Forbidden Crown

by Victoria Pinder

  Antonio nodded and gave her that royal smile of his that included that dimple. “Please send Jaka our regards.”

  The food had been a mix of Italian-ish spices, and some new to her palate. She picked up her glass and folded her other hand over her knee so she wouldn’t touch Antonio. "Yes. Lunch was great."

  He paid the bill. She gulped her water. Once he was done, he stood and offered his hand. "I want to show you something."

  "Okay. Let's go." She jumped out of her seat to follow, and quickly walked beside him again. His hand in hers felt right. Every part of her body urged her to say yes and marry him. Renee was right in that she shouldn't doubt herself. She'd lose the chance of a lifetime, but more important, she had to listen to her heart.

  Over the last three months she’d studied up on Antonio and she’d slowly fallen for his smiles, his charity work, his philosophy. Now she saw how kind he truly was in person. Perhaps her crush on him was transforming to something more.

  He guided her to the village retaining wall and then down a dirt path that went toward a stand of oak trees. "The village was charming."

  “It is home…”

  The farther away from the village, the bustling town center was replaced with birds chirping in the trees. She squeezed his hand. "Where are we going?"

  He pointed past a tree, not that she could see anything. "A spot I have claimed as my own since we moved here."

  Her eyes widened. “How long ago was that?”

  “Well it’s over ten years now, since my father was brought back as the king.” He jetted them off in a new direction that seemed untouched.

  Her feet crunched into the grass as they went off the path. She stayed close to him as they walked into the darker forest. "That sounds interesting."

  He held back a branch for her to pass by. "I think so. This way."

  "This is the same wall that is part of the village?" She studied the white stone. They could probably have stayed on the path, but the shortcut through the woods made her more aware of him.

  He pushed open a gate and led her to a massive oak door that he unlocked and then pocketed the key. "Yes. Centuries ago, we had guards stationed at various checkpoints in case there was an attack on our village."

  He pushed open the wooden door that looked medieval, complete with iron brackets. "And now?"

  "We have satellites and drones." He winked and went inside the dark room. She took a deep breath and thanked her lucky stars she’d trusted him enough to follow him into the woods—this place was living history. She followed him and blinked in the darkness. She heard the sound of a switch and then light illuminated from a central overhead chandelier. Clearly the people in Avce loved the light fixtures. The couch and living area all housed furniture she’d seen in museum showrooms.

  Antonio said, "Anyhow, this is where the guard would have been stationed."

  She stared at the rustic decor and the chunky, masculine furniture. The walls were clean and the hall had a scent of a hunting lodge, all dust and earth. "What is it used for now?"

  He scooted two chairs together and dusted off the brown leather couch. "Right now, not much. When we give tours this might be a good place to start, but we don't have much of a tourist industry set up yet—my brothers are against this idea. They like having our own space, but I want to bring commerce to the town."

  “It truly is beautiful.” He straightened and she tilted her head. He’d taken off his tailored suit jacket before leaving the palace. His black slacks and polo shirt placed him in the wrong century for the guardhouse, and yet he still fit here. He was so tall that his brown hair nearly touched the chandelier. He truly was handsome and this felt secluded. "So, is this your favorite spot?"

  He tugged her arm toward a door, which opened to a huge empty room that wasn't in use at all. He flipped on a light and said, "Almost. Come over here."

  "Where are we?" She looked around the space.

  "This is where the guards ate together, trained together. It's the old barracks, though there was a woman murdered right here over 200 years ago.”

  “What happened?” She peeked over her shoulder but saw no obvious ghost.

  He stilled and looked around the room. “My great, great grandmother was murdered in this room by a man who was after her throne.”

  Perhaps the people wanted their freedom from tyranny and rules of kings. Her own father would never approve of the decadence. “What happened?”

  Antonio crossed his arms and stared at the chandelier. “She was a widow and her son was less than five. A fortune hunter thought she was easy prey until she said no to his proposal. She came here for protection, but found all her guards dead from poison. Then when she fired her gun at the villain, he killed her.”

  She shook her head and backed out of the room. "At least her son was okay."

  “He was well guarded in the palace.” He closed the door to the grand hall and they returned to the large open space with the hunting lodge feel. "So, the communist rulers ignored this place, but my brothers and I loved being together here since we moved and lost our friends in England."

  She noticed two other closed doors but avoided asking what the rooms were used for. She glanced at the two straight-backed chairs, an old brown couch and a large red armchair with thick cushions and a slightly sagging seat positioned in front of a large fireplace. She pressed her lips together and walked toward the couch. "Who gets the big chair?"

  He laughed as she sat, then he joined her. "When I’m here by myself, I can read by the fire, though when my brothers come it's whoever gets here first that claims the throne."

  He said throne like it was an in-family joke, though the red armchair had thick cushions and was probably comfortable. "It's nice."

  He leaned backward on the couch and stretched his arm behind her. "This is also the only place I know where servants aren't watching me and I can really be alone."

  She blinked and gazed into his eyes as her heart began to beat a little faster. "So no one will come in?"

  He leaned forward and cupped her face in his hands. "No. All during lunch I was thinking of a place where I could do this."

  His kiss left her body with tingles of anticipation. She wanted him, but he ended the moment too fast. She licked her lips. "What a good idea."

  He let her go and folded his hands together. "How can I convince you to marry me?"

  Throw out the contract terms. She blinked, not voicing those words, but she placed her hand on his arm and asked, "Why did you stop, you know, when we were kissing on the plane?"

  He took a deep breath and held up two fingers. "Two things."

  Her pulse quickened and she scooted closer to him. She'd been ready to make love on the flight. She tightened her grip around his arm. "Which are?"

  His slightly calloused fingers brushed against her arm and left a trail of electric need in its path. He tugged her closer to him as if they were discussing something secret and forbidden. "Renee was downstairs, and when I make love to you, I don't want to be interrupted."

  Ohh. True. Renee probably would have heard something. Though luxurious, it was still a plane. She hadn't even thought about it because she was too wrapped up in him. She nodded, "And two?"

  He reached out and brushed her hair back from her face. "Two is that I don't want a one-night-stand with you. I asked you to marry me."

  Now she'd had less than four boyfriends in her life, and none of them had left her with spine-tingling, must know more about him, sensations. All had been sweet but she couldn't remember a single name at this moment. Her body needed Antonio’s touch. Her cheeks flushed. "It's sexy to be wanted, to know you want marriage, but I'd also like to know we're a match. Physically."

  "Attraction is a good thing." He lowered his head.

  She closed her eyes and pressed her lips out for a kiss.

  He didn't disappoint. His touch sent awareness through every cell inside her. She ached for him. After a few minutes of intense kisses she climbed on top of his lap w
ith her knees on either side of his hips, so she could be nose-to-nose with him, again. Her dress inched up her thighs, baring her skin.

  Wind rustled branches outside, but inside she was warm and toasty in his arms. He rested his hands on her hips and once the kiss ended said, "Shall we get you out of your clothes?"

  Agreed. She didn't have to say anything. Instead she stood, but he reached under her legs, swept her off her feet, and carried her into the other room.

  She gazed at a full-size four poster bed with an emerald silk comforter, a nightstand and a dark wood dresser beneath a curtained window. In the next room, she spotted a gleaming white bathroom that seemed modern, not that she intended to check right now. This retreat of his was complete with everything. She hugged him closer.

  * * *

  Speechless at the hunger in his gaze, her breath caught as she stood before him so his eyes could undress her first.

  He took off his shoes and polo. She toed off her flats. He wagged his finger for her to stay close. "Come here."

  Her body was already his so it was time to show him her feelings too. She wrapped her arms around his waist, but then he said, "Take off your clothes...slowly."

  In this moment she felt powerful. Sensual. Desired. She played with the hem of her dress, slowly revealing more leg, hip, stomach and breast as she pulled it over her head. Every cell in her body felt alive as she knew he watched her. His shortened breaths when he saw her in her black lace bra and panties made every second worth savoring.

  He traced her skin and it felt like she was a flower about to bloom. He stared at her breasts and said, "Take that off. I want to see all of you."

  "Likewise," she said and he tugged his slacks off and threw them in one perfect swift motion.

  She unclasped her bra and her breasts stayed pert for his every attention.

  He stroked her nipples. His touch was at first light but became firm. She studied his body, muscles all over, her breasts heavy with need. "Look at me," he insisted.

  She stared into his eyes, brown with flecks of green. The sensation of being his and enjoying every second coursed through her veins. “Take me, Antonio.”

  He kissed her neck and she backed up toward the bed, her legs bumping the mattress. She put her arms around his shoulders and felt his hands on her hips, and knew without a doubt she'd say yes. I will marry you.

  Chapter 9

  Antonio held Kristin close to his bare chest, their bodies cooling after intense love play. He’d brought her to the guardhouse to share his past, to convince her with words to be his wife. But their physical attraction had overcome conversation.

  Antonio's body still felt relaxed. Everything about Kristin was better than he’d expected. Before he met her, he had read her personality profile at least a hundred times while he avoided looking at her picture too much. He had her entire life history in his computer files to gather everything he could about her. He had trusted his logic skills far more than physical, and he’d dismissed caring as an essential component to his would-be wife.

  He had gathered files on about ten women who might match before he used his last demand, her physical looks, to truly decide. His brother Lucio had been the opposite and claimed he needed to have a physical connection if he must be married.

  Kristin was the logical choice and even more so now that he understood they could be like this. Her naked body next to his sent embers of desire through him, even after what they’d just shared.

  Reluctantly, he sat up and tugged on his pants. "We should probably head back to the palace."

  "Yes, Antonio." Kristin slipped out of the bed.

  She walked to the modern bathroom attached to the room to get ready. They had already washed and cleaned off, but the dawn of evening meant they could dawdle, and holding her in his arms was more pleasant than he expected. Now that she wasn't in his arms as he tucked in his shirt, he already felt a loss. He lifted his eyebrow. "Kristin?"

  "Yes?" She tied her sneakers, then flipped her hair over her shoulder to glance at him.

  She truly glowed. His heart whispered that he wanted no other bride. He slipped his black shoes on as he felt a genuine smile grow on his lips. "You seem happier."

  "I am." She winked at him and checked herself in the bathroom mirror so that her clothes were all straight.

  He joined her by the mirror and took her hand in his, acknowledging the spark he’d felt with no other. "Good. Want to give a hint on what I must do to get you to marry me now?"

  She looked up at him with her face still flushed from their afternoon. Her smile was hypnotic. "Ask me."

  "What?" He blinked. Had he heard her correctly? He swallowed and tried not to move.

  Her voice grew softer. "Ask me right now."

  He went down on one knee on the bathroom floor. She swayed and stared at him with wide blue eyes. She was the best thing that ever happened in his life, and his chest puffed with pride. "Kristin Wells, will you marry me?"

  She nodded with her eyes misting and tugged for him to stand. The moment he did, she threw her arms around him and said, "Yes."

  "Really?" He hugged her waist, lifting her off the ground. Kristin was his now and for the rest of their lives.

  She brushed his jaw and laughed. "Why do you sound surprised? I couldn’t say no."

  He put her back on the ground, but his heart still beat faster than normal. "I haven’t been able to think straight since you spilled your pocketbook in my office. You bent over and I saw the sliver of delicate skin at your throat, the way you blinked behind your glasses, the peek of thigh when you crossed your legs and your dress inched up. Another woman might have run from embarrassment but you held your own and captured my admiration. I had to choose you."

  She tilted her head and somehow she made him feel alive in a way he never had been. "If being with you is like this, then we should be married."

  He brushed her hair away from her soft face and inhaled her rosy scent though she wore no perfume and then lowered his head for a kiss.

  She tasted better than any other woman, like spice and wine and chocolate. Somehow he'd found the woman that men whispered about as special. Their fingers interlaced and they walked to the door that he held open for her. "We'll stop at the local jeweler, if you’d like, and you can pick out your ring. I'm sure my mother mentioned some ancient ring I'm to give you once we tell her over dinner."

  Outside she shivered as if she was colder in the evening here, even though it was summer, and stayed closer to him. "I'd like one that you bought for me as something private between us."

  They walked without speaking as their feet crunched against the overgrown grass until they made it back to the dirt path and then the cobblestone street. He held her close and wanted to ensure they stayed in this bubble where no one else mattered but the two of them. "Kristin, I really didn't think you'd be this perfect."

  Her laughter echoed on the quiet streets of the village. Where was everybody? Even at night the village always had streets full of people, often reveling as they went to one of the restaurants or late-night bars. Strange that everyone was inside and no one was here. His body became more rigid and his awareness of the surroundings grew.

  Kristin kept her voice low. "Does your kingdom have a curfew, at dusk?"

  So she felt it too. Something was wrong. Everything was too quiet. His hands went into fists from the quietness of the street that usually had vendors everywhere. "Crime is usually imported. We're a small country. It can happen anywhere. But I have a feeling this is about my family."

  Night was almost here, but at least the jewelry store had its lights on. He opened the door and heard the bell ding overhead as the only noise in the area. His gut churned and he ushered Kristin inside and off the street. "Shall we?"

  The elderly store owner, David, had tears dampening his face when he came over to them and cried even more. Antonio's entire body felt tight.

  The old man mopped his eyes. "Your Highness, Prince Antonio, we were so worried about y
ou."

  "Why?" He heard the edge in his voice. Everything had been fine this afternoon. If something happened to his father now, he'd feel guilty for stealing away for a few hours. Kristin squeezed his hand. “What’s wrong?”

  The jeweler then cried more. "We heard what happened at the palace. The reports must have been wrong."

  No. Something happened. He said a prayer his father was safe. "What reports?"

  The older gentleman leaned against the glass counter that protected his jewels. "Communists stormed the palace and have your family as hostages. We're all waiting for news."

  No. His father had just woken from a coma! He couldn’t be moved, or startled, or he might relapse. Antonio never should have left the palace. His entire body tensed. "I have to get back now."

  "I'm coming with you." Kristin held his hand in her tight grip.

  He thought to argue, but remembered that her protective instinct was at a 97 percentile which wouldn’t let her back down.

  The jeweler locked the door behind them, and Antonio, with Kristin, marched up the street toward the palace. She ran with him and never asked to slow down. As they neared the gate, he told her, trying again to keep her safe, "I'll need you to stay with the guards."

  She wrapped her other arm in his. "Antonio, my friend is in there. I'm helping."

  The last thing he needed was for anyone to hurt her too. Kristin was his future. "It's my family, Kristin. My father is gravely ill. I can't worry about you too." She didn't have a chance to respond because the doors were opened for him in the barracks and he called out, "Guards."

  "Your Highness, this way." A lieutenant saluted and then marched forward.

  Everyone stood at attention as he strode down the hall. Once he made it to General Babik the man said, "We're happy you’re here." His neutral expression gave no emotion away.

  The general marched him to a wall of monitors where he saw the elite force mobilized near doors and various rooms in the house. Babik hit a switch and one monitor became his father's sick room. At least his father was still alive and in his bed, but who knew what was planned.