Page 14 of The Princess and the SEAL

Chapter 5

Ryan

AS I WAITED FOR HER IN THE bedroom, I couldn’t stop picturing what she would look like naked. Imagining how she would taste. How her body would react to my touch. How incredibly tight she must be.

I needed to be inside her.

But I had to go slow with this girl, so slow it would hurt. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. I wasn’t that guy.

She had to want me. She had to beg me to fuck her, to take her virginity, or I wouldn’t touch her.

I had to force myself to not think about ravaging her, so I grabbed a book from my pack. Reading had been my refuge since I was little, much to the shock of everyone who just saw me as some dumb foster kid born to a drug-addicted mom who didn’t have a clue which one of the men she’d screwed to get a fix was her baby daddy.

My mom had lost her parental rights long ago. She didn’t even know I was a SEAL. And I was certain that I would never learn the identity of my biological dad. I’d even registered on one of those genetic sites and still had no leads.

Books took me away from my life. Over the years, my tastes changed from books about sharks to war novels. The first time I read The Red Badge of Courage, I knew I wanted to join the military. Then, after one of my many foster dads beat me to within an inch of my life, I vowed never to be helpless again. I’d become a Navy SEAL—the biggest, baddest motherfucker on this Earth. No one would ever hurt me or anyone I loved again.

Giselle emerged from the bathroom wearing a silky white nightgown. Damn, she looked incredible. I’d never seen a body like hers. Her breasts were full but not fake, her waist was tiny, and she had extremely curvy hips. Voluptuous, real, a bombshell.

I was dying to see her naked.

Her shoulders dropped, and she covered her chest with her hands when she caught me ogling her. “Sorry, I realize this nightgown is a bit inappropriate. The other ones I brought are of a similar style. I’m not trying to tempt you.” Her tone was serious and not in the least bit flirty.

I couldn’t wait to touch and explore her body. “Consider me tempted. But don’t worry, sweetheart, I have self-control.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” She flashed me a dazzling smile, then looked at my book. “What are you reading?”

“Nothing.” I tossed my book aside, wanting to focus completely on her. “Come here.” I motioned her over to me. “What’s your plan for your vacation?”

She sat on the edge of the bed. “I didn’t have anything concrete. See the Bayeux tapestry, visit some museums, travel around this part of the country. Just live life.”

“And your fiancé didn’t offer to go with you so you could get to know each other? If you were my woman, I wouldn’t leave you alone for a minute.”

She bit her lower lip. “No, he didn’t. I’m not sure that he’s fond of me. We’re very different. He’s more of a playboy prince. Instead of helping his country, he spends his days on his yacht sunbathing, and his nights in the clubs partying.”

Her description made me hate him even more. “Sounds like a loser. I can’t stand rich motherfuckers who don’t work. Especially royalty.”

She wrinkled her face. “We aren’t all lazy.”

“Didn’t say you were. He should join the military like Prince Arthur and Prince Douglas. I like Prince Doug—man, that guy seems cool as shit. He held the Invincible Games for wounded vets. One of my buddies competed. Dude is blind, but he’s now a Paralympian swimmer.”

“Oh, that’s amazing. What an inspiration your friend is. Yes, everyone loves Doug. He’s a good man. We’re quite close, actually.”

“Really? I’d love to meet him one day.”

“That could be arranged. I’m going hunting with him and Art next year. Maybe I can get you an invitation.”

I stared at her. This woman was going hunting with the future King of England? And she just invited me—some American bastard? My own family wanted nothing to do with me, and now I was hanging out with royals.

Look at me now, ma.

“That would be awesome.”

She paused and looked me in the eyes. “So, what is it like being a Navy SEAL? It must be terribly exciting.”

“I love it. It’s not just a job, it’s my life. My calling. My Teammates are the best men in the world.”

“Have you always wanted to be a SEAL?”