The Prince's Christmas Vow

by Jennifer Faye

  Don’t trust her. She already hurt you once.

  The little voice in his head continued to issue warnings. But his heart longed to hear her out. There was something more here—something he was missing.

  But could he afford to take another chance on her?

  Before either of them could say a word, his phone buzzed. He retrieved it from his pocket and stared at the screen. It was the king—a man who didn’t go near a phone unless it was urgent.

  Demetrius wanted to ignore it. He wanted to finish this conversation, but his royal duties trumped his personal life—just like he’d seen the king do time and again.

  He took the call. All it amounted to was a few short, clipped sentences. There was an emergency at the shipping port. A car had been dispatched to pick him up.

  When the call was concluded, he turned back to Zoe. “I have to attend to this.”

  Her face was completely washed out as she nodded but said nothing.

  “We aren’t finished with this. I’ll be back.” He strode for the front door.

  He wanted to believe that her surprised expression was legitimate. In fact, he’d never wanted anything more in his life, but he couldn’t risk it. He couldn’t let himself become vulnerable again. Every time he let himself get close to someone—really close—they faded out of his life. First, his mother. Then his wife. And the last blow had been his twin who was now an ocean away with his beautiful bride—not that he could blame him.

  But the truth of the matter was Demetrius had given Zoe a chance—he’d given her everything. And in the end, she’d rejected him. How was he supposed to trust her again?

  * * *

  That can’t be right.

  We’re still married?

  Zoe leaned against the back of the couch. Her knees had turned to gelatin.

  Thankfully Demetrius had been called away. She needed time to make sense of what he’d said. They were still married? How was that possible?

  Once her legs felt a bit steadier, she retrieved her suitcase and moved back through the hallway just off the kitchen. She entered the first spacious bedroom. It was decorated with sunny yellows and perky pinks. The exact opposite of her mood right now.

  Demetrius had to be wrong. She was certain she’d signed the papers. She didn’t understand. Papers didn’t just disappear. What had happened to them?

  It was obvious Demetrius wasn’t any happier about this development than she was. And now more than ever she needed to make peace with him. He not only held her future in the palm of his hand but also that of her mother. A contract to work on the rest of the revitalization project would make a huge difference in the type of care that Zoe could provide for her mother.

  Speaking of her mother, she needed to check in with her. Zoe grabbed her phone and pulled up the number of their friend she was staying with, Liliana. The woman had been their neighbor most of Zoe’s childhood. Liliana hadn’t just been a friend, she and her husband had quickly become family. Watching Zoe when needed. Sharing holiday meals. And being there for any emergencies.

  After a quick greeting, Zoe dove into the reason for her call. “Liliana, how’s my mum doing?”

  “She has her good days and her bad days. I’m sure you know how that goes.”

  “I do.” It was heartbreaking to watch the confusion that would come over her mother’s face—the utter lack of recognition. But thankfully for now the good times outweighed the bad. “I just wanted to let you know that work has me away on a short trip. So you won’t reach me at the apartment, but you can always reach me on my cell phone.”

  “I’m glad to hear that you’re getting out and about. You need to do that more often. Too bad the trip is business. Maybe you can squeeze in some fun time.”

  Demetrius’s face flashed in her mind. “I don’t think that will be possible. There’s a lot of work to do.”

  “Does this have something to do with that South Shore project?”

  “Sì.” Zoe knew she had to handle this carefully. Liliana was an astute woman. If Zoe wasn’t careful, her friend would add two and two. And there was no doubt about it, Liliana would get four. “I’m doing some research. It appears this project is bigger than I was anticipating.”

  “Really? That’s a good thing, right?”

  “It’s very good. I just need to be on top of my game.”

  “Well, don’t you worry. Your mother is fine here. She can stay as long as you need.”

  “Thanks so much. I really appreciate this. Did...did Mum tell you she’s moving into assisted living as soon as the arrangements can be made? The doctor suggested that sooner was better than later.” The thought that things had deteriorated to that point made Zoe’s heart ache.

  “I’m so sorry, Zoe. You know I’m just a phone call away.”

  “Grazie.” Liliana was like a second mother to her. “It means a lot.”

  “This is one of your mother’s good days. Would you like to talk with her?”

  “I would.” Zoe missed her mother dearly. It’d always been the two of them against the world. But lately their roles had started to be reversed and the strong woman that Zoe had always known her mother to be was becoming less and less sure of herself. Damn disease.

  After a brief talk with her mother, Zoe stowed her unpacked suitcase in the walk-in closet. Not sure whether she was coming or going, she’d deal with it later. Right now, the fresh air beckoned to her. Hopefully a walk on the beach would give her the peace needed to make sense of Demetrius’s claim. They were still married. Husband and wife. She stared down at her bare ring finger. There had to be an explanation, but what?

  Zoe moved to the deck. A long set of wooden steps led her down to the pristine beach. It was so hard to believe that this was all private property—property of the Crown. And she had it all to herself.

  The thought brought her no joy. All she could picture was the accusing stare that Demetrius had leveled at her. Why would he think she had something to do with the missing papers when she was the one to end their marriage?

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “ZOE, WHERE ARE YOU?”

  Demetrius stood in the living room of the beach house and raked his fingers through his hair. It’d taken him longer at the palace than he had anticipated. With his twin brother, Alex, in the States with his wife’s family, the responsibility for Mirraccino’s shipping port fell to Demetrius.

  He’d hoped Zoe would have made herself at home, but there was no sign of her. “Zoe!”

  Again there was no answer.

  Where was she? His mind spun back in time. This wasn’t the first time that he’d searched for her, only to find her gone. The last time he’d found a brief note and tracked her down in the palace driveway—where she’d told him that she was leaving. If he hadn’t gone after her, she would have left without saying one single word to him. Is that what she’d done again? Had she left?

  He rushed back the hallway, checking each bedroom for any sign of her. Each room was empty and there was no sign of her suitcase. His gut churned. Why did he think this time would be any different?

  He strode to the deck where he rested his palms on the railing and leaned forward. His gaze stretched out over the crystal-blue water. Gentle swells rose and fell. Usually he could find solace in the water, but not today. All he could think about was how once again she’d skipped out on him. This time there wasn’t so much as a note.

  His palm smacked the top of the railing. This was it. He was done trying to play nice with her. If she didn’t want to deal with him, she could hash it out with the palace’s team of attorneys.

  Just then a movement on the beach caught his attention. He turned and focused in on the person strolling up the beach. But how was that possible? This beach was protected as part of the royal estate. As the figure drew closer, he quickly recognized th
e dark ponytail and the purple jacket.

  It was Zoe. He stood up straight. She hadn’t left after all. He suddenly felt foolish for jumping to conclusions.

  She glanced up at him and waved, but she didn’t smile. He raised his hand and waved back. He told himself that she didn’t still get to him. This whole arrangement was just a means to an end. That was all.

  “I thought you’d left,” he said as she joined him on the deck. His voice came out gruffer than he’d intended.

  Her eyes widened. “Is that your way of telling me to leave?”

  “No.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “That isn’t what I meant.”

  “Did you get your problem resolved?”

  He nodded. “It’s dealt with for the moment. Now it’s time to deal with our problem.”

  “You make it sound like your life is a series of problems.” She leaned back against the deck rail. “Since when did you get so serious? Weren’t you the one that said life is for enjoying?”

  He sighed. “That was a long time ago.”

  “Not that long ago.”

  A frown pulled at his lips. “I’m fine just the way I am.”

  “You aren’t the same happy guy I used to know.”

  “I’m happy.” Wasn’t he? In all honesty, he’d been so focused on living up to people’s expectations that he’d dismissed what was important to him.

  “But you rarely laugh or smile. It’s like you’re afraid your face will crack if you let your guard down and enjoy yourself.”

  He shook his head, refusing to hear what she was saying. “I enjoy myself...when there’s time. I have a lot of things that need my attention. And right now I don’t have time to be irresponsible.”

  “So you decided to take your royal responsibilities seriously?”

  “I did. It was time.” His work was a refuge from the pain of yet another person he loved disappearing from his life. When Zoe had walked out on him, it’d nearly crushed him.

  After his mother’s death and the disintegration of his family, Demetrius thought he’d finally found what he’d been searching for when he met Zoe. Warmth, happiness and most of all, love. Life couldn’t get any better—or so he’d thought. If only she’d have stayed, he would have moved heaven and earth to make her happy.

  “What are you thinking about?” Zoe studied him.

  He turned and gazed out over the blue sea. “Us.”

  There was a noticeable moment of silence. “What about us?”

  He wasn’t about to admit that he was thinking about their failed marriage. About how his world had crumbled after she’d left. Nor would he admit to how he had to rebuild himself in the aftermath. She didn’t deserve to know the damage she’d caused.

  He faced her. “I want to know why you walked out on me and yet you refuse to sign the annulment papers.” His gaze narrowed in on her. “What’s your agenda?”

  All of the pain came rushing back to him. He wasn’t about to let her plead innocence. He wasn’t going to let her run away again—not until he got the answers that had been alluding him this past year.

  “Are you holding out for more money?”

  “No! How could you think that?”

  He left her question unanswered. He had his own questions and they took priority right now. “Are you sure you aren’t holding out for a moment in the spotlight? A chance to sell your story to the highest bidder?”

  “No. No. No.” Hurt reflected in her eyes. “Would you quit with the accusations. I never wanted your money. I wanted—” She pressed her lips together.

  At last they were getting somewhere, and he wasn’t going to let it drop now. “You wanted what?”

  Silence was his only answer.

  He stepped forward. She lowered her gaze. Maybe her reason for not signing the papers was something he hadn’t considered—not until now. Did she have regrets? Was she hoping for a reconciliation? If so, she was going to have a very long wait.

  As though she could read the direction of his thoughts, her head rose. Their gazes caught and held. An old spark of attraction flared to life. This shouldn’t happen. He was over her. But the longer she stared into his eyes, the harder it became to remember why this was a bad idea—a very bad idea.

  He reached out to her. His fingers traced her cheek. Her skin was soft and subtle. “Is this what you wanted?”

  “No.” But her voice lacked conviction.

  “I think it is. Remember how good we used to be together?”

  Her gaze never left his as his fingers trailed down her jaw to trace her lips. Her eyes dilated as she inhaled a swift breath. The little voice in his mind that said he shouldn’t be doing this became more and more distant—like the night he insisted they elope. He’d ignored that little voice then and he ignored it now. He had to prove to her that she’d made the biggest mistake of her life when she’d walked away from him. This time he’d be the one doing the walking.

  His free hand wrapped around her waist, pulling her voluptuous curves snug against him. Her soft jasmine scent teased his senses. Every time he detected that scent, he thought of her—of her body next to his. It had been so long—so terribly long since he’d been this close to her. She wanted him, too. The passion was there in her eyes.

  Buried emotions, desires and longings bubbled to the surface. He needed her—wanted her. The breath hitched in his throat. His head dipped, replacing his fingers with his lips. Her mouth didn’t move at first. His touch was gentle, holding back the powerful rush of desire raging through his veins. His heart hammered against his chest.

  His mouth brushed over her petal-soft lips. Just as sweet and tempting as he remembered. He wouldn’t scare her away—not again. She just needed a moment to remember how amazing they’d been together. No one could forget that—not even him.

  The next thing he knew her hands slipped up over his chest and wrapped around the back of his head. Her nails scraped up over his scalp as she pulled him closer. A moan swelled in the back of her throat as their kiss intensified.

  He knew it. She still wanted him. If there was one thing they always had going for them, it was chemistry. The distance they’d endured had done one very obvious thing—it’d intensified the sparks arching between them, making them combustible.

  Her lips moved with frantic need under his. Her excitement only aroused him more. Somewhere along the way the kiss became less about teaching her a lesson and more about him filling that empty spot in his chest. How had he lived so long without her? Her kisses were like a wellspring of life. They sealed the hollow spots in his scarred heart.

  Not about to let this moment end, he scooped her up in his arms. Her hands braced on his chest. She pulled back. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of rousing desire and confusion.

  “I thought you might want to continue this inside.” His voice came out deeper than normal.

  “Sì...um, no.” She struggled against his hold on her. “Put me down.”

  “But, Zoe—”

  “I mean it. Put me down.”

  With great regret, he did as she asked and lowered her feet to the ground. His jaw tensed. His back teeth ground together.

  The moment had slipped through his fingers just like the whirlwind marriage had slipped past him. One minute they were whispering sweet nothings to each other in their palace suite—the next he was returning from a meeting with the king to find their rooms empty except for a note on his pillow that said, “Sorry. This was a mistake.” A blasted note! That was all she had felt it necessary to leave him.

  “That shouldn’t have happened.” Her fingers pressed to her lips.

  His gaze challenged her. “You certainly seemed to be enjoying it.”

  This time she didn’t turn away. “I did, but it wasn’t right. We can’t recapture the past.”

  How was
he supposed to argue when she was the only one making sense right now? He was the one who was supposed to be saying these things. All it’d taken was one kiss and everything had become mixed up and turned around.

  He raked his fingers through his hair. They needed to finish this here and now. This time he wouldn’t let himself get distracted, no matter how sweet her kisses may be.

  “You’re right. We can’t go back in time.” He mentally kicked himself for trying such a stupid stunt. “But that doesn’t mean you don’t owe me an explanation for running out on me—on our marriage.”

  “It’s too late to get into all of that.”

  “No, it isn’t.”

  “Fine. If you want to know the truth, it’s simple. I left because I’m not right for you. I never was and I never will be.”

  Frustration churned in his gut. “That isn’t an explanation. That’s an excuse.”

  “Trust me. It’s all you need to know.”

  Her unwillingness to be forthcoming only irritated him more.

  “Fine. Keep it a secret. You seem to be good at holding things back. It really doesn’t matter anymore. But you will explain why you didn’t sign and return the annulment papers. So if you don’t want money and you obviously aren’t interested in a reconciliation, why else continue our marriage?”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  HE WAS RIGHT about one thing.

  Zoe had been holding back but not for the reasons Demetrius was suggesting.

  She never imagined how it might look to him. At the time, she’d been so caught up in her fear for her mother’s safety to think clearly. A call from the polizia had burst the illusion of happily-ever-after. That long-ago call had made her face reality—accept the graveness of her mother’s illness.

  Until the polizia had found her mother wandering the streets in her nightgown, lost and confused, Zoe had been living in a state of denial—unable to accept the harsh sentence this disease was exacting on her mother. It had been all too easy to get caught up in the rush of love—of the promise of a fairy-tale ending—rather than to acknowledge that she was on the verge of losing the one person who meant the world to her. But Zoe didn’t have that excuse now—not when Demetrius thought the absolute worst of her.