50. Prince Cole
Chapter 50
Prince Cole
“We are most alive when we’re in love.”
— John Updike
S he’s kissing me like she knows. Like she knows how desperately I need this, need her, want to comfort her, to explain—anything to undo the damage I’ve done.
Regret and guilt weigh heavily on my heart, each kiss a desperate plea for forgiveness. I’m terrified that nothing will ever be enough to erase the pain I’ve inflicted. With each swipe of my tongue, I silently vow to do better and be better.
But I feel more unworthy of her than I ever have before.
Davina’s hands grip my shirt, pulling me closer until our bodies are pressed together.
Breaking the kiss, I press my forehead to hers, my breath shaky. “I never meant to hurt you,” I whisper, searching her face for any sign of forgiveness, desperate for reassurance—for the belief that the damage can be undone.
She reaches up, cupping my face in her hands. “I know,” she whispers back.
“Let me run you a bath.”
She shakes her head. “No.”
“Yes,” I insist, my tone gentle but unyielding, determined to take care of her in any way I can.
She shakes her head again, pouting. “I said no.”
I pause, and I can’t stop the slow smile spreading across my face. “For someone who’s been so adamant about pushing me away, you’re certainly putting up quite the fight to stay close.”
She looks up at me, eyes softening despite her best efforts to remain defiant. “I’m just making sure you’re not getting away that easily.”
With a nod, I rise and move toward the bathroom, glancing back over my shoulder before I say, “I promise I’ll be right back.” Before I can make it three steps, I’m being pushed to the floor again, a huff escaping me. “Did you just?—”
She laughs beside me, covering her mouth and shaking her head to stifle the noise. “Sorry?—”
“Did you just use your power to throw me back onto the ground?” I ask incredulously. “Just so we’re clear, you’re the hottest you’ve ever been.”
She smiles mischievously. “I figured you needed a little reminder of who’s in charge around here.”
I chuckle, sprawled on the floor and shaking my head in amused disbelief. “Oh, I definitely got the message. Loud and clear.”
“Good.”
“I want to show you something,” I say, still tasting her on my tongue.
“Mhm,” she responds, her eyes half-closed.
“I think you’ll really enjoy it,” I add, leaning in a little closer, enjoying the way she sighs softly under my touch.
“Mhm,” she hums again, a soft smile playing on her lips.
“Aren’t you even a little bit curious?”
“Mhm,” she repeats, her gaze meeting mine with a playful glint.
“If you’re trying to annoy me, you’re failing miserably. All you’re doing is making me want to kiss you,” I murmur before I tickle her.
“Stop!” she squeals. “I hate you!”
“Try lying to me again.”
“How do you know I’m not lying?”
“The way you just moaned my name when you came on my tongue says otherwise.”
She rolls her eyes dramatically, though the flush on her cheeks gives her away. “Cocky much?”
“Very much,” I reply, my smirk widening into a grin.
“I can’t decide if I should kiss you or slap you.”
“I’m good with either.” I trace a finger along her collarbone. “Surprise me, darling.”
“I might just do both,” she says, burying her face in my neck. Her hands wander over my body, gripping my arms tightly as if she fears I might disappear at any moment. She tightens her grip, pulling me closer and pressing herself against me as if trying to meld our bodies together.
“What are you doing?” I ask, amused.
“I want you closer,” she mutters. “I need you closer.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re lying on top of me. I’m afraid you can’t get any closer.”
“Skin to skin isn’t enough. I want to crawl under your skin.”
I snort, still grinning. “You’ve been under my skin since the day I’ve laid my eyes on you.”
Her fingertips create small circles against the fabric of my shirt, and she lets out a happy sob. “You’re just a stupid brown-haired man with green eyes and dimples, so tell me, why am I so obsessed with you?”
I pull her close for a kiss, because not doing so feels like a crime. “Get ready. I really want to show you something.”