Forbidden Earl

by Pinder, Victoria

  Chelsea, classic even in a spa robe, crossed her ankles. “My sister must have needed a lot of your time—but you’ve done it. She reminds me of our mom years ago when she modeled back in California.”

  Cold raced through her as she met her sister’s defiant stare. “I’m not like her.”

  Chelsea motioned for her to turn around. “Check yourself in the mirror, sis. I have dad’s lighter tones, but you’re the spitting image of Mom in her heyday.”

  Their mother had been a fashion model and in high demand when they were young, but she’d also wasted money like it was water. All her years of study and hard work was to prove to herself that she’d not turn out half as frivolous. Cassidy’s insides tightened. “Mom is sweet but she’s not always logical.”

  “Which is why I was late this morning, sis. Mom couldn’t decide on her outfit and needed my help. I’ll meet you at the church, okay?”

  “That’s fine, Chelsea. I can get dressed on my own.”

  Michael brushed her arm and said in a soothing tone, “Don’t let anything get to you Cassidy. Today is your day.” He sniffed toward Chelsea, who ignored him.

  Good point. She took one last glance in the mirror. Her hair and makeup made her look beautiful, but the white button down shirt and gray sweat shorts she’d borrowed from Remy’s closet were hardly bridal. “I have to get back and change. The tailor is waiting to see if I need last minute adjustments and I don’t want to be too late.”

  Michael stopped her and tucked a piece of her hair just so. “Relax. Let me fix this loose pearl.”

  The second he was done, she said, “I have to go.”

  He walked her to the door while her sister stayed in her stylist’s chair getting her hair finished. “You look perfect. Congratulations and don’t let anyone steal your happiness, darling. You deserve everything. Don’t let the tailor touch anything near your face and ruin my hard work.”

  She raised her right hand and swore like she was a Girl Scout. “I won’t. I’ll still see you at the church for touch ups?”

  He air kissed her cheeks. “Absolutely.”

  She laughed and called out, “Thanks Michael. See you at the church too, Chelsea.”

  “Bye, sis.” Chelsea didn’t bother turning around.

  The limo waited out front of the palace and she slipped in the backseat. She drank some water as they pulled away from the castle, then opened her phone and texted Remy. I can’t wait for later, Remy.

  The signal that he typed back was on her screen, then the familiar beep. She laughed and read, I’m already at the church. I told you that you’d be late.

  See you soon, Mr. Know-it-all. Is Gigi there yet? Even if she was a few minutes late, they’d never start without her—Gigi was coming with two of her doctors to make sure she had the best care.

  No. Remy answered fast.

  Good. A smirk grew on her face as they took a back road that led right to the Bei Garden Manor. So I’m still running on time.

  Remy typed and a thrill raced through her spine and body. He then said, I need to see you. Get here so I can see your smile.

  She held the phone to her heart and closed her eyes.

  Today was just going to be awesome.

  Then a huge bang jolted her from the backseat and she landed on the floor of the limo as the vehicle jerked to a stop. What other car was even on this road? Cassidy patted her arms and legs down, then gently went over her loops of hair, and last her forehead. She felt okay and hoped she hadn’t ruined Michael’s hours of work. Where was her phone? Smoke filled the backseat.

  She crawled up and opened the partition and saw the driver slumped over the wheel. A white SUV with a plow on the front had lodged itself in the limo’s engine. “Hey!” Cassidy shook the man’s arm and noticed blood on his forehead. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”

  Her rear door opened and Cassidy turned toward the afternoon sun. “We have to get help.” The driver had looked bad.

  She slipped out of the car, giving one last look in the smoke-filled backseat for her phone before turning toward a familiar beautiful tall blonde who said, “Cassidy Bright.”

  “Lucinda.” Cassidy’s mind cleared. Remy’s ex shouldn’t be here. Had she been driving the SUV? She ignored the alarm ratcheting in her body and pointed to the front seat. “My driver’s unconscious. I lost my phone in the wreck.” She waved away the smoke curling from the limo. “Please call for an ambulance.”

  “I can’t do that,” Lucinda said as she slipped her hands out of the front pockets of her designer blue jeans.

  “Why not?” Everybody had a phone—maybe the driver had one in a pocket—she needed to pull him from the smoky limo anyway.

  Lucinda came from behind and wrapped her forearm around Cassidy’s neck. “Because you’re supposed to be unconscious too.”

  Her heart raced. Icicles formed in her veins as she realized the danger she was in. Was this a kidnapping? She never should have turned her back on the woman. Cassidy tugged on the supermodel’s arm. “What are you doing?” The hold tightened.

  Lucinda dragged her back a few steps, but then stopped suddenly. Her voice was cold and hard. “You’re not getting married today. I won’t lose my chance at Remington Burke’s fortune because he chose a mouse like you.”

  “Let me go…” Cassidy said but then she felt a pinch in her neck. A needle?

  Numbness took over her limbs as Lucinda dragged her toward the white SUV. “You won’t remember a thing.”

  Remy. I need you. She couldn’t speak. Everything grew dark and black. This wasn’t supposed to be the end. She’d lost.

  Chapter 13

  Remington Burke felt like a new man as he entered the church partially filled with guests—about two hundred so far—they expected to double that number. The world had seemed sweeter all morning. Even after Cassidy left for the palace to get her hair done, the sheets still smelled like her.

  Last night replayed in his mind. Cassidy’s light touch against his hard body, her heated kiss. She made him feel whole in a way no other woman ever had. Cassidy was the only woman who’d ever made him whistle along as the birds chirped.

  And today was their wedding.

  He wondered just what Cassidy would look like in her white gown. What style had she chosen for her vows? She’d hidden a sensual femininity behind her waves of hair that he’d discovered last night and couldn’t wait to visit again.

  He walked to the groom’s area and Blackwell stood, already dressed in his black tux as the best man.

  “Hey,” he said.

  “Nice moves on the dance floor last night, Remington. You seemed very happy.”

  “I was.” How could he describe it himself? “I am.” He’d never been more sure of any woman or life choice.

  “I know.” Blackwell shrugged and grinned and no more words were needed. He glanced out the window and saw his limo arriving. “The doctors are here with Gigi.”

  He turned to leave, but Blackwell joined him. “I’ll come and help if I can. How is she?”

  “You’ll see—she’s better.” The doctors would care for his grandmother to make sure she didn’t over exert herself; Cassidy and Grannie were all he had and he needed them both safe and sound.

  Grannie stepped out of the limo dressed in a yellow chiffon gown that made her seem stately. She refused to lean on anyone but Remy opened his arms and gave her a gentle hug. “Grannie, you look amazing.”

  She stepped back and gave him the “don’t argue with me” look. “I’m going to sit in the front row and stand up for family pictures.” She traced his cheek with a lace-gloved hand. “You’re my only family, Remington.”

  He walked beside her, admiring her pride. “Then let’s get you there.”

  The doctors and Blackwell followed. Grannie waved like she was the Queen of Avce herself as she walked the aisle and took the front seat. If she was healthier, Blackwell would have walked with her during the wedding ceremony, but her being here was enough.

  As
Grannie sat, she said, “Blackwell, take care of my boy until Cassidy gets here.”

  “I will, Gigi.” Blackwell patted him on the back.

  She nodded like she was a general in charge of unruly soldiers but smiled at them both, clearly happy. “Good boy. Marriage looks good on you.”

  Blackwell knelt down and said quietly, “You seem much better than the last time I saw you.”

  Remy hoped his Grannie lived fifty more years, but he refused to say that out loud.

  Grannie made a hmm sound. “We’ll see. The doctors don’t want me to hope, but I’m excited for today.” Dr. Marsden and Dr. Harper each took a seat.

  Another car arrived outside the front door, and the crowd whispered. Blackwell stood next to him and said, “It sounds like Cassidy’s limo is arriving. We should head back and wait—you don’t want to jinx anything.”

  Now was not the time to see Cassidy. He followed Blackwell to the groom’s room, thinking of where he could take her for their honeymoon. She deserved the best. His best man closed the door and Remy said, “Blackwell, thanks for being here today and keeping me on schedule.”

  Blackwell poured them both a glass of champagne from the table on the back wall and handed him a glass. “No problem.” They drank. “So, you and Cassidy seemed like far more than a business deal on that dance floor—everybody talked about it after you left early.”

  Kissing his wife in public would be on his list of things to do until people weren’t shocked. Cassidy might not like the plan, but then again as her kiss replayed in his mind, she might. He kept that to himself, but he felt hot under his collar. “She’s always been a friend.”

  Blackwell laughed and sipped his champagne. “That looked like more. Donna wants you and Cassidy to fall in love.”

  He shook his head, though he had a smile on his face. “Married for less than a day and you’re already talking about love.”

  Blackwell’s eyes widened a little. “You and Cassidy haven’t discussed it yet?”

  His ear itched so he tugged it and avoided his friend’s gaze. “No. We’re busy figuring out how to live together for the rest of our lives.”

  Someone banged on the door.

  Remy set his flute aside, immediately alert.

  “Hold on.” Blackwell put his glass down and answered it. He then met his gaze but held the door. “It’s Chelsea.”

  “What does she want? Where is Cassidy?”

  “Cassidy’s not here,” Chelsea informed them from the threshold in her ice blue bridesmaid dress and updo that made her look like an icicle.

  His heart nearly stopped. She said she’d be here. When she left this morning, she’d been happy. Last night he’d worried about her sister. Remy opened the door wide and stared at her blonde, blue-eyed deceitful sister as he called Cassidy on her phone. “What do you mean she’s not here? Where is she?” It went to voice mail and he hung up, then told them both, “She’s not answering her phone. What happened, Chelsea?”

  Blackwell walked out of the room without a word to either of them. Remy’d ask why later.

  Chelsea’s blue eyes grew wider. “She said she was scared and didn’t want to be Countess Sky.”

  No. His entire body was cold, but he crossed his arms and stared down at her. “Impossible. She was worried you’d try to stop this wedding.”

  “Me?” Her hands went to her chest in shocked innocence. His gut refused to believe her.

  “Where is she now?”

  “I guess she left.” Chelsea backed up.

  His gaze narrowed. “Where?”

  “I don’t know.” She took another step backward.

  Blackwell entered the groom’s waiting area with Gigi, Lord Paston and Cassidy’s mother, Francesca, with him. His friend had gone to get the troops. Now they all surrounded Chelsea from behind as Blackwell said, “In case we need to act.”

  “Thanks, Blackwell.” Remington brought Grannie to his side. “Chelsea is telling me Cassidy left because she didn’t want to be a countess—I don’t believe her. Cassidy worried her sister would interfere with our wedding.”

  Francesca pressed her lips together and played with her necklace while she stared at her daughter, but then she nodded. “Cassidy told me the same thing yesterday morning. She was worried Chelsea might do something.”

  Chelsea spun around and her voice rose. “Mother.”

  Grannie pulled her accusing stare from Francesca and took his hands. Her voice was soft but firm as she said, “Look, Cassidy already signed the legal documents. She even signed the proxy statement, which means anyone in the family can say I do for her and it will be legally binding.”

  His mind didn’t wrap around her suggestion. Remington needed to find Cassidy, right now. “What are you talking about?”

  She reached up and brushed his cheek. “Remy, listen to me. You have to marry in weeks. Cassidy is the best choice. Go up there, marry her proxy and then we’ll spend the rest of the day searching. Cassidy will be safer as Lady Sky and your estate will be settled. I need you to be practical right now, but we’ll find her.”

  Chelsea’s face went white. “She didn’t want-”

  Francesca placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder and interrupted, “Where is she Chelsea?”

  “I don’t know.” Chelsea stubbornly pursed her lips.

  How he ever thought Chelsea would be a good choice was beyond him now.

  Francesca turned her back on her youngest child. “I’ll help you find my daughter, Lord Sky. She was happy, and very much looking forward to your wedding the last time I spoke to her.”

  Blackwell interrupted them, and Remy noticed the phone on his ear. “I’ve called the authorities and I’m on the phone with the palace now. The princes are going to investigate.”

  Good. All the help he could get would be appreciated. There was no way Cassidy would just leave—they had been so in sync with what they wanted for their futures. “Grannie, I want to go find her.”

  Grannie crossed her arms and acted like the general again though she was eighty pounds with white hair. “We just need a two minute ceremony. Our name will protect Cassidy better than anything else we can do. Her mother or sister can stand up on the altar with you. It will take minutes.”

  His instincts insisted that he go now because Cassidy needed him. She’d been texting him all morning. Grannie’s steel blue gray eyes still commanded him for the best of the family. His skin prickled. “This feels wrong.”

  Grannie led the group down the hall, including Chelsea as she said, “As Lady Sky, she has access to anything she might need, including financials if she’s truly in danger. And anyone who has her will know she has a name with money and power behind her. She’s safer as your wife and we both know it.”

  “Okay.” He answered though it was obvious he’d agreed. “Blackwell, get my car in front of the church. I will be there in five minutes or less.”

  “I’m on it.” Blackwell answered as he hung up. “And the palace is using General Babik to locate her. We should go the castle then send Grannie and Donna to Bei Giardini Manor to wait for Cassidy there—in case she turns up at home.”

  Good. His best friend was on the same page.

  As they neared the aisle, Chelsea stepped out of their group, though she shook uncontrollably. “I’m not standing up there for Cassidy.”

  Francesca quickly answered, “I’ll do it. Chelsea, you and I are going to have a chat when we get home about your behavior.”

  “Good. Thanks, Francesca.” Cassidy’s mother seemed to be his most likely ally in her family.

  Her father then said, “I’ll speak to my youngest child, alone, after we finish the ceremony. Then we’ll help find my daughter and heir.”

  Chelsea’s face went white.

  Blackwell directed his wife to go with Grannie toward a waiting limo the moment the ceremony ended.

  Remy held Grannie’s arm and whispered, “Every cell in my body wants to run and go find her.”

  She nodded. “P
rotect you, and her. Once we finish here, we’ll all go out and find her. She’s part of our family.”

  If he said his vows with her mother. This sounded surreal.

  Once Blackwell had his wife all caught up with this bizarre situation, Remy walked over and said, “Thanks Blackwell.”

  Six minutes later, Remy said his vows with Francesca standing in for Cassidy and he was out the door. Blackwell was in his car’s driver’s seat. Remy hopped in beside him. “It’s done. Let’s get to the palace.”

  “Chelsea is heading to your house with your grandmother and Donna.” Blackwell scoffed. “If anyone can get the truth out of her, it’s Gigi.”

  True. His grandmother never took no for an answer if she was determined. Besides, she’d always loved Cassidy and now that she was his wife, Grannie would be ferocious when it came to protecting him and her family. But for now, he headed to the palace where the generals were all gathered with the princes to help find Cassidy.

  Hopefully he’d have her home with him tonight, but he kept that hope to himself. He’d kill anyone who got in his way.

  Chapter 14

  In the war room of the royal palace of Avce, all three royal princes were gathered around a table that was also a computer screen. Remy had never seen the technology put to use.

  She’d left the palace after her hair and makeup, then gotten into his waiting limo en route to Bei Giardini Manor where her tailor waited with the wedding gown.

  However, his limo was crashed into and the driver was in the hospital now.

  Being here felt like a waste of precious time when he wanted to act—but all information came here first. The police and the army were investigating the scene of the crime, and his blood was cold.

  She hadn’t changed her mind or run away—someone had taken Cassidy on their wedding day.

  He’d failed her.

  His phone rang and Grannie’s number appeared. She probably wanted an update, so he stepped away from the command desk and answered, “Hello.”