Page 49 of Defying the Crown
"Such a gentleman," I tease, trying to hide how much these little acts of care affect me. But Harald sees right through me – he's gotten good at that in such a short time.
"Only the best for you," he says with a soft smile, grabbing another towel for himself. His hair is darker when wet, curling slightly at the ends, and I can't resist reaching up to run my fingers through it.
"Your accent gets stronger when you're..." I hesitate, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "When you're... aroused."
Harald chuckles. "Really?" he asks, a playful glint in his eyes. "I didn't realize that." He leans in to nip at my earlobe teasingly. "I'll have to keep that in mind for next time, then."
We dry off leisurely, stealing glances and touches as we go. It should feel awkward, this in-between moment, but it doesn't. Even when Harald's towel slips and he scrambles to readjust it, we both share a laugh.
"I... uh, brought sleepwear," he says, blushing slightly as he ducks out of the bathroom and returns with a bag. He pulls out two sets of pajamas, handing one to me. "I thought... well, I hoped..." His cheeks turn a deeper shade of pink as he trails off, unable to meet my eyes.
"You planned ahead," I say, touched by his thoughtfulness. The pajamas are soft silk, probably cost more than my entire wardrobe, but I don't even care about that right now. I'm too moved by the fact that he hoped I'd stay, that he wanted me to be comfortable.
Once we're dressed, Harald leads me to the massive bed. The sheets are turned down – someone must have done that while we were at Coney Island – and more rose petals are scattered across the pillows.
"I didn't arrange this," Harald says quickly, his cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment. He looks at me apologetically, his blue eyes widening slightly as if anticipating my reaction. "The hotel must have..." His voice trails off uncertainly. I can sense a mix of emotions playing across his handsome features - a touch of self-consciousness at the lavish display, perhaps a dash of hope that I'll find it romantic despite his protests. The vulnerability in his expression tugs at something deep within me, a reminder that beneath all the wealth and privilege lies a complex man with his own set of insecurities and desires.
"It's perfect," I cut him off, my voice warm and sincere as I squeeze his hand. "A little cheesy, maybe," I admit with a playful smirk dancing across my lips, "but perfect."
We slide under the plush covers, sinking into the soft mattress. After a moment of shifting, I settle with my head on Harald's chest, his arms enveloping me. The steady thrum of his heart pulses against my ear, the soothing rhythm resonating deep within my soul. Cocooned in luxurious sheets scented with rose petals, I'm shielded from the world's harsh realities, safe in Harald's tender embrace.
I'm acutely aware of every point of contact between us - his chest rising and falling with each breath, warmth seeping through our thin layers wherever we press together. His hand caresses my back in gentle circles, each stroke igniting tingles of pleasure across my skin. Nuzzling into the crook of his neck, I breathe in his intoxicating scent, a mix of cologne and natural musk.
"Is this okay?" Harald whispers.
"Mmm, more than okay," I hum drowsily. "You're comfy."
"Sleep, kæreste," he murmurs, lips brushing my hair.
"What's it mean?" I ask through a yawn.
A pause, his arms tightening. "Dearest."
Harald's fingers thread through my hair as he hums what sounds like a lullaby, the soft notes chasing me into slumber. For the first time in years, I fall asleep completely safe, cherished. Home.
Harald
The city lights paint soft patterns across Daniel's sleeping face, his dark lashes casting shadows on his cheeks. His breathing is deep and even, one hand curled loosely grasping onto my chest like he's making sure I won't disappear. The sight makes my chest tight with emotion.
I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be falling for this beautiful, brave man who has no idea who I really am. But watching him sleep, so trusting in my arms, I can't bring myself to regret any of it.
Daniel shifts slightly, mumbling something in his sleep, and I automatically tighten my hold on him. He settles immediately, pressing his face into my chest. The simple trust in that unconscious movement nearly undoes me.
"Jeg er ved at forelske mig i dig," I whisper in Danish, because I'm not brave enough to say it in English yet, even while he's sleeping.I'm falling in love with you.
The weight of my crown has never felt heavier than in this moment. Daniel deserves someone who can be completely honest with him, someone who won't have to hide their relationship. But the thought of letting him go makes it hard to breathe.
His curly hair is still slightly damp from the shower. I can't resist running my fingers through it, marvelling at how something so simple can feel so intimate. He makes a soft sound of contentment that makes my heart skip.
"What am I going to do about you?" I murmur, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
The city continues its endless symphony outside – car horns, distant sirens, the rush of traffic – but in here, in this moment, it's just us. No crown, no royal duties, no lies between us. Just Daniel in my arms, trusting me completely.
I know I'll have to tell him the truth soon. I know this bubble we're in can't last forever. But for now, I let myself imagine a world where I'm just Harald, where I can keep him safe and happy in my arms, where loving him doesn't mean potentially destroying both our lives.
Daniel stirs again, this time blinking up at me sleepily. "You 'kay?" he mumbles, accent thick with sleep. "You're thinking too loud."
I smile, smoothing his hair back. "I'm perfect, kæreste. Go back to sleep."
