Page 23 of Royal Rebel

But I don’t know. I can’t place it as we walk outside. The only reason I know it’s outside is because of the change in temperature and the wind comes in off the ocean. Inhaling deeply, I smell the salt. It’s one of my favorite scents, always reminding me of home.

We walk for what feels like hours, but I know it’s really only a few minutes.

“Okay,” she says as we come to a stop. “You can take off your blindfold.”

I do, letting my eyes adjust for a few moments. We’re in one of the shelters on the beach. There’s a fire going, pillows laid out, and a blanket. Popcorn, candy, and drinks sit beside the blanket. “What is this?”

She points to a screen I didn’t notice before. “Parker gota screen set up for me. We’re gonna watch a movie. Like in a movie theater.”

“I’ve never been to one of those,” I admit, slightly embarrassed.

“I know, I called my brother, and he let me know. It’s kind of hard to know what you’ve done and what you haven’t, because so much of your life is as private as it is public.”

Truer words have never been spoken. As much as I’ve wanted my entire life to remain private, I’m much too public for it to happen.

“Do you like it?” she asks softly as we settle in. I should have known she’d pickThe Fast and the Furious. She does like fast cars and bikes. Those are two things I can say with complete conviction she enjoys.

“I love this.” I look around, not exactly sure I’m able to believe we’re here. There were so many things she could have done for me when I laid down the gauntlet.

“I’m glad.”

Her smile is huge and I can tell she’s pleased with herself. On a whim, I entwine our fingers together.

“I’m glad, too. There’re not many firsts I can share with you, but I’m glad this is one of them.”

She giggles, elbowing me in the side. “I was way too late to take your virginity, Tris.”

I snuggle in closer to her. “But just think, if anyone asks. I can always say you popped my cherry. No one has to know which one I’m talking about.” I motion to the screen with my bottle of beer.

“Oh my god.” She rolls her eyes. “Shhh! We need to watch the movie.”

For long minutes, I give her what she wants. To watch the movie, but there’s something else I want, and eventually I can’t wonder about it any longer. My arm is still around her, our fingers are still entwined. Parker stands outside, and I know he won’t bother us unless he absolutely has to. Licking my lips slightly, I lean in, kissing the side of her neck softly, and slowly.

“Trisssttann…”

“Shhh, watch the movie,” I whisper to her. “Isn’t this what you’re supposed to do at the movies? Or have I heard it all wrong?”

With a sigh, she relaxes against me, melting completely into my body.

“Tristan,” she whispers.

“Yeah?”

She turns my chin so that we’re looking at one another. “I never go all the way on a movie date. Just because you’re going to be a king, you think you’re special?”

Running my hand up her thigh, I cup her heat. “IknowI’m special.” I lean in, kissing her softly.

“Hmmm.” She makes a noise deep in her throat.

“Don’t you think?”

She shifts her body over, opening her thighs slightly. “I think we should watch them turn this into a ten-second car.”

“Opening your thighs to me says something totally different.” I smooth my mouth along her neck. “So you keep watching them make a ten-second car. I’ll show you how to have a two-minute orgasm.”

She laughs loudly. “With Parker right outside?”

“With Parker right outside,” I confirm. “So that meansyou need to be quiet. I want you telling me what’s happening in the movie, I haven’t seen it before.”

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