at least someone without the… let’s call them complications that my history presents. I know very well the list of reasons why I can’t be tied to someone like me.
I’m a fraud.
I’m a fake and a liar.
I’m not who I say I am.
And that’s only the beginning of my troubles if anyone finds out.
He gives me a wicked little grin. “You’re saying I should sign my death warrant, then? Because that is what being told that I have to get married feels like. I don’t want to be tied down. I don’t want to be smothered. I just want to keep living like I do now.”
I shake my head. “Lars, really—”
He slides his hands down my back and pulls my hips against his. My breath catches in my chest as I gaze up into those pretty blue eyes of his.
I’m this close to pushing up on my tiptoes and pressing my lips against his.
Arching a brow, he utters the magic word. “I really need this. Please, Pips? Do it for me?”
And just like that, all my defenses melt away.
Of course I will do it for him.
How can I not?
Lars sees the expression of my face change and knows my answer before I even say it.
“Okay,” I whisper.
He’s already folding his strong arms around me, pulling me into the shelter of his body. “Ahh, thanks, Pips. I knew you would come through.”
I sink into the bear hug, my eyes fluttering closed. He’s sinfully warm. His smell, pure and clean and masculine, is driving me wild right now.
I inhale of lungful of his scent, feeling like a fool. “That’s me. Reliable old Pippa saves the day again.”
Lars pulls back. I look up at him with a dreamy-eyed expression and he grins. “Should we wake the jewelers at Tiffany’s up right now? Shit, I should’ve stopped on the way here and gotten you a ring—”
I push him away, eyeing him firmly. “There will have to be rules. A firm time limit, for instance. And… no physical contact.”
He gives me a funny look. “It’s going to take a little hugging and kissing to convince my family, don’t you think?”
I squint at him. “I mean when we are alone.”
He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, sure. I will behave like a proper gentleman, if that’s what you want.”
I shake my head, crossing my arms. “No one has ever thought to call you a proper gentleman, I’m fairly certain.”
Lars grins at me, his eyes glittering. “If that’s what it takes, I’m willing to try.”
I shoot him a look. “I’m regretting this already.”
He tilts his head, considering me. “Should we go for a drink to celebrate?”
Stepping closer to him, I turn him around and begin marching him toward the door. “We can figure it all out tomorrow. For now, I want to eat something before I pass out.”
He chuckles, opening the front door. He catches my hand and gives me a squeeze. “You really are the best, Pippa. You know that, right?”
The corners of my mouth tighten. “Do me a favor. Don’t sleep with anyone, okay? If this little deception is going to work, you’ll have to play along and not be your usual man-whore self for a while.”
Lars smirks at me. “You got it, love of my life.”
For a second, I can’t even wrap my head around that. My heartbeat speeds up. If he had any idea of how long I’ve waited to hear those words…
But then he turns, showing me his black-clad back as he disappears down the hall.
“Goodnight, Pippa…” he calls over his shoulder.
I watch him disappear, slumping against the doorframe when I hear the downstairs front door open and close.
I am in so much trouble.
I know that.
If anyone does the slightest bit of digging, I could be exposed.
My life would cease to be my own at that point.
But I can still feel my heart racing, feel the heat of his body pressed against mine. I can sense the excited energy that follows Lars in his wake, everywhere he goes.
Deep in my soul, I know that I shouldn’t have agreed to be his fake fiancée.
Oh god.
What have I gotten myself into?
Turning, I close my door and head back to my sad microwave dinner.
40
There’s a little bit more of Erik and Annika, just waiting for you! Get the bonus chapters — once the beginning of the story — right now when you sign up for Vivian’s mailing list! Head to https://BookHip.com/LMWGNK for more info.
Thank you for reading His Forbidden Princess! I know if you liked this book, you will LOVE Lars and Pippa’s story, Royal Fake Fiancé! Look for it on Amazon in late 2020.
About Vivian Wood
Vivian likes to write about troubled, deeply flawed alpha males and the fiery, kick-ass women who bring them to their knees.
Vivian's lasting motto in romance is a quote from a favorite song: "Soulmates never die."
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Vivian’s Works
The Royal Rebel
The Wicked Prince
His Forbidden Princess
Royal Fake Fiancé (Late 2020)
The Reckless Prince
Same World, Different Characters…
Sinful Fling
Sinful Enemy
Sinful Boss
Sinful Chance
Sinful Teacher (Early 2021)
Wild Hearts
Addiction
Obsession
His Best Friend’s Little Sister
His Innocent Fake Fiancée
Her Off Limits Best Friend
Her Off Limits Dirty Boss
For more information….
vivian-wood.com