“Do you love her?”

I looked at my father, his grim expression doing well to hide his true feelings about Rose. We had walked down the gallery hall, lined with enormous portraits of my ancestors who had once held the royal title. I could remember running down this hall as a child and feeling as if they were all looking down at me—judging me. I still had that sense now. “That doesn’t matter,” I replied not comfortable discussing my emotions with the man that was my father… we’d never had a heart-to-heart before, so why start now?

“Do you love her?” he asked again, his tone demanding an answer. “It’s not a hard question, Edward.”

I thought back to what I had said to Rose’s own father earlier when he’d asked the same question. The words had come out so easily then. Rose was everything to me and more. And I knew that if she told me tonight she was leaving, dropping all of this and moving on with her life, I would have a damn hard time accepting that. “Yes, with all my heart,” I finally said, my chest tightening.

My father’s stride came to a halt and he nodded, crossing his arms over his chest. “I saw you gave her your mother’s ring. Do you know where she got that?”

“You?” I asked, taking a wild guess. He nodded and dropped down on the bench that lined the hall, looking weary. “Edward, your mother was a very special woman. Did you know that I asked her to marry me a few times before you even came into the picture?”

“But you were married to Agatha,” I challenged, surprised. He laughed, which also surprised me, his expression now set on a faraway memory. “Oh no, I wasn’t then. Your mother and I, we knew each other for many years before Agatha. I used to sneak out, ditch my entourage—much like you—and go to see her. We would dance the night away, just the two of us. She taught me a great deal about life and love.”

Love? I wanted to challenge what he had learned about love, for I had hardly been a recipient of this knowledge. But I bit my tongue and stayed silent. It was rare thing for him to open up, and I desperately wanted to hear more about my mum. But his expression darkened then. “However, I am going to have the same conversation with you that my father had with me. There are some things you can’t change, son, some things that just aren’t meant to be no matter how much you want them to be. That is life, Edward, and sometimes it doesn’t go your way.”

“You know I don’t give a damn about this life,” I said angrily, knowing what he was going to say. “I’m barely a member of this family. So write me off properly, change the law back, you did it once already to make it so I was in the line of succession; I’m sure Grandfather would be delighted to have it reverted. Have done with it. Cut me off, but I’m not giving up Rose for you, for Grandfather, or for anyone else in this godforsaken world. She’s mine, and I intend to keep her.”

“Try to be reasonable, Edward,” he replied, looking up at me. “You are a part of this family, no matter how many times you try to deny it. You are my son. And I have put up with a great deal from you, telling myself that I should cut you some slack since you are Edith’s child. But my patience is wearing thin. I have made my decision. I will not approve of this marriage, and neither will your grandfather. There won’t be a church or an officiate that will give you the license certificate if I go public with my objection.”

“You’re an asshole,” I shot back, rage building up inside. “You destroy your own son’s potential happiness for the sake of some damn bloodline? Mine’s already tainted!”

“It’s my final word,” he said softly, regret written all over his face. Never in my life had I wanted to hit my father, but tonight, I was damn near close to it. They could lock me up in the Tower for all I cared. But I kept my fists at my side.

“Don’t contact me. Don’t summon me. Don’t even think about me,” I said, a lethal edge to my voice as I turned to walk away. “Consider me dead.”

My father let out a strangled noise as I turned my back on him. I wasn’t going to bend to his will on this. Not a fucking chance.

We won’t get married in England then, I thought. We could go to the States or France or Italy, anywhere. I would even resort to tying the knot under the open sky—a hand-fasting—if Rose was open to it. Nothing would stop me from marrying the woman I loved.

The ride back to my flat was silent. I didn’t ask her what happened in the living room, but it was written on her face. She hadn’t asked me about my conversation, either, which was probably good a thing right then. I didn’t think I could repeat it without wanting to go back to the palace and do something I would later regret.

Luckily the media had died down to a dull roar by the time we got inside the building and into the elevator, a suitcase in each hand. I was exhausted, and with the fundraiser ball tomorrow night, I didn’t expect to get any rest any time soon. Maybe afterward I would take us both on a holiday away from this place, somewhere where I could get Rose into a bathing suit and we could do nothing but enjoy each other’s company for a while. By the time we reached my living room, I was starting to feel somewhat normal again, the vague holiday plans lifting my spirits.

I sat the suitcases on the floor and looked at her, seeing the weariness in her face. “Rough day?”

“You could say that again,” she laughed, looking up at me. “What about you?”

“Hell, Rose, all I want to do is take you to bed,” I said honestly, too drained to even hold back. I had to tell her how I truly felt, and properly, before it burst out of me.

Her eyes widened, and I swore, rubbing a hand over my face. “I’m sorry. I told you I wouldn’t do that.” Turning away, I looked at the sofa, glad I had bought a comfortable one. “I will sleep on the sofa. You can have my bed.”

Her hand touched my back, and I closed my eyes, feeling the searing touch through my shirt. I was going to fucking lose it soon, and I couldn’t be responsible for what I did or what I had promised.

“Edward.”

“What, Rose?” I exhaled, my jeans becoming tight in the front.

“I don’t want you to sleep on the sofa.”

I turned around so quickly that she had to take a step back. I framed her face with my hands. “Are you sure?” I didn’t want to force her into anything, but I just wanted her close, under me, so I could show her that I was everything she needed. I wanted her to stay. Forever.

“I’m sure,” she whispered, her hand coming up to cup my cheek.

I leaned my forehead against hers, my body throbbing with need. “You are all I need,” I choked out.

Her hand fell away and she stepped back, looking suddenly shy at what she should do. I gave her a smile, reaching for her hand, forcing myself to take it slow. Carefully I led her up the stairs to the second level, frowning as I saw the rumpled bed sheets. Hell, I was a slob. She deserved roses and candles with silken sheets and champagne.

“Edward?”

I turned toward her, seeing the confusion on her face, and I sighed. “I’m not good enough for you, Rose.”

She laughed and reached for my face, cupping her hands on my cheeks. “Edward, you are the only one for me.” She then brushed her lips softly over mine.

“And I can’t wait much longer.” I groaned and reached for her, my hands curving around her waist as I pulled her close against me until her soft curves were pressed up against my hard torso.

“I can’t either,” she whispered as I kissed her jawline. She flung her arms around my neck, and I buried my face into her hair, breathing in the smell of vanilla. She was going to be a balm for me tonight, I knew that. I wanted nothing more than to have her in my bed, under my sheets as I slept, and I felt the need all the way to my fucking toes.

With my hands at her waist, I pulled back and kissed her long and hard, allowing all the pent-up frustrations to echo in that kiss. There were so many variables ranged against the both of us right then that I wanted to concentrate only on her, in my arms.

My hands slid up her sides, grabbing her shirt and inching it upward until I was forced to break the kiss to pull it off the rest of the way. Her hands went immediately to my shirt, pulling it over my head before roaming her short nails and fingertips over my chest, each touch leaving a trail of fire in its wake. “You are so perfect,” she breathed, her fingers trailing down my abs to the tops of my trousers. “Please don’t make me wait anymore,” she said, tugging on my belt.

“God you are awesome.” My cock strained against my trousers as she undid them. I reached behind and expertly undid her bra hooks, sliding her bra down and over her arms so I could feast on her bare breasts, my fingers pinching her already erect nipples. She moaned, and I grinned, cupping the entire weight of one breast in my hand. “It’s a shame you have to hide these,” I said, bending down until I could lick her nipple. “They are fucking gorgeous. I think we should have our own nudist colony right here, just the two of us, so I can see them all day long.”

She chuckled, but her laughter was soon replaced with moans as I teased her body. Her hands abandoned my belt and went into my hair, bringing me closer to her breast so I could take it into my mouth. “Yes,” she breathed. “That’s, oh my god, Edward!”

I swirled my tongue around her nipple and gave it a light kiss before pulling back, loving the way her body reacted to mine. She gave me a dark look as my hands went to her skirt, pushing it down over her hips and allowing it to puddle on the floor until she stood there in just her knickers. I took in her breasts, the rounded part of her stomach and the lace-clad centre of her, blood rushing to my ears. “I’m the luckiest man alive,” I said wetting my lips.

She blushed and reached for my belt again, working it out of my pants and pulling them down. “Oh my,” she giggled as she took in her first sight of my hard cock—hard only for her. Eagerly her hand wrapped around my length and caused me to groan. “Hello there.”

“Jesus,” I hissed, as she explored me. “You’re killing me, Rose.”

She pushed me toward the bed until I fell onto it on my back. “Condoms?” she asked. I pointed toward the drawer on the bedside table and she opened it, pulling out a pair of thongs with a puzzled scowl.

“It was a collection drawer at one time,” I replied, a dull flush on my face. If she walked away now, I was going to implode on this damn bed. “Can we pretend those weren’t in there? The only knickers I want in there are yours.”

Rose threw the thongs across the bedroom before reaching in once more. She pulled out a foil packet and tore it open. I watched as she rolled it expertly down my cock, her tits swinging heavenly before me. Unable to keep my hands off her, my hand found her breast. My entire body was throbbing for her. She gave me a wicked grin, stood by the bed and pulled down her knickers, dangerously slowly.

“You better get back on this bed, right now,” I demanded as I took in her neatly trimmed pussy. I couldn’t allow another second to pass by without being inside her. She put her hands on her hips and bit her lip but soon squealed when I grabbed her and pulled her on top of me.

I encouraged her to straddle me, and then as we locked eyes, I angled my hips and slipped inside her. She sank down with a moan. I groaned as well, my hands going to her hips as she started to rock against me, a whimper escaping her lips. Her hands braced against my chest and she started to ride me. We started slowly at first, relishing each and every single sensation, but soon, as our breaths became laboured and the intensity began to rise, our pace increased. Her ass slapped against the top of my thighs and her tits bounced.

“That’s right,” I urged, my fingers digging into her soft skin as I watched her eyes roll with ecstasy.

A sudden urge to be the one on top, to drive within her deeper, came over me. With strong arms around her, I manoeuvred her down upon the satin sheets, under me, in a flash. Her eyes peered up at me with surprise. I drove my length back into her, and she eagerly wrapped her legs around me.

“Harder,” she whimpered.

I did what my lady requested and slammed in deeper, her hips and back arching to meet my thrust. “Fuck me, Edward.”

“I’m going to do better than that,” I said, my mouth by her ear, “I’m going to love you.”

Her thighs clenched, and she came hard and fast, a cry coming from deep down inside her. Another tightening and cry, and I was a goner, shouting as I poured my seed into the condom, my own orgasm catching me by surprise. Rose let her head fall back, her hair spread out over the pillow as I collapsed on top of her.

For an exquisite moment I lay there, her hand stroking my back lightly before I rose and gave her a smile, kissing her collarbone, then her neck, and lastly her sweet mouth. We held each other before I extracted myself and made quick work of the condom. I climbed back in, pulling the covers up over us before I reached for her, pulling her against me and kissing her bare shoulder.