Page 167 of Rags to Royals

When he sets me on my feet inside the glass encased stall with the multiple shower heads and built-in bench, he says, “My shower is very nice too.”

“But thattub,” I say reverently, still looking at it through the glass.

“Let me show you,” he says as he starts soaping my body.

And yeah, okay, twenty minutes later, I admit—loudly, with him pounding into me, and at his insistence—that I like his showervery muchtoo.

Chapter 37

Scarlett

“Iknow it might be in my head, but this terrycloth is actually thicker and softer than any other in the world, right?” I say to Ruby as I rub the lapel of my bathrobe against my cheek.

She laughs. “Well, it's aroyalbathrobe. It’s supposed to be superior. But I don’t think this is terrycloth.”

“Then what is it?”

“Angel yarn?”

She has one too, but she’s actually gotten out of hers since it’s nearly eleven a.m. She’s even left her room.

I haven’t done either thing.

She’s sitting across from me at the little breakfast table in the sitting area outside of Cian’s bedroom having a very late brunch with me.

Late because Cian and I slept in after being up all night making love. Also, because I finally got in his bathtub this morning. And most definitely didn’t want to get out. It was only in part because of the tub, amazing multiple jets, and unbelievable view. It was also because of the hot prince that gotin the tub with me. And the lilac vanilla bath salts that Princess Abigail makes herself. But mostly the prince.

I give a happy sigh as I gather the plush robe around me and sink deeper into the armchair.

“Those happy-in-love-well-fucked sighs are very annoying,” Ruby tells me, popping a piece of thebestpineapple I’ve ever had into her mouth.

I grin. “Sorry.” I’m certain I don’t look a bit sorry.

She laughs. “Do princes have friends that are princes? Like princes from other countries? Surely they do, right?”

I don’t actually know. And I can’t ask for her because Henry would kill me. Or be really mad at me for the rest of my life. And yes, I think Henry is going to be around for the rest of my life. “Not sure. But they have hot, noble, charming bodyguards.”

She narrows her eyes. “Shut up.”

I push the plate of pastries closer to her. “They also havereallytalented in-house bakers.”

She reaches for one of the little turnovers.

“This is all real, isn't it?” I look around the room.

The high arched ceiling, the elaborate crown moldings, the built-in stone fireplace, the breathtaking view outside of these windows as well is all fairytale stuff. And it’s finally all sinking in. I’m in love with an actual fucking prince. And I’m over the moon about it.

“It’s really real,” Ruby says. She gives me a big grin. “But you will have to take your robe off for your princess dresses eventually.”

I’ve never really been a dress girl. In high school during my make-dad-happy phase, I wore conservative clothing, including modest dresses and skirts. I hated them. But the church was big on girls looking feminine. I’ve always been more comfortable in pants and jeans. And I love my coveralls.

“I’ve been assured by Mariah and Cian both that I don’t have to make official appearances. I mean, I can be talked into a dress here and there, but long flowing gowns with trains and lots of lace and satin, are not really my style.” I stick my foot out and wiggle my toes. “Not too many sequined gowns go with grease-stained work boots.”

She laughs. “Maybe we can get you some sparklycleanwork boots.”

Just then my bedroom door flies open and Mariah comes bounding in. I swear I have never seen my daughter walk with as much bouncy energy as she does around the palace.

“Saoirse and Abigail just asked if I can go to the ranch with them today. They’ve got horses! And all these pretty trails and stuff! Is that okay? We might spend the night there!”

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