Disclaimer: All characters are not mine. No copyright infringement was intended. Thank you to Stephenie Meyer for creating Edward and Bella for our enjoyment. I just like playing with them, making them my own … even for just a little while.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Masen

Paris

We arrived in Paris a little after midnight the day following Alice's exit from the palace. Bella was so excited as we took a private limo from the airport to the Four Seasons, George V. Her face was pressed to the window, trying to see as much of the city as she could. "Cherie, we're going to see Paris. I promise. You don't need to leave nose prints on the glass," I teased, chuckling quietly.

"Hush," she said, blindly smacking at me. "Prior to being in Gevalia, the only time I left the country was going to Mexico for spring break. I saw the inside of bars at night and boiled my body on the beach during the day. It was fun, but not very cultured. I tried to convince my roommates to do more interesting things besides getting sloshed and finding random dudes to fuck, but I was deemed a stick in the mud."

"You are hardly that, love," I said, tugging her into my lap and rolling down the window. "La Tour Eiffel …"

"Oh, wow," she breathed, her hands gripping the door. "So beautiful. Can we go up it? I mean, with you being a royal … don't we need security?"

"We do have security. Alec is driving the car and will act as the head of security while we're on our trip," I explained. "We can't be like regular tourists because of my status as a royal, but we will do as much as we can. Tomorrow … or rather, later today … I plan on spoiling you. Ever been to Chanel?"

"Masen," she growled, turning to look at me, her brown eyes narrowed. "I don't want to be spoiled. This trip is enough."

"Well, since we have a black-tie event at the Louvre tomorrow evening. You need something to wear," I smiled. "What else can I have you wear? The best …"

"You little sneak," she huffed, giving me an adorable little scowl. "There's a black-tie event at the Louvre?"

"Some fundraiser for orphaned children, giving them arts education and outlets for their creativity. My parents were supposed to go, but they are sending me instead since we're in town," I chuckled, my lips ghosting over her neck.

"I don't want to embarrass you, Masen," she whispered, her eyes swirling with trepidation. "I'm … not royalty. I'm not you. I'm just me." She shrugged, idly playing with the watch around my wrist.

"You're not me. That would really fucking weird," I teased, sliding my mouth up to her earlobe and flicking it with my tongue. She shuddered, melting against me as my arms slid around her tiny body. I turned her head to face me and I stared at her, smiling tenderly. "Bella, you could never embarrass me. I'm proud to be on your arm. I've never loved anyone as much as I love you."

She blinked, looking at me and her eyes were swimming with tears. There was disbelief and shock in her expression. She'd been loved by her father but her sister had torn her down so much that she didn't trust anything or anyone. She truly believed that she was a whore and incapable of being loved. With a watery smile, she slid her arms around my neck and cuddled against me for remaining few moments we were in the car. The Mercedes pulled up to the rear of the hotel, where the concierge was waiting for us.

Alec parked the car, opening the door and helping Bella and I out of the car. She managed to pull herself together, sliding her purse over her head and taking my hand. The concierge, a stuffy French man named Jacques, approached us. He prattled to me in French and I smiled softly, accepting his gushing excitement about hosting a royal in the George V. Alec produced an NDA which the concierge signed. With a curt nod, we were led up to the beautiful suite I'd booked for our three days in Paris.

"I'm going to take a shower," Bella said. "I smell like plane."

"It was a private jet, love," I smirked.

"It's still a plane, with recycled air," she retorted, arching a brow. She glided toward our bags and tugged out her toiletry bag along with something sheer and lacy. "I'll be out soon, baby."

"Do you need me to wash your back?" I asked, giving her a devilish grin.

"I think I got that," she snickered. "I am hungry, though. The snack on the plane wasn't very filling."

"That I can do," I said, cupping her cheek. She stood on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against mine. "I love you, cherie."

"I love you, too, Masen. More than I could possibly ever fathom," she murmured. She ran her thumb over my lower lip before ducking into the bathroom.

I adjusted my hardness pressing against my jeans before I walked to the desk and ordered a charcuterie platter, along with some beaujolais and chilled Perrier. Within ten minutes, our food was delivered by Alec. "You're the waiter, too?"

"Making sure that it's not poisoned," Alec replied, placing the platter on the small dining table near the French doors. I'd pulled the curtains back to show the Eiffel Tower, lit up and sparkling in the distance. "Great view. Lady Bella will love that, your Highness."

"I hope so," I said. "You okay with running point with the security precautions?"

"I've already spoken with the head of the security at the Louvre and with the prime minister being there, it'll be insane. You and Lady Bella will be fine," Alec nodded. "I'll make arrangements for the rest of your expeditions tomorrow morning, after I've gotten some sleep. What time will we be leaving for the shopping trip?"

"After one in the afternoon," I replied. "Thanks, Alec. You're the best." He gave a brief bow before leaving the room. I double locked the door, stripping out of my sweater and toeing off my dress shoes. As I was sending a text to my mother and Emmett, saying we were in Paris, Bella walked out of the bathroom. Her hair was wet, falling over her shoulders in mahogany ringlets. Her pale skin was pink from the heat of her shower and her lithe body was barely covered by her sheer negligée. I could the see the outline of her delicious body, tempting me with every inch of her curves. "I have some food, cherie."

She gave me a shy smile, walking to me and sitting down on my lap. "This is perfect, Masen. I didn't want a full meal, but I needed something more than the muffin and banana I had on the two-hour flight." She tore off some bread and spread some cheese onto it, layering it with some roasted peppers and salami.

"Wine?" I asked.

She nodded, taking the proffered wine glass. "Delicious, Masen."

"Agreed," I chuckled, pouring a glass for myself and making my own snack. "Feel better after your shower?"

"Totally. It's the most amazing thing. Ever," she giggled, sipping her wine. "I think … tomorrow … I may need some help washing my back?"

"Oh, I fully intend on scouring every bloody inch of you, cherie," I purred, my fingers gliding along her spine. She shivered, staring into my eyes. "You're looking at me like you want to devour me."

"What could be more perfect than making love in the city of love?" she cooed, moving so she was straddling my body. Her eyes twinkled as she rolled her hips over my hardness. I moved my hands up her thighs, kneading her bare ass. "Surprise, your Majesty."

"Oh, Isabella," I chided. "You are a naughty girl."

"Not always," she chuckled, her face flushing the most delicious pink. I moved the tray back and lifted Bella onto the table. She squeaked when her bare ass touched the wood. "Masen … what are you doing?"

"You had your snack. I want mine," I breathed, spreading her legs and staring at her glistening, bare pussy. I pulled her to the edge of the table, pressing an open-mouthed kiss to her inner thighs. She whimpered, falling back on her elbows. I inched her nightie up, revealing more of her gorgeous body. I slid my fingers along her legs, moving closer to her swollen core. I inhaled deeply, nearly coming in my jeans from the scent of her arousal. Leaning forward, I swiped my tongue along her slit.

"Fuck me," she squeaked.

"Oh, I intend to, cherie," I purred. "After I devour your succulent pussy, love." I dove in, sliding my tongue inside of her body. She rocked against my face, grinding her body over my mouth. Her sweetness coated my lips, soaking my face. She was so turned on, rolling seductively on the tiny dining room table that was in our suite. The food I'd ordered fell to the ground as she wriggled under my grasp. The tiny straps of her nightie fell off her shoulders, revealing the swells of her breasts. She never looked more beautiful, or more tempting.

"Masen," she breathed, reaching down to tangle her fingers into my hair. "Don't stop, baby. Feels so fucking good."

I smiled against her body, moving my lips from her core to her clit. I suckled it between my lips as I slid two fingers into her soaked pussy. Her gasps turned into desperate moans as her hips bucked with each curl of my fingers and swipe of my tongue. Her bare breasts were now peaking over the bodice of her nightie, tempting with her dusty rose nipples. Her mouth was open, pleading and yearning for more. I wanted to savor every ounce of her body, the beauty of her arousal and the need within her eyes. I hummed deeply, nibbling lightly on her clit. She cursed, shuddering as her wetness flowed freely down my palm. "Fuck my fingers, Bella. I want to feel you as you come."

"Shit," she snapped, sitting up and looking down her body to where I was kneeling between her legs. Her nightie had fallen and was now around her waist, revealing her pert breasts, with nipples so hard from my ministrations. "Masen, I want to come. I need to come. It hurts, baby."

"I'll make the pain stop, Bella," I said, pumping my hand as I kissed her pussy like I kissed her mouth. She rocked against me, cupping her breasts with her hands. Her fingers twisted her nipples. With each thrust of my arm, her whole body trembled. Her core was clenching around me. "Oh, fuck, Bella. I can feel you … let go, love. Come for me."

"Mmmmmm," she moaned, looking down at me. "Harder, Masen." I complied, slamming my hand into her body and sucking on her clit. She rolled her body, coming undone. With a slight nibble to her clit, she shattered with a silent scream. Her body arched in ecstasy. I kept thrusting my fingers inside her as I watched her lose control. She collapsed on the table, her legs closing. I slid my hand from her warmth and I licked my fingers clean. "Masen, you're too good at that."

I didn't respond verbally. I just looked at her as she leaned up on her elbows. I continued to lick her essence off my fingers. She sat up, grabbing my hand and wrapped her mouth around my middle finger. "Fuck, Bella."

"Yes, you're going to fuck Bella," she purred. Easing off the table, she tugged on my neck and kissed me deeply. I bent down, picking her up by grabbing her thighs. She wrapped her legs around my waist and I carried her to the bed. After placing her in the center of the king-sized mattress, I unbuckled my belt and shimmied out of my jeans and boxer briefs. Bella removed her nightie, tossing it haphazardly onto the floor. I crawled up her body. She kissed me as her fingers wrapped around my hardness. I hissed as she stroked my length. "Inside me, Masen. Please?"

I grasped my cock and lined up to her leaking core. With a swivel of my hips, we were one. "Oh, Bella … ma cherie." I leaned down kissing her as I thrust into her. The sound of our bodies coming together filled the room. Our whispers of love and whimpered pleas of more added more to our lovemaking. Bella's hands were on my shoulders. Her legs, gripped behind my back and trying desperately to get closer to me. Her muscles tightened around my hardness. "I love you, Bella. You feel so fucking amazing."

"Masen …" she whimpered. She pushed on my shoulder and I rolled us so she was perched on my lap. She rolled her body, kissing me with an all-encompassing need. She took me deeper inside, filling her completely. My hands gently groped her breasts before sliding down my palms down her slick skin to her ass. There was no space between us. "I love you so much, baby. Never before … I can't … I don't want to lose you."

"Never, cherie," I purred, sitting up and kissing her. Our lips melded together as she tugged on my hair. My arms wrapped around her tiny body and she sobbed with need. "Oh, Bella. I can feel you, so wet on me. Come with me."

"Yes," she nodded, rocking over my cock. We moved together, one body, one love and one soul. With another searing kiss from her, Bella clung to me as she rode the waves of her orgasm. Her release triggered mine and I spilled deep inside her. We stayed wrapped in a tangle of arms, legs and heavy breathing. I brushed her drying curls from her face and languidly kissed her. She smiled against my lips. "You treat me like I'm the only woman in the world."

"You are … in my world … you are," I answered reverently. "My Bella … my everything." My present and my future, forever. She wrapped her arms around me and we lay down in the bed, still tangled and we drifted off to sleep. My dreams were immediate and they featured Bella, wearing a crown, a gorgeous white dress and my ring on her finger. My Queen.

xx AMDFT xx

After a lazy morning in bed, making love and eating breakfast, we got dressed. Alec got the car and we drove to Chanel to pick out a cocktail dress for Bella, along with shoes, accessories and jewelry. She gawked as I signed the credit slip. She also spluttered when she saw that the boutique was closed for her shopping excursion.

"Okay, don't get me wrong. I'm very grateful for all you're doing for me. But, I kind of feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, minus the whole hooker thing," Bella giggled, looking at the bag that had her dress inside.

"Did you just quote She's All That?" I teased.

"The fact that you know that movie is quite shocking," Bella laughed. "You watched that movie?"

"It was a dark time in my life," I snickered. "And I watched it in college with Jake. We made it a drinking game. I don't remember what the game was, but we got obliterated, completely smashed."

"Nice," Bella sang, rolling her eyes. "Now, what is this event at the Louvre for?"

"Arts education for orphans," I answered. "And raising funds for a new exhibit at the museum. There will be several dignitaries there, along with the French Prime Minister and some movie stars."

"Holy crap," Bella squeaked. "I …"

"Will be fine," I said, squeezing her hands. "You are smart and beautiful, worthy of everything. Now, I've made arrangements at the spa to help you get ready for the event. While you're doing that, I'm going to arrange the rest of our time here in Paris. Anything you want to do besides going to the top of the La Tour Eiffel?"

"Nôtre Dame, L'Arc de Triomphe and the palace at Versailles," Bella breathed, biting her lip. "I know that all of that is probably not possible. We're only here for two more days."

"I think I can work with that," I nodded. We pulled up to the hotel, parked in the rear of the property. The manager from the spa was waiting inside. "I love you, cherie. Enjoy being pampered."

"I love you more, Masen," she grinned. With a sweet kiss, she went inside of the hotel and into the spa. Alec escorted me up to the suite and left me to make arrangements for the rest of our time in Paris. We'd go to the palace tomorrow, with a trip up the Eiffel Tower on our way back. Prior to our departure the day after tomorrow and on our way to the airport, we'd go to the cathedral and L'Arc de Triomphe.

After I'd finalized those plans, I had a Skype session with Felix and my mother regarding my remaining time in the United States. I had a number of diplomatic dinners and meetings in New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago. On top of that, the news that Bella was a New York City native had exploded on the web. Charlie was staying with Linda because the bakery was inundated with paparazzi. There were stories online and in print about my girl. Nearly all of them were positive, but there were a handful that didn't paint Bella in the most positive light.

When I'd hung up with Felix and my mother, I called Jacob and we made arrangements for more security for Charlie, Linda, her son Michael and obviously, Bella. For me, and Bella, Jacob would be our primary security safeguard. He also discussed getting another FBI guy on loan to diplomatic security. His long-time partner and friend, Jared, would also help out with our protection. For Charlie, Linda, Michael and sometimes Angela, we decided to go with a private security firm. Seth suggested a group of retired cops and military. With a swipe of my personal credit card, Bella's family was protected for the foreseeable future.

I got showered and dressed after that, putting on a Dior Homme tuxedo. I slipped on my Christmas present from Bella – a unique wooden watch, sleek and polished black – before splashing on some cologne. I heard the door open. I blinked up, watching as Alec escorted Bella and one of the attendants into our suite. I arched a brow. The bedroom door was clicked shut. "What's going on?"

"Bella needed to get dressed up here," Alec explained. "I had the manager come up to help her, after she'd signed an NDA with the certainty that we'd make her life a living hell if she blabbed." He smiled softly, looking at the closed door. "She and Yvette bonded over their mutual love of Gevalian chocolate and bitchy sisters." I hardened my look. "Prince Edward, the employees here are held to a high level of discretion. They would be destroyed by hotel, blacklisted. Not to mention our NDA … I know that you're filled with trepidation about that relationship, but Yvette was vetted and her story checked out."

A petite blonde exited the room where my girl was getting ready. She prattled about Bella was just putting on finishing touches, along having a conversation with her father. I thanked her and nodded to Alec. He escorted her out, slipping her some money as a tip. As Yvette left, Alec followed her and said he was going to pull the car around. I heard the clicks of heels. Turning around, I saw Bella standing just outside of our bedroom. She wore the most beautiful rose gold colored Chanel couture dress. She had on a pair of Christian Louboutin's along with a coordinating clutch. Her jewelry was elegant. She wore a pair of drop moonstone and diamond earrings and a matching ring. She tucked a curl behind her ear, biting her lip as she blinked up at me. "They buffed and polished me within an inch of my life. I'm having heart palpitations at how much money I'm wearing," she chuckled anxiously. "This is more than two years of my college education."

"You are a vision … perfection," I whispered, walking over to her and lifting her hand to my lips. I kissed her knuckles and ran my thumb over the ring she wore. I was surprised that she accepted it. Then again, she only believed that these jewels were on 'loan.' Little did she know that the jewelry wore was already bought and paid for, by me, with my own credit card. "I'm going to have the most beautiful woman on my arm."

A bright pink blush spread over her cheeks as she shifted on her feet. "Masen …"

"It's the truth, cherie," I said, sliding my arm around her waist. "We're going to have fun tonight. I love you and I'm so lucky to have you with me, Bella."

"Kiss me, Masen," she breathed.

"I don't want to ruin your makeup," I quipped.

"Fuck my makeup. I want to feel your lips against mine," she answered.

I eagerly complied, tasting the sweetness of her lip gloss. We nipped at each other's mouths, allowing us to get lost in a moment until my cell phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled back, leaning my forehead against hers. "We need to go, love."

"Kay," she nodded. I picked up the wrap we'd gotten to match her dress, putting it over her shoulders. I slipped on an overcoat, helping Bella into the elevator. We got into the Mercedes limo and drove to the Louvre. There was a red carpet, along with photographers and members of the foreign press. I was not going to make any comments but Bella and I would walk the red carpet.

Arriving on the red carpet, Bella and I smiled, holding hands and posing for the hundreds cameras. I could feel Bella tremble against me. I wasn't sure if it was because of the chilly temperatures or Bella's nerves. Ten minutes later, we were inside and were mingling with the likes of Degas, Monet, and Van Gogh. We spoke with foreign dignitaries, international celebrities and fellow royals.

Yeah, Bella damn near had a heart attack when she met Prince William and his wife, Kate.

From England.

The heir to the throne, after Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.

I was standing at the bar, getting some drinks for Bella and me. "You know, a prince mingling with a commoner? Not a smart idea," said a heavily accented voice. "Isn't she a bit plain, too?"

Turning, I saw Irina, Lady Kathryn's aunt and disgraced former lady. She was Eleazar's sister and her family shunned her when she got pregnant out of wedlock, then terminating the pregnancy. "What are you doing here, Irina?"

"My husband," she quipped, wriggling her fingers and showing me a garish, gaudy wedding set. "He's a French filmmaker and a huge devotee of this fundraiser." She took the glass of wine I'd ordered for Bella. "I've been in contact with my dear niece, Edward."

"You'll address me properly, Irina," I growled, plastering on a menacing smile. "It's 'your Highness'."

"My apologies, your highness," she said with false sincerity. "But you should know that your precious Bella is not all she's cracked up to be. My niece is looking into that and you will be so embarrassed that you'll have to abdicate your throne. Keep your eyes peeled. We won't be stopped." She gave me a blithe smile, taking the glass and sashaying away. "Enjoy the benefit, Prince Edward." She draped herself onto an older man, who pulled her further into the crowd.

I slipped out my cell phone, sending a text to my mother and Felix regarding Irina and her complicity in aiding Kathryn's escape from Gevalia. I barely contained my anger when my beautiful girl glided back to me, her face glowing and a soft smile spread over her gorgeous face.

I prayed that I managed to stop this before it became too much. I did not want this to become a wedge between me and ma cherie.

A/N: Pictures of Paris, the black-tie event and such are on my blog. You can find a link on my profile. Up next will be the remainder of Paris, along with their time in Barcelona/Madrid and subsequent return to the states. Bella's up next, with her thoughts. Is she going to notice something's up with Masen? Leave me some!

Thanks for reading!