Forbidden Noble

  Astorre wrapped his arms around her. “What?”

  All she needed was the truth. Good or bad, she needed the answer, so she glanced up, met his gaze and asked, “Do you love me because I’m convenient and already your wife?”

  He squeezed her sides. “Are you asking why I love you?”

  Her heart hammered and her hair stood on end all over her body. She sighed. “Yeah. I’ve always been Clara the unfortunate, and love wasn’t in the cards for me. And then I met you and hoped that part of my life was over.”

  He traced her arm, then clasped her hands, guiding her toward a cozy breakfast nook with a small bistro set. He directed her to sit as he took the chair beside her. “You mentioned your grandmother wasn’t good to you.”

  She'd chosen not to fully explain her life to him. She didn’t like talking about it much so she sucked in her lips but then forced herself to relax. Everything was fine. “She kept a roof over my head but blamed me for my adoptive parents' death.” He squeezed her hand which kept her in this moment. Astorre was different. She met his gaze and finished, “It wasn’t true, as my mother was heading to the doctor for her own health appointment when the car accident occurred, but Grandmother May was adamant.”

  He nodded without pity, hearing her out. “She was foolish.”

  Her heart fluttered. She hadn’t thought this possible but she asked, “Foolish?”

  Her eye ducts might be blocked again with tears. She blinked to make them go away, but one escaped from her eye. He wiped her cheek as he said, “You’re the most brilliant woman I’ve ever met. You shine brighter than the sun in the sky and you radiate warmth, even in a storm. You’re easy to love.”

  He’d listened. Wow. Her lips parted but she asked to be sure, “And you love me because?”

  His gaze narrowed and his hands brushed against hers. “Because you… you're sweet, kind, smart and see to the heart of people fast. You saw me and thought I was somehow worthy of you.”

  More tears escaped. Did being in love mean she’d turn into a real crier now? She laughed at the thought as she said more seriously, “There is no deserve, worthy, unworthy. We’re just two people choosing love.”

  He wiped her face again and leaned over so their foreheads touched when he said, “Clara… I… I can’t do any of this being a lord or duke, not without you, here with me.”

  Yes, she was becoming someone new, someone who cried now. She didn’t stop the tears but smiled through them. “Then I’m staying.”

  His brown hues captivated her. “Are you sure?”

  Handsome was too tame a word for Astorre. She didn’t care that she snorted a little as she said, “Look, I don’t want to be unfortunate anymore, and if I leave you when you love me then I’m not giving my heart what it wants… you.”

  Her lips tingled as he came closer and her eyes fluttered closed while he said, “Then I’m…” A knock on the door interrupted them and she turned her head away. He kissed her forehead, stood up and held his finger that he’d go see who needed them.

  She smoothed her shirt over her stomach while he opened the door to a servant. She stood as he read a note and then he said, “We’re being summoned.”

  Castle life might mean more interruptions which she accepted--but she needed to not look like a disaster. Clara smiled, patted his backside as she walked past him, and headed into the en suite bathroom. “Let me brush my teeth. I need to look like a proper lady for Montelino Bay.”

  He came beside her and picked up his toothbrush like this was now a new normal. “Are you sure you don’t want to rusticate in a fancy country home?”

  They brushed together in sync. She’d never lived in a dorm or had friends in the bathroom at the same time. She finished and splashed water on her face next. Once she was done, he took his turn while she said, “That sounds pretty boring. I might not have skills but at least here I can oversee pretty much everything and pitch in where I’m needed.”

  He put his toothbrush beside hers. “Clara, you have skills.”

  Now that was an overstatement. Until she'd found out about her birth parents, she’d scraped by, barely existing. “No, I never honed any.”

  In the closet was everything she'd left. She grabbed white slacks and an olive green blouse, along with his mother’s gold cross. Done. With a quick check in the mirror, she added lip gloss and pinched her cheek. This was as good as she’d be for now, but she appeared almost a lady. He said, “You see straight through to people. Most of us need time to figure out what we should do next but you are the most intuitive person I've ever met.”

  Another tear broke free and she had to splash her face again to keep it from happening.

  She refused to turn into that much of an emotional mess. “That’s not a skill.”

  Astorre took her hand and led her toward the great room.

  She assumed it was going to be his sister or something to do with the castle, but he said on the way, “Yeah, it is. It’s called diplomacy and you have it, in spades--and we need that around here.”

  Arguing would bring more sentiment. She squeezed his arm and said, “All I need is you.”

  He headed to the middle of the great hall with her at his side. “Then let’s find out what’s going on so I can get you all to myself.”

  The servants had them waiting like whoever the guest was must be important. She stood taller. “I’ve never thought of myself as diplomatic. This is new thinking.” Her voice echoed in the hall.

  Wow. She would never try to say anything confidential in here. Astorre pointed above their head. “The room was designed for whoever is above to hear every word.”

  No secrets--got it. She straightened her shoulders as the door opened and a nice-looking man on the thinner side, wearing jeans and a polo shirt, walked through the door with servants chased behind him as if they wanted to announce someone important. The visitor said, “I come with a message from the palace, Your Grace.”

  The servants stopped.

  Astorre bowed instantly and tugged for her to do the same. She blinked and asked, “Who?”

  “It’s Prince Lucio, Your Grace.” The man took her hand.

  She bowed like her husband, but the man waved for them both to join him at ease.

  She hadn’t expected a visit from a prince, but Lucio turned toward her husband and said, “I stopped by to ask a question about your bomber you sent in.”

  Astorre widened his stance like he’d have to defend his actions. She stood beside him as he said, “Yes, Your Highness. How can we help?”

  Lucio tilted his head in a friendly manner. “I’m just curious, Astorre. We’ve not seen each other since Paris where you said it would be the last time you’d be allowed to speak to me.”

  Astorre raised his brow and she held her breath. Was that reaction allowed in royal circles? “Things changed.”

  “For the better.” Lucio said, “This man threatened your life, held a gun to your head, and tried to murder your wife. How is it that he’s alive and in my jail cell? When someone threatened my wife, I wasn’t so kind.”

  Astorre's handsome smile had a hint of smugness. “You were dealing with a traitor. I was dealing with a boy who never grew into a man.”

  Now that was an apt description of Max Fionella. Astorre had proved himself to her, and most importantly, to himself. She quickly said, “My husband said it would be worse for him to rot in prison, Highness.”

  Lucio laughed. “That sounds like Astorre.” He then shook hands with him. “My father wants to hold a reception at the palace for you and your new bride. Montelino Bay has always been important in our kingdom.”

  Were all the royals here warm and real? Both men stared at her like she made the decision. She ignored how when she smiled the skin around her eyes wrinkled a little bit. “That sounds fun.”

  Astorre clasped the prince on his back as if they were friends. “Clara says yes, so we’ll be there.”

  Lucio said, “And bring your sister. The palace matchmaker wants to
run her profile as her time is coming.”

  Astorre glanced up. Was his sister listening now? He said, “We’ll bring Olivia, but her choices are her own.”

  If Olivia was listening, she’d like that answer. The prince left and once they were alone, Astorre offered his arm to lead her back up the stairs and she said, “Well, that was nice of the king. I’m excited to see a royal palace.”

  He winked at her. “I’m excited to get you back to our room.”

  “Lead the way,” she said as they made it to the top step.

  Then he tugged her closer and claimed her lips. She didn’t mind. This was everything she ever wanted. She loved him and he loved her--and his kiss made her forget everything else.

  Chapter 19

  Astorre stared out at the palace ballroom to watch his bride, radiant in her white wedding dress. She was talking and laughing with her friend as the room sparkled in white marble walls and blue and olive green tapestries, a way to tie in Avce’s royal colors with Montelino Bay’s history.

  The ballroom had white round tables, where dignitaries sipping cocktails gossiped, and a string band quartet played for background noise.

  While he'd never wanted a wedding, this was pretty spectacular.

  And unlike his home, there wasn’t a cloud in sight. Bright blue skies during the day had transformed to less bright and deeper blue skies of the early night that allowed small glimpses of stars.

  Not that he needed a star. Clara shone as a princess today with her hair up and small ringlets at the top of the sweep.

  Astorre stayed near the grand staircase to wait for his sister, who had a meeting downstairs with the royal matchmaker.

  Finally Olivia appeared in a green gown that went to her knees. He stood taller as he hovered until she joined him. She fixed her dress on the top step and he asked, “How did the meeting with Cassidy go?”

  Olivia took his arm like they’d go back into the ballroom together, but shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I’m not getting married. You are.”

  Instead of joining the others, he led her to a small balcony to continue the conversation, but where he could see Clara laughing at her table in the ballroom too. “Technically I’m already married. This is a reception.”

  Olivia pointed to Clara who currently hugged Cassidy as she came in the door, which meant his wife knew the appointment was over. Olivia said, “Where your bride gets to wear a white dress so it’s the closest you'll get to wedding photos to show your children later.”

  His chest felt hollow at the thought. Children didn’t need to be in the cards. Just being with Clara was a reward. He fixed his black tuxedo jacket. “Yeah, I’m good with giving Sophia the castle one day.”

  Olivia shook her head like she didn’t believe a word. “In time you and your wife will change your minds.”

  He playfully elbowed his sister. “Maybe. So what did Cassidy say?”

  Olivia didn’t blink as she glanced up at him and said, “I told her to keep her name as I didn’t need to know.”

  While he enjoyed having his sister around, she deserved to be happy. And love didn’t turn anyone crazy. He raised his eyebrow. “So she had a name?”

  Olivia’s nose wrinkled like she didn’t want to deal with this as she massaged the bridge of her nose. “She said I knew the guy but that’s impossible. If I knew my true love, we’d be together. Otherwise it’s just a name that will meddle with my mental state.”

  She pressed her lips together but he asked anyhow, “Who?”

  Olivia gently nudged him toward the door. “I don’t know and don’t want to know, which is what I said to her and now to you. I’m happy to be sending you into your bride now.”

  He held out his arm to lead her into the party as he said, “Love is hard sometimes but it’s worth it.”

  He held the door for his sister but the moment his gaze met Clara’s in the center of the room, his heart lifted a little higher. Olivia said, “I have enough love in my life. I have Sophia. Now go already.”

  His sister waved him off and he couldn’t help but gravitate toward Clara. The crowd parted like waves at the shore that allowed him to easily get to Clara’s side. She looped her arm through his and asked as she glanced over his shoulder, “Why isn’t Olivia joining us?”

  He pointed toward the center of the ballroom where no one was dancing yet. “She wants us to get a photo like the one of your parents.”

  She squeezed his biceps. “That’s sweet. I want her to sit and eat with us.”

  He hadn’t wanted to push Olivia more than he had, so he shrugged. “You’ll have to talk to her about that.”

  Someone tapped him on the back and he turned around to see more smiling people. He hugged his friend though he first addressed his wife. “Rossie. Stephano.”

  Stephano laughed and handed them champagne flutes from a passing waiter. “I never thought I’d see the day my friend Astorre happy and in love.”

  Honestly, he hadn’t either, not before Clara. She'd changed everything in his life. “Is it that hard to believe?”

  Stephano glanced at their mutual friend, Matteo, at a nearby table, seated with his wife, Sheena, and then back at him. “I generally think you’re the worst of us all.”

  Stephano had been the one with the most sinful parties. Before he could argue, his wife stood in front of him like she would defend him as she said, “Astorre is the best man I've ever met. I can’t believe he was ever anything but sweet.”

  He tucked his arm around her waist to pull her back and said, “Clara…”

  Stephano winked at him. “And he smiles. You are a miracle worker, Your Grace.”

  Rossie shook her head and hugged her friend. “And you're both happy, which is all that matters.”

  Piano music began from Clara's parents' favorite album that they’d chosen to dance to. He took her hand. “And that’s our cue.”

  The guitar joined in as the lead singer of the band sang about a lonely girl which reminded him a bit of Clara in the lyrics. She massaged his arm as they took their places to her parents' wedding song. “This is sweet that you picked this, y’know.”

  He guided her into a timeless waltz despite the hair-band rock and roll beat. “Time to dance. Then once we finish, we can eat, and finally we get to go home. So let’s get this started.”

  She followed him perfectly as they flowed together--her smile intoxicating as she said, “Agreed, my love. Let’s get the party started.”

  The royal photographer followed them as they both smiled for the camera to get the picture. Astorre kissed the best woman in the world’s cheek. He was the luckiest man in the world today.

  Chapter 20

  Clara stepped off the plane and the bright sun burned her skin.

  Thankfully her husband had given her sunblock on their private jet and rubbed it carefully onto every exposed inch.

  He stepped onto the tarmac with her and they headed to their limo.

  This was her life now.

  She was never going to be Clara the unfortunate again. She was titled, and married to the best man in the world.

  Today she'd see where myths took place--hopefully the sun would stay out.

  Last time they’d been here, she’d taken off to go see the historical rock while he'd gone to town.

  Now she was happy to stay at his side, forever.

  The limo headed to their stationary cruise ship hotel where they'd gotten married a month ago.

  The ship's interior shone as they walked inside.

  He led her to the counter. “We’re here to check in to our room.”

  The clerk smiled at them and said, “Happy to have you both back.”

  They’d been remembered. Wow. Astorre took the key and as they headed to the same suite number they’d departed a month ago. “Do we get a honeymoon every year?”

  He led her to the door. “We can take short trips whenever you want though now we must go back to Montelino Bay.”

  Their home. Maybe the rocks could wait. Sh
e held out her hands to hold him tight and said, “Then we have the best of both worlds, a home and the ability to visit the world.”

  “We can do whatever you want, as always, Your Grace.” He claimed her lips in a searing kiss.

  Myths and history could wait another day. Today they were alone and Astorre made her toes curl.

  Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed Astorre and Clara’s story as much as I did. This was one of my favorites to write as Clara has a little of my spirit when it comes to how to handle a guy with wounds with her bit of optimism at least. I have a Christmas in the mountains romance with a lord that isn’t really friends or talkative until he meets an American who shows him both Christmas and to start talking to the rest of Avce, so I hope you enjoy my Christmas in Avce story in Forbidden Lord.

  If you loved Forbidden Crown, you’ll love the billionaire family drama of the House of Morgan, where romance is the only cure that might heal the past. The first book, Secret Crush, is FREE and available where you can see how the House of Morgan all started.

  And if you’re looking for a series with some danger and mystery where all the Bentleys must marry women they’ve never met to clear their names in this exciting family drama. The prequel Irresistibly Lost is available for FREE as well!

  And to find out about new books, sign up for my newsletter: https://victoriapinder.com

  Forbidden Lord Preview

  Miya’s desk was all clean. She’d made it sparkle as she waited for the email. Finally, the day had arrived, the day that she’d waited for and worked toward after being passed over twice already for this job. Today Scot and Scot hired a new director and she should be it.

  Today was the day Miya’s life changed. No more bad dates with losers. No more being ignored at work.

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