I knew something was wrong the instant I saw him. He was hiding a scowl when he should have been smiling.

Ayla had chosen every inch of my outfit.

For the first time since I meet Damon, it seemed as if he looked right through me. He didn’t seem to notice the subtle dip of the V between my breasts, or the slit that rose to my thigh.

He met me at the car parked at the rear entrance of the hotel.

“What’s wrong?” I searched the dark swirls in his eyes for answers.

“Nothing, love.”

I slid into the seat, careful to keep my knees and heels together as I spun my glittery heels onto the floorboard. Ayla had been specific about every movement of the night.

The chauffer held the door as Damon climbed in, his heavy frame engulfing the air in the backseat. I could feel the heat of his irritation. Only, I had no idea what caused it.

“What’s the surprise?” I asked.

He gazed out of the window. “Dinner.”

“Oh.” I watched the tiny shops of the village drift by.

The car finally stopped. I peered around the corner and saw a marina. At the end of a line of boats was an enormous white yacht.

Damon stepped from the car and waited for me outside.

Were we sailing on that? I could count three tiers. There was possibly another one beneath the water’s surface.

Damon offered his arm. I slipped my hand through, connecting our elbows.

“This is your surprise.” He nodded at the yacht.

“It’s amazing.”

I took one of the crew members hands as he walked me along the plank. It was only wide enough for one person to pass at a time. Damon was directly behind me.

“Your majesty.” The crew bowed in unison once we were aboard. “Your state rooms have been prepared.”

I looked at him. State rooms? I thought we were staying at the hotel tonight.

I knew better than to question him in front of the crew. I followed as they led us through the tight corridor.

The door opened and I stared at the bedroom. There were windows on three sides. A huge bed anchored against one wall, looking out on the sea. Everything was white and bright like the outside of the ship.

“Leave us,” Damon instructed.

I had expected to be shown a separate room. Ayla explained that when traveling, we would have to be kept in separate quarters. It was the only way to protect the sanctity of the crown. I realized no one was aware that the leader of the country was a member of The Talon’s secret society. The sanctity had already been spoiled.

“What is going on?” I asked now that we were alone.

He sat on the bed, dragging my hips to him. He pressed his lips to my navel. I heard a growl in his throat. His breath was warm through the black silk dress.

“Damon,” I urged. “I don’t understand. Something has upset you.”

“There aren’t many days when I wish I wasn’t king.”

“That bad?” I ran my fingers through his hair. He looked in my eyes. That look made me melt. Made me forget all rational thought. It was sexy and forlorn at the same time.

The captain blew the horn and we departed from the dock. I lulled into him when the yacht sped into the channel.

“Are you going to tell me what happened to your good mood? Everything was fine at the olive grove.”

His fingers dug into my sides, pulling my dress higher along my thighs. The slit fell open.

“I need you,” he groaned.

I nodded. “I need you too.” I feathered my fingers over his ears.

“It can’t be dictated. It can’t be controlled.” He lifted my hem, revealing the satin panties that matched the black dress.

My breathing escalated as his mouth began to explore exposed slivers of skin. I pushed my hips forward. He nipped at the satin, taking it roughly in his teeth.

“You’re mine.”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Mine when I want you.” He pushed the panties to the widest curve of my ass.

“Yes,” I whispered.

His tongue worked to separate my folds, pushing to my clit.

The boat rocked gently and I leaned forward, catching myself on Damon’s broad shoulders.

“Shit,” I groaned. His tongue lapped deeper.

“Take these off,” he directed.

I shimmied out of the panties without question. He leaned backward on the bed.

“I want dessert first.”

Holy shit. I’d never done anything like this. I climbed on top of the king, fully dressed in his tuexedo. My evening gown, splayed around me. I hesitated, but Damon was strong. He planted me right above his face. His tongue traced over my entrance as I sank down.

“Oh God,” I whimpered. My head falling back as I began to lose control.

His tongue darted in and out as I rode faster. My hips jutted against the friction he provided my clit. I was soaring high quickly. I looked out at the sea. Damon’s fingers began to explore my thighs and then I felt the pressure on my backside.

I bounced when his finger breached the rim of my rosebud. It felt too good. Epic sensations coursed through me.

“Come, baby. Come for me.”

He sucked my clit powerfully, pushing his finger deep in my ass. It was a beautiful combination of erotic vibrations, ricocheting from my pussy to my ass.

“Oh yes.” I panted, feeling the freedom that followed the first breach of the orgasm. I gave in. Falling. Spiraling. Crashing. Until I was useless.

Damon kissed the inside of my thigh, before directing it to the other side of his body.

I sighed. No man made me feel like he did. I thought it was a heat-of-the-moment sex confession, but I started to believe I really did belong to him.

There was a ding, similar to a door bell.

“What is that?” I asked. I had barely caught my breath.

“That is dinner.” He sat forward, straightening his tie. “Shall we?”

“But I—look at me.” I was flushed and my straight hair was wild.

“You look sexy.” He winked.

I leaned to the floor for my panties.

“Leave them.”

“What?” My eyes cut to him.

“I have more surprises.”

He helped me stand from the bed. I straightened my dress. “You know Ayla would die if she knew I was going to dinner without underwear.”

He squeezed my hand. “We’re going to have to keep lots of secrets, love.”

I leaned against his shoulder. I liked how it sounded when he said we.