this was a big deal. “You’re the Prince of Victoria. A future king. I figured you’d have to go into the military for training when you turned nineteen.”
It was custom in our country that no one under nineteen could start training in the military. Theo was eighteen until January.
“Normal people aren’t allowed in until nineteen. Not the prince.” He sighed, but his expression stayed even.
“But… but it’s a law.”
“Spencer.” He shook his head. “My family is the law. And if my father dictates I’m to enroll in the academy, there is no question. I go. It is my duty.”
My lungs started to draw in bigger gulps of air, feeling the summer we planned together slipping through my fingers.
“I’m sorry. You know I’d rather be here with you. Spend the summer together.”
Realization backed me away from him. “When?”
“When what?”
“Theo,” I warned, my lip hitching. “When are you leaving?”
He reached for me, worry creasing his brow.
“No.” I moved away. “Tell me.”
His lips pinned together, letting out air slowly. “Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” My mouth parted. “Like tomorrow, tomorrow?”
“The very one.” The side of his mouth arched in his famous prince-panty-dropper smile.
“Don’t.” I glowered. “That doesn’t work on me.”
“I know.” He scoffed, his head shaking under his hood. “That’s why I like you. You never take my bullshite.”
“Theo.” I played with my necklace, disappointment heavy on my shoulders. “I can’t believe you are leaving tomorrow.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“Almost four months.” He twisted the expensive watch on his wrist, a reminder time was ticking by. “I’ll be back mid-September. Gone just for the summer, really. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Wow—if this was your way of breaking up with me, you didn’t have to go to such lengths.” I snorted, rubbing my arms from the slight chill.
“No.” He shook his head. “I don’t want to break up with you. Not at all.”
“Then why didn’t you just tell me?”
“Because.” He grabbed my arms, sidling up to my frame, lowering himself to even out our height difference. “I didn’t want to see this look on your face.”
“What utter bullshite.” I rolled my eyes.
He barked out a laugh, pulling me tighter into his warm, familiar frame. We had yet to fully cross the line, but we had gotten close. I had hoped more alone time this summer would change that.
“You know how many people outside my immediate family have called me out? Have stood up to me?” His mouth skimmed my forehead. “One. You. That’s it.” His warm breath tickled my neck, sliding down my tank top, between my very average-size breasts, making them feel like they grew two sizes, heating my body. “I had noticed you before, but that day in class felt like someone punched me. Instead of being mad at you for totally embarrassing me and putting me in my place, I was infatuated. Completely taken by you. Wanted you.” His lips skimmed down my temple to my ear, nipping at my neck.
My breath skimmed my lungs, my head tipping back. “You are trying to distract me.”
“Is it working?” His mouth moved to my jaw, both of us breathing heavily. Except I could never fully let go knowing Dalton was right there.
“No.” My palms pressed into his toned torso. Lacrosse, rowing, working out, and polo had built and sculpted his body. He was still slim and didn’t have bulging muscles like Dalton, but he kept in great shape, and I wanted nothing more than to be alone with him so I could discover more of it.
“Really?” He snickered as my hands moved over his stomach, knotting in his T-shirt, bringing him closer to my mouth. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” I skimmed his bottom lip, tugging on it with my teeth.
“Bloody hell,” he muttered. “This was supposed to be me torturing you, not the other way around.”
“Don’t play if you can’t handle the game, Prince,” I replied huskily in his ear, making a small groan cough up his throat. “Don’t think anybody will care if we break the rules tonight, and you venture to the girl’s dormitory. Most aren’t even there anymore.”
He let a louder moan fall from his mouth, stepping back from me.
“You are killing me.” He gripped my arms like he was trying to keep me away from him. “You don’t know how bad I want to do that.”
Another sliver of ice stabbed at a warning bell.
“I’m leaving tonight. Actually, in a few hours.” He glanced over at Dalton, who pretended not to hear or see us, but peered down at