The Dare Collection September 2018. Stefanie London

I want, when I want.”

      Nikolai raises a brow. “And right now, I think you want to go where X is taking you.”

      He brushes past me and hops on a BMW S 1000RR. Without another word, he throws on a helmet and rides off. With my keys and the pass code to the damned car lift.

      I let out a breath and make my way toward the Audi and the man who’s apparently driving me to my next destination.

      “I walked here,” I say gruffly. “The only reason I’m letting you take me anywhere is because my ribs hurt like hell, and I’m not in the mood to walk back.”

      The corner of X’s mouth twitches, but he doesn’t exactly smile. “Of course, Your Highness.”

      I raise a brow. “Don’t suppose you’d give me the keys to this fine-looking machine, me being your prince and all.”

      X opens one of the rear doors and gestures for me to get inside. “It doesn’t quite work like that, Prince Damien. Besides, I think the princess would like some company.”

      I peek around the door to see Juliet sitting inside.

      Jesus. I’m getting pretty fucking tired of surprises.

      “She is your wife, Highness. It’s time you get to know her.”

      He may be right, but for once today I’d like to do something of my choosing. I’d like to get to know her with a clear head.

      I climb in beside her, and there it is—surprise number three. She doesn’t even glance in my direction.

      “Nice to see you, too,” I mumble, staring straight ahead.

      Yet despite my reluctance to be here, my shoulders relax. I am suprisingly calm in her presence, which makes me wonder if she is telling the truth about our weekend in Nightgardin.

      My pinky accidentally brushes hers where it rests on the soft leather of the seat, and her hand flinches before pulling way.

      She straightens, and I notice she is dressed in denim that hugs her slim curves and a pair of riding boots molded to her calves.

      My cock hardens.

      Casual is a good look on her.

      “I can assure you, Prince Damien, that this outing was not of my choosing. If you want someone to blame for having to spend time with me, take it up with your brothers or the king.”

      “You’re angry at me,” I say.

      “You left me all alone in that room up in the tower. I have no country, no home and no true ally. Your family is kind, but they are wary of me. Untrusting. I feel like the only reason they’re going along with this plan is because I am now a tool that can benefit Edenvale.”

      I blow out a long breath. “You are not a tool to them.”

      She turns to me now, eyes wide. “Oh no? Then why are we here? X says that your brothers and father all seem to think a public appearance with a photo opportunity is necessary as a means to announce our marriage to the public.”

      “Shit,” I hiss. “It’ll be a glorious announcement. I can see the headline now. Two Months After Being Beaten Within an Inch of His Life, the Banished Prince Royally Fucks Up Again. A picture of me all scarred and still bruised next to my knocked-up wife. The paper will fly off the newsstands!”

      Juliet gasps, and X slams on the brakes. I growl as pain slices up my side. Apparently, we’ve already reached our destination. I see the royal stables outside the windshield and connect Juliet’s dressed-down attire, the boots.

      “Is that what you see when you look at me? The source of your royal fuckup?” She’s staring at me now, her brown eyes dark and cold. “I knew that love was an illusion,” she says. “I was prepared to enter into a marriage with Wartson, but when I found out I was with child, I had no choice but flee. To you. A man who seems to care only for himself.”

      With that she throws open her door and hops out of the vehicle, storming toward the stables.

      “I wouldn’t let her get on one of those horses in that state,” X says, a hint of amusement in his tone. “If she’s careless or spooks one of the animals, she’s likely to get kicked or thrown. Then what would become of the child who could unite two kingdoms?”

      I rock my head and groan.

      But then I grin as an idea takes hold. I might not be able to ride fast on the open road, but I can sure as shit take off on a Thoroughbred. Right after I make sure my wife doesn’t do anything so foolish.

      Juliet

      “I assume you have rudimentary equestrian experience?” Damien drawls as we enter the stables.

      I have two choices: fight for some semblance of inner peace or find a shovel and knock it over my new husband’s smug head. “No.” My one-word lie rolls off my tongue.

      He scoffs. “Step aside, then. I’ll ready the horses.”

      I oblige, not because I am helpless, but because it affords me the opportunity to watch this man who is at once so familiar and yet a stranger.

      When he bends to pick up the saddle, his jeans hug his tight, muscular haunches and my breath catches.

      I’m not proud, but good god, he is a perfect male specimen, hard-bodied with broad shoulders and a trim waist. His faded black denim makes love to his body, and I search out all the secret, intimate places where I’ve kissed, licked and bit him. I might be furious with him for forgetting me, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m drenched between my legs.

      “That should do. Come on, hop up,” he says, offering me a hand.

      I don’t need it, but I find myself taking it with a curt “thank you.”

      Once I’m positioned on the animal, the horse stomps once, and the pressure reverberates through my sensitive skin.

      You are Juliet of Nightgardin, Protector of the Northern Ranges, Keeper of the Gardinian Legacy, Lady of the Seven Mountains and Defender of the Faith.

      But these illustrious titles don’t change the fact that at this moment, I’m simply a woman turned on by the father of my child, a brooding man who has forgotten my very existence.

      Bitterness sours my stomach, pain eating into me like acid.

      But maybe that’s good. Anything is better than this unwelcome sexual craving.

      “Step aside,” I order Damien, seizing the reins.

      “Not so fast.” His arrogant brows shoot up. “You need a lesson.”

      My frown turns into a scowl. “I said, stand aside.”

      His glare could melt the polar ice caps. Why does that make him appear even sexier? I don’t have time to ponder such mysteries. I must escape. Get away. Bolt to fresh air.

      “Suit yourself.” I tap my gelding’s haunches and he responds in an instant. Damien, to his credit, assigned me to a placid beast, one who would be perfect for a beginner. My husband isn’t the monster he wants to pretend. Nor does he wish to risk my neck—or the life of his unborn child.

      But this animal is clearly well-schooled, and when urged knows how to run. And right now that’s what I need...speed.

      I’m galloping halfway down the road when Damien catches up with me. He’s bareback on an Arabian.

      “What the fuck are you doing?” he rages. “You told me that you couldn’t ride.”

      “You didn’t listen,” I fire back. “You assumed I had limited equestrian experience.”

      “You answered no!”

      “Because I have advanced experience, Your High-and-Mighty-Ness!” I veer off the road, click my tongue, and my horse flies over a fence with feet to spare.

      “Good