“Doesn’t matter. He only had to persuade someone to do his dirty work for him.” The secret service chief gave Santiago the file he’d carried into the office. “Rumor mill is churning. Only a matter of time before the entire country demands your arrest if we don’t find the culprit.”
“I never wanted the crown,” Santiago said.
“Perhaps not.”
“Santiago had to marry me in Javier’s place to save Valdoria,” Ilsa said. But… but a tiny voice whispered in her brain… she’d overheard Santiago’s argument with his brother. And he’d promised to stop at nothing to get the proposal approved which would incentivize Pinnacle Industries to build corporate offices and bring their technology software development brand to his country.
Pain pinged behind her sternum. No. He’d been genuinely destroyed when he’d come to her the day Javier had fallen. There had to be another answer. “Concentrate your investigation on the Menkaran envoys and my family in addition to the Valdorian council members,” she said, raising her chin.
“Why the Menkarans? They didn’t have anything to gain by Javier’s death.”
“Someone wanted to stop the wedding our countries brokered years ago,” she said. “We were on the brink of war until Santiago and I got married.”
“Mierda,” Santiago said. “We’ve got to figure out who is manipulating us or they’ll try again. Our lives could be in jeopardy.”
“Your mother is leaving the castle today for your family’s private villa. She’s remaining in seclusion until the coronation in July,” the chief said.
“She’ll require extra security.”
“Already in place,” the chief said. “Also have bodyguards on duty for the council members. We’ve increased the number of personnel investigating his murder.”
“We must arrest the bastards before the coronation or risk more civil turmoil,” Santiago said. “No one will truly accept me as Valdoria’s king if my name isn’t cleared.”
Why would anyone would want Javier dead? Certainly, Santiago had motivation, but he’d also been free to pursue his own life without the burden of an arranged marriage hanging over his head. She couldn’t believe he’d kill his brother and lose that freedom. But marrying her afterward removed a huge obstacle in his path.
She hugged herself tighter, reminding herself once again not speculate. They needed facts first. “Should we delay our negotiations with Pinnacle?” she asked through numb lips. After all, this had been a huge point of contention between the royal brothers.
“This information changes nothing,” Santiago said. “We proceed with our plans to bring Pinnacle to Valdoria. We must show our people we’re committed to change and to each other.”
“You’re right.” Ilsa nodded, though her insides tangled into knots with every unspoken doubt. Schooling her features into a calm she didn’t feel, Isla said, “I’ll leave you to discuss the details of the investigation and prepare the report I promised to pull together.”
“Gracias, bella.”
“I’ve got additional security guards positioned outside,” Chief Fernandez said. “One of them will shadow you throughout the castle and the grounds.”
“Of course,” Ilsa said. She’d grown used to the constant presence of bodyguards whenever she’d gone out in public. And this extra layer of protection was necessary, but she’d be glad when the royal secret service caught the people threatening not only their lives, but the lives of their citizens.
She tilted her head toward Santiago. “When would you like to meet to go over the final numbers?” Keep things as normal as possible. Pretend potential danger doesn’t lurk in every corner. And don’t let him get under your skin again. Wait until the secret service solves the murder.
“I’ll join you in your suite after I wrap up my discussion with Fernandez.”
At least there they’d have a modicum of privacy. “Perfect,” she said, then made her way to the doors on wooden legs. “Until then.”
Exiting Santiago’s office, she inhaled a deep breath as her bodyguard moved beside her. He’s got to be innocent. Or else I’ve made the biggest mistake of my life. Yes, she’d present a strong front with Santiago until the truth behind Javier’s murder came out. Only now she wondered if what they discovered could destroy her. Because deny it to herself all she wanted, she had grown a little too close to Santiago.
Chapter 6
“Our bodyguards aren’t going to like that we ditched them,” Ilsa said as she walked beside Santiago along the Mediterranean’s shoreline.
He squeezed her hand. “Unfortunately, we’re not really alone.” He pointed to the winding path which led to the castle. “A team of snipers and security people are patrolling the cliff’s perimeter.
Ahead of her, frothy blue-green water rolled inland and dissolved into foam on the beach, leaving behind shells and strands of seaweed. The glow of the sun on the horizon in the distance and rays of light cast the sand into a sparkling vista.
“Still a perfect way to end a long week.” The breeze fluttered the hem of her sundress around her thighs. “I’m dying to know what the big surprise is too.” Anything to distract herself from the unspoken fears, tension, and underlying conflicts they faced daily.
Their days had been spent creating coalitions, going over the ongoing investigation into Javier’s death, and planning the coronation which would occur in less than two weeks. But their nights had been filled with more exciting, sexy make-out sessions. Santiago had a lot of interesting ways to get them off without going all the way. And all the sex along with the ongoing tenderness and respect he gave her when they worked together muddied her thinking, making her like him a lot.
Not only did she like him, she loved spending time with him. Glancing his way, she drank in the perfect way his white linen shirt caressed his broad back and shoulders. His bronzed skin stood in stark contrast to the fabric which only made him more irresistible. Her mouth watered and her fingers ached with the need to touch. She wanted to lick every inch of him, taste him, slip the shirt from his back and slide her hands down his torso.
Ilsa swallowed hard and glanced back at the waves lapping the shoreline as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Ahead, an enormous cabana came into view with gold and white striped luxurious fabric walls draping from a central pavilion roof. A retractable awning over the open side faced the Mediterranean’s shoreline.
A tiny shiver of excitement traveled along her nerves. “What’s all this about?” she said, halting in her tracks, then shooting the high bluff another look. Armed guards watched over them from afar and the castle’s golden towers gleamed bright in the brilliant azure sky.
He brought her into the circle of his arms. “We couldn’t go on a honeymoon so I brought the honeymoon to you.”
Her heart skittered in her chest. He had done it again. Charmed her with his thoughtfulness. He’d gone to great lengths to create a special experience for her. And him. After all, she’d discovered he had exotic tastes in the bedroom. And she did too, but… “I love it.” She stood on her tiptoes to brush her lips against his. “But won’t everyone you know… know…”
“Sí.” He nipped her lower lip and released it with a pop. “But who cares? We’re married. We can do whatever the hell we want when we want to… you do want to, right?”
His voice sounded like decadent hot chocolate sauce and his erection pressed into her groin. Heat pooled between her legs, making her wet. For him. Always. He could read a recipe aloud with his deep accented voice and she’d probably come instantly.
She moved into his embrace and held onto his neck. “Oh, I want to more than you can possibly know.”
“Oh, I know.” He locked his espresso eyes on hers. “Your body tells me how much every time we’re together.” Santiago stroked down the length of her back and cupped her ass, pulling her into him.
Time slowed to a standstill. His gaze dropped to her lips and everything inside her thrummed in anticipation when his cock’s hard ridge slid against her. He
r clit throbbed and her panties grew even wetter. Electricity pulsed from her core and streaked along her nerve endings. Her nipples pebbled into taut points.
“So does yours,” she whispered against his mouth, darting her tongue out to skim the seam. “It’s about time I gave you what you want… and deserve.” He’d been so patient. So incredibly sensual and always putting her needs before his. And he never had to do this for her. He could have been a jerk about all of it, but he’d been honorable.
And still super sexy.
Her lingering doubts about why he’d gone out of his way to seduce her ebbed away with the waves receding back to the azure Mediterranean Sea.
“Dios, preciosa. Te quiero. I want you.” He lifted her, shifting her until he held her legs and cradled her in his arms. “I can’t wait another day to have you, let alone another minute.”
Her heart skipped several beats. “Me either,” she said, kissing him while brushing her breasts against his powerful chest as he carried her to the cabana.
They crossed the threshold, stepping inside the gorgeous interior where he lowered her to a plush king-sized lounger topped with multicolored cushions. “You sure don’t go halfway when you plan a honeymoon night,” she said as he lay beside her and drew her into his arms.
“Querida.” Santiago kissed her cheeks and cruised his lips to within a millimeter of hers. “You should know by now I never give less than 100 percent.” His mouth hovered over hers, the warmth of his breath teasing her with an invisible touch.
Tenderness underscored his confident words. Her pulse quickened, jumped in her throat and she closed her eyes for an instant, savoring the moment even as emotion tangled her tongue. Never had she experienced such complete adoration and acceptance.
Santiago cared about her as a woman, not just as a means to an end.
Her throat ached and her vision blurred. The rest of her doubts floated away in the breeze. “You’re a good man, Santiago. So much more compassionate and invested in the lives of others than people have given you credit for in the past.” Her voice cracked, and she feathered her fingers over his jaw. “I want to be with you in every way. As your queen, as your wife, and as your lover.”
His gleaming gaze held hers for what seemed an eternity. Heat mingled with a softer inner glow. “Eres mia, mi reina preciosa, mi mujer… mi amor.” His voice cracked with emotion. “My sweet Ilsa, you’re mine. And I’ll be yours. Always.”
With every pulse beat, another piece of her heart yielded to his promise and words of love. The trust and acceptance she longed for her entire life reflected in the depths of his eyes. What kind of woman would she become with this man’s commitment to her? How much would she change if she fought for them to have a marriage filled with love for one another?
She didn’t know. But she couldn’t go back to the woman she’d been before she married Santiago. “I want to believe you,” she whispered. Oh, how her heart yearned for the vows they gave each other to become real between them.
Santiago didn’t hesitate in giving his reply. “Believe me,” he said, then closed the scant distance between them and sealed his lips to hers.
He teased her mouth with his tongue, parting hers and she welcomed him, tasting him inside as if kissing him for the first time. The sounds of waves and birds calling in the distance and the cabana’s cocooning fabric walls rustling in the breeze evaporated as he claimed her, increasing the intensity with each hungry stroke.
She savored the sensation of his deepening kiss, loving the possessive glide of his tongue alongside hers. Loving the tenderness in his seeking lips. And loving the slowly building tingles of desire licking along her nerves, making her hot, wet, ready for him.
Ilsa arched her back, moving her body against him, wanting and seeking more. Seeking everything he had and losing herself to the sensation of being truly loved by a man. Maybe even loving him in return. Just a little. Not a lot.
* * *
Santiago wanted to take Ilsa now… hell, his cock completely agreed, especially when she met him stroke for stroke, deepening her kiss. But he hadn’t waited this long to rush into making love with her. He wanted to romance her, show her how much he cared for her and maybe he’d have a wife who loved him as a man, not as a future king she’d been obligated to marry.
“Mi amor.” Santiago wrenched his mouth from hers, then lowered his forehead to hers. “Do you trust me?” Even more, did he trust himself to live up to her expectations of him?
Ilsa held his gaze and an inner glow shined in her aquamarine eyes. She pressed her hand against his chest over where his pounding heart drummed against his ribcage. A soft smile played on her luscious lips, added heat to her rosy cheeks. Everything in her beautiful face reflected more than trust… more than attraction or lust… something close to love mirrored in them.
His pulse slowed. Each beat a yearning to bring out the look shining in her face to life again and again. For hers was a look he’d rarely seen in all the years he’d lived. And he’d do anything to have her look at him like that for the rest of his days.
“Yes,” she said. “Trust you? Always.”
“Bueno.” He brushed his lips against hers once more, then rolled away and stood.
“Where are you going?” She scooted to sit up. “Aren’t you going to…” her voice trailed off.
Her high breasts rose and fell quickly, the tips of her nipples poked against her dress’s bodice. Damn. Her taut buds begged for his mouth to suck and tease them.
His blood ran south and his cock grew harder. “Oh, we are,” he said. “But we’ve got all night. No reason to rush things, is there?” He loved knowing when they did go all the way for the first time she’d become a wild seductive sexy woman. For him. And him alone.
“Not at all.” Ilsa gestured toward the table and matching chairs near the front of the cabana where the champagne rested in a silver ice bucket and a platter of succulent fruit, Valdorian cheeses and other delicacies had been placed. “Why don’t we start this honeymoon again by toasting our marriage and enjoying the food you arranged to have delivered?”
“Excelente idea,” he said, unable to tear his hungry gaze from her aroused body. He didn’t want food. He wanted her. The idea of combining both shot a bolt of electricity through him. “Stay here. I’ll get everything and bring it to the lounge.”
“Santiago, what are you up to now?”
Her voice carried a hint of warning, but he heard the anticipation beneath the tone. “Something fun.” Fun and erotic as hell. “Get comfortable. I won’t be long.” He couldn’t wait to tease her senseless.
By the time he’d made the two trips necessary to bring the platter, champagne and flutes to Ilsa, she’d removed her dress, bra and panties.
His cock strained for release. “I said get comfortable, not naked.” Not that he minded. No. Not one bit. But how the hell could he take it slow now?
“You said we were going to do something fun.” She reached for a slice of ripe peach. “I assumed nakedness was part of the package.” Ilsa bit half off and sucked the juice from her fingertips.
All the blood in his body ran south. “Then I’d better get naked with you.”
“After you pop the champagne and pour us some,” she said. “We’re going to do this honeymoon right.” She popped the rest of the peach into her mouth and licked her lips.
His ears thundered and his cock head pulsed. Dios. He wanted to toss the fucking fruit aside and take her now, but he’d promised a night to remember. And that’s what he’d give her.
And himself too.
“Whatever you want.” Deftly, he popped the champagne cork and poured it into two flutes, then gave her one, tracing his fingers over hers. “Give me a second.” He set his flute on the table next to the lounger and undressed.
His cock sprang out, pre-cum pearling in the slit at the end. “I want you, Ilsa.” He sat next to her. “My entire body is so fucking turned on right now.”
Her pulse fluttered wildly in the
hollow of her throat. And the tips of her breasts elongated. He could smell the scent of her arousal and couldn’t wait to taste her, then take her completely.
He raised his glass. “To us.”
“To us.” She clinked hers against his with a trembling hand. “And to our happiness.”
They drank in unison while Santiago draped his arm around her slim shoulders to trace lazy circles over her bare skin. Tiny goose bumps raised, and some of her champagne spilled onto his groin. He downed the rest of his fast, eager to get her to the point of no return.
He slid his hand down her arm and skimmed his fingers over her nipples, teasing them into tighter points. “You want a strawberry?” he asked, placing his empty glass on the table next to him.
She wiggled beside him, arching her back to give him greater access to her sensitive breasts. “Yes… please.”
He stopped teasing them long enough to lift a large strawberry from the platter. “Here.” Santiago held the mouthwatering fruit to her, outlining her lips with the succulent fruit. “Take a bite.” He caressed her breasts with his free hand and moved his hips closer to hers to slide his dick against her smooth skin.
She complied, biting into the strawberry and licking his finger, sucking the tip in with the fruit. “Tastes fantastic,” she said after swallowing the morsel.
Some of the berry’s juice lingered on her mouth. Santiago leaned over and licked the essence from her plump lower lip. “You taste better.” He popped the rest of the strawberry into his mouth. “I love licking every delicious inch of your body, Ilsa, making you wet all over… especially your pussy.”
She moved one leg up and let it fall over his thighs, spreading herself open. A telltale sign he’d aroused her with his dirty words. “Then do it… make me wet all over.” Ilsa clasped his cock and stroked the length.
Her musky arousal mingled with the delicious aromas of chocolate, savory cheeses, sweet strawberries, ripe peach slices, and citrus. “You’ll be soaked by the time I’m finished.” He lifted another strawberry and bit into it, then drew a line from her delicious lips all the way down to her belly button.
Wrong Prince, Right Lover Page 6