5. Luca

CHAPTER 5

LUCA

T he whole trip to Hailey’s apartment, I resist the urge to pinch myself. Surely, I’m in a dream.

The afternoon was the best I’ve ever had, and now it’s extending into the evening. I’m free from my father for a little bit — whether he likes it or not — and everything about life feels better.

We enter an unassuming apartment building, and Hailey unlocks the door to her place on the top floor. “Well, this is me,” she says with a shy smile, gesturing for me to enter.

I step inside and glance around. The space is small but inviting, with colorful art prints on the walls and cozy furniture. It feels like Hailey, warm and full of life.

“I love it,” I tell her sincerely. “It suits you.”

She beams, clearly pleased. “Thanks. I’m really a homebody, so I want it to be as cozy as possible, you know? Here, let me show you the best part.”

She leads me back through the living room and to a narrow door. We climb up a short flight of stairs and emerge onto the rooftop, where the night air is cool on my face.

I inhale sharply. “Wow.”

“I know, right? My apartment was built for the superintendent to live in, and so they added direct access to the rooftop. The super doesn’t live here anymore, though. She’s across the street. And I was lucky enough to snag her apartment when she moved.”

The view is spectacular, city lights stretching out before us like a glittering carpet. In the distance, I can make out the iconic skyscrapers of Manhattan piercing the velvet sky.

“Incredible, isn’t it?” she says softly, coming to stand beside me at the railing. “I come up here whenever I need to think or just… breathe.”

I nod, unable to tear my gaze away from the vista. “I can see why. I feel like I can view the whole world from here.”

We sit side by side on a small bench, thighs and shoulders brushing. Hailey points out different landmarks, her eyes sparkling with pride for her city. I’m only half-listening, too captivated by her face in the glow of the lights.

I’ve never felt like this before — so happy, so free, so utterly enchanted by another person. With Hailey, I’m not a prince or someone who has to put on a good show all the time. I’m just… me.

“Thank you for today,” I murmur. “For everything.”

She turns to face me, and in her eyes I see my own longing reflected back. “I’m so glad you walked into my life, Luca.”

Slowly, like magnets being drawn together, we lean in. I cup her face with a trembling hand, and our lips meet, soft and sweet.

The shimmering city falls away, my entire world narrowing down to the feel of Hailey’s mouth moving against mine, her silky hair between my fingers, the racing of my pulse. I’ve kissed before, but it’s never felt like this. This feels next level. Like I’m finally home .

We finally break apart, foreheads resting together as we catch our breath. Hailey looks dazed, her lips red and swollen. I’m sure I’m no better.

“Wow,” she whispers.

“Wow,” I agree.

An uncontrollable grin spreads across my face. I pull her into my arms and hug her tight, face buried in her hair.

I never want to let go. Right here, in this moment, with this incredible woman… this is where I belong. The burdens awaiting me back home feel a million miles away.

I pause and pull back slightly, gazing into Hailey’s brown eyes. They shine in the city lights, deep and inviting. I could lose myself in those eyes forever.

“You’re amazing — you know that?” I brush a lock of hair from her face. “Smart, driven, kind… Not to mention absolutely gorgeous.”

She ducks her head, blushing. “I’m really not that special.”

“Yes, you are.” I tip her chin up gently. “Don’t ever doubt that. The world is yours for the taking, Hailey. I have a feeling you’re destined for great things.”

“What about you?” She searches my face. “The throne, the crown… that’s a huge responsibility. Are you ready for it?”

I blow out a breath. “Honestly? I’m terrified. Being king someday, having an entire country depend on me… it’s a lot.”

“I can only imagine.” Her hand finds mine, lacing her fingers between mine, and her touch grounds me. “For what it’s worth, I think you’ll make an amazing king when the time comes. Werdenfeld couldn’t ask for better.”

Hearing that from her means more than she could possibly know. I swallow back the sudden lump in my throat.

“Thank you,” I manage. “That… Thank you.”

Words failing, I pull her to me again and capture her lips with mine. She responds eagerly, winding her arms around my neck as the kiss deepens. A hunger stirs low in my belly. I want her, all of her, with a ferocity that staggers me.

And she’s just as hungry. I can tell from the way that she pulls me closer, her tongue diving deeper into my mouth.

As if we’re one brain, one body, we’re suddenly standing, kissing as I walk her backwards and down the stairs. In her living room, she takes my hand and pulls me into her bedroom.

There’s no time to take in the decor. We’re on the bed, our bodies twisting together, articles of clothing flying off and landing on the floor. The kisses get hungrier, more desperate. I roll over so that I’m on top of her, my thigh between her legs.

She moans, eyes closing in pleasure as I press against her. There’s a new energy thrumming under my skin, electric and dangerous. Ducking down, I kiss her neck, each peck lower and lower until her breast is in my mouth.

Her nails dig into my back, legs wrapping around my waist. She pulls me closer, our bare skin meeting in delicious ecstasy. I grow stiff, the ache to be inside of her all-encompassing.

“Over… in the…” She moans in pleasure as I send my hand between her legs. She points at the bedside table.

Leaning over, I open the drawer she’s pointing at. “Where?”

“Somewhere,” she gasps. “I think… I mean…”

I move pens, paper, and trinkets around, finally locating a condom. Its wrapper is worn, signaling it’s been here for quite a while. Seizing it, I rip the top of the plastic and roll the condom onto my length.

Settling back on top of her, I slowly push past her soft folds. She moans in delight, her face a picture of sheer heaven.

We fall into a slow and steady pace, sweat trickling down my chest. We’re a whirlwind of kisses, damp hair, and random laughter. I rake my lips down her shoulder, across her cheek, leaving kisses wherever I can, thrilled to lose myself in the perfection of her.

Her muscles tighten around my length, and her breathing hitches. Our gazes lock as pleasure sweeps through her, carrying her to another world. Seeing her so lost in ecstasy, I lose control and release, my orgasm ripping through me.

Gasping for breath, I hold myself above her as we look into each other’s eyes.

“Well,” I say simply.

“Well.” She grins.

What now?

My father is waiting back at the hotel for me. My life as a prince is waiting for me. Right now, though, I’m content to let them wait.

“Do you like dinner?” I ask.

Hailey chuckles. “I do like dinner.”

I grin. “Good, because I don’t want this night to end.”

Her face softens. She almost looks sad, but the expression is quickly replaced by a smile. “I don’t either, so let’s make it last.”

Lowering my face so that it’s inches from hers, I softly whisper, “Deal,” then seal it with a kiss.