Royally Protected (Protector's Promise Book 2)

by Holly Jaymes

  Now I walked over to it and saw that there were more than a dozen missed calls from the offices of my family. Most likely it was my father who had been trying to get in touch with me.

  I didn’t know if I felt relieved that he was finally willing to talk to me, or if I was more annoyed because now I would have to have a conversation with him.

  Either way, now that he had spent the whole morning trying to reach me I knew I had no choice but to speak with him before he sent the entire Royal Navy out to look for me.

  I had to brace myself for this conversation.

  I sat down again on a chair and placed a call. Of course, it wasn’t a direct line, it took a few moments, and the use of a few secret passwords before the call was finally put through to my father.

  He answered in his usual refined yet gruff voice. Even though he didn’t show it, I could sense he was alarmed that I hadn’t been answering his calls earlier.

  “I hear you are in America!” he thundered from across the seas. I knew it would only be a matter of time before he found out where I was.

  “Yes, I thought I needed some time to myself.”

  “From what? The mess that you have created for yourself?”

  It wasn’t very like my father to speak in this way. He was always reserved. He always kept himself at a distance from my brother and I while we were growing up. Our mother was the one who was the real warm parent. But since her passing, father had taken to dedicating his time more to hunting, horse riding and other sport. He didn’t have time to raise children.

  It was only now in his old age, since the birth of my nephews, that father seemed more inclined to become involved with the family. He was fond of my sister-in-law, Louisa, and showered my nephews with attention. With me, he took very little interest in my life or my future because he seemed to have washed his hands off me.

  It was only when I did something that caught his attention, something he knew he would have to reprimand me for on behalf of the whole country, that he actually even try and have a conversation with me.

  So I wasn’t expecting him to throw himself right into an argument the moment he answered the phone.

  “I wish I had the support of the family in this matter,” I replied after composing myself, and I heard him clear his throat loudly. Empty sentimentality was not going to work on him. I knew that already, but still I had to try.

  “You know we have to do something about this.”

  “Yes, I am aware of that. Have you brought in the big guns yet, father?”

  “This is not a joke, Sebastian!”

  He insisted on calling me by my full name, even though everyone else in the family and my closest friends called me Bas.

  “I am not making one. The fact that you finally decided to ring me after all these days of silence goes to show that you have some sort of a plan for me.”

  I heard father sighing.

  “Well, as you must realize for yourself, son, we cannot keep having you dragging the name of the royal family through the mud. The Queen has expressly asked that we put an end to this.”

  “An end to me?” I snapped. “Must I be hanged?”

  “An end to your behavior!” He growled. It was clear he was in no mood for a joke.

  “Does it matter that all those things being written about me in the media are lies? I never promised marriage to get her into my bed,” I said. To that, father just remained silent. Maybe he did have a point. What was the use now? It wasn’t like the public was going to believe me even if I kept repeating this fact over and over again. They were going to think whatever they wanted to, and whatever they read in their favorite magazines and blogs.

  “Our advisors have given us a solution, the best way out of this, and I am happy to confirm that the Queen and her offices approve of the plan too.”

  I didn’t like the sound of this.

  “What is the plan, father? Let’s hear it.”

  “At first glance, it might seem extreme, son, but you must trust us; it is for the best.”

  “What is the plan?” I growled into the phone now.

  “We all agree that you must announce your engagement to a suitable woman, someone the family approves. That way, if we can claim you were engaged to her for some time now, not only will the attention be drawn away from all this nastiness with the other woman, it will also prove that you couldn’t possibly have been involved with someone else.”

  Even though I was sitting, my feet felt wobbly as I heard my father speak. This was not the solution I was expecting. I would have expected even exile over something like this!

  They just wanted me to marry a woman I didn’t know just to save the family’s face?

  “Sebastian?” He said my name inquisitively because I hadn’t spoken in a while.

  “I’m afraid that will not be possible, father,” I began.

  “Why in the heavens not, Sebastian! The Queen…” I cut him off before he could continue.

  “It will not be possible because I am already engaged to somebody else,” I said, and I felt a huge weight land on my shoulders, pushing me down into the ground further and further like I was nothing.

  Chapter 13

  Ava

  I eventually made it back to the resort without having to call anyone for help. There was some time there back in the woods when I didn’t think I was going to make it out. My head was all warped after what happened with Bas, I had lost all sense of direction. I thought I would have to call Siera and ask her to come to get me if she could find me at all.

  But somehow, I had managed to make it back on the right path, and then I was running to the resort, running up the stairs before anyone stopped me and tried to make small talk. Then finally I was in my room, feeling breathless and like everything was falling apart.

  I had come here to find some peace, to be able to make some big life decisions, to finally find myself, and instead, I’d dug myself deeper into a hole of misery.

  Admiring Bas from a distance had been exciting, maybe even a little bit fun because of how charming he was. But now we had taken it too far. Sleeping with him, experiencing what it would be like to actually have him was a mistake. Now I wanted him, really wanted him and I knew I couldn’t have him.

  So the only thing I was feeling now was a deep sense of loss. He wanted us to stay out of each other’s way. He was going to keep it casual. He thought we were on the same page!

  I knew I wouldn’t be able to bear it.

  I knew I had to get out of here.

  I ran to the big elaborate wardrobes in the room, and I started packing. The only thing to do right now would be to get out. I had to leave this place before things got any worse.

  Yes, when Bas and I last spoke, we decided to keep it simple. I told him he didn’t have to leave just for my sake, but now I knew it was the most sensible thing to do.

  I carried my bags to my bed, beginning to stuff all my clothes in without thinking. I could feel this pressure rising in my chest like I knew the moment I stepped out of this place I would feel deep sadness knowing I would never see this man in person again.

  I felt something real with him, no matter how short-lived it was. I couldn’t control this rising sensation. I knew I had to put an end to it before it went completely out of hand.

  Then there was a sharp rap on my door, and I looked up with a gasp. Was it Siera? Had she seen me running up the stairs and got worried?

  Zipping up one of the bags, I slowly made my way to the door. Gingerly, I opened it and peeked outside. It wasn’t Siera, it was Bas standing on the other side, with one unruly blond curl falling boyishly over his forehead. His blue eyes sparkling wildly.

  “Hi,” he said. He hadn’t changed out of his clothes from earlier either. I wasn’t expecting to see him. I thought we were going to keep out of each other’s way?

  “Hi,” I said in a low voice.

  “Can I come in?” Bas asked. He wasn’t being forceful, it was a genuine request. I got the feeling that he had so
mething important he wanted to say to me. My heart was thudding in my chest. I hoped I wouldn’t have to see him again because I needed to save myself.

  I stepped aside, letting him through the door, and then he shut it quickly behind him. Clearly, he didn’t want his staff to find out about his whereabouts.

  “You going somewhere?” He spotted my packed bags on the bed right away. I tucked some hair behind my ears nervously and walked around to another side of the room, just to put some distance between us.

  “I’ve decided I should leave. I think it would be for the best, the less we associated with each other,” I replied. Why was he here? So close to me? Alone! I wanted to throw myself at him and push him out of the room at the same time.

  Bas looked away from the things on my bed to my face now. I couldn’t stand the sight of those blue eyes boring into me. I felt almost like I was under attack. I had to look away, so I looked down at my feet.

  “I know what happened between us has made you uncomfortable. I’m sorry for putting you in this position.”

  I looked up at him with a jerk.

  “Once again, Bas, I would like to remind you that two of us were involved. You didn’t put me in any position. I chose it for myself.”

  We stared at each other in silence for a few moments. He was studying me, and I was watching him. What more could he possibly have to say to me?

  Bas breathed in deeply, squaring his shoulders, and then took a step towards me.

  “If we can just set aside that fact for a moment here. The fact that we did something we should not have done. I just wanted to tell you that I feel this deep connection with you, Ava. I feel like I’ve known you a long time.”

  I gulped. I couldn’t believe he was actually saying this. I felt it too! All I could do was nod my head.

  “And somehow, I feel like you are the only person who can help me now,” he continued and my brows furrowed.

  “You need my help?”

  Bas took another few steps towards me.

  “I’m afraid so, but you are of course, always free to say no, take those bags to the lobby and just leave.”

  I couldn’t look away from him now. I couldn’t imagine what he would need my help for.

  “Okay…” my voice trailed, and Bas came closer. He was standing directly in front of me. I had to tilt my head back a little to look up at him.

  “I spoke to my father. They, by which I mean the advisors of the royal family, have come up with a plan to get me out of this scandal and restore the public’s faith in the family again.”

  I was staring at him in anticipation. Why was he telling me all this? Bas continued. He knew I would not have anything more to say.

  “They want to announce my engagement with someone suitable. It would probably be some girl from another royal family or the daughter of an Earl or a country nobleman no doubt. They want me to marry a woman who will make the people of my country feel good about us again, dispel all those rumors about me…”

  I was shaking my head in confusion. This was the last thing I wanted to hear! Why would I want to know this? Bas was going to be married, soon most probably, in the middle of me feeling this way…

  “Why are you telling me this?” I snapped, and Bas searched my eyes.

  “Because I told my father they don’t have to look for someone, I’m already engaged to somebody.”

  None of this was making sense.

  “I told them I’m engaged to you.”

  My hands dropped down to my stomach. I thought I was going to be sick.

  “You…”

  “Yes, that is what I told my father. You were the only person who came to mind at that moment. You are someone I trust, and someone I actually feel a connection with.”

  “You…you want us to get married?” I felt choked up with fright and shock. He didn’t actually mean this…

  “I just want you to pretend to be engaged to me, just for some time, till all the publicity surrounding the scandal dies down. After that, we can end it, we can make up some excuse as to why it didn’t work out. I think it might be good for you too. You have found it hard to trust anyone, and I think you said that it sometimes makes you feel unsafe. My bodyguards and staff can keep you protected."

  Bas was searching my eyes in all earnestness, looking for an answer.

  I would have to be completely insane to accept an offer like this! I would be crazy to pretend to be his fiancé when I actually had feelings for him. What would happen to me after our fake engagement was broken off? How long was the paparazzi going to feed off this story? I wanted to step away from the limelight, not dig myself deeper into it! But, it would be nice to feel safe and protected for a while longer.

  “Ava, I know this is a lot to ask, and again, you can just say no and walk away. But I knew I had to at least ask you if there was even the slightest chance that you might agree,” Bas continued.

  I didn’t know if I would even find a voice to say anything, but then eventually I did.

  “Okay,” I croaked. “I’ll do it.”

  Chapter 14

  Sebastian

  I didn’t think she would say yes to my preposterous plan!

  When she first said she would do it, I just stared at her blankly like I hadn’t heard her right. Ava just stared back at me, willing me to say something more.

  My first instinct was to reach for her, hug her, and kiss her! But I knew I needed to keep my distance. I knew her intimately, she had just agreed to act as my fiancé, but that did not mean I could get close to her. In fact, the only way this arrangement was really going to work was if we stayed true to our roles.

  “Are you serious about this?” I asked her, still in utter disbelief and Ava nodded, looking nervously about her.

  “Well, I’m not exactly sure about what to do or what’s going to happen, but if it really means this much to you…”

  I knew it! I knew it from the first moment I saw her that she had a kind soul.

  “Thank you, Ava! I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you!” I was beaming now, teetering on the edge again, trying to hold myself back from pulling her into my arms. Ava breathed in, brushing her hand nervously on her stomach.

  “I can’t even imagine why you would do something like this for me!”

  “I know what it feels like to be persecuted by the media and by your own family,” she remarked, refusing to meet my eyes. I forgot that we probably shared a lot of the same life experiences, even though they might have been of a slightly different flavor.

  “And I’m going to try my level best to keep it out of the media,” I said.

  “How is that going to work? Isn’t that the whole point? To shut up the tabloids?”

  “Yes, but more importantly, I just want to calm down my family and make the Queen stop breathing down my father’s neck. She and her advisors are the ones forcing him to make radical decisions for me.”

  Ava nodded and licked her lips nervously.

  “So, now what?” she asked.

  I knew she wasn’t going to particularly like the answer to that question.

  “I need to introduce you to the family,” I replied. Ava’s hand flew up to her mouth.

  “You want me to fly to England?”

  “No, we agreed that we need to keep this visit discreet, so they will be flying here. I’m going to speak to Siera and Ivan so they can make the arrangements. They want to meet you so they can give you the seal of approval.”

  Ava turned from me, slowly walking over to her bed, hovering on the side. It seemed like she didn’t know what to do like she was lost and confused.

  “You don’t have to do this. I can still cancel everything.”

  She had her hands clasped together. She was winding her fingers together. I watched as she shook her head, still refusing to look at me.

  “It’s fine. I’m an actress, remember?” She glanced at me then, presenting me with one of her graceful soft smiles. I knew I felt something every time she looked at me like
that, but I needed to keep my mouth shut about it. Things were too complicated between us as it was already.

  Under any other situation, if the two of us were alone like this in her room, this close to her bed, there were a lot of other things we would probably be doing besides talking.

  I smiled at her too and nodded.

  “And an excellent one at that!”

  Ava turned to me fully now and shrugged her shoulders.

  “Like you said, it would be over soon, and you’re right, I felt a connection with you too. I want to help you.”

  “Thank you.”

  She smiled again, just for a moment and then it was gone.

  “I promise that I am going to do everything I can to help restore you to your normal life in just a few weeks before my family decides to make any kind of public statement. Our fake break-up might get them to leave me alone in peace. I’ll nurse a broken heart, and hopefully, the Queen will sympathize,” I said, and Ava nodded.

  “Okay, let's try this for a few weeks,” she replied, and I moved closer to her. I didn’t want to spook her. I also didn't want her thinking it was about sex. Instead, I held my hand out, and she shook it gently.

  “I don’t expect you to share a room with me. We can keep this clean and civilized,” I told her. I was looking down at her now, and her lips parted a little. I would have liked to share a room with her, but that would just be pushing it. I needed her to be comfortable, to carry out this project well.

  Her cheeks flushed in that way I adored.

  “Okay, good,” she said instead while we were searching each other’s eyes.

  “I guess I should start unpacking then.”

  “Yes, I guess you should.”

  Neither of us were making a move. Our bodies were so close together now.

  “When are they arriving?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “Good. So it will all be over soon,” she said. I was about to lean in, I was about to lose control, but Ava stepped away from me and turned to her bags on the bed.