Forbidden Earl

by Pinder, Victoria

  He winked at her, but placed his hand on her lower back. “Yes, we’re the landed gentry, remember?”

  Jumpy, Cassidy tried to stay still while the homeowner unlocked her door. The twenty-something woman who answered lowered her gaze immediately. “Hello, my lord, my lady. How can I help you today?”

  This was the twenty-first century. There was no need to avert your eyes.

  Remy ignored the behavior and asked, “Are you related to the Harnets who lived in this house during the soviet occupation?”

  The woman glanced up immediately and held the door like it kept her upright. “Yes, this has always been our home.”

  Remy kept Cassidy close but continued to ask the young woman, “Your family used to run a pizza shop?”

  She nodded and her gaze narrowed. “Yes, that was my grandparents.”

  Remy’s finger traced Cassidy’s spine. “Well, are you interested in opening up a shop like your grandparents?”

  The woman gasped audibly, but then she lowered her head again. “I don’t have the cash to be honest and I don’t really like making all that dough. I wouldn’t mind a ristorante. I love making pastas far more than I ever liked pizza.”

  Remy nodded and wrote something in a black leather notebook he took out of his pocket. Then he handed her a business card. “Well, to revitalize, we’re offering all the affected former owners the start-up funds for their business. If you figure out price and location you’d like in this area, along with the projected money needed, then we can fund the start-up.”

  “Why would you?” The woman clutched the card as if it might blow away.

  Remy tugged Cassidy closer and into the conversation. “It’s a wedding present to my wife. Her family lost a lot during the occupation and now that she’s secured her inheritance, it’s important to revitalize Avce’s economy, one house at a time.”

  The woman accepted this as fact, nodded at them both as her goodbye and said, “I’ll get you the numbers next week.”

  Remy took a step back and Cassidy did too, stunned by his generosity in action. It was one thing to hear of a plan, and quite another to implement it. “Sounds great. My wife and I have other stops. Take care, Miss Harnet.”

  “Thank you.” The young lady closed her blue door.

  Cassidy waited till they were far enough away from the house so no one might hear her, but then she asked, “How many people like her did you discover?”

  He walked her to his car and took the paper he’d left on the dashboard, which he handed to her. “There are about fifty families we need to visit.”

  So he intended to reopen all the businesses lost in the past thirty years on her lands too? She read the files about the remaining families and then she flipped through his tenant files. After funding the businesses, he intended home ownership financing at low rates and low interest business loans to anyone who applied. She glanced up at him, amazed. His numbers seemed high, but the payout predictions were astronomical. She gave it back to him. “Remy, this is beyond what I imagined.”

  He folded the papers and walked her to the passenger seat. “In a few years when the businesses are all up and running again, your lands will be fruitful.”

  He held her door open for her, but she didn’t go in. Instead she stared at him blankly. “Even with the Internet? Most of us shop online.”

  Again he gave her that wink of his. “So, you’re in charge of ensuring our business ventures have a digital footprint.”

  She nodded and met his gaze. “I can do that. I never thought about that to be honest. I was too worried about my family and keeping them fed.”

  He motioned for her to get in the car. “In helping others, we help ourselves. Grannie taught me that lesson.”

  Overwhelmed with love for him, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Remy, kiss me.”

  “Now? We have a lot of stops left to do.” He held her tight and delivered a warm kiss laced with passion.

  With a smile, she shrugged. “Then there will be lots of kisses today. Your soul is so pure and good, Remington Burke. I hope you realize it.”

  “It’s your job as my wife to remind me.” He nibbled her lower lip.

  His logical plans for their future made him even sexier. As his lips pressed against hers she lost track of time and focused on happiness.

  When he finally stepped back, she was weak in the knees and when he helped her into the car she didn’t fight. “Let’s get going—I told you that we’d have fun.”

  She complied but joked, “Fifty stops and fifty kisses. Today is going to be a good day.”

  He laughed and closed her door. As he slipped in beside her to drive, she realized her heart was lighter than it had been in years. She no longer had the burden of her parents’ estate or day-to-day worries of getting by. With Remy running the banking, her tenants could prosper without once tempting her father’s addiction. Remy was one of a kind and she was lucky that he’d always been here for her, as children, as friends and now as her husband.

  Chapter 20

  Waiting with her mother and her sister, Cassidy traced the sweetheart neckline of her sleeveless dress. The diamond-encrusted waist went into a fleur di lis in the back. It was exactly what she’d imagined for herself, including the fluffy, chiffon skirt. She tried to stop her legs from shaking as she dressed in the guest bedroom of Bei Giardini Manor, her home.

  Her mother and sister both dressed in sparkling pink knee-length dresses, and neither had left her side—right now they argued over a broach Francesca thought would complement her sister’s neckline. Chelsea didn’t like it.

  Just then her phone rang and Cassidy scooped it up before anyone had a chance to stop her. She saw Remy’s name and sighed. “Hello.”

  His deep voice was like thick hot chocolate that soothed the soul on a cold day. “Cassidy, I just needed to hear your voice.”

  She giggled and whispered, “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  His voice became more serious. “You’re not by yourself?”

  If she said yes, he’d probably send the army. She shook her head though he couldn’t see her but continued to whisper, “No, my sister and mother are both here with me.” Her mother then held out her hand like she was twelve and caught on the phone after bedtime. She covered the speaker and said, “They are signaling I should get off the phone.”

  “Okay, but hurry,” Remy said.

  “We’re leaving for the church now.” Cassidy met her mother’s knowing gaze.

  Someone started to talk to Remington in the background. He said, “I have to go.”

  “Me too.” Her heart was full but she hung up and handed the phone to her mother as Francesca demanded.

  Her mother tucked the phone in her tiny bag and directed them to leave the extra bedroom being used as a changing room and head to the church. She asked, “Was that Remington?”

  Cassidy’s face felt hot with embarrassment, but she nodded. “He hasn’t left me alone really since we came back from Nice.”

  Chelsea bounced along beside them. “I’m glad I was wrong. It’s clear now that he’s in love with you.”

  Her sister seeing that meant others might too. Cassidy swallowed the thought and glanced at Chelsea as they went outside and scooted into the limo. “You’ll find your own true love one day Chelsea.”

  As she took her seat, Chelsea arranged her pink dress so her beads didn’t dig into her skin. “Love is your thing, sis, not mine. I need a man with a big wallet who can help us all out.”

  She froze and stared at her sister. Sometimes Chelsea seemed mature but sometimes, she reminded her of their mother too. Cassidy straightened the imaginary wrinkle in her dress at her hem. “You need a man who can show you there is more to life than cash, Chelsea.”

  Chelsea shook her head but smiled like Cassidy had said something funny. “Unlike you, I don’t have my best friend who just so happens to be one of the richest men in the world to marry. I just have my family and none of you know anyone like that for me
.”

  Money wasn’t a sure-fire way to happiness. The limo drove toward the church as she said, “That’s not true. I told you my computer program found your true love.”

  Chelsea rolled her eyes which might be a family trait as Cassidy had done that often in the past. Her sister then said, “Again with the love and didn’t you say your computer found me a guy who grew grapes for wine? Because that’s a no. I don’t like to get my polish in dirt.”

  The limo arrived at the church as if they’d sped the entire way. Her mother motioned for Chelsea to go first out the door as she said, “It’s Cassidy’s wedding day, Chelsea, be nice. Now let’s get her properly married.”

  Her mother scooted to go next but Cassidy quickly said, “Mom, Chelsea isn’t thinking straight.”

  Her mother patted her hand and smiled. “She’s still young and has time to mature. Off you go then, Cassidy. Go and say “I do” to the man of your dreams.”

  During the wedding march, she’d float down the aisle, which was pretty accurate. She’d walk on air to be with Remy again, and this time no one had crashed into her limo. Cassidy climbed out next and photographers took her photos. She stayed close to her mother until they went in.

  In the bridal suite, Michael and his team checked them to ensure not an eyelash was out of place and the diamond tiara was on straight. Someone handed her the rose bouquet Gigi had helped her design.

  Finally the wedding march music began and she was seconds from Remy. She clutched her bouquet and waited for her sister to finish her walk down the aisle.

  The music shifted to her cue and she stepped out, her gaze instantly landing on Remy’s. His brown eyes capturing hers made her feel alive.

  Flashes of light on either side of her didn’t matter. She was about to marry Remy and this time, be a part of the ceremony binding them and their families. As she approached, he took her hand, kissed her cheek and said, “You are amazing.”

  “Thanks.” The priest began the ceremony.

  Remy whispered when the priest was in the middle of a prayer, “Everyone can see us now. They see that I care about you, and that you chose me too. Are you happy?”

  She met his gaze and felt a fullness inside her that she never had before. “I just don’t want anyone to ever think I was forced into marrying the man I love.”

  “I love you too.” He patted her hand.

  The wedding was a blur. She repeated what the priest said, and she heard people say aww. But honestly when Remy took her hand again was when the dream became real. He repeated, “Do you take this ring?”

  “I do,” she said.

  Now they were married in front of their peers. Again the world seemed cloudy and faded out until the priest finished, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  “Finally.” Remy took both of her hands.

  She laughed and said, “You took the words right out of my mouth.”

  His lips met hers and now it didn’t matter that the world faded away. True love existed and she’d found her soulmate.

  Forbidden Crown Preview

  Kristin Wells held her refurbished pocketbook close to her chest, scratched side in. She’d spent an hour before her interview this morning buffing out the flaw in the black leather.

  She tapped her feet on the marble floor of the hotel. She’d applied for this position three months ago while browsing the job postings at her current employer, Miami Insurance. Who wouldn’t want to travel the world as secretary for the Royal Prince Antonio Aussa, the world’s most eligible bachelor? She hadn’t seen much of the world, and never a man as gorgeous as the prince in the photos.

  Her shoe slipped off. Drat. She reached down and fixed it as her heart raced. Her best friend Renee had convinced her to go for it—what did she have to lose by applying? And now here she sat in a Marriott Hotel conference room, her legs jittering despite skipping her morning coffee. Kristin glanced at the old curmudgeon with steel-gray hair and round brown glasses that sat at a black, shining desk near the door. If she got the job, would she report to this woman? She avoided eye contact but smiled as much as possible.

  The older lady stood and pointed toward the door to an interior office. Kristin got the impression that this was a temporary set up—the only thing on the desk was a phone. "You may go in now, Ms. Wells."

  At least the interview would give her a peek at Antonio, who she’d researched online. He was a playboy prince from a country next to Italy that wasn’t quite as big. If she landed this job, she’d have to brush up on her Italian to ensure his social calendar stayed in order. But most important had been that smile of his. It was magnetic. With luck, she'd see it in person.

  “Are you thinking about running away?” The older woman asked.

  "I’m going in. Thanks." She fixed her black skirt, went inside the empty room and closed the door. Her heart beat out of control.

  Bright sun reflected off the ocean visible from the glass walls and she ducked her head. The hotel must use this room for weddings, she thought. A modern, sleek metal desk, with a single white folder atop,, and two accent chairs for guests was situated in the middle of the room. The large sliding glass door would give access to the private beach, not that she was interested.

  Her pale complexion and the beach had never gotten along. She chose the seat in the shaded part of the room to avoid a burn and smoothed her skirt.

  A moment later, she heard the click of the door to her right and in walked Prince Antonio Aussa. A shiver so deep it woke every part of her body spread through her and she felt like she’d combust if he brushed against her. The pictures hadn't done him justice. His smile was better than magnetic, his shoulders more broad in his gray tailored suit, and his hair as shiny and rich as melted dark chocolate. He’d starred in her dreams over the last three months but the reality made her tremble.

  He held out his hand in greeting. His palm looked massive compared to her small wrists, but she felt a zap when he took her hand to shake. "Nice to meet you, Your Highness.” Grateful she hadn’t stammered, she focused on the yellow legal pad in his hand. He hadn’t said a word yet. “I'm excited to start our interview,” she swallowed her nerves, “as I am very interested in this job."

  Millions of women would die to do whatever he wanted.

  He cleared his throat, and took the empty seat beside her. She sat on the edge of her chair and waited while he assessed her plain brown eyes behind her black frames. Renee had urged her to get highlights in her brown hair but she hadn’t had time—now she wanted to hide from his brilliance.

  Her skin grew goosebumps of awareness, but she kept her mouth shut. Her current job sucked the life out of her and if she had to do one more fraudulent insurance claim she’d jump off a bridge. Her life was boring, predictable, safe. And her third masters degree wasn’t taking her mind off things. Being hired as the prince’s secretary would allow her to travel, and maybe pay off her condo which she could rent while away because she needed a major change and to figure out how to be happy in her skin.

  He scooted his chair closer to her and her pulse raced. "Why should I choose you?"

  Because if he ripped off her clothes, she wouldn’t protest? Her hand shook slightly and she clutched her bag to hide it. His smile had triggered a longing for something more. Her body throbbed to know every inch of him. She’d never had a high school crush—was this feeling like that?

  Kristin knew the math for them would never add up. She refused to let her emotions rule her, ever, and she certainly didn’t believe in falling in love, especially at first sight.

  But as his paid secretary? Her parents had instilled a solid work ethic. They were gone now and she’d honor their teaching—even the silent lessons, like love being a delusion that eventually ate away and destroyed all happiness.

  Kristin needed to convince him that she was the best applicant. "My undergraduate degree is in finance, so I can run numbers for you in addition to taking notes during meetings or updating your calendar. Th
e idea of being flexible to meet the demands of a royal prince means I get to think on my feet."

  At her current job, she worked on the same items, every single day. He sat back and she felt a pang of loss that his interest in her was gone, but then he met her gaze. She couldn't look away. "You're sure of yourself."

  Did he think so? Normally yes. Right now, she was a hot mess on the inside. When she tried to loosen the death grip on her pocketbook, she dropped it instead, the broken latch spilling the contents of her purse all over the floor. "Is confidence a bad thing?"

  Her cheeks burned as she bent down to collect her things. Once she’d stuffed her lipstick, mascara, pads that weren't necessary at all for another few weeks, and pens into her bag, she straightened in the chair. "I'm sorry, I'm never this clumsy."

  "I'm used to it. It's what happens when women meet me for the first time."

  Arrogant too. She lifted her chin. "Or it's your title. A crown can be intimidating." This was an interview, not a date. Kristin had to remember why she was here. She nodded. "I'm career-oriented and a fast learner."

  He crossed his arms and again her body grew warm from his perusal. Then he picked up the one folder on the desk. "Your name is Kristin Wells?"

  "Yes." She had sounded breathless. She battled for control of her senses, but her skin heated and she feared she blushed.

  He stared at her, gifting her with his sexy grin. He closed the folder and the snap of papers filled the air. "Would you take your glasses off for a minute?"

  A simple request if her hands weren't shaking. She did her best, but lowered her lashes so she didn't have to look directly at him. If he saw into her soul, he’d see her fantasies of him and goodbye perfect job. "Umm, okay, but I do need them to see."

  He took them from her. His palm made her skin jump. "You have beautiful eyes, have you ever thought of contacts?"

  "Of course." Beautiful wasn’t a word she’d expected to hear today, when she’d chosen her borrowed black heels, black pencil skirt and feminine white button-up blouse. Once her glasses were on her face again, she looked up. "I do have them, but I don't wear them often."