CARLY “I am still talking to Langston!” I glared at my brother, who had just snatched the phone from me. “Why would you do that? The palace is doing you a favor, sister.” He turned off my phone. “It’s a death trap for Langston. I can’t just force him to marry me. I’m not like you, Thay.” He arched a brow. “He will still be here. Trust me because it’s how he feels about you. He is tenacious. Nothing can stop him if he wants something. I believe you know it by now.” “You don’t know that.” I just wiped my tears and asked him to return my phone. Instead, he slipped it into his pocket. “I do know him better than anyone. I see myself in him once that I would do anything to be with the person I love.” “I don’t think so.” I hit him in the arm. “He won’t waste his time kidnapping me, you prick.” He just laughed at my outburst. “I love you, Carlott, so much that I want you to be happy for the last time. Rome is the man who can give you eternal happiness. The palace did you a favor, and
ROME The late King was placed to rest. Still, I was having a hard time wrapping things around my head. We just arrived at the Guardion via the fastest train from Winterbourn. It only took one hour and fifteen minutes, but it felt like twelve hours. Her details were a pain in my ass as if I was planning on kidnapping the princess. Then she drove the pretty vintage car, her details, and my friends were tailing us in the SUVs. “You’ve been silent throughout the ride.” What did she want me to say? “Dating a princess comes with a lot of security details and less privacy.” “I’m so sorry.” She looked at me and held my hand. “Eyes on the road, princess. Why can’t you even let me drive?” “It’s customary.” “Customary?” I scoffed and was confused. “You are my guest. We’re not yet married. And also, I missed this car.” “Jesus. Are we allowed to sit at the back together?” “Yes. No problem.” “And I haven’t kissed you.” Her lips spread into a smile. “What? I can’t kiss you too?”
CARLY It was warm in the cabin, and I could see the snow falling outside. It felt like the holiday season right here. It was pretty romantic. We just had amazing sex. Then we cuddled on the sofa with our hot chocolate and watched a football match. “So, this is like a big deal here, huh?” He sipped his hot choco. “Yup, just like coffee and milk teas. Here you can find hot choco in a lot of varieties.” “Hmm.” “What does hmm even mean?” “I could live with it.” “You’re a guy who drinks black and isn’t fond of dessert but likes chocolates?” “Who doesn’t like chocolates, Storm?” “Come on. You can’t just be that guy.” He looked down at me, meeting my gaze. “Tell me what’s bothering you?” Rome felt it— he felt that I was hiding something from him, and one thing I loved about him— he cared and asked, but he didn’t push. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kissed the top of my head as I curled into him. “My father paid you a visit?” “Well, when we arrived at the airport, we
ROME I worked on my laptop and ignored my faces on TV as they watched the local and international news. Thankfully, it was just news briefs, and they focused on the plans for the coronation of the new King. While Carly was back to do her duty, I made money. I kept in contact with my new assistant, updating my schedule and itinerary. “Jesus. Are they also interested in knowing the size of his dick?” Kye reacted. “The Princess won’t be so thrilled,” Sax replied. “I guess that is his life now, always under the public eye.” Zee joined them. “This will be over. It just happened the Princess made a comeback, The Late King passed away, and the new King took over the throne. This will go back to normal, bro.” Linden slapped my shoulder. “Everything won’t be back to normal,” I finally said a word. “I love Carly.” They whistled. “What?” I stared at them one by one. “You just said it loud, but we’ve known since you walked into that restaurant, remember?” Of course. How can I forget?
CARLY “Babe?” “Hmm.” Rome was tracing kisses on my tummy under the blanket. We just made love. My body was still buzzing after my most intense orgasm. And here he was, trying to put me back on track. If there was one thing he was good at, it was sneaking out. He told me his friends made a diversion so no one would notice him visiting me. “I’m serious, Langston.” “So do I? What is it all about?” He threw the blanket over his shoulder, meeting my gaze. “What did you and my father talk about?” Groaning, he moved to my side, pulling me close to him so I could rest my head on his shoulder. “Sweetheart, I did not even stay five minutes inside the study to talk about a lot of things. First, he told me about the rich history of the desk. He might have seen my reaction because the desk is actually pretty cool. It was a fine desk. Maybe I should order one like that from a carver.” “Enough about the desk, Romare.” I snapped. He laughed softly. “You never called me by my name. You said i
ROME She loves me. And I just sat there and did nothing. I wished I could turn back the time, grab her head, kiss her so hard and tell her I loved her more than I had shown her. We landed earlier, and I couldn’t get a hold of Carly— I already missed her. Zee drove me to Mom’s house, and I knew we were all tired. Linden and the other guys went home. “Go home, Zee. Take a day or two off.” “You need a bodyguard, Rome.” “I’ll call Cade. Go and see Heera. I’m sure she’s waiting for you.” He nodded. “But if you need me, I’ll be there ASAP.” “Okay.” Mom surprised me in her living room. “What are you doing here, Rome?” “I missed you, too.” I opened my arms to give her a hug. “Oh, my boy. I think you are getting taller than the last I saw you.” I laughed. “Yeah, it was two weeks ago. Next week, my head will reach the roof.” “You just landed?” She saw my suitcase on the floor. It had been a while since I came home. It just, I saw Dad in every corner of this house, and it fucking
CARLY “You’ve been working hard since you came back. You need a break.” Kennedy was right. I worked literally seven days a week. I had not done visiting the charities and was still doing royal engagements, attending galas and parties for almost a month. I needed to make up and catch up on the years I lost. And I had not seen Rome. I missed him so much but needed to get my mind off him for a while since it was impossible for us to meet. We talked every night, and it was daytime in the U.S. We chatted, talked over the phone, and Facetimed. And he’d been patient and understanding. I didn’t know how I remained sane despite my busy life. I managed to balance my sleep, my time with Rome, even long-distance, and my work. I traveled a lot as well. When you loved somebody, you would do everything to make your relationship pan out— I kept that in mind. And I was grateful there was no selfishness between us. We gave, and we took. “I’m only taking a rest once I’m with Rome.” I rubbed her g
ROME I kept checking the time during the Green and Investment Expo. I was beyond excited to see Carly again. I even sent the jet to pick her up since her travel is personal. I flew with Mykel and Cenric in Creed’s jet since we were the guest speakers at the Expo. “My question is for Mr. Rome Langston.” The guy in the center stood up. Mykel had answered a question from the audience earlier. “Yes,” I spoke to the mic. “What can you advise young investors like us?” “Thank you for the question. First, learn about investments. Know yourself. What do you spend your money on? Do you shop a lot and collect new gadgets? When you earn your own money, you think that, uh, I earn to buy a new iPhone. My car is five years old. I need a new one. Before you invest, no matter how much it is, a dollar counts. You have to set your goal. And most people’s best advice. Invest only what you can afford to lose. How much do you hate losing money? And lastly, ask for help. Join a group. Ask someone you
ROME Winterbourn, four years later Getting the work done and going home to my wife, Princess Carlott, and my son, Eughan, was always the best part of the day. Since I met Carly, I have appreciated and valued the importance of family even more. I was the luckiest to have a family in the States and a family in Triberis Capria. My company made an obscene amount of money. Being one of the wealthiest men in the world and married to a royal princess was only a bonus, but having a healthy relationship, a wonderful and supportive wife, and a mini-me was such a blessing. I went inside our home. The three-story villa was my dream house with complete amenities. The private door to the study was a significant upgrade. And Carly loved it. My gaze caught the leather couch from my cabin. It meant a lot to us, so Carly delivered it to our home. We had a charity gala to attend tonight. My son was probably in his play area or in the backyard. He loved puzzles and board games. He also enjoyed
ROME It was the best two months of being married to my wonderful wife, Princess Carlott. Our church wedding was spectacular and perfect. My family, friends, and loved ones were around. Carly loved the fifteen-minute surprise drone show and was teary the whole time. A week later, a new royal family member was born. The Duchess gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Princess Aaliyah Aleksiea. I saw the look in my wife’s eyes as we first lay an eye on her niece. And I knew if we were blessed, she would be ready to be a mother. After our tour of over eight cities, we flew to the States. We visited my mother in her office. We also met my brother, and he started working at the Langston Realty Group. Then we had dinner with my brothers. My life was good. “What’s with the smile? The bride hasn’t arrived.” I leaned to kiss my wife on her head. Today was Zee and Heera’s wedding day. We became their principal sponsors since Carly and I were already married. Heera replaced Carly as her maid o
CARLY For the first time in many years, I felt genuine happiness. I found the love of my life. And here we were, spending our honeymoon on an island so breathtaking. The ocean was so blue and calm. And I lay beside the man who completed me, taught me to accept my flaws, gave me love, and showed me the meaning of life. “What are you smiling about?” He lifted my chin—eyes filled with humor and devotion. I sighed deeply. “When someone told me I’ll get married and be this happy months ago, I would have told her she’s crazy.” “Are you happy being married, sweetheart?” “Do you really have to ask me that?” “Just wanna make sure you’re not regretting already.” I touched his face. I’d never seen him shaved clean, but his beard had grown on me, and I thought he looked perfectly handsome with it. “I’m gonna marry you again in fifteen days.” “Good answer, or I will kidnap you and take you to the altar myself.” He lay back beside me. “No need to take drastic measures. I promise to be the
ROME Carly and I arrived at the private beach house owned by her family. As we reached the threshold of the room, a king-size bed draped with fluffy white sheets and thrown red flower petals, candlelit, and flowers scattered around the room. Carly went silent beside me. She was talkative on our way, teasing me throughout the ride, and she suddenly seemed speechless. When I turned to her, I cupped her face and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. “I can’t still believe you are my wife now.” “Believe it, husband.” She wiggled her fingers and showed me the wedding band and the engagement ring. “You’re beautiful.” I ran the back of my fingers on her cheek, down her exposed shoulder. “I’m nervous.” Her eyes fluttered close, and a gasp slipped her lips. “I love you.” I brought myself close to her and kissed her on the forehead, her nose, and then her parted lips. “So do I.” I found the zip of her dress, slowly lowered down her back, and let it fall to the floor, and she stoo
ROME I felt a soft kiss on my forehead. I heard her voice, my Storm, and someone very familiar. Before my ass got frostbite, thanked God the rescuers arrived. Then I couldn’t remember what had happened after that. I thought I was going to die and not see Carly, my family, and my friends again. That was the scariest I had experienced in my entire life— the hopelessness—the regrets. Leaving the people, you loved without a proper goodbye. And you wished for another chance that would not come. Was there an afterlife? My family and I believed in God. When times like this, sometimes you prayed, and it seemed you weren’t heard, you started to doubt. Despite that, I prayed for the safety of everyone I loved. I prayed to come back home to Carly. I always thought about her— she must be terrified of me not coming back alive. Then I felt her warm hand— the soft squeezed against mine. How I wished her a warm body that stormy day. I really didn’t know the weather would be that terrifying i
CARLY “What took them so long to find him?” I yelled at Seth. He came over to the cabin the moment I called him that Rome was in trouble. “I already sent them where he is stranded.” Time was running out for Rome, it had been forty-five minutes, and I had not heard the good news. “Calm down, Princess. They’re doing their best to get there in time. The storm is getting stronger, and it’s difficult for them to go by air, and the road was blocked by snowfall.” “So you’re telling me my fiance is gonna die out there?” I picked up my phone and put on my coat. “I’ll go find him myself.” “That’s the worse idea.” He blocked my way. “Do you think he’s gonna let you go out there and risk your life?” “Well, good thing he’s not here.” I glared at him. He was tall and bulky, like a Viking warrior, and he could just throw me over his shoulder and stuff me in the closet if he wanted to. “Just give them a few more minutes.” “And then what? Rome is already frozen the moment they get there.” “I’
ROME“So, this permanent now, huh? Are you planning on taking dual citizenship?”“Zee, you don’t have to worry about me. I’m happy for you and Heera.” I hugged him one more time.“You can still call me if you need me.”“Unless you and Heera want to have a family in Winterbourn, then I can hire you back. But right now, focus your time on her. We’ll be there on your wedding day.”“And you will be married at that time.”“Yup. Twenty days feels like twenty years.”His smile turned into a grin. “I can relate, brother.”“You two are done with heart-to-heart? We’re gonna be late for our flight.” Cade walked past us, climbing into the jet.“Go, and I know you miss your princess. Say hi to me, and tell her to take care of you.”“I will, bro.”“Safe flight.”I worked on my laptop during the flight. Cade decided to take a nap since he’d been up all day. He just came from a successful kidnap rescue mission.I met with Linden, Sax, and Kye earlier, and it was hard to leave them behind, but they wo
CARLY Since I met Rome, I learned a few things in the kitchen. I could now make sandwiches and boil water without burning the whole kitchen down. I could make an omelet and pasta sauce. I finally put the food processor to good use. “Hey. Are you going out tonight?” I called him out from the kitchen. He had changed to casual from the suit he had worn earlier before work. Yeah, we finally had a good conversation. We were not really back like how we used to be, and we had not slept together, but we were getting there. And I was happy with that. “Yeah. Did I forget to tell you?” He seemed to think about it. “You don’t tell me shit, Romare.” I continued stirring the sauce in the pot. “Whoa.” He arched a brow. “We talked about using words, Carlott Laylin Jemaine Storm Gattewarde Braynburd. And you just called me by the name you hate.” “I don’t hate your name. And next month, I will hyphenate Langston.” I tapped the wood ladle a little bit stronger on the pot. “Will the palace allow
ROME I knew this day would come when your own making would bite you back in the ass. And it was happening right now, and I couldn’t do anything to avoid it. I still fought the urge with every bit of my sanity left not to carry her, throw her in the bed, and do what had been in my head that drove me crazy for two months. And I have been celibate since— when she was about to reach her ecstasy, I teased her some more and then let her come around my tongue and licked her dry. And maybe I began making her ache again until she begged me to fuck her. But before that, I would feast her first. I missed her taste, body, lips wrapped around me, and tight, warm pussy. All I did in the bathroom was jacked off— I was fully loaded all the time, and every time I saw her sweet ass swaying before me, her pert tits and nipples hardening as if she was cold or remembering naughty things we did together, I had to think of something nasty. Right now, she just joined me in bed and slipped into my duvet a