To Steal a Groom (Royal Billionaire Romance) (19 page)

I let out a ragged cry. “Faster.”

Still deep inside me, he takes me in his arms. “I have a better idea.”

Rolling us off the bed, he carries me to the pool. He throbs inside me with every step. I wrap my legs around him as he wades into the water. The sudden coolness makes me shiver, and I hug myself closer to Damon.

He walks until the water is up to our chests. Setting my back against the tile, Damon hooks one arm around my hip and braces the other against the pool’s edge. I feel weightless as he plunges into me. His thrusts are hard and sure, each sending a jolt through my very being. He moans my name, and I give myself to him.

His arms are tight around me, and I love the pressure, the sensation of being as close as possible to him. His rhythm speeds, and I hold onto him for dear life, rocked by more pleasure than I can stand. Damon’s mine, he’s
mine
, and nothing can take him from me now. The cool of the water clashes with the fire inside me, until he has me keening for him. He crashes into me harder, faster, gasping as he finds sweet release in my arms.

Damon holds me as our spasms pass and the ripples die around us. I lay my head on his strong shoulder, trying to remember how to breathe. I’m limp as he finally carries me out of the pool. I whimper as he slides out of me, not wanting to lose that connection.

“I’m still here,” he murmurs, draping a towel around me. “I’m here with you.”

He runs the towel up and down my body, making sure I’m dry. I’m too tired to return the favor. Once he rubs himself down, he takes us to bed.

My eyes close as soon as my head hits the pillow. Damon draws me against him, and I smile at the feel of his muscles against my back. I’m caught in his embrace, exactly where I want to be.

“You had me so scared,” he whispers. “I don’t want to lose you. Stay close to me.”

I happily obey. This is my fiancé, my prince. My heart will be safe with him.

Entwined with Damon, I drift to sleep.

13

I lie awake as the sun’s rays grow longer on the floor. Usually I can’t wait to jump out of bed, but today I want to linger forever. Damon’s arm is draped over my waist. The weight is comforting. He’s here with me, and no thought could make me happier.

Bringing my hand up to my nose for the hundredth time, I drink deep of the scent. I can still smell him on my skin, and it’s heavenly. Across from me, Damon dreams on. Grinning stupidly, I kiss the stubble on his jawline. How was I lucky enough to come across him? How? There’s nothing I could have done, or could ever do, to deserve him. Still, I’ll take him.

He stirs. “What time is it?”

“I don’t know and I don’t care.”

His eyes flutter open. “Were you planning to stay in bed all day?”

“If you are, then yes.”

Damon gathers me into a bear hug, kissing me soundly. “I take it that you enjoyed last night, then? Our very first time. The first of many, I can assure you.”

“Mmm.” I tuck a wayward wisp of hair behind my ear. “Thanks for making my first time so good.”

He pulls back, studying my face. “Your first time … with me, or first time—”

“Ever.” I nod.

Damon sits bolt upright. “Wait, that was your first time? Really?”

“Really. You couldn’t tell?”

“Of course not. But if I had known…” He runs a hand through his hair. “I should have gone slower, should have let you savor it.”

“Oh, I savored every second. Believe me.”

He puts a hand on my waist. “Was I good enough for you?”

“Better than I ever dreamed.”

Rolling over, he props his head on his hand. “I want you to know that you can tell me things. Important things. Like that you’re a virgin, or being blackmailed. I’m here for you, and I want to help you whenever I can.”

“I’ll try.” I nestle close to him. “It’s strange though. No one’s ever been there for me before. Not for things like that.”

“I’m here now.” He kisses my cheek just as my stomach growls. “I’ll take care of the smaller problems too. I’d say it’s time for breakfast.” Damon gets out of bed, his skin glowing in the morning light. I don’t bother hiding my gaze. I drink him in, from his curving shoulder blades to his sculpted ass.

He looks back, arching an eyebrow. “Are you going to get ready with me? Or are you just going to stare?”

“I can’t do both?”

He laughs. “That works for me.”

Somehow, I stay focused long enough to get clean and clothed. I can’t stop thinking about last night, and I’m still tingling as we walk into the dining room. It’s like I’m walking on air, and nothing could take the bounce out of my step.

Damon frowns, looking at the bare tables. “Where’s breakfast?”

Instead of carrying covered silver dishes, servants dart around with white chairs, streamers, and huge bouquets of white flowers. They’re all bypassing the dining room, instead heading for the gardens out back.

The prince takes my hand. “I don’t like the look of this.”

Sarina sweeps by, yelling at a man who looks very scared.

“The tents should be here by now! I don’t care that it was a last-minute request. It was last-minute from
us
. Besides, we’re paying triple. I want this done right!” She trails him outside, barking orders to others along the way for good measure.

“Stay here,” Damon says. “I’m going to find out what’s going on.”

I can’t follow him, because only a moment later a group of men rushes by carrying twelve long tables. Damon has already been lost in the crowd. I step into an alcove so I don’t get trampled in the frenzy.

“Are you excited for the big day?” Marc ambles in with me, either to torment me or get out of helping I’m not sure.

I spare him a cool glance. “I was excited for breakfast, but that doesn’t seem to be happening.”

He holds up his hands. “What’s with the hostility? If I remember correctly, I just helped throw an insane engagement party for you and my favorite brother. I don’t get a ‘thanks’ for that? Not even a little warmth?”

“If you wanted warmth, maybe you shouldn’t have helped Natalia tape and blackmail me.”

“Don’t be sore about it.” He actually has the gall to look wounded. “It was only a bit of fun. Natalia said you’d laugh about it.”

“Do I look like I’m laughing?”

“No, but you have no sense of humor.”

I cross my arms to keep myself from strangling him. “What exactly is so funny about it?”

“First of all, I don’t know where you’re getting blackmail from. Natalia said we’d show the tape of you drunk at your wedding. It would make people laugh, and embarrass you. Win-win. Besides, it’d make a great story. You ruined it though.”

“I’m so sorry.” I don’t entirely trust him, but I doubt that Natalia told him the full extent of her plans. She couldn’t have, since the whole point was to secure Damon as her groom. In a way, Marc is just another of her victims.

“It’s okay, Grace. I know you’re jealous that we’re going to have a nicer wedding than you. Natalia will make sure of it.”

There’s more excitement in his voice than malice. Actually, I feel a pang for him. If he thinks he’s going to have a fairytale wedding day, he’s going to be sorely disappointed.

Marc adjusts his cuffs. “I’m sure you already heard—important news travels fast—but we decided to move the wedding up to this afternoon.”

I stare at him. “You can’t be serious.”

“You’re just upset that we’re getting married first. I can’t help it if Natalia and I love each other more than you and Damon ever could.”

“Yes, Marc,” I deadpan. “That’s exactly it.”

“I knew it.” He smirks. “Stick around, we’ll show you how a real wedding’s done.” Marc saunters off, looking pleased with himself. Is he in denial, or does he really believe that Natalia is eager to marry him?

I spy Damon across the hall, looking grim as he talks to the king. Trying not to be seen, I get as close as I dare to listen in.

“Yes,” Darius says. “They’re getting married today. That’s what Marc wants. Who am I to protest?”

“You really think this is a good idea?” Damon gestures to a passing ice sculpture of a swan in flight. “All this effort and expense?”

The king shoots him a forbidding look. “Marc may be your half-brother, but he’s my son.”

“It’s not about that, Father! I want you to remember what happened last time, when Natalia convinced you to throw her a wedding and no one told me I was supposed to be the one standing at the altar.”

“Natalia learned her lesson. Marc wants to marry her. Besides, the Fa family will make a great ally.”

Damon turns away. “There’s no talking to you when you’re like this.”

“You don’t have to be happy about it, but I expect you to be there.” Darius strides toward the gardens, parting the throng as he passes.

The prince spots me. “Did you catch all that?”

“Most of it.”

Sighing, he leans against a pillar. “Did you hear the part about the royal wedding gift?”

I shake my head.

“Their Majesties always give money as a gift. I know Father wants to be generous, but fifty? Really?”

“Fifty … thousand?”

“Fifty million.”

“Wow.” I blink. “At least they’ll be comfortable.”

“It needs to be in a trust.” Damon closes his eyes, clearly trying to compose himself. “They’ll blow through that in minutes.”

I have to laugh. “You’re joking, right? Even if you could buy enough stuff, it’d take years. Decades, even.”

He fixes me with a level stare. “How long will it take your parents to blow through ten million?”

I think for a moment. Desiree is probably already going crazy on purses and jewelry, plus a truckload of leather boots. My dad will probably buy a convertible, a house if he’s smart, and then head to the nearest casino. It may take him some time, but I doubt it’ll last them long.

“I guess I see your point.”

He nods. “And Marc and Natalia are used to nicer things than your parents. Like jets and fast cars.” Damon glares at nothing in particular. “I don’t care how much money he gets, I just wish he would respect it. We have a lot, but even our coffers aren’t infinite.” His shoulders slump. “And tell me the truth, do you think Natalia’s just in it for the money?”

I wish I knew what her new angle is. “Maybe she loves him.”

Damon gives me a look.

“I’ll ask her. Would that make you feel better?”

Straightening, he puts an arm around my waist. “I don’t want you to go alone.”

“Just one last time. There are some things I want to square away with her.”

He studies me. “All right, but tell me if you need help. No more secrets.”

“No more secrets. Well, no bad ones anyway.”

“That sounds fair.” He squeezes my hand. “Be careful.”

I borrow another car and soon enough I’m cruising down Fief Street. I hope this is the last time I have to drive down this cursed road.

Driving up to the guardhouse, I lean out the window and give my name.

The guard waves me through the gates. “Go right on through.”

I sit for a moment, puzzled. “Really?”

He checks his clipboard. “You’re expected.”

“Oh. Thank you.”

I’ll give Natalia one thing, she’s excellent at unnerving me. I make my way up the long drive, parking in front of the villa. I check all around me as I walk to the front door, wondering if Natalia plans to have crocodiles or something pop out at me. Somehow, I make it to the door unscathed, and knock.

“Come in.” Natalia’s voice is distant yet unmistakable.

Cautiously, I step inside. It’s quiet. The entrance is packed with suitcases, but they’re far too swanky to belong to my parents. Maybe Natalia’s sister is in town? My dad would never go for that pink suede. I’m sure Rex and Desiree are long gone by now, along with some of Natalia’s valuables, no doubt. Booboo is nowhere in sight. I’m a little sad. I could use some companionship.

“Hello?” I call. I don’t really like giving away my position, but I’m not here to play hide-and-seek. I want to get in and get out as soon as possible.

“I’m back here, Grace.”

Following the sound of her voice, I walk through an ornate sitting area and into a darkened room. Natalia sits behind a desk, scribbling on a piece of paper. It looks like she’s balancing her checkbook.

“There you are.” She closes the checkbook sharply, as if she’s afraid I’ll try to steal it.

“How did you know I’d come back?”

Natalia crosses her legs daintily. “You’re not as mysterious as you think. I know you well enough. Of course you’d come back, just to muck things up for me.”

None of this would have happened if she hadn’t tried to mess with me. Not that I’d get anywhere trying to explain that to her.

Swiveling her chair, Natalia examines me. “There’s something different about you today. What is it?”

I look away, thinking of my night with Damon. Even Natalia can’t dampen that joy.

“Ugh. You did the deed with Damon, didn’t you.” She rolls her eyes. “Been there, done that. While he was at it, I hope he removed the stick that’s been in your ass.”

Jealousy surges through me at the thought of her with Damon. I take a deep breath. I’m not going to let her get to me. Even if she was with him once, it’s not like I can be upset. I didn’t even know Damon when they were together.

“Why are you here, anyway? Did you want to thank me for my engagement present?”

I give her my sweetest smile. “Yes, it was great seeing my parents again. Just like old times.”

“I bet it was.” She smirks. “Anything for you, Grace.”

Time to get down to business. “They’re certainly busy at the palace. Have any of your seven dresses arrived yet? Or your parents, for that matter?”

“Oh yes, the wedding.” Natalia sighs dramatically. “Now that’s an inconvenience.”

That’s an odd choice of words, but that’s not what I’m here for. “Are you going to leave Damon alone, once you marry Marc?”

Her lip curls. “Why on Earth would I marry Marc?”

I’m stunned. She might as well have thrown a brick at my head. “Because he proposed, and you accepted? Because you love him, I hope? You were excited enough to plan a wedding.”

“Yes, but I wanted to marry the first in line.”