Summary: Drake finds himself lost between wanting to stay away from Jade and missing her and seeks for another distraction in somebody else’s arms.
At the Applewood Manor, manual labor was something constant. Instead of parties and formal events filled with nobles, the people who lived there worked at the orchards, wineries and small industries. Drake always liked visiting there, especially when he was a kid for the same reasons Liam did. This time, however, the visit wasn’t for another court event. Drake wandered at the apple orchard, looking at the soil covered with ashes and burned out trees. Despite the delicate moment the nation was facing, the people who worked there planting baby apple trees seemed hopeful. They eagerly chatted about the King’s solution for the families who suffered from the arson and their plans for the future and it made him think about his own future.
When Liam was pointed as Crown Prince and acquired as his newest mission getting married and having kids for the sake of Cordonia, Drake thought about having his own family for the first time, yet it was just an idea, something he wanted, but not in a near future. Although, when Jade came to the country and they became closer, things changed. He saw his best friend fall in love and plan his future not just as a ruler, but as a man who wished to start a family. He found himself in love for the same woman and his wish to run away with her seemed like a beginning, maybe a small glimpse of his future, but she didn’t love him. Not the way he wanted her to. He was hurt and never felt so lost. Would he love someone as much as he loved her? Would anyone ever make him think about family again?
His mind wandered as he strolled aimlessly on the field. Most people there lost everything, but they had hope. Why did he felt so hopeless? He thought about everyone knew and the image of Kiara appeared in his mind. She had a bad injury during the attack and he visited her when he was at the hospital too, but haven’t heard from her since then. He suddenly missed her, her wit, the smell of her dark hair and how beautiful her naked skin is. Drake fetched his phone from his pocket and pressed one single number. It barely twice until the person he called answered.
“Hello, Sir Drake,” Liam replied calmly. Drake could almost see his best friend smirking over the phone. He rolled his eyes as he suppressed a smile.
“I thought the King would be too busy dealing with the Kingdom’s issues to pick up his phone right now.”
“I am, but I always make time for the people I care about. How can I be of service?”
“I know you keep track on every guest that was injured at the Homecoming Ball. Do you know if Kiara still is in the hospital here at the capital?”
“I’ll check the updated list the hospital sent me. Hang on,” the King replied. Drake waited for Liam to give him the information he wanted and decided to pay her a visit.
…
He walked down the hospital hallways, uncertain of what he was doing. They had some casual sexual encounters, but he wasn’t close to her. What would he say? He stopped at her door and watched her reading a book from the blinds. She seemed okay but bored. At least I can try to be a better company than a Nicholas Sparks book. He firmly knocked the door. “Come in,” her naturally hoarse voice said. He opened the door and saw her face soften as he stepped in. “Drake, hi!”
“Hello, Kiara,” he smiled timidly and approached her bed, giving her the bouquet of pink carnations and sweet peas. “These are for you.”
“They’re beautiful,” she smelled the floral light scents. She pressed a button and a nurse promptly answered opening the door. “Can you get me a vase and some water for these flowers?”
“Yes, ma’am,” the nurse nodded smiling at them, entered the room and arranged the flowers in the clear glass vase. Drake felt too self-conscious and thought about leaving. However, Kiara took his hand in hers, smiling fondly at him.
“Come sit next to me,” she cooed. He sat on the end of the hospital bed still holding her hand. Her face without makeup still looked gorgeous, even though she seemed a little tired. “How’s your shoulder doing?”
“It’s healing alright. How about you? I heard you’ll be discharged tomorrow.”
“I’m okay. I can’t wait to go home.”
“You’re going back to Castelsarreilan?”
“I don’t think I will be able to rest properly if I stay here at the capital. I keep reminiscing what happened and with the fire at the orchard… I’ve been having nightmares, I can’t watch the news. I’m scared.”
“But you do know the kingdom will protect you, right?”
“I do. King Liam has been very kind to handle the hospital bills and hiring additional security to protect all of the injured guests at the Homecoming Ball. But I need to go home. I miss my family, I miss feeling safe.” She watched Drake’s brows furrowed for a moment. “You could always visit me, you know. The international art and food festival is next week, but you can arrive earlier if you want,” she looked at him through her lashes.
“It’d be nice to step away from the Unity Tour for a while. But Liam–”
“Needs you. Yeah, I figured you’d say that,” she said quietly. “You’re a good friend, Drake. I don’t know many guys who would remain loyal to a friend who is getting married to the woman they love but can’t have,” Kiara uttered.
“What?”
“Drake, almost everyone in court suspects you’re smitten with her. You follow her around since day one.”
“I only did it because Liam asked me so I could look out for her. And it began on day two. I had no reason to like the waitress who decided to leave her life behind to jump off a cliff in the sea of stuffy noble sharks.”
“I presume you didn’t think she could charm you.”
“She charmed the entire country.”
“But very few people know her like you do. And you still didn’t betray Liam’s trust.”
“I kissed her at the night of his coronation because I wanted to taste her lips and maybe convince her to go further before she could become his. I offered to run away with her during the engagement tour. I can only keep my game face and stand to be next to them now if they are more people around because it kills me that she chose him.” Drake smiled ruefully as she saw Kiara’s stunned reaction. “I’m not as good as advertised.”
She pondered his words for a second then smiled fondly at him. “You shouldn’t sell yourself short. You’re not less of a good friend because you’re human and couldn’t resist her allure. You’re still his best friend, you’re putting your own feelings aside to support them. That says a lot more about how loyal you are than if you never have fallen in love with her.”
Drake gave his shoulders and she kept going. “Plus, I believe you when you say you can’t stand being next to them. I’ve seen them pining at each other. Their sexual tension is absurd. Now that they’re together, I bet they keep looking for excuses to sneak out.”
“It’s gross, actually,” he grimaced and both of them laughed.
“I know you want to be supportive to the kingdom, but you’re hurting yourself in the process, Drake,” Kiara reached for his hand. “Castelsarreilan is lovely this time of the year. Come with me.”
“I’ll think about it,” he smiled leaning in to kiss her forehead.
…
“Oh, fuck!” Kiara held on to the headboard as she rode Drake’s face, his tongue frantically lapping on her core and fingers pumping in and out of her ass. She screamed his name and came undone, legs shaking from the intensity of her orgasm. When she looked down, Drake had the most satisfied smile she had seen. “Why are you giving me this smug smile now if we’re not done yet?” She said as she got out of the bed to grab a pack of condoms.
“That’s exactly why I’m smiling, my lady,” he sat on the bed wiping the corner of his mouth with his middle finger and run his hand down his manhood. Kiara bit her bottom lip watching Drake pleasuring himself and gazing at her body while he waited for her. Her fingers fumbled and the packing slip out her hands. She bent over to grab the condoms and he tilted his head to the side, peering at her core damping her inner thighs with her juices. After five consecutive days of sexual encounters with Kiara at her family estate, he knew exactly how to turn her on. She straightened up and tried to rip off the packing again. “Come lie down beside me,” he coaxed, holding out his hand to her.
She obliged, handing him the condom as she crawled back into the bed and kissed him hungrily. He ripped off the packing and rolled it down his length, his tongue savoring the taste of her nectar and his seed still lingering in her mouth. She laid down, turned to the side and he shifted on the bed, his hands snaking over her body, entwining his legs with hers as he plunged inside her. Kiara protested a few times because he didn’t let her lead, but she easily lost her herself in his arms, spellbound by his touch. And Drake used it as an advantage to get the only thing he wanted from her: more sex. They were almost close when barking sounds echoed through the house. “Oh, mon Dieu!¹ They must be here,” she spoke breathlessly.
“Who?” he stopped waiting for her answer.
“The Royal Court. They were supposed to arrive this morning. We have to go.” She tried to get up, but he held her firmly against him.
“What’s the rush?” he kissed her neck and resumed moving in and out of her. “Your parents are downstairs, so is your brother. They can greet Liam and others.” He placed his hand between her legs and rubbed her core making her cry out. “Yeah, that’s what I want to hear. Come for me,” he murmured in her ear thrusting faster until they both reached ecstasy. He eased out of her and kissed her shoulder. “Now you can go,” he smirked and she shook her head as they both sat up. Kiara quickly picked up her dress, put on her shoes and brushed her hair. But Drake stayed in bed playing poker on his phone. She bent down to kiss him and left his room.
About half an hour later, Drake joined Kiara’s family and the Royal court at the balcony. Though they tried to hide as much as they could, everybody seemed to know they were hooking up. Kiara dodged some of her brother’s comments, blushing slightly every time. Drake, on the other hand, didn’t seem to mind. “Hey, are you alright? I called you a bunch of times, but you didn’t answer,” Hana whispered as she pulled him aside to chat.
“I’m fine. Just busy.”
“Uh huh…You coming here without telling anyone did seem fine.” She set her mouth into a hard line. “Like running away from my problems fine. And what were you busy with?”
Drake looked away to hide his blushing cheeks and Hana punched him in the shoulder. “Ouch! Hey! Bullet wound!” he flinched. Kiara narrowed her eyes at them as Jade and Liam discreetly observed from the corner.
“I bet you don’t even remember you both got healing wounds when we’re doing it,” she hissed quietly trying not to draw attention from the others.
“We do it in less dangerous positions,” he mumbled.
“Stop thinking with your dick again otherwise you’ll get yourself hurt,” she chided.
“It won’t hurt more than it already does. Trust me,” he snorted and walked inside to pour himself a shot of scotch. Hana folded her arms and scolded him and returned to talk to the others.
The following day was busier than ever. Castelsarreilan main art gallery and town square were filled with tourists, press and citizens who came by to join the festival. From time to time, Kiara glanced at Drake, who spent most of the day walking around chatting with his friends. She waited for an opportunity to get him alone to approach him. “Hey,” she circled one of her arms around his waist. “Are you enjoying the festival?”
“Yeah, it’s great,” he smiled putting his arm over her shoulder. “I thought you were busy greeting people, though.”
“I’m giving a break to keep you company,” she whispered planting a kiss behind his ear.
“Are you sure you want to do this here? You barely had time to talk to Penelope and Olivia,” he pulled away.
“I don’t care. I want you,” she tugged his jacket and pinned him against the nearest tree as she kissed him fervently, her fingers intertwined in his hair. He responded pulling her close, his hands roaming over her body.
People passed by staring at them. “Drake doesn’t seem like a guy who has an outdoor kink,” Maxwell commented watching them from afar.
“I don’t think he does,” a line appeared between Hana’s brows.
“Me either, but we can’t judge a book by its cover,” Liam smirked and Jade elbowed him, making him chuckle.
“Kiara, people are staring,” Drake whispered as she pulled up his shirt.
“Oh, are they?” She nibbled his earlobe, her hands running down his bulge.
“Will you stop?” he pulled away holding her by the wrists.
“What? You fucked me the whole week anytime and anywhere you wanted, now you’re suddenly not into it?”
“I didn’t– What is wrong with you?”
“With me? What’s wrong with you? You wouldn’t pass up a chance to take me right here, right now, if she wasn’t around,” she berated.
“Are you kidding me? This is not about her. We’re in public, Kiara!”
“I don’t care! Maybe I want people to look.”
“No, you don’t want people to look. You want her to look,” he said as he spotted Jade looking into their direction as she stood beside Liam, who gave an interview to a local reporter. “Well, guess what? I’m not in the mood,” he walked away, heading towards Maxwell and Hana. Kiara adjusted her skirt, took a deep breath and resumed to her activities.
By the end of the day, Drake sat by a bench talking to his friends when he caught the sight of Jade and Liam. He doesn’t know why he always seemed to notice them or why he couldn’t look away, but there he was watching them again. Jade gave a spoonful of her gelato to Liam smiling at him. He whispered something in her ear and kissed the corner of her mouth as photographers and the people snapped several photos of their tender moment. “I’m getting tired, I’m gonna take off,” he stood up.
“Me too,” Maxwell replied. “We should all go. There’s the celebratory dinner anyway.” They all headed to the cars to leave the town square. Drake hopped in the Beaumont’s car without looking back and went straight to his room.
…
The ice cube on his glass melted into the scotch as Drake sat on day bed closed to the window, waiting for the meteor shower to begin. He was too inebriated to stand up and go outside like he would usually do, but the view was good enough. The door of his room suddenly slammed shut, startling him. “I know it’s your home, but I’m not sure you’re allowed to barge into occupied rooms like that.”
“Tais-toi!¹” Kiara hissed, taking off her dress and panties. She straddled him and pulled down his pants, fishing his cock and stroking it vigorously with one hand and rubbing his testicles with the other.
“Hey, whoa! What the–”
“I’m finishing what we started at the festival,” she cupped his neck and lowered herself onto him.
“Kiara, we need a– Oh hell, you’re so wet,” he threw his head back as she bounced up and down, riding him.
“Je n’ai pas besoin de préservatifs, mon chéri. j’ai seulement besoin de toi,” ² she purred in his ear. He began to nuzzle her chest, his hands massaging her breasts. This isn’t how he likes to do it, he always preferred to be in control, but he already was too aroused to stop it. She smelled like licorice and her lips were tinted with red wine. “Je suis tellement mieux qu’elle. Tu verras.³”
Kiara rocked faster on him, her flawless dark illuminated by the night lights, sent a rush of adrenaline through his body and he bucked his hips, meeting her pace. The sound of their skins crashing, the blending of their natural scents, the stillness of that beautiful night drove him wild. He hated losing control, but couldn’t help. The world around him melted away. “Oui, Drake! Baise-moi! Baise-moi!⁴” she panted.
Before he knew, his arms held her close and released himself inside as she moaned biting his neck and he grunted. “Oh, fuck, Jade…”
“What?!?” She yelled. His face went pale as he realized what he just said. “I can’t believe this.” She stood up infuriated. “I’ve been giving myself to you the whole week and you’re still thinking about her. Do you always think about her when we have sex? Is that why you don’t let me lead? Is that you like fucking me from behind, so you can imagine you’re fucking her?”
He remained silent and she slapped him. His blood boiled as the marks of her fingers on his cheek began to ache. “I love her! What did you expect? I’m broken! And the pain won’t magically go away because you want it no matter how many times I fuck you or any other woman.”
Kiara shook her head as her eyes welled up. “I guess you’re right. You are broken, Drake. And I can’t fix you. You’re the only one who can, but it will only happen when you let her go. And you’re clearly not ready to do that,” she wiped the tears from her face, picked up her scattered clothes, dressed quickly and stormed out of his room.
She was just a few steps away from his door when she into bumped into the last person she wanted to see. “Oops… I’m sorry, Kiara,” Jade smiled sheepishly.
“You’d better be! Because all of this, everything that is wrong with him is your fault!” Kiara barked, pushed Jade and marched to her room banging the door. Jade watched her go confused then turned around to find Drake sullenly standing by the door of his room. She felt the urge to hug him but just braced herself, took a deep breath and headed to her room. He got back to his bedroom and started packing while drinking his whiskey from his flask and ignoring Savannah’s and Maxwell’s phone calls.
As the night deepened, he felt even more alone. But he couldn’t just talk to anybody. He couldn’t tell Liam or Maxwell. He needed to talk to someone who really knew what was going on his life. Olivia had already traveled to Lythikos and he couldn’t bear it on his own.
He walked to Hana’s door and knocked on the door. She opened the door with a smile that soon faded once she saw his red eyes and wrapped her arms around him. Tears began to fall down his face as Hana caressed his back, soothing him. He pulled away to look at her and she cupped his face. “It’s okay. You don’t need to talk now if you want. Come in,” she held out her hand, led him into her room and he laid on her bed as she sat beside running her hands in his hair until he fell asleep.
¹ Oh my god!
² Shut up!
³ I don’t need condoms, my darling. I just need you
⁴ I’m so much better than her. You’ll see.
⁵ Yes, Drake! Fuck me! Fuck me!
