Royal Temptation

Amelia's POV

The night had been full of energy, but now the club's thumping bass was nothing but a distant memory. The world felt quieter in the afterglow of the rooftop, and yet, my mind was still buzzing.

I had escaped to my apartment after the night out, needing some space to breathe. But it didn't feel like I was alone. Lewis's words echoed in my head, the intensity of his touch still lingering on my skin.

I slipped into the soft cushions of my couch, glancing at my phone. The screen was blank for a moment, then it lit up with a message. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the name at the top of the text.

Lewis Hamilton.

I almost hesitated, my fingers hovering over the screen. Was this a mistake? Was I about to open myself up to something that could completely derail everything? But curiosity won over, and I tapped it open.

⸻

Text from Lewis:
"Last night was... unforgettable. I've never met anyone like you. What are you doing tonight?"

⸻

I stared at the message, the words making my pulse spike again. I could almost hear the deep, smooth tone of his voice in my mind. He didn't mince words. "I want you"—those words had been carved into my memory. And now, he was reaching out again. I couldn't deny that the pull between us was undeniable.

Before I could even begin to think through my response, my phone buzzed again—this time a call.

It was Charlotte.

I couldn't help but smile. She always seemed to know when I needed her most.

"Hey," I said, answering the call and lying back on the couch.

"Okay, I need details. What happened with Hamilton?" she demanded, her voice full of excitement. "I know you two were flirting like crazy last night. You can't tell me there wasn't a little magic happening."

I chuckled, trying to keep my voice steady. "We were just... talking. He said some things. But it's complicated, Char."

"Complicated?" She scoffed. "Amelia, it's Lewis Hamilton, the guy who makes the world fall at his feet. Are you really going to deny yourself this?"

I sighed, staring out the window at the city lights. "I don't know if it's the right time, you know? Being royal—being me—everything's so... complicated. What happens if it doesn't work out? What if it ruins everything?"

"Who cares?" she said, with the kind of blunt honesty only a best friend could get away with. "You deserve to be happy. And from what I saw last night? You both want each other. Don't let your crown get in the way of your heart."

I bit my lip, still thinking about the intensity of the moment on the rooftop. She was right. There had been something undeniable between us, something I couldn't just ignore.

"Amelia," Charlotte's voice softened, "you need to make this decision for you. Not for the monarchy, not for your family, but for you. And if that means getting a little wild with Lewis Hamilton, then go for it."

I laughed, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly. "I'll think about it, okay?"

"Good. Just don't make me wait too long," she teased. "I'm dying to know how this plays out."

As we hung up, I couldn't shake the feeling that something inside me had shifted. I was torn between the duty I had to my family and the fiery attraction pulling me in a different direction. I glanced back at my phone and, with a deep breath, I replied to Lewis.

⸻

Text to Lewis:
"I'm free tonight. We can talk. But don't expect anything easy."

⸻

I hit send before I could second-guess myself. Almost immediately, the three dots appeared, signaling his reply. I set the phone down and waited, feeling my heart race again.

A minute later, the message came through.

⸻

Text from Lewis:
"I like things that aren't easy. See you tonight. You're impossible to resist, Amelia."

⸻

My breath caught in my chest. What had I just done?

Before I could contemplate further, there was a knock at my door. I stood, smoothing out my dress, and opened it to reveal my father—King Charles III. His presence filled the room, authoritative yet comforting.

"Amelia," he said with a warm smile. "I thought we could talk. There's some royal business I need to discuss with you."

I smiled back, trying to hide the turmoil inside. "Of course, Dad. Come in."

As we sat down to discuss matters of the kingdom, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my secret growing heavier. How long could I balance this with the life I was expected to lead?