As much as Marianne insisted, Dominic remained adamant. He would not tell her what he had in mind. All the same, he had a point. The long drive from Paris had exhausted her. Therefore, she went back to her bedroom, desperate for a much-needed rest. Before lying in bed though, she pulled her diary and a pen out of her purse.

“Dear diary,

It is my third day in France and I could not have wished for anything better. The king has been really good to me. I am sorry. I am understating things. The king has been incredible to me. Ever since I got here, he’s been smiling at me, comforting me, making me laugh… What an exciting guy. I thought he would be some smug prick, but, in truth, he is a refined, sensitive gentleman and a very skilled painter. Who would have thought that he would draw my portrait, just a few minutes after we’d met? I just saw it. It’s wonderful.

I got to spend most of my first day here with him. It was very emotional. He reminded me of something I have been trying to forget. But, the night was much more interesting. We went out for dinner. He was polite, answered each and every one of my questions and did not complain one bit. And then, he gave me the best sex I have ever had. He was patient, passionate, driven… There was a storm outside, but I could feel a bigger storm, raging within me. I wanted to grab him and lick him all over, like I have never done before. This man awakened all my primal urges. By the time he was done worshipping my body, I could not think of anything else, other than feeling him deep inside me. And did I. God, he was big and hard. Just thinking about it makes me yearn for more. But then, things got even better. He stayed with me. He caressed me and looked me in the eye. Part of me believed he would just disappear after we had had sex, but he didn’t. He was sweet, understanding… And that’s what makes me feel even worse about myself.

Dominic doesn’t know my secret. Maybe I should have told him when I got here. He wouldn’t have any illusions and it would make my job a lot easier. I was trying to figure out a way to talk to him, when he found me in his garden. My God… Soaked to the skin, saying he had just finished my portrait. It melted my heart. I had to kiss him. And that kiss just swept me off my feet. I then decided to stay away, but it was too late. He had made me long for him.

He’s got big plans for tonight. I can’t wait to see where he wants to go. I just hope I can work up the courage to talk to him.”

Too tired to keep her eyes open, Marianne slipped the notebook and the pen back into her purse. At that moment, her phone rang. It was Kate.

“Hey, girl; what’s up?”

“Hi, baby. I’m not the one in France. What’s it like?”

“Beautiful. I just came back from Paris.” Marianne spoke in lazy tones.

“What?” Kate squeaked.

“Yeah; why are you so surprised?”

“Because you sound like you just came back from the kitchen.” Kate’s sarcastic comment put a smile on her face. “I thought you’d be more enthusiastic than that. Did something happen?”

“I’ve texted you everything.” Marianne sighed. “I just don’t know if I should tell him or not.”

“Don’t be stupid, girl.” Kate scoffed. “You’re only going to be there for a few more days. It’s not like you’re going to marry him or anything. Have fun with him.”

“Oh, I am.” Marianne declared with a devilish smile on her face as she lay in bed: “too much fun, actually.”

“I’ll bet.” Kate laughed. “How big is it?”

“Nine inches, at least. It felt so deep.” Marianne lowered her voice.

“At least?” Once again, Kate’s voice turned into a high-pitched squeal. “Are you kidding me?”

“No, Kate. I said that in my last text.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t believe you. Anyway, like I said, try to have some fun. Fucking someone is not against the law.”

“Yeah, but lying to him just isn’t right. Look, I need to get some sleep. I’ll call you tomorrow, ok?”

“Don’t ruin it, sweetheart. Keep your mouth shut. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Marianne tossed her cell phone across the bed and closed her eyes, wondering if she should take her friend’s advice.

“Keep my mouth shut, huh? That’s easier said than done. Or is it? Maybe Kate is right. I should have all the fun I can with him. He deserves a lot of credit for what he’s done for me so far and I’m going to give it to him. Get ready, my king. Tonight, I’m going to show you my appreciation. I’ll do all kinds of naughty things to you and make you shiver with desire. I just need to take control before you start kissing me all over again. I’m sorry, Dominic. I don’t think either of us could handle the truth. Let’s just enjoy this while it lasts…”