“I wasn’t the king then, and didn’t think I ever would be.”
“I don’t see the difference.” She tilted her head. “You made the generous act of donating your DNA—for a small fee—and I made the choice to buy it. Why does it matter if you’re the king or just some bored teenager with a grudge against his family.”
“Because as king my children inherit the throne of Montmajor.”
“As you’ve pointed out, that can happen anyway. Wave your magic wand and change whatever laws you need to.” Speaking to him like this was liberating. Now that they were out of the castle—his domain—she felt freer and able to be irreverent and argumentative in a way that she couldn’t while she was his guest.
“If people knew they’d be shocked.”
“So shock them.” She smiled sweetly. “I never intended to conceal the truth when I made a choice to use a sperm bank. I don’t think it’s any different than adopting, you’re just doing it at an earlier stage of life.”
“You’re saying I put my sperm up for adoption?” Vasco squinted in the sun.
“Exactly. Nothing embarrassing about it.”
He snorted. “I’m ashamed of doing it. I was young and stupid.”
“But if you hadn’t done it, Nicky wouldn’t exist.”
“True, and I’ll always be grateful for him, but…” He turned and stared into the distance for a moment.
“But you’d rather have people think he was conceived during a moment of breathless passion.” She narrowed her eyes.
His dimples reappeared and that infuriating twinkle lit his eyes. “Exactly.” He walked toward her, and she crossed her arms and braced herself against the appeal of his outstretched hands.
“How come there isn’t a male word for mistress? It doesn’t seem fair that I get to be the naughty one in everyone’s eyes. I could tell the papers you’re my royal boy toy.”
He laughed. “Go right ahead. Happy to oblige. Now if you’ll just invite me inside…” He stepped closer, until his warm, intoxicating scent crept into her nose.
“No, thanks. I have books to restore.”
“Including the ones at my library. Surely you haven’t abandoned your duties?”
“I’d be happy to continue my work once relations between us are settled.” Ack. That sounded like another ultimatum. At least she knew he’d never agree to anything just to get his books restored. He wasn’t that much of a bibliophile. Still this whole situation was mortifying.
“My aunts told me you’ll bring Nicky to spend the day with them.” His gaze softened. He looked almost apprehensive, if such a thing was possible.
“I will. I have. I don’t want to take Nicky away from you. That’s why I’m still in Montmajor. I can see that this is his home and he loves it here.”
“And you?” Again, his eyes shone with something different from their usual mischievous sparkle.
“I love it here, too.” Her heart ached.
I love you, too. But he knew that already. It didn’t matter. He knew she’d drop everything and rush back to the palace to marry him if he offered. But he didn’t want that.
“So you’re staying.” He shifted his weight, arms hanging by his sides, but with tension in them as if he wanted to reach out and hold her there.
“I’m staying, but on my own terms. If I’m going to live here I’ll have to build a life that suits me. I’ve been a guest in your house for long enough. Lovely as it is, it’s not my home.”
“Nor is Castell Blanc.” He gestured at the big house behind her.
“No, but it’s a good place to stay while I figure out my long-term plan. I need to settle in and assess my employment prospects and what kind of house I can afford.”
Vasco laughed. “You have the coffers of Montmajor at your disposal and you’re worried about finding a job?”
She wrapped her arms around herself. “My independence is important to me. I don’t want to be a kept woman.”
He frowned. It was clear he had trouble understanding her point of view at all, which was exactly why she needed to keep distance between them. She suspected that under his thoughtful exterior he was just waiting for another opportunity to seduce her back to his lotus-eating isle of pleasure where she didn’t care about the future but only the blissful present.
Which would undoubtedly happen if she let him get too close.
“Stella.” He said her name softly. His gaze rested on hers for a long moment that made her breathing shallow. She had the feeling he was about to say something powerful and important. Maybe he would ask her to marry him? Her heart quickened and she felt blood rise to her face.
How quickly that would solve everything. She could accept his offer and return right home with him. Oscar Mayoral wouldn’t mind very much if his books didn’t get restored, at least not right away. They’d been in the same condition for at least two hundred years, so what was another year or two?
Vasco still hadn’t said anything. Emotion passed over his face, deepening a tiny groove between his brows. His mouth twitched slightly, which reminded her of how it felt pressed to hers. Her palms heated, itching to reach out and hold him.
“Come home with me now.” He stepped toward her until she could almost feel his body heat through her clothes. How easy it would have been to say yes.
But she stepped back. “Have you not been listening to me at all?” Tears hovered at the edges of her voice. “Next you’ll come out and issue a law that I have to come live with you at the palace. You can’t have things all your own way. I’ve been very obliging so far, in moving across the world with my son—who is probably standing in his crib wondering where I am right now—and settling into a brand-new country and culture. But I have my limits. You can’t just seduce me into fitting into your life on your terms twenty-four hours a day. I’m staying here and that’s final.”
Why did he not look more shocked? He seemed almost amused, as if he was contemplating her idea of enacting a law to keep her at his side. Anger fired her mind and body. “If you try any sneaky moves I’ll tell the press how Nicky was conceived.”
She watched his Adam’s apple move as he swallowed. “I’ll respect your wishes.” For now. The unspoken words hung between them. Vasco was not used to having his plans thwarted. She had a feeling he’d be back with some new scheme to wrap her up in his palace cocoon and keep her and Nicky there on his terms.
She’d have to be strong.
Which was so hard when she wanted nothing more than to run into Vasco’s warm embrace.
“Please leave. I need to check on Nicky and you can’t come in. I’ll bring him to the palace on Monday as usual.” She turned away, feeling rude and cruel even though she knew he deserved it.
She half expected to hear his footsteps behind her on the courtyard, but he didn’t move. Suddenly chilly, she ran up the steps and in through the door. She didn’t stop running until she got to Nicky’s bright bedroom on the second floor, to see him still peacefully asleep in the antique crib.
“Oh, Nicky.” Unable to resist, she picked him up and squeezed him. He snuffled and rubbed his eyes, not quite ready to wake up. “You’re the only man in my life who matters.” She held him close, his big head heavy on her shoulder, and his warm, sweet-smelling body filling her arms and soothing the tension in her limbs.
He was the reason she couldn’t stay at the palace as Vasco’s concubine. He was too young to understand now, but in only two or three years he’d know about moms and dads and marriages. She was well prepared to be a single mom. That she’d planned for and eagerly anticipated. But when her son asked why she and Daddy weren’t married, she wanted to be able to answer truthfully, and say it simply wasn’t meant to be, rather than still be sleeping in Vasco’s bed and hoping and praying that one day he’d finally ask her to be his bride.
She was cured of that kind of false hope. If a man wanted to marry a woman he came out and asked her. If he didn’t…well, then the woman moved on, no matter how hard it was to make that b
reak.
Eleven
“So you admit I was right.” Still astride his Yamaha, Tomy pulled off his helmet.
“About what?” Vasco removed his own helmet. Hot and sweaty, he didn’t feel any more relaxed after burning fuel up and down the Pyrenees all day.
“That your lady would want a ring on her finger.”
“You’re supposed to be taking my mind off the situation.” He shot his friend a scowl. The sun was high in the sky, scouring both them and the mountaintops with harsh light. Tomy’s blond hair stuck up in spikes.
“How does that help? The situation is still there when you go home.”
“I wish it was. I told you Stella moved out.” Just saying it out loud made him feel hollow inside. The palace seemed like the loneliest place on earth since she’d been gone.
“Are you just going to give up on her?”
Every nerve in Vasco’s body recoiled with a snap. “No way!”
Tomy laughed. “You are in love.”
“I have no idea what love is.” It couldn’t be this painful ache that haunted him every time he thought of Stella.
“Sure you do. It’s like the feeling you have for your Kawasaki.” He gestured at Vasco’s dark blue bike, which was covered in a thick layer of dust.
“I have three of these. And two Hondas and a Suzuki.”
“Okay, then the feeling you have for Montmajor.”
“That’s pride, and passion. And a whole bunch of stuff that’s probably twisted into my DNA. Not love.”
“Hmm.” Tomy’s mouth twisted with amusement. “Methinks he doth protest too much.”
“Lust, I know all about. That’s a powerful emotion.” It stirred inside him right now, as he let Stella’s face drift into his imagination. He wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms, kiss her…
“Lust is a sensation, not an emotion, so if you’re feeling it in your heart, it’s probably love.”
His heart just plain hurt. And talking about it made it worse. Usually he could count on Tomy to distract him from serious matters. “Are we really having this conversation?” He wiped a grimy sleeve across his face to mop up the sweat. “Because if we are I think some alien has seized my friend’s body and is holding him hostage somewhere.”
“Entirely possible.” Tomy glanced down at his big hand, sprinkled with pale hairs. “I hope the alien chicks are having fun with me.”
Vasco snorted. “See? What do you know about love? You’re with a different girl every time I see you.”
“And I love each and every one of them.” Tomy smiled and stared at the horizon. “Especially Felicia. I’m seeing her tonight.”
“You’re a bad influence.”
“I know. You shouldn’t associate with me.” Tomy drew a heart in the dust on his engine casing. “Something’s different since you met Stella.”
“Since I learned about Nicky, you mean.” Was that when everything changed? His life hadn’t been the same since he laid eyes on his son.
“That too. Stella and Nicky come as a package, but I can tell it’s not just the kid you’re crazy about.”
Vasco inhaled a long, deep draught of mountain air. Shame the air was hot, and somewhat smoky from a nearby fire. “Stella’s an amazing woman. She’s bright and funny and gorgeous. I love that she restores books and that she was prepared to do anything to fulfill her dream of having a child.”
“So marry her.”
“Marriage is the death of fun. Suddenly we’ll be bickering about palace protocol or what to have for dinner and everything will seem like a chore.”
“Says who? I can’t see you arguing with anyone about palace protocol.”
“This is an observation. Not just of my parents but other married couples both of their generation and ours. Once you marry, the relationship becomes a job.”
“They’re not you, Vasco. Even your job is play. Look at you, for crying out loud.” He gestured at Vasco seated on his bike high on a sunny hilltop. “You’re not only king of a small nation but you have a large stone mining company with offices on several continents. You manage to turn any work into play.”
“Or maybe I’ve figured out how to keep work where it belongs and play where it belongs.” That’s what he’d always told himself. Why didn’t it seem a satisfying answer anymore?
“Is that why you don’t ever have women in your bedroom?”
“I told you that?”
Tomy nodded. “You want to be able to skip off at a moment’s notice.”
“Exactly. See? Stella is better off without me.” Why hadn’t he invited her into his own room when he had the chance? Now his attempt to keep his life ordered and compartmentalized seemed petty and foolish.
“You might find you like waking up with her.”
Vasco shoved a hand through his damp hair. It certainly was hell spending all night alone and waking up without her. “I might.” Right now nothing seemed more appealing than the prospect of waking to Stella’s sweet face.
“So marry her.”
“But I know marriage will ruin everything.”
Tomy laughed, then shook his head. “Vasco, my friend, you’ve already ruined everything. She’s moved out and taken your son with her. How much worse can it get?”
“Good point.”
“Besides, you’re a king. If it doesn’t work out you can always lock her up in a tower and have some fresh maidens delivered.” Tomy’s eyes twinkled.
Vasco’s muscles tightened. This was no laughing matter. “If I wasn’t sitting on a bike I’d…”
“What?” Tomy climbed back astride his own bike. “How about you race me down to the river instead.”
Adrenaline surged through his veins. “You’re on.”
Vasco had paced the halls all night trying to decide if he should marry Stella. Whenever he decided “yes,” it felt strange and frightening—not feelings he had much acquaintance with.
Whenever he decided “no,” it felt wrong. The prospect of spending the next few decades without Stella in his bed, or at his dining room table, or by his side made his soul rattle.
Which meant he should do it.
But would she even say yes? He was pretty sure she had wanted to marry him. She’d even said as much. She was attracted to him, she seemed to like him a lot, and he was Nicky’s father.
On the other hand, he’d done enough wrong to drive her out of the palace and he’d come right out and said that he didn’t believe in marriage. Not very confidence-inspiring words for a potential fiancé.
The prospect of her rejection made him realize how much he desperately wanted her to say yes. Just think, she could be back in the palace by tomorrow night, with his ring on her finger and a smile on her lovely face as she climbed into his bed.
In his bedroom.
He marched through the palace, heels thundering over the stone. Dawn was just beginning to throw daggers of light onto the vast array of weapons in the armaments hall when he came up with his plan. He paused in front of the ornate armor that had recently encased Stella’s lovely body. Stella loved pageantry, all the old medieval stories of knights and maidens. He’d get dressed up as a knight and ride over to Castell Blanc, where he’d serenade her and ask for her hand.
How could she resist that?
There was no sign of Vasco that morning when Stella dropped Nicky off at the palace. Her son looked so happy to be back in the loving arms of his aunts, who had planned a picnic for him and a playdate with two children from the village. Still, she felt a little empty leaving the palace without even seeing him.
He must be angry that she wouldn’t come back and slot into the routine he’d planned, especially after her threat that she’d reveal the truth about how Nicky was conceived.
It was the truth, after all.
She left the palace feeling a little downcast, but determined to throw herself into her work and enjoy the sunny day. The car she drove belonged to Castell Blanc, and the owner had agreed to let her share it with the caretak
ers. It had turned out that neither of them could or would drive—they cycled into town for what minor supplies were needed—so it was hers alone. Everything was working out almost too well to be believed. She had a lovely, if temporary, home for her and Nicky, a job doing what she loved, and she could bring Nicky to see Vasco and his other relatives every day.
Yes, she felt a little empty inside, but that was just the wrench of leaving the only romantic relationship she’d ever really enjoyed, and because she didn’t have any other friends here. She’d been so wrapped up in Vasco she hadn’t bothered to make any. Now that she’d found her backbone and taken her life back, she resolved to join an evening class at the local school—there was one about Catalan poetry, and a series on sushi preparation—and get more settled into the local community. Sure, they might look at her strangely at first, but as long as she didn’t confirm or deny anything they’d soon realize she was a person, not a tabloid headline.
She bought a baguette in the bakery and some of the local cheese, along with some olives and salami, and made herself a pleasant brunch on the terrace outside Castell Blanc. After a cup of coffee she settled into the enjoyable work of restitching the worn binding of an eighteenth-century book about the Roman conquest of Europe.
It had not been easy for Vasco to squeeze himself into the largest suit of armor in the palace. People were a lot smaller back then. There was no way the leg pieces would fit, but he managed to buckle the breast piece and arms on loosely and jam his feet into the crazy metal shoes. The big problems started when the horse saw him.
“Tinto, it’s just me.” He clanked over the cobbles toward the terrified beast. “Your ancestors would think nothing of this getup.”
The pretty gray mare snorted and jerked her head up, eyes staring. The groom held tight to her bridle, but couldn’t keep her feet still. Vasco propped up the visor, and looked at her. “I need you to work with me, Tinto. I have a maiden to woo.”
The groom tried to disguise a grin.
Claiming His Royal Heir Page 13