Chapter 24

Callum

“Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty. I was wondering if you’d had any word from Sigurd.”

Flora blows out an audible breath.

The queen chuckles sadly. “No, dear. Indeed, I was hoping you would have news. I would have thought you’d have him home by now.”

“Apologies, Your Majesty. I’ve turned over every stone in the kingdom and come up empty-handed.”

Lies. All lies. I haven’t spent a single second trying to sniff out Sigurd’s whereabouts. I’ve only been fucking his little sister with gusto now that Sigurd is out of the cottage, utterly unbothered by the whole situation. Sigurd can care for himself, and I want nothing more than all the time in the world to care for Flora.

The queen dismisses Uther, saying something about taking extra time off. Good. I’d love to see less of that guy.

The queen then turns to me, looking thoughtful.

“Callum. What if you got your mind off the current troubles by organizing a hunt for the king?” she says.

“I wasn’t aware that His Majesty the King was in need of a hunt. Is he back in town?”

This was perhaps a bit too forward of me because the queen’s eyes darken. “And what makes you think he’s out of town?”

Quickly, what do I say now?

Flora is no help, as she’s retreated around the side of the palace, talking on the phone with someone. Unfounded jealousy surges through me. Who is she talking to?

I apologize to the queen and proceed to blandly confer with her on times, dates, and a guest list for this organized hunt that she thinks I need to fill my time.

I am dismissed, and I immediately round the castle to find Flora talking on the phone.

“You’re safe to come out of hiding now.”

Is it Sigurd? I ask silently, mouthing the question to her.

She nods, then looks surprised at Sigurd’s response. “No?…Yeah…I don’t think so, big brother. The papers all have photos of them kissing on the beach, wearing next to nothing. Looking very cozy and happy, I’d say… Why…? “Yes, yes, I get it, Unabomber.”

I’m annoyed that Flora has not offered me the phone. But then again, I’m in no hurry for my best friend to come home. Because when he does, it’s all over but the shouting. I’m going to tell him about Flora and me straight away.

“…Wait a minute. Have you met someone…? Yes, you are. Did you meet a woman? That’s not a denial…Sigurd Allen Edwin Otto Erick Haart, don’t you dare…”

The noise she makes when Sigurd hangs up on her is feral, and I’m here for it.

“Put the phone away, Flora.”

Her eyes flash at me.

“Excuse me.”

“You heard me, princess.”

I don’t know what’s come over me. But I have to take her now. Against this wall.

She sees the look in my eyes and drops her phone, which thumps into the grass.

I haul her ass upward and her legs go around me.

Balancing her body against the stone wall, I move over her, lifting my cock out and hoisting up her skirt.

I slide into her wetness, her lips parted in shock.

“Oh my gods, Callum.”

“Cry out to the gods; they won’t save you,” I rumble against her throat.

She squeezes every tiny muscle in her body, and I go blind with pleasure.

We kiss madly, greedily.

Flora rolls her hips forward and I meet her movement with a jerking thrust.

“Perfect,” she rasps.

I rest my forehead against hers, reveling in the sensation of her grip.

“You need to let your brother live his life.”

Another thrust, and her eyelids flutter. “You don’t understand.”

“I understand your brother. He will adapt.”

Her grip on me grows impossibly tighter and I’m close to coming.

“He’ll let us live, Flora. You have to trust me.”

“And you have to trust me,” she gasps as I thrust again, aching with the need to burst.

“Say you love me, Flora.”

“It’s understood,” she whispers.

“Is it? I want to hear you say it.”

“Callum,” she squeaks. “You know I do.”

She clenches down in a blinding grip, so tight that I surge inside of her. “Fuck, princess.”

“No one but a girl who loves you could make you feel this way,” she says. “Who else but me could give you this, putting us in danger of being seen?”

She knows the answer. No one can make me feel the way she does.

Even if she doesn’t love me back. Even if all she does love is the danger of getting caught.

Still, I’ll take every crumb she offers me. I always will.