Ingrid.”
“And your aunt could intervene,” Ingrid said.
She was right. If I went to Aunt Natalie, I could ask for her to find me something closer to home. She would understand more than anyone and could do as she pleased. However, I would never ask for that. It was a dereliction of duty to stay home and leave others in harm’s way. It insulted me to my core.
“Let’s see what happens while I’m over there,” I said. “I will likely get a cush assignment next time and won’t have to interfere. I promise that when you want more, I will give it to you.”
Her face broke into a smile. “Really?”
I nodded. “When you are ready for whatever comes after the Olympics, I will be ready, too.”
“You assume I will make it.”
I kissed her forehead and said, “I know you will make it. I’ve never been more sure of anything. Ingrid, I know you will do great things. And while it sucks for me to be over there, you’re going to be so busy training you’ll hardly miss me.”
I knew it wasn’t true. I knew I’d miss her like I’d never missed anyone, and she’d miss me just as much. However, we told ourselves lies to make it through difficult days. The human condition required denial for survival. I sidestepped the conversation for now.