Page 22 of Defying the Crown
I let out a shaky sigh, runninga hand through my hair as I pace the length of my study. "Sometimes I feel like I'm suffocating under the weight of all these expectations and secrets. Like I'll never be able to break free and just be...me."
Daniel's voice comes through the phone, soft and sincere. "Hey, I know we haven't known each other for very long, but I want you to know that you have me now, okay? You don't have to carry all of this alone anymore. I'm here for you, whenever you need to talk or vent or just...not feel so alone in all of this."
His words wash over me like a soothing balm, easing the ache in my chest that I've carried for so long. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I blink them back, overwhelmed by the simple kindness of his offer.
"Thank you, Daniel," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how much that means to me. I've never really had anyone to confide in about all of this before, besides Ella. It's...it's a relief to know that I have you in my corner now, too."
I can practically hear the smile in his voice as he replies, "Anytime, Harry. Is it okay if I call you that?"
"Of course, Daniel. I reserve that privilege for those I truly trust and care about. And I believe you've earned a place in that inner circle."
The line goes quiet for a moment as we both take in where this conversation has gone. Sensing the need for a change of subject, Daniel clears his throat and asks in a playful tone, "So, I have to ask...does all of this secrecy and hiding mean that you're a virgin? I mean, it's totally cool if you are, I'm just curious."
I let out a surprised laugh, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic. "No, definitely not," I assure him, shaking my head even though he can't see me. "I went to an all-boys boarding school, remember? Let's just say that there were plenty of opportunities for...experimentation."
Daniel chuckles, and I can picture the mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, I bet there were," he teases, his voice dripping with innuendo. "Care to share any juicy details?"
I grin, feeling a blush heat my cheeks at the memories that flood my mind. "Maybe another time," I demur, my tone light and flirtatious. "A gentleman never kisses and tells, after all."
Daniel laughs, the sound rich and warm in my ear. "It's okay, Harry, I've had my fair share of men too. I guess we're even on that front."
His words send a delicious thrill through my body, my mind instantly conjuring up vivid images of Daniel entwined with other men, his gorgeous tanned skin glistening with a sheen of sweat as he moves sensually against them. I can almost hear the sounds of passion, the moans and gasps filling the air. I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry and my pants feeling tighter, trying to push the provocative thoughts away and focus on the conversation at hand, but the tantalizing visuals linger at the edges of my consciousness.
"I wish I could meet you in person," Daniel says suddenly, his voice soft and wistful. "I mean, I know we haven't known each other for very long, but...I feel like we have this connection, you know? Like we just...get each other."
My heart leaps into my throat at his words, pounding so hard I'm sure he must be able to hear it through the phone. The thought of meeting Daniel in person, of being able to see his face and hear his voice without the barrier of technology between us...it's both exhilarating and terrifying.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing pulse as I reply, "What if...what if that was possible?"
There's a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I'm afraid I've overstepped, that I've misread the situation entirely. But then Daniel's voice comes through again, tentative but hopeful.
"How? I mean, you're in Denmark, and I'm in New York. It's not exactly a quick trip to the corner store."
I hesitate for a moment, my mind racing as I try to come up with a plausible excuse. I can't exactly tell him the truth - that as the Crown Prince, I could hop on a private jet and be in New York in a matter of hours. But I also can't bear the thought of letting this opportunity slip through my fingers.
"Well, my family actually owns some property in New York," I say carefully, choosing my words with deliberate care. "I've been meaning to go check on it for a while now, make sure everything is running smoothly. I could...I could make a trip out there, if you wanted to meet up."
I can hear the excitement in Daniel's voice as he stumbles over his words. "That would be...I mean, yeah, that sounds great! I would love to meet up with you if you're going to be in town. I can show you the sights and we can get to know each other better...in person."
I can't help but grin at his enthusiasm, my own heart racing with anticipation. "Okay, let me look into it and see what I can arrange," I tell him, trying to keep my tone casual even as my fingers fly across the keyboard of my laptop, typing out an email to Erik.
Subject: Urgent Travel Request
Erik,
Please have the jet fueled and ready for departure to New York first thing tomorrow morning. I have some urgent business to attend to there.
Make all the necessary arrangements for my arrival and accommodations. This trip is of the utmost importance.
Regards,
Harald
I hit send on the email and turn my attention back to the phone call, my mind already racing ahead to the possibility of seeing Daniel in person. "I'll let you know as soon as I have everything sorted out," I promise him, my voice soft and sincere. "I'm really looking forward to meeting you, Daniel."
"Me too, Harry," he replies, and I can hear the smile in his voice. "I can't wait to see you."
As I glance at the clock, I realize with a start that Daniel and I have been on the phone for nearly five hours. The time has flown by, lost in the depths of our conversation, our laughter, our shared secrets and vulnerabilities. It feels like we've known each other for years, not mere weeks.
