It was darker outside than I had imagined. The stars were glowing, and the moon was full. Should have known it was a full moon by the way my emotions were all over the place. I had not been alone with Cornell since that day in the library. That was the first time had fantasized about him. Things had gotten out of hand so quickly after that, and it seemed like it was a long time ago.
We passed flowers of every color, water fountain, and ponds, trees that had to be hundreds of years old. So much to see and yet I took joy in just being in his presence. I could feel the warmth of his skin through his jacket, and I itched to run my fingers over his bare arm. It had been hard resisting him and all his advances. I had been pissed, though, and I had fed that anger. With the help of Malcolm, it had been easy to keep it alive.
Tonight, I just wanted to feel him out. Neither of us talked, and we were far from the only people in the gardens. It was like there was another party going on out here, more for the younger crowd. People were even stretched out in the grass. They looked ridiculous in their suits and ball gowns laying in the grass, so carefree.
Deciding to break the silence, I said, "I'm sorry for being a bitch."
"That is hardly a word for a lady," Cornell said, still staring straight ahead.
I looked around, noticing everyone minding their own business. No one bowed to us here, no one looked at us. "They are not interested in what we talking about. I don't think need to be so careful with you, you know, since we're getting married and stuff."
Cornell stopped walking and looked at me. He surveyed me from my head to my toes. "I may have found a way to get you out of this marriage. Give me some time, I think I'm on to something."
I stared at him, blinking. Trying to figure out if he was serious. He looked damned serious. He also looked sad. "What?" I asked, still waiting for the punchline. Yeah, granny B had warned me about this but I hadn't thought it would happen. I cleared my throat and I could tell he was getting nervous. A blush started at his neck and rose to his face. "Um... Cornell? What the fuck are you saying."
He set his jaw, and ground out, "You don't want to marry me, Victoria. I told you I like my women willing, and I will not force you into anything. I will not have a hateful marriage. Christ, Victoria, I think you might hate me, and that's partially my fault. I did nothing with that woman. I told her to get the fuck away from me or I would have her arrested for stalking. Yes, she tried to get me to betray you and I couldn't. Then you choose that crooked, backstabbing cousin over me. You made your decision clear. I have to refuse at the altar."
"Shut up!" I yelled. My chest hurt. I felt like I needed to throw up, and if he said another word, I was going to scream. "You think I hate you. I was hurt, Cornell, but I still had my mind wrapped around marrying you. You dickhead! This whole time I been in my feelings and you been trying to figure out how to get rid of me? Are you that dense?"
"Now you shut up," he breathed. "I am finding you have a habit of making your thoughts into facts. That's a good quality for a royal. You believe what you say, but that doesn't mean what you say is always correct. I want you so bad it kills me to even consider letting you go. I want you happy, that is all I want for you. Say the word and I will let it go. I can't quite read your mind yet, Victoria, but I'm working on that too."
My breath caught as he stepped closer, his hand cupping my cheek. His scent enveloped me and I melted into him. I faltered, knowing this was a pivotal moment for us. From this moment forward, I was going to have trusted this guy. That was easier said than done. I trusted no one, but I cared for a lot. It takes a moment mentally assessing and planning all the outcomes. In the end, I knew taking this leap with him would be worth it.
"Say the word," He repeated, moving closer, our bodies touching.
"Let it go." I heard myself say as if I was a bystander watching this exchanger, rather than being involved. Cornell brought a hand to my hip, his grip tight, and I became putty on his hands. My heart skips a beat, and anticipation slithered down my spine as I saw my Cornell. I also knew he was going to kiss me, at least I hoped so.
"Such sweet words from those beautiful lips," he murmured.
"You think my lips are beautiful?" I asked, unashamed and fishing for compliments.
"All of you is beautiful," he said, smirking. "Have I told you how much I love this dress?"
"Eat your heart out."
"I intend to," he whispered.
In the next breath, his lips were on mine. it was a hard kiss at first. Punishing and possessive. He pulled me impossibly closer. His hand on my jaw snaked around the back of my neck, as he deepened the kiss. My legs went weak and my belly felt empty as I filled up on him. Sensual tingles, cascaded through me as he rimmed my mouth with his tongue. Teasing and taking, controlling the situation as only he could. I gasp as he steals my breath, sealing his lips over mine.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I gave in. I quit. This moment was worth a million arguments and disagreements. It was worth jumping into the ocean on a winter day. It was worth doing something as stupid as falling for Prince Cornell Pole. I wanted this moment to last forever.