Page 10 of The Princess and the SEAL

“Why should I trust you? You’ve probably been with hundreds of women.”

I wasn’t going to lie. “My past doesn’t matter. I live my life by a code—I serve with honor and integrity on and off the battlefield. If I have to, I’ll stand watch outside your room, so you feel comfortable. I don’t need to sleep—during Hell Week, I only slept four hours in a total of five days.”

“Really? That’s insane.”

“Yeah, it was. But worth it. I survived and became a SEAL. And now I know I can do anything I put my mind to. And right now, that’s protecting you. I’m not walking away until I know you’re safe. I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to you.”

Her eyes widened, and she softened toward me. She rubbed my shoulder, her fingernails tracing my muscles.

Yup, I was in.

“Wow. You would really do that for me? Why?”

I nodded. “Yes, I would. It’s my duty to protect you because tonight you have no one else to do it. Look, I’m booked into a bed-and-breakfast a block away. I’m sure your château is some fancy five-star hotel, but that’s not how I roll. I don’t feel comfortable having you stay somewhere else alone until I know you’ll be traveling with someone who can protect you. You’ll be safe with me, safer than you will be by yourself. So, what’s it going to be?”

She swallowed hard. Those lips could suck on my cock, swallow down . . . Damn, I couldn’t wait. I’d been deployed for seven months and hadn’t been with a woman since before I went to Iraq. Just sleeping in the same room with a beautiful woman would be a welcome change from camping next to my Teammates, even if she made me stay on the floor.

“Okay, but only because it’s late, and I don’t want to call and wake my father.”

Score.“Good choice.” That was easier than I’d thought it would be.

A small part of me knew I hadn’t invited her to stay with me just because I wanted to seduce her; I truly wanted to make sure she was safe. But now that she’d agreed, I was going to have some fun.

I put my arm around her shoulders. “Come on, Princess, let’s go check-in.” I looked around the cobblestone street. “Do you think there’s a market open?”

She cocked her head. “Why? Do you need something?”

“Just peas. I’m going to place some under the mattress to verify your identity.”

She laughed. “You’re quite the comedian, Ryan. What I want to know is if you’re going to slay any dragons for me?”

I pulled her into my arms, her scent intoxicating. “I’ve slain men far more dangerous than dragons, sweetheart.” And I had. “I’ll do anything for you.”

I kissed her again, probing her fiery mouth with my tongue, drunk on her sweetness.

Her soft lips welcomed me, and I was lost in her. She pulled away, and my heart raced. I couldn’t wait to get her alone and see how far she’d go with me, but I would not force myself on her. I wouldn’t touch her if she didn’t want me.

But judging by the way she’d just kissed me, I was confident that she already did.

I grabbed our luggage, and we walked toward the bed-and-breakfast.

The thought crossed my mind that a few centuries ago if I’d met a princess, I would’ve just kidnapped her, claimed her as mine, killed my enemies in battle, and been crowned king.

Ah, the good old days.

Who said I couldn’t turn back the hands of time? I was a SEAL, the ultimate warrior. No one would stop me from getting what I wanted.

And I wanted this princess.