The cold air coming off the lake mixes with the Prince’s hot breath, and my head spins. Sparks tease my thighs, and my legs part of their own volition.
I’ve never wanted anything as badly as I want Prince Luca. My hands trace the outline of his muscular shoulders, his wet skin all the way down to his defined waist.
He brushes his hand over my breast again, bringing his lips up to kiss me once more.
“You taste even better than I expected, Poison,” the Prince whispers.
I shiver, not knowing how to respond. My head is a mess. All I can think about is the molten lava coursing through my veins, the undeniable heat that’s sparking between my thighs, and the deep, pulsing desire that’s starting to overwhelm me.
I’ve never felt like this. I’ve never been with anyone—let alone someone like Prince Luca.
I’ve never felt ready to give myself to anyone…
…until now.
12
Luca
Ivy’s skin tastes like magic and cinnamon and sweet, forbidden fruit all swirled into one. I claim her lips again. I can’t get enough of them. That lush bottom lip that she’s been teasing me with is finally between my own.
My cock is hard as a rock, pressed up against her leg as she grinds her hips toward me.
Then, as soon as it started, it’s over.
The sound of someone calling out above us makes Ivy freeze, and she scrambles away from me. She pulls her shirt up over her exposed breast, glancing up to see the source of the voice.
I lay back on the rock, panting. My heart races in my chest, doing its best to break free from its cage. Turning my head to glance at Ivy, I see her smoothing her hands over her head.
“I should get back,” she says. Her cheeks flush when she meets my eye, and then she touches her shirt. It’s still dripping wet from our dip in Farcliff Lake, her nipples calling out to me through the sopping fabric.
Ivy shakes her head. “How am I going to explain this?”
“You could tell the truth.”
She gives me a sideways glance and shakes her head. “I’m sure that would go over well. I already got a stern talking to from my sister’s agent about you. I’m not supposed to go anywhere near you.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Is that right?” I grin. “Yet, here you are.”
Ivy doesn’t answer. Instead, she just lets out a dry chuckle and shakes her head. She glances up at the sun, as if she’s trying to determine what time it is.
“I probably do have to go, though. I’m supposed to go to some stupid yacht party with my sister, because apparently she’s incapable of doing things on her own.” Ivy gulps, shaking her head. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Sounds like it is what you meant,” I say, standing up with her. “I’m going to that stupid yacht party, too, so at least you have that to look forward to.”
Ivy’s cheeks burn brighter, and she shakes her head. “I can’t. If anyone knew about this”—she moves her finger between her and me—“I’d be dead. I shouldn’t have kissed you.”
I fight a smile. “No?”
My hand goes to her hip, and I pull Ivy close. She lands against my chest, her hands splaying against my wet shirt. Closing her eyes for a moment, she inhales deeply and shakes her head.
“I shouldn’t be here.”
“But you are.”
I brush my lips against Ivy’s, tasting them one last time before we head back. The walk back to the castle is slightly shorter from the bottom of the cliff, and before we clear the trees, I hang back.
“I’ll give you a five-minute head start. You know—for your reputation.”
Ivy laughs, nodding. “That’s very kind of you. It still doesn’t explain why I’m soaked.”
“Say you tripped and landed in the pool.”
“On my way to the dumpsters?”
I shrug. “You got any better ideas?”
Ivy’s eyes flash. “We have to pretend this never happened, or else I’ll be in big trouble. I mean it, Your Highness.”
“I don’t think I’d be able to pretend it never happened even if I tried.”
Ivy lets out a breath, staring at me for a long moment. She sucks that lip between her teeth and worries at it, and another wave of desire threatens to overwhelm me. Then, she sets off toward the castle. The floury handprints on her ass have been washed off, but it doesn’t stop me staring as she walks away.
It’s only when I get back to my chambers that I realize that I haven’t had to take