Page 57 of The Royal Art of Revenge

The hope that maybe there’d be somewhere I’m truly wanted.

“You’re right.” I take a few steps back and smile, although my heart isn’t in it. “In that case, do you mind if I take the master? I had a lie down in there earlier, that’s all, so…” I dart around him with my head lowered.

My cheeks are burning. With what, I don’t know. I can’t tell if this is embarrassment or acceptance of the inevitability that even the man who just agreed to marry me can walk away from me.

“Wait.” Crown Prince Finley grabs me from behind, wrapping his arms around my shoulders.

“Your Royal—”

“Finn. My name is Finn. Use it.” His lips are right by my ear.

I tilt my face away. “I cannot.”

“Finn.” His voice is lower this time. Firmer. Rougher. “Use my name if you want to address me, or I shall simply ignore you.”

Ugh.

“Fine. Finn,” I say softly. “Please let me go.”

“It’s not what you think. My rejection.” He sighs and presses his face into my hair. “It’s not… It’s not that I don’t want to. Truly. I do. Shit, that should be obvious.”

Well.

I’m not going to point it out, but I can feel that obvious against my lower back.

“I’ve… never… done this before,” he finishes quietly, his arms tightening ever so slightly around me.

I pause. “You’re a virgin?”

Another sigh, and this time, it blows through my hair. “Yes. I’m a virgin.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN – HATTIE

“That’s it? That’s why you think this isn’t a good idea?” I say.

“I don’t want to rush you into anything. And, well, it’s not like I can guarantee you a good time.”

“So, what? You want to wait so you can go home and study it?”

“I wouldn’t put it that way.”

I laugh and tug on his arms, loosening his hold just enough that I can spin in his embrace. I reach up onto my tiptoes so my lips are by his ear and murmur, “Me, too.”

“What?”

“Me, too,” I repeat, pressing the side of my face against his. “Actually… That was my first kiss just now.”

He steps back and cups my face, staring intently into my eyes. “It was?”

I nod. “So, I’m pretty sure you’ve got nothing to worry about. I wouldn’t know a ‘good time’ from a bad one.”

“That fills me with so much confidence.” A laugh escapes him, and I can’t help but smile a little at the relief that instantly sags his shoulders. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

I nod, touching my hand to the back of his on my face. “Do you think I forgot everything? No. I was waiting for you this whole time. Just in case I ever made it back to you.”

“Fuck.” He kisses me, and it’s nothing like the one from a moment ago. It’s a harsh coming together of our lips, and I squeak, tilting my head slightly.

There’s a clumsiness to both our movements. It’s almost as if our bodies know what to do but our brains don’t, and we fumble our way back to the bed. I stumble over my own feet and fall back onto it, and Finn lies me back, leaning over me.