Page 110 of Prince of the Palisades

“So bossy,” I whisper, lying on top of him, skin to skin.

I take my time. Quiet pecks across his collarbone. Long seconds with my mouth against his shoulder. His hands roam over my biceps. Map every piece of skin he hasn’t explored while my heart thuds noisily.

I stop to whisper, “Are you still okay?”

“Beyond.” He’s restless under me. “Keep going. I’ll tell you if it’s too much.”

I comply. Through every motion, every new touch, I studyhis reaction. Wait for little cues. I never shy away from his questions or requests. He smiles appreciatively as we take breaks until he’s ready to tell me what he wants next.

Reiss is the sea. I’m his shore. We meet in a soft embrace. In a thundering crash. In a rhythm only we understand.

Night stretches into dawn. Through a gap in the curtains, the sky melts from dull purple to a vibrant pink.

Sunrise.

I need to go. Ajani will literally kill me. But my legs are tangled in the sheets. Reiss is on top of me, boneless. Snoring into the crook of my neck. I trace his cheek with a finger, eyes heavy and gritty. I’ve barely slept, but this is worth it.

Watching him so relaxed. Knowing what we did. Dazed by this feeling in my chest, the words I’m scared to say out loud:

I’m in love with Reiss Hayes.

19

EXCLUSIVE: “HE’S NOT THE PRINCE YOU THINK HE IS”

For years, the world has obsessed over who Prince Jadon really is. The boy who caused a stir in Milan? The drunken misfit badmouthing a political leader on camera? What about the ambitious rebel protesting in America? In an exclusiveThe Dish and Chipsinterview, Kip Davies talks candidly with Kofi Baptiste, the prince’s former best friend, about the Jadon in the news and the real him. You might be surprised by what you read!

I’m not nervous.

Behind the Rouge Room’s mahogany doors, my parents are meeting. They got in late last night. Too late for a formal welcome. Also, I was a little busy with…well. Spending the night in a certain boy’s guest suite.

This is the first time I’m seeing my parents in person inmonths. The first time they’ll see the real me. The first time they’re meeting Reiss too.

But I’m not nervous. Nope. I don’t anticipate projectile vomiting from the queasiness in my stomach in the near future.

“Your Highness.”

I startle when Dion swoops in like he did this morning. All impeccable clothes and perfect sepia skin and confident smile. He bows, then says, “I present…Mr. Reiss Hayes.”

He steps aside. Whatever’s happening in my belly calms.

Reiss is in a black Oxford, the top two buttons undone. Fitted Burberry trousers match his loafers. His faded pink hair is trimmed and styled. He’s as beautiful as he was last night. A dream I don’t want to wake from.

“Hmm.” Annika walks up, studying Reiss. Her gaze turns on me. “I see what you mean.”

My face is as hot as Reiss’s looks.

She squeezes my shoulder. “Are you good?”

Over breakfast, she gave me a small pep talk:Speak from the heart, be respectful, don’t fuck it up.

After a deep inhale, I nod.

I can do this. IhopeI can.

The doors swing open. Samuel greets us with a deep bow. “His Majesty and Queen Ava are ready for you.”

I grab Reiss’s hand. We walk toward the glossy lacquered table in the center of the room. Papa waits at the head, stone-faced, sitting tall in a sharp suit. To his left, Mom smiles when she sees Annika, then me. Her expression doesn’t falter after Reiss comes into view.

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