Sawyer had another idea. Granted, it wasn’t his best one, but he knew it might pack an emotional punch, and right about now, it seemed the only way he could get through the woman’s thick skull. Why he’d want to if she was only going to give him fits like this all the time was another matter altogether. But he owed it to himself to at least see if there was something he could actually latch onto with her. He felt it in his gut and he sensed that she did too, but for some reason, she was so damned determined to shut herself off from him. Her confounding rejection of him was doing wonders to what was becoming his ego.
~*~
Sawyer returned to the scene of the crime, as it were, to flesh out his scheme. He didn’t dare risk being caught out in a public venue for fear that once again, Isabella might go ballistic on him. She clearly had the capability to lose her shit if she wanted to and he didn’t want to dig himself any deeper into a hole with the woman.
He pulled up to Clementine’s house and decided to just go right to the kitchen door, being that he was practically a regular and all.
“Sawyer!” Clementine said, giving him a two-cheek kiss as he entered the kitchen. “I’m so glad to see you again. And honestly, I have to apologize for Isabella. I think you’ve gotten under her skin something fierce for her to be so ferocious around you. I have to say, as much as I feel badly for the two of you, I’m sort of enjoying the fireworks.”
“Thanks, but I’m learning that playing with fireworks can be dangerous to life and limb,” he said with a chuckle.
“You have a point. We’ve got to come up with a way to defuse the more explosive aspects of this then. Have a seat—I’m pouring tea. Would you like some?” she said. “Speaking of limb, how’s that ankle doing? Yet another thing for which I owe you huge apologies. I took the liberty of locking Freddo up in the study so you didn’t have to have flashbacks.”
“For which I’m eternally grateful,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever see a powder puff without PTSD kicking in.”
“Let’s all just be glad it’s a little dog and not some behemoth that could’ve swallowed you whole.”
“Thank heavens for tender mercies.”
“So,” she said, sitting down across from Sawyer and clasping her hands together. “We’ve gathered here today...”
He smiled. “Sounds like the prelude to a funeral.”
“Or a union of holy matrimony,” Clementine said, smiling.
Sawyer put his hands up. “Please. Don’t even go there. You’ll not only terrify Isabella but you’ll send me running back to England before I’ve had a chance to implement our devious scheme.”
“And I’m a huge fan of devious schemes so let’s get started on this.”
Clementine had a legal-sized notepad and a pencil and started sketching out a map.
“So I’m going to bring you here,” she said, pointing at a side entrance to the palace. “That way we can avoid all the formalities. I’ll talk to the guards. They all know me there and they’ll be fine letting you in.”
“Then I’m not going to get a bayonet to the gut or anything? I mean at this point they might all be on orders of Her Royal Highness to impale me.”
Clementine blew on her tea before taking a sip of it. “Nah, Bella’s all bark, no bite. Besides, she hates the sight of blood.”
“That’s reassuring,” he said.
“Don’t sweat it, Sawyer. You’ll be fine,” she said. “Okay, so once in the palace, you’re going to take the elevator to the second floor. When you get off the elevator, you’ll take a left then a right at the suit of armor.”
“You’re kidding, right? Like right out of Central Casting.”
“I’m not sure they actually cast inanimate objects in films. Might be more like Set Dressing 101. Besides, what’s a palace without a suit of armor?”
“That’s what I always say,” he said with a laugh.
“This then takes you down the Corridor of Elders. The only thing you need to be careful about is not happening into the queen’s apartments.”
“That would be bad.”
“It would complicate things, to say the least. You just need to slink past the very first entryway you come to. It’s unmarked, but you’ll notice it is wide—two large doors. Just keep on going till you get to a ‘T,’ where you’ll make a left, and Isabella’s apartment will be right there.”
“Is it marked or anything?”
“Hmm, it probably has some number or letter on it but I have no idea. I just go there. Just follow my instructions and you’ll be good.”
Sawyer took a large swallow of tea, burning his throat in the process and making him cough. “Damn, Clementine, I hope you’re right.”
“Have I ever done you wrong, Sawyer?”
He squinted at her. “Uh, let’s not go there.”
“Okay, fine, so maybe I got you tangled up with Isabella. But this is all about fixing that problem. Trust me, it’ll all work out.”
A promise Sawyer felt like he’d heard before, and the outcomes were never quite as promised.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Sawyer was sweating like he’d just run a marathon. He was certain he had armpit stains and wished he’d worn something dark to better mask them. As they drove toward the palace, he was silent in the car. He didn’t like to make small talk when he was about to be killed and instead was relishing his last few minutes as a free man. Before he knew it, the car came upon a mammoth building that looked like a castle, with spires and turrets, crenellations, gargoyles, and all sorts of old battlements. No moat, which eliminated death by crocodile at least. Unless Isabella had a say in it. She’d probably import a few for the palace swimming pool and have the guards toss him in there. Naked, just for added amusement.
They drove alongside this large castle-like building, which was surrounded by a tall black wrought-iron fence with gold flourishes, the tops of which were garnished with gold fleurs-de-lis. Fairy lights covered the gorgeous fences surrounding it. It sure was one hell of a palace. Palace guards waved Clementine through two very tall gates, each bearing an enormous gold leaf crest in the shape of dueling griffins. The car pulled up the pebbled drive to the front of the palatial estate where there was a grand marble staircase and two imposing-looking men in full regalia who looked like they knew Krav Maga. He made a note to avoid them at all costs and was very appreciative that he’d be going through the servants’ entrance instead. Clementine turned right, driving another several hundred feet away, and pulled into a parking space right by a small door.
Sawyer peeked into the inside breast pocket of his coat and patted it down.
“What was that?” Clementine asked.
“What?”
“That sound. Did you make some weird sound?”
Sawyer rolled his eyes. “I think you’re losing it, Clem. All of this subterfuge is making you paranoid.”
She squinted at him. “You’d better not be doing something weird.”
“What would I be doing weird? I’m freaked out enough sneaking into the seat of the monarchy. Believe me, I wouldn’t be doing anything weird.”
“Well, fine,” she said, giving him a gentle shove. “Now, go. Ply your charms on our friend Isabella and see what you can accomplish.”
Sawyer gave her a little military salute and left the relative comfort of her car, slipping off into the palace, undercover.
He followed the directions, which he’d photographed and saved to his phone, in case there were any questions. He eyed some stairs not far from the elevator but decided it might be too risky to approach that way, instead opting for the elevator, as Clem had directed. He just wanted to keep his head down and remain unnoticed. As he entered the elevator, he looked up, only to see the last person on the planet he’d expect to see carrying a food tray.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Sawyer said, frowning.
~*~
Standing before Sawyer was none other than Louie, in a white chef’s coat and a toque hat. Sawyer couldn’t b
elieve his eyes.
“Monsieur Patterson?”
“Louie?” Sawyer said. “What the hell? I thought you said you got another job.”
He nodded. “I did. Here.”
“You? Work here? You’ve got to be shitting me.”
“It is true,” he said. “The princess hired me. I work for the palace now.”
Sawyer shook his head. “The princess? As in Isabella? As in despite what happened the night of her party?” He ran his hand through his hair, exasperated at this confusing turn of events. Isabella was willing to cut this guy slack but not Sawyer?
Louie shrugged. “She’s got a big heart, that princess.”
Certainly so when it came to other people, Sawyer thought. Meanwhile, Princess was furious with him for having Amelie help out, yet the only reason she was there was because Louie was no longer an option. Which was because Princess hired the man away. What the hell? But he didn’t have time to contemplate this right now; he had subterfuge to practice.
“Well, I guess good on you. Nice of folks to keep me clued in, though.”
The elevator dinged and they both got off. Sawyer hurried ahead of Louie, who was slowed down by the tray full of food. He didn’t want to take a chance that Louie would be entering the Big Kahuna’s apartment as he walked by. The last thing he wanted was to be found out by the queen and the king or duke or whatever Isabella’s dad was called. All he knew was if it was up to Sawyer’s father, he’d probably have been called a fecking useless louse who sucked on the public teet. Though having watched Isabella in action at the hospital, he was growing to appreciate another more altruistic side of the royal world.
Sawyer continued on and turned at the “T” as instructed. It was very dim in this corridor, with no windows nearby to shed much light. There were doors to the left and to the right; Clem hadn’t mentioned that. He stood there, debating which door to approach. He was paralyzed with indecision but finally decided to eeny-meeny-miny-moe it and settled on the one to the left.
He tapped lightly on the door, hoping like hell he had the right apartment. When no one answered, he tried the handle, and the door opened. Only for him to see Isabella’s brother Zander standing there in nothing but a towel slung low on his hip as he shook off wet hair while changing channels on his large HD screen. Zander turned around when the door squeaked.
“Did someone order a pizza?” Sawyer said, with a weak laugh, holding his hands up like it was a bad joke. Which, of course, it was.
“Wouldn’t you need to have a box in your hand for that?”
“Yeah, er, uh.”
“Wait, you’re that dude,” Zander said. “The cake dude.”
Sawyer reached out his hand to shake Zander’s, not realizing that protocol generally dictated that you only shake hands with royalty if they offer it. Which Zander hadn’t done, since he was holding up his towel with one and the remote with the other.
“You remembered.”
“Hard to forget that one. You come to deliver another dick to my sister?” he said with a laugh.
Sawyer smiled a weak smile. If he wanted to be truthful about it, ultimately, uh, yeah, that might be the upside of this mission. But that wasn’t for her brother to be privy to.
Finally, Zander dropped the remote and reached for Sawyer’s hand. “You looking for Isabella, then?”
Sawyer shrugged, a sheepish look on his face, and nodded.
“Aww, happens all the time,” Zander said. “Bell’s always got strange men searching for her in the private family quarters.”
Sawyer frowned. “I just wanted to bring Isabella a gift. I wasn’t trying to be intrusive.”
“Nah, just messing with you, mate,” Zander said. “Honestly, you’re the first man who’s ever had the balls to just show up looking for her. I give you props for that.” He started rubbing his eyes. “Do you have a pet cat or something? My eyes are itching like I’ve been near one.”
Sawyer looked down. “Uh, no, I don’t keep any pets.”
“Damn, I could swear I’m reacting to a cat.”
“I best be looking for Isabella,” Sawyer said, wanting to get out as soon as possible. “I’ve got Clementine waiting for me outside.”
“In that case, have at it,” he said, opening the door for Sawyer. “Isabella’s across the way, just down there. Though you sure you don’t want a beer, maybe something stronger, before you meet up with her? I’ve seen how she gets around you and I think you need all the reinforcements you can muster.”
Sawyer laughed. “Glad I’ve got some solidarity on this,” he said. “But I’ll survive her. So far, I have, at least.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Sawyer took a deep breath as he stood in front of Isabella’s apartment. He pressed his ear to the door and could hear music playing inside, so he knew she was there. Though maybe she was with one of the many men Zander was joking about. Or that person who was with her at the museum party.
“Well,” he muttered as he rapped on the door. “Here goes nothing.”
He stood there for what seemed an eternity, then heard footsteps heading toward him.
The door opened, streaming all sorts of bright light into the hallway, and Sawyer felt temporarily blinded, his eyes adjusting to the contrast.
“Sawyer?” Isabella said. “What are you doing here and how did you get here?”
“Clementine—” he said, still squinting at the brightness, holding his hand up to his forehead so he could see her face better. Unfortunately, it looked a bit angry.
“Did Clementine put you up to this? I should wring her neck,” she said with a shriek. “Look, Sawyer, I’ve got nothing to say to you.” She started to close the door, but Sawyer held his hand up to stop her.
“Princess, please,” he said. “I’ve got something for you.” He reached into his pocket first for the note and handed her an envelope. “Please just read this when you have a chance.”
She squinted at him, then shrugged. “Fine. But Sawyer, I’m sort of busy.”
He held up his hand. “Princess, I have one more thing I wanted you to have.”
“Really, I don’t need anything,” she said. “I’m all good.”
“Please, Kitten, just hold out your hands.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not your kitten.”
“Isabella, just hold out your hands and close your eyes.”
Sawyer reached into his coat pocket again and pulled out the tiniest, softest kitten with bright blue eyes and placed it in Isabella’s hands.
She opened her eyes and stared at the small animal, which was white with fluffy, long fur and an adorable brown snout with matching ears. Isabella gasped. “Oh, my God, Sawyer,” she said, holding the kitten to her face, rubbing noses as the featherlight creature mewed its approval. “But, how? Why? Oh, God, I can’t have a kitten here.”
Sawyer stepped inside the foyer and closed the door behind him. “Well, don’t let on to the rest of the family,” he said. “They’ll never be the wiser.”
“I’m telling you, my brother Zander is super allergic to cat dander.”
Suddenly, Sawyer felt a bit badly about inadvertently having the kitten inside Zander’s place. He’d forgotten that little detail.
“Princess, you deserve to have your own kitten,” he said. “Surely in this vast, vast palace, no one will breathe tainted air from cat dander. Besides, look at that little puss—” he put his thumb and pointer finger on either side of the kitten’s tiny mouth, holding it next to Isabella’s face and comparing their eyes. “And do you see her eyes? The same sapphire color as yours. She’s awfully cute, but you’re downright breathtaking.”
Sawyer saw a tiny teardrop forming in the corner of Isabella’s eyes, and he wiped at it with his finger. “Bella, just give her a chance. Give us a chance. I think if you stop trying so hard to be what everyone is expecting of you, you’ll find it’s a lot easier to let your heart go where it wants to go.”
Isabella took a deep breath and pulled the kitt
en closer to her heart. “I don’t know what to say, Sawyer.”
“Just say you’ll give it a try.”
She pulled the kitten up to her face, rubbing her cheek alongside the small creature and nuzzling nose to nose with it.
Bella sighed. “I don’t even know what you do with a kitten. I don’t even know what to call it.”
“I’ve given that some thought,” Sawyer said. “Considering that the source, meaning me, is a baker by training. Maybe you could call her Cupcake.”
Isabella smiled. “Cupcakes are fattening.”
Sawyer shook his head. “Only if by that you mean she’ll make your heart swell with love,” he said. “Look, I’ve got Clem waiting in the parking lot outside. I have a kitten starter kit hidden in her trunk. What say I leave that for you downstairs by the servants’ entrance. That way no one will be the wiser. It’s all hidden in wrapped packages.” He leaned over and gave the kitten a kiss on the head. Then he kissed Isabella ever so softly on the lips before turning and walking away.
Chapter Forty
Isabella called for a member of the house staff to retrieve the packages Sawyer left behind, set the kitten on her lap, and Googled what the hell to do with a baby cat.
An hour later she was curled up on the sofa, the kitten purring and sleeping on her chest. Isabella took the envelope she’d set on the coffee table and finally opened it. To her dismay, it was a letter from Amelie. She really wanted to ball it up and toss it in the trash, but in keeping with her attempt to remain above the fray, which as yet had been less than successful, she decided to have a look. She held the letter up and stroked the kitten as she read:
Isabella,
I haven’t had a chance to formally apologize for what a complete bitch I was to you during boarding school. Maybe I’ll never get a chance to say this right to your face, but I owe you, at least, the courtesy of an explanation, which I asked Sawyer to pass on to you if given the chance. Please understand that all of the things I said about and did to you, really had nothing to do with you. I was a very unhappy girl back then. My home life was awful. My mother was gravely ill, and my father blamed us kids for her terrible state. You can imagine what that does to the psyche of a kid. And then to be sent to boarding school, not knowing if my mother would be alive the next time I returned home? Well, it was a bad situation and with it, I chose to behave badly. The thing is, I didn’t even know you enough to have an opinion about you one way or another. I just wanted to lash out, and you were an easy target.
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