Page 45 of Lost Prince

"Oh, wouldn't I?" I lunge forward, wrapping my arms around her waist. She squeals, trying to wriggle free, but I'm too quick. In one smooth motion, I hoist her over my shoulder, her laughter filling the small apartment.

"Lazaro!" she gasps. “Put me down!"

I spin us around. "Not a chance. You're coming with me, whether you like it or not."

She playfully pounds her fists against my back, but I can hear the smile in her voice. "This is so undignified!"

"Dignity's overrated.” I spank her backside. "Now, where are your keys? We need to lock up this place."

Diana groans. "In my purse, on the counter. But I'm not telling you which pocket."

I laugh, enjoying this playful side of her. "Challenge accepted."

Still holding her over my shoulder, I fumble around with her purse, making exaggerated noises of frustration as I search for the keys.

Diana's laughter grows louder with each dramatic sigh. "You're impossible."

“This morning, I was insatiable,” I retort, finally fishing out her keys. “Voila. Now, time to drag my woman back to my cave.” I keep the keys but hand her the purse.

“Wait, I need my backpack.”

I turn around, looking for the bag. I see one in the corner. “This one?” I pick it up.

“Yes.”

I sling it over my shoulder and start to the door again.

“You can put me down. I’ve agreed to go with you.”

“Nope. You brought this on yourself.”

“I refuse to leave my apartment like a sack of potatoes."

“Too bad.” I open the door and step through it. With her still over my shoulder, I make sure the door is locked and carry her down to the car.

“I’ll get you for this,” she says, whacking me on the ass.

“Your spanking me makes me hard.”

She laughs. “Of course it does.”

I finally set her down by my car and cup her face in my hands. “I’m tired of everyone deciding what is best for me. Lana… you…”

“Me?”

“You think listening to Lana is best for me, but it’s not. What about what I want? Does anyone consider that?”

Her eyes are soft and look up at me with something that feels deep and real. Too deep and real to believe it’s true, but at this moment, I open myself to it.

“What do you want, Lazaro?”

“I want my family and you.” I can’t believe I’ve just admitted that. “What do you want, Diana?”

She swallows. “I want to give you what you want.”

She didn’t say she wants me, but it’s good enough for now. “Then get in the car.”

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