CHAPTER EIGHT | England, 1891

CHAPTER EIGHT

England, 1891

VINCENT TIMED IT PERFECTLY .

He walked out of the dining hall and along the corridor, under the archway, and out into the garden.

“Kate,” he said as if it was a coincidence to bump into her.

“Your Majesty,” she replied politely, dropping a curtsy as if he hadn’t had his tongue down her throat several days ago.

He’d tried to keep away, but not seeing her was driving him mad.

While he was busy making plans to move the royal household to America, Vincent’s mind kept wandering to the feeling of Kate’s soft skin under his hands and the feel of her warm body against his. In truth, he’d expected her to seek him out. When she hadn’t, he’d wondered how she was feeling. Or if she felt anything.

During a meal a few days ago, he’d looked at her and found her watching him. She’d blushed, and his body had lit up. He had smiled and turned to find Craig and Brayden grinning like a bunch of idiots at him.

Had they stopped there?

No. Of course they hadn’t.

“ I’ve heard the bigger the throne, the shorter the cock. Maybe she’d prefer a longer one? ” Idiot One had said as he’d walked into a room a few hours later.

They’d heard him coming; he wasn’t stupid.

“ You’ve seen my cock, dumbass, ” he’d responded, not in the least concerned he was lacking.

“ If you aren’t going to make a move, for God’s sakes, let some other males enjoy those juicy globes, ” Brayden had said, risking his life.

Vincent had sped across the room and held his brother by the neck. The grin on the prince’s face hadn’t deterred him, but he’d dropped him a moment later.

“ I told you all, ” he said, turning around. “ Kate is off-limits. Now get back to fucking work. ”

He’d waited a few more days, and she still hadn’t made any move to seek him out or cross his path. Vincent had even wandered into another orgy in a huff, only to storm out and slam the door shut when he found she wasn’t there. Brayden had given him shit about it, and he couldn’t blame him. Talk about wrecking the sexy vibe.

But whatever. He had been frustrated, so he had finally given in and put himself in her path.

Now she stood in front of him looking gorgeous as ever with all her flowing blonde hair. Tonight, she wore a blue dress which made her eyes pop, and with the skirt cinched at her waist, the fitting bodice emphasized her more-than-a-handful breasts.

He imagined she would be displeased if he were to rip open her dress and expose them, but that was exactly what he wanted to do, then suckle on her nipples until she cried.

“Are you well?” she asked, interrupting his thoughts.

“Hmm? Oh, yes,” he replied, returning his eyes to her beautiful face. “Walk with me.”

Kate swallowed and nodded, taking his arm.

Vincent led them out into the garden until they were out of earshot from other vampires. They’d covered all the pleasantries: Beautiful night. Yes. Lovely meal. Was she enjoying her time at the castle?

Blah, blah, blah.

Trying to ignore his semihard cock, Vincent placed his hand over hers, which was looped around his bicep, and squeezed it. “I wanted to apologize for the other day.”

Kate blinked, and her luscious lips parted in surprise.

Vincent thought he saw a hint of sadness in her eyes. He was very aware Kate was attracted to him, but hadn’t they also become friends of sorts? Didn’t she know he didn’t do this sort of thing? Pulling a female aside like this drew attention no matter how subtle he was about it. Yet, he cared for her, and it was important to him that he apologize for his actions and apologize for his past behavior.

Even though he really wanted to do it again.

His gaze was drawn to her bodice, where his fingers itched to push the fabric down and free her breasts. God, he wanted those globes in his mouth. His cock twitched and hardened further.

Vincent looked across the garden and closed his eyes in an attempt to push back the arousal rushing through him. Her little nails pressed into his arms, and he looked down at her.

“You’re apologizing?”

“Yes, because—”

“Are you not attracted to me?” Kate turned into him, and he could see her nipples through the fabric of her dress, her breathing heavy as hooded eyes took in his powerful chest.

Fuck.

She was offering herself to him. Out here in the evening where he could lay her down in the grass and lift her dress, then plunge his thick, heavy cock inside her. A tightness in his balls sent a zing up his spine when she laid a hand on his pec.

Fuck me.

Perhaps he’d flip her and take her from behind as he took hold of her large, soft breasts.

Heavy lashes flickered as her eyes moved over his body, reaching his face. She smiled sensually at him, and he felt the precum on the end of his fat crown. If she dropped to her knees and pulled him out right fucking now, he’d be powerless to say no. Just the thought of her mouth sliding over his swollen cock made him want to press in deeper.

Wait. Had he just thrust against her?

Kate licked her lips, and he became transfixed with the glistening moisture it left. Lowering his face, he...

Fuck.

His eyes squeezed shut, and Kate moved an inch away.

“Do not misunderstand me, Kate.”

“It’s fine, my lord. I understand,” she said, the heat within her still rich in her throat.

God , she must be wet for him.

They stared at each other with such need, and yet, neither moved. He couldn’t. He had nothing to offer her except his thick cock. Yet, he couldn’t let go of her completely.

Kate finally looked away, her cheeks rosy from arousal, but he also saw shame.

He had to explain.

No one knew what he was dealing with. Vincent had always known being king would be lonely. Very few, if any, ever truly understood. It’s lonely at the top , words his father had said to him over and over again. He still had much to learn. He had a long road ahead of him to ensure his vampires trusted he was the right male for the job. Sure, it was his birthright, but like any leader, you were only as powerful as those who chose to follow you.

But it was also more than that.

He wanted this job. He cared about his vampires. Every time he woke, he pledged to protect all of them and ensure his race thrived.

“Kate. Please, I don’t think you do,” Vincent said, his eyes running over her. “You are so fucking...you take my breath away. But right now, I have a kingdom to rule. A race to protect. Having a female...”

Christ , could he finish a damn sentence?

“Of course,” she interrupted, her eyes turning empty. “The throne is your priority.”

Vincent saw her disappointment, not in the situation but in him, and it hurt more than he had expected it to.

“I’d like you to stay. At court,” he added quickly.

Kate blinked in surprise.

“I...in what capacity, my lord? I am due to return home at the end of the season. Soon. In a few short weeks,” she said, a little breathless.

It was a good question.

Come on, Vincent. What capacity?

Fuck me.

It had just fallen out. He had no right to ask this of her, yet the thought of her leaving was unacceptable. Totally and overwhelmingly unacceptable. His chest tightened the more he thought about it.

Then he realized he had more to tell her. Not only did he want her to stay but he also wanted her to come with him.

“I am moving the royal household to America. I will be announcing it tomorrow,” he told her as her eyebrows shot up. “I want you to join us, Kate.”

Her mouth opened and closed a few times, all fish-like, as he waited for her answer. While imagining his cock moving in and out of her plump red lips.

“Vincent,” she started, shaking her head. “I cannot. My family is in Italy; my home is there.”

He stifled back a growl from deep within his throat.

Vincent couldn’t let her leave. A powerful need to possess her overtook him. He took a step forward, placing a hand on her hip, and felt her tremble against him as he pulled her against his body. “Kate, I must have you.”

“Yes,” she replied, arching her neck and back, pressing her breasts into him.

Vincent took one in his hand and began to pull the material away. Kate’s breath hitched, and the pink of her areola became visible.

His mouth watered.

His head lowered.

Kate’s stiff pink nipple was now exposed as she moaned in his arms.

“Yes, touch me,” she pleaded.

His tongue reached out and licked across the hard peak, then his mouth latched on, sucking as Kate fisted his hair. He bunched up her dress, his hand making its way toward the burning heat at her core. He smiled as her legs moved apart.

God, she was going to be such a sweet lover.

“You...we must...tell others. Announce this,” Kate panted. “If I stay.”

Vincent froze.

He lifted his head and took in her flushed face. She was ready to be fucked. His cock was hard as a rock and ready to thrust inside this female.

Announce it?

No, he wasn’t going to announce that he’d fucked Kate.

But that wasn’t what she meant.

She thought she would be queen. She thought she was his mate.

And this was what he’d been wary of.

This was lust. For him at least. Kate was a beautiful and graceful vampire who he felt protective of. He cared for her. It wasn’t more than that. He was sure of it.

He had to stay focused on the throne, on his new job as the new king.

Vincent cupped her cheeks, lifting her face so her eyes met his. Her plump red lips quivered as she readied to meet them. When he lowered his head, a small hand landed on his chest. He narrowed his eyes in question.

“You do not intend to make an announcement, do you?”

He squeezed his eyes as if in pain.

“Kate,” he began. “I cannot stay away from you. I cannot stop thinking of you. Yet, the throne must come first.”

When she made to move away from him, Vincent was desperate to make her understand. His role was not something he could walk away from. He was the king of an entire race of vampires. Did no one understand the pressure he was under to live up to his father’s and grandfather’s past success?

They had been great kings.

He had to be a great king.

“Please, Kate,” he said. “I must have you.”

“Let me go, Vincent. I will not be your lover,” she replied, hurt mixed with need in her voice.

He stared at her, frowning.

“Only my mate can become queen, Kate. You know this.”

Kate nodded and glanced away.

Did Kate think she was his mate?

Irritation blazed within him. It was completely unreasonable of him, he knew. The need to possess and protect her overwhelmed him. He released her from his arms and took a step away.

“This is why I do not take lovers,” he muttered, running a hand through his already tousled hair. “It sends the wrong message, and females start forming expectations.”

“Expectations?” Kate asked, her voice rising.

“Yes.” He turned and faced her ire. “Expectations. I cannot make you my mate.”

“How do you know I am not?”

He began to splutter.

Kate glanced at his erection.

“You think a hard cock means you are my mate?” He frowned. “Kate, I may want to plunge inside you, fill you with my seed, but I cannot guarantee you are my mate.”

“You won’t even try,” she accused, lifting the material back over her breasts, and he swallowed hard. She frowned at his reaction and turned to leave.

Vincent grabbed Kate’s arm, spun her around, and slammed his lips down on hers. He forced his tongue inside as they both groaned, pressing their bodies together.

Their lips separated, and they stared at each other, gasping.

“I want to fuck you,” Vincent demanded.

“No.”

He needed more. He needed her naked on his bed, underneath him, where she would be safe and protected. And available for his cock day and night.

“Kate, I need you with me,” he commanded gruffly.

She shook her head gently.

“You can’t ask that of me,” she replied. “You won’t even try to see what this is.”

Goddammit.

Vincent squeezed his eyes closed.

He had to stop.

When he lifted his lids and her pleading eyes caught his, he knew he had to let her go, because the day his mate did show up, he would hurt Kate beyond anything she was feeling now.

He wouldn’t do that to her.

He tried to step away, but his body wouldn’t move.

Vincent cupped her face.

“Just try...” Kate’s small voice reached into his heart.

He stared back at her, opening his mouth to reply, when they heard the fast-approaching sound of footsteps.

Vincent released her.

Kate straightened herself as the young male stopped, panted, bowed, and turned to face Kate.

“Excuse me, Your Highness. Miss Valentino, there is a Mr. Riccardo Bocci here for you.”

Who the hell is Riccardo Bocci?

Vincent’s blood began to boil at the idea of a suitor coming to see her. With her parents back in Italy, it was absolutely unsuitable. Mostly. They weren’t human, of course, so their societal rules didn’t exactly apply to vampires, but Vincent felt he should act as a protector of sorts for Kate.

It was totally inappropriate.

Unacceptable.

He wouldn’t stand for it.

“He says he needs to speak with you urgently.”

“Riccardo is here? At court?” Kate asked, her eyes flying open in surprise. “What for?”

Hearing Kate’s heart rate increase caused Vincent’s fists to clench. This male was important to her. He decided right there and then he would kill him.

Probably.

“He didn’t say, milady. I have put him in the parlor, but he insisted I interrupt you and the king immediately.”

Vincent raised a brow. This male thought he could decide whether the king was interrupted? And steal Kate away from him?

Not fucking likely.

“Tell Mr. Bocci he does not choose whether he can interrupt the king. Kate will be there when we are finished,” Vincent growled.

The vampire lowered his head, and Vincent immediately felt like an asshole.

Probably because he was being an asshole. But it was this exact behavior which told him he did not yet have the respect of his vampires. No one would have fucking dared do such a thing to Frances Moretti, his father.

Kate went to reply, but he held up his hand.

“Go. Tell him we will be there promptly.”

The vampire disappeared.

Kate glared at him, then lifted the hem of her skirts and began walking back to the castle.

Vincent stopped her. “Who is Mr. Bocci?”

“A male from home. A close friend of my family,” she answered, taking a few steps in the direction of the castle.

“A suitor? Is he your mate?” Vincent asked, growling as he walked beside her.

“It has been expected we would mate, but has not yet happened,” she replied. “I must go to him. It’s strange he has come for me. Perhaps my father is calling me home early.”

He grabbed her arm.

“I forbid it,” he growled.

Kate stopped and turned to him in question.

Fuck.

“Kate, I told you I need you,” he said as calmly as possible.

“It’s unacceptable for me to go with you without a purpose, Vincent. You know that. I would be seen as nothing more than some concubine. My family would be embarrassed.” She glanced at him. “And we both know it’s more than that.”

He stared at her, blinking.

“But if you do not see or feel that, I should return home,” Kate added sadly. “I must go.”

She surprised him by teleporting back to the castle.

Vincent stood in the cold, void space Kate had left behind and felt like someone had stabbed his heart with an ice pick. There was no way he could let her leave. Somehow, he had to convince her to stay.

To come with him to America.

Something told him he would be unhappy without her, so he had to figure out what she needed to stay. If he could just get her on his cock, then perhaps she would.

And yes, that made him an asshole.