SophiaMy life flashed before my eyes, and I skittered back a few feet, showing that I wasn’t a threat. Keeping my hands where they could see them, I tried to peer around them to see if I could spot Abir or even, Luke himself.“I’ve come a long way,” I said.“Move along,” the first guard said.I wasn’t leaving without seeing Luke. They would have to drag me away before I gave up.“Please, I need to see Lu—Prince Luke,” I said.“Sophia?” Luke’s commanding voice sounded behind the guards.The guards moved aside, while remaining between Luke and me.My gaze flicked to Luke. He was in a suit, just like the first time I met him. My heart galloped as I drank him in. It looked as if he hadn’t shaved or slept all week. Seeing the effects of me leaving him wasn’t something I was proud of, but the result warmed my insides. He looked like a rugged model that might grace the cover of a women’s magazine.“Luke,” I said, stepping closer to the gate.“What are you doing here?” he asked, not moving f
LukeWhen it came to Sophia, Mother always had a way of ruining any good moments. I was on the verge of kissing Sophia—really kissing her—when we were interrupted by Mother’s nosiness.I was still reeling from Sophia traveling so far to see me. Hearing her mirror the same feelings I had for her had lifted some of the weight off my shoulders. I wasn’t sure why she showed up in person when she could have easily called me, but I didn’t regret her decision. Her by my side was where she belonged.At least, that was what I thought.Mother, on the other hand, had other ideas.In a way, I wished Sophia would have announced her arrival. At the very least, I could have warned her that Mother specifically told me she wasn’t invited. As my girlfriend and guest, my opinion about Sophia overruled hers.I didn’t suspect that Mother would cause any issues with Sophia while Father was sick, but I could never be sure with her. She might very well use Father’s illness as a way to push Sophia away. Like
LukeShe whirled around when I arrived by her side. “Luke, I can stay in a hotel. It’s not a big deal.”“It is a big deal,” I said. “I want you with me.”“Are you sure?” she asked. “You should be with family right now.”“I am,” I assured her.She quirked her lips but didn’t argue with me further.I offered my hand to her, and she took it. I didn’t realize how much I missed holding her hand. It was the most intimate we’d been in the time we’d known each other. There was no reason for us to make out in front of my parents, but I had a feeling that she wouldn’t mind doing it if I asked her. I would never overstep, but I would if Mother and Father insisted on making sure that Sophia and I were a genuine couple.Surprisingly, no one other than Mother questioned our relationship. It was mostly because she wanted me with anyone other than Sophia since she wasn’t someone that Mother picked out specifically for me. Even if I found a beautiful Middle Eastern woman on my own, I doubted Mother wo
SophiaI couldn’t believe that Luke wanted me to stay in his room. The gesture felt intimate, and I surprised myself by how ready and willing I was to stay with him. I worried that his mother would have a fit, but the way that Luke commanded the conversation with her earlier made me think that his father’s illness had changed him. I was glad that I wasn’t the one to bring about that change in him. In a way, I felt as if he would blame me for knowing first, even though I stumbled upon it accidentally.Watching Luke as he walked next to me, his shoulders were relaxed yet pushed back into a perfect posture. He looked more like royalty than ever. Over the last weekend we had been here, he was relaxed and ready to defend our relationship. This Luke had the weight of the kingdom on his shoulders, and I wondered if he had accepted the role of king yet. Would it be appropriate for me to ask? It wasn’t time to be shy with him when my job was on the line.I thought he would tell me, but maybe h
Sophia“You’re welcome,” I said. “Not that it did much good. They all found out anyway.”“My dear, I’ve been fighting this illness for a long time,” he said. “I’m an old man, and I’m tired of fighting. You couldn’t have prevented that.”“Why didn’t you say something sooner?”He sighed. “Pride, I suppose. I should have said something, but there’s no changing the past. That’s something I will have to bear.”“Are you going to tell Luke that I knew?” I asked. I didn’t think he had a reason to suspect our relationship was fake, but I couldn’t be too careful.“No,” he said. “He is happy with you.”I twined my fingers together in my lap. It was strange having approval from one of Luke’s parents. I wanted to know more. “You think so?” Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I pressed my hands against them.“My dear,” Erol said with a smile. It lit up his face. “I’m out of touch with the dating world, but I know love when I see it. Luke’s mother and I didn’t experience it until later on, but I do recogn
LukeSeeing Father smiling at Sophia when I returned with the water made my heart skip a beat. Even though I hadn’t directly said I was going to take the throne, knowing he was happy about who I’d chosen to be my partner—for real this time—gave me a sense of calm that I hadn’t had before Sophia showed up.I took her hand as we walked through the hallway, squeezing it. She had turned my life upside down, and I couldn’t imagine having anyone else by my side during this trying time.“I thought we were going to the dining room?” Sophia asked as I led her down another hallway, not in the direction of the central stairwell.“We’re going to get Abir,” I said. “He’s holed himself in his room for several days. It’s time for him to join the living and say goodbye to his father.”“He’s grieving,” Sophia said.I gritted my teeth. “Father isn’t dead yet. Abir might get a pass to complain for a little while, but he needs to step up and be the man that Father thinks he is, or he’ll regret it.”“Isn’
LukeI was surprised that the dining room was empty when we arrived. I had expected Mother to be there, waiting to show how disappointed she was with Sophia and me. At least we’d get a break from that. Sophia and Abir liked each other, so I looked forward to having a pleasant conversation between the three of us. Maybe Mother had changed her tune. I didn’t expect her to welcome Sophia with open arms after hearing how she honestly felt, but being cordial would have sufficed.“It’s just us?” Sophia asked.“I guess so,” I said, pushing her chair in behind her.“I don’t mind her,” Sophia said quickly. “I wish she didn’t mind me, though. Should we tell them about us?”“That doesn’t matter anymore. We’re together now. We don’t need to reveal any of our previous lies. I foresee Mother using that to her advantage and upsetting Father.”Sophia nodded. “Good point.”Abir came in a few moments later as the first course arrived. One of the servants rushed out to get another plate for my brother.
SophiaLuke’s warm lips touched mine, and my entire body exploded with ripples of pleasure. My nipples pressed against my bra, and before I knew it, I threw my arms around his shoulders and kissed him back. His tentative mouth turned hungry and so did mine. He slipped his tongue into my mouth, and I moaned into his.I regretted not kissing him sooner. He was like a glass of water after I’d been wandering in the desert. He quenched my thirst, but I wanted more.His hands reached up and moved through my hair, sending tingling feelings running down my body and spreading warmth throughout my midsection.He pulled away from me, holding my face in his hands. His eyes were heavy, and he panted slightly. He licked his lips, and my gaze fell on those delicious pillows. How I wanted to rest in them for the remainder of my life.“Sophia,” he said. “Are you sure you want to do this?”I answered him by untucking his shirt from his pants and tugging at the hem.He grinned, and the dampness between