His Forbidden Princess (5 page)

Not knowing what made him do it, he reached out and covered her hand with his. The reaction was instant. Ian’s entire body warmed and Sofie’s eyes locked on their two hands. His large, rough and tanned; hers small, soft and creamy white. “This isn’t an ideal situation, I know that, but everything is going to work out.”

“Thank you, Ian.” She pulled her hand away. “I do appreciate your efforts and the efforts of your government to help my country.”

They stayed there, not moving. Finally, when he heard the horn blaring from the

incoming ferry, he turned his head away. He’d just been told in the nicest way possible to keep his hands off of her. And just like when they broke up, he missed the feel of her. He’d missed it every day since he’d lost her.

Starting the car, he moved onto the ferry line, and fortunately, the boat wasn’t crowded.

They got out of the car and Sofie walked to the rail, watching as they made their way across the bay. “The ferry is the only way on and off the island?”

“With your car, yes. You could take a boat and dock in any number of towns though, if you wanted to walk.”

“That actually sounds nice.” She looked off in the distance. “The white house on the shore right there is lovely.”

The house she spoke of was one of the oldest on the island. The main house of a very large coastal estate. “Ours is around the bend to the east. It’s been in the family for sixty years.

It’s not as big as that house.”

“I’m sure it’s very nice.”

It was more than nice. The house had six bedrooms and five bathrooms. The one Sofie was just looking at was twice the size. His grandfather had bought the Shelter Island house in the fifties, after he had married, and spent many weekends fixing up the big old house with the amazing views. When his father and his uncles took ownership of the house, that was when the serious renovations started happening.

Now, the place was worth millions and every member of his family had a stake in it. It was the family homestead. A place where they held reunions and weddings and special events for generations and would continue to do so. Best of all, it was off the beaten path. Not isolated, but private.

The ferry pulled into the dock and once the car was offloaded, the princess seemed to relax a little. Ian figured she felt safe, knowing the island was surrounded by water. It was a barrier. Like a really big moat.

Considering everything she’d been through, he considered that progress. That she was relaxing with him was another near miracle. Of course, that could change in a minute. He was still drawn to her, but Sofie had made it very clear, this was business and no matter how many memories she dredged up, distance was his friend. When they actually had to look like a couple, the boundaries would be established and that would keep either of them from straying into dangerous territory.

He couldn’t deny, he enjoyed the thought. Sofie had gotten under his skin eight years ago. He’d been ready to change his whole life plan for her, move wherever she wanted him to go, and then he found out even if she wanted him, he wasn’t right for her. They couldn’t be together.

But whatever had passed between them was over, there was no room for nostalgia on this assignment. His job was to protect her. That was all.

“A family friend dropped off a few groceries,” he said. “So there are basics in the house until we can get to the market in the morning. I asked for tea and cream, since I know you don’t drink coffee.”

“You remembered?”

How could he forget? “I remember a lot about you.”

“Oh. Well.” She straightened herself in the seat. “Thank you for being so considerate.”

“You’re welcome. There’s a restaurant not too far from here. Why don’t we get

something to eat before we head home?”

“I am a little hungry. I hadn’t really thought about it much.”

“Your mind wasn’t on food. Do you like Italian?”

“I do. American Pizza is one of my favorites.” She bit her lip. “But is it okay for me to be out and about? I mean if someone recognizes me—”

“No one is going to recognize you.”

The look on her face was priceless. He lips pursed, her eyes narrowed--it was a

combination of shock, anger, and insult.

“What do you
mean
no one is going to recognize me?”

“You’re not that famous here, Princess. Your entire country isn’t as big as our smallest state, I doubt most people could locate it on a map.” She was sulking and he found that so funny.

She was worried about being recognized, but there was no doubt, Sofie was used to being adored. “Couple that with the fact that the only royals Americans know are British, and you have nothing to worry about. That should be the only thing that matters.”

“Of course. Of course that’s the most important thing. I’m just surprised, is all.”

“If you were a pop star, then it would be another story. The paparazzi would be hanging out of helicopters.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I’m only going to be responsible for a country one day,” she snipped.

Okay, so Sofie had changed a little. She had an ego now.

Pulling into the driveway of old house that had been converted into a very good Italian restaurant, Ian initially hoped there weren’t a lot of people. But the parking lot was pretty full which meant there was the possibility of running into someone he knew. As soon as he parked he went around to Sofie’s side, and helped her out. “Give me your hand.”

“My hand? Why?”

Keeping his eyes locked on hers which only made the temptation worse, Ian laced his fingers through hers. “Showtime.”

Feeling Ian grasp her hand overwhelmed her, just like it had when they were sitting in his car before getting on the ferry. Plain and simple, she couldn’t allow the feelings he dredged up to take hold. Never in her life had Sofie felt so conflicted.

“I can’t.”

“What is it,” he asked. “We’re just going to have dinner. It’s going to be fine.”

How was she going to get out of this without completely betraying how he affected her?

“I can’t face a crowd, Ian,” she lied. “I’ll be jumping out of my skin. I thought I’d be able to do this, but until I know about my family, I just can’t make a public appearance.” She was a woman who prided herself on her control, but being close to him was forcing every memory of how much she loved him to the surface, making her nervous, uncertain.

“Okay. I’m sure I can find something at the house. It won’t be fancy.”

“I don’t need fancy. I just can’t be in a public place right now.”

I don’t want to be this close to you right now.
It’s killing me. Why did they send you to
protect me?

The rest was a blur. She got back in his vehicle and he drove. There were a series of turns down lanes with pretty cottages and homes that she watched go by far too quickly, but she needed to be someplace that wouldn’t require her to feel his warmth and pick up his oh-so-familiar-scent. Most of the yards they passed were surrounded by white fences, green lawns and lush gardens. Just a few minutes from the restaurant, they were pulling down a small street, small pebbles crunching beneath the tires of Ian’s truck. It was hard to see in the twilight, but once her eyes adjusted, it didn’t look like a lane, but a private, tree-lined drive. And that’s exactly what it was. All at once, the trees opened up to reveal a house bathed in lights.

It was a rather large house, covered in weathered gray shingles, with lots of windows and trimmed all in white. Gorgeous blue and white hydrangeas bordered the home and drive. It was stunning. She’d seen many places like this when she visited Martha’s Vineyard—homes full of warmth and family. “This is wonderful,” she said.

“Yeah.” He reached over her and pulled his weapon from the glove box.

“Is there a problem. Why did you get your gun?” She hated guns.

“Because there aren’t many lights on in the house. Margie was going to leave a few on when she dropped off provisions and got the house ready. She might have forgotten, but I don’t want to take any chances,”

Just as Ian said it, the front porch light came on and an older man, husky and tall, opened the front door and waved. “If it’s a burglar, he’s friendly.”

“Jesus Christ,” Ian grumbled.

“Who is that?”

“My uncle is here. I though he was still fishing in Florida.”

“You’re uncle? Is it okay that he’s here? He’s not going to tell anyone about me, is he?”

“Absolutely not. There isn’t one member of my family you’d have to worry about, but least of all, Uncle John. He’s one of my father’s older brothers. I told you about him. Stepped in when my dad died. He’s a retired Army colonel. No security risk there.”

“Oh, is that your Uncle Johnny?”

Ian nodded. “You’re probably safer that he’s here. First, because there’s two of us to protect you, and second, he’s a better shot than I am. And that’s saying something.” Ian’s humility was still one of his most charming attributes.

Two Stuart men to protect her. She had to wonder what this family was all about. It was rare to find people dedicated to service. Sofie knew Ian’s father was a police officer who was killed in the line of duty. It appeared bravery ran deep with them.

“Alright. Let’s get on with it, then.” Holding her breath, Sofie got out of the car and walked toward the house that would be her sanctuary—her prison in some ways. It was quite a lovely prison, but it was one nonetheless.

“Hello," she offered her hand to his uncle, who smiled and did the same. “I’m Sofia.”

“Sofia, it’s a pleasure,” he responded formally. “I’m John Stuart. You may call me John, or Uncle John, seeing you’re with my nephew.”

“I thought you were in the Keys fishing?” Ian asked as he embraced his uncle, slapping his back with affection.

“I was. But how many big fish can you haul in. The weather was nicer here, so I came home. Is that a problem?”

“I’m sorry we surprised you,” Sofie replied. “I hope it’s not an imposition.”

“Nah. Margie was by with extra groceries, and she made up two rooms upstairs.”

“Ian said you were in the Army? Were you the one who inspired him to join up?”

Ian’s uncle grinned. “I don’t know. Was I?”

“Probably a little. I was also restless. It took me a while to settle down and find my place.”

Find his place. Whatever that meant, she’s always thought his place would be with her, but she couldn’t ever force him to live life like she did—in a bubble.

“Come on.” Ian nodded toward the stairs. “Let’s get your things upstairs.”

“Alright,” Sofie nodded once. “It was nice to meet your John.” He stepped aside while Ian carried her bag to the first landing.

“If you need anything, Sofia, you just ask. I’m glad to have you here.” There was a warmth about John Stuart. The feeling was very genuine and Sofie liked him immediately. The man was no pushover, but she sensed the same qualities in John that first drew her notice to Ian.

She guessed the elder man had a profound influence on his nephew.

Sofie had the lucky job of following a very handsome Ian up the stairs. His behind was a sight to behold. Rounding out his nicely fitted trousers, the muscles went long and she could see them move with each stride.

Her thoughts weren’t very royal. But where Ian was concerned they never were. Once upon a time, her love for him had her ready to leave her entire life behind. Her home, her family, her responsibility…it was crazy. She would have followed him anywhere. And now they were here together and her feelings were welling up all over again.

Just like then, if he wanted to take her far away, and never come back, she’d go with him.

“Here you go.”

Ian flipped on the light and Sofie walked into a truly charming guest suite. A large four poster bed, dominated a room bathed in seaside colors. Blue, green, teal and tan dominated the palette and Sofie loved every bit of the space, especially the large French doors and casement windows that afforded her a lovely view of the sea.

“The bath is over here.” He flipped on another light. “And the walk-in closet is over there.” He stood in the middle of the room, hands stuffed in his pockets. “I’m going to change and go make some sandwiches or something.”

“Okay. I’ll do the same and find you.”

“Sounds good.” He headed for the door, but as she remembered, he always looked back one last time, and smiled.

“It’s going to be alright, isn’t it?” she blurted out. “I mean I don’t have to worry while I’m here.” Even with all the reassurances the knot in her stomach was growing by the minute.

He paused, a little too long for her liking, obviously thinking about his answer. “We’ve covered our tracks pretty well and only four people know where we are. One is at the State Department, two are at the Bureau and the other is your father. No one else from your country knows where you’ve been taken. I mean, there’s always a chance you could be found, but it’s unlikely.”

“Wonderful. Here I am putting you, your uncle, and the people on this island at risk.”

“I won’t let anything happen to you. You know that, right?” He took a step towards her, seeming larger than life.
Her hero.
“You’re safe here.”

His voice, which was naturally deep, was hoarse and full of emotion. Sofie’s eyes

flooded and no longer able to maintain her cool air, she went to him, wrapping her arms around his waist. Her head settled on his chest and then, because being with him wasn’t enough to turn her world upside down, his arms wrapped around her, holding her safe and secure next to him.

She was in Ian’s arms and for the first time since she left him all those years ago, everything felt right. And it was a disaster in the making.

“Don’t be afraid, Sof. I promise you, nothing will happen.”

“I know you will. I believe you. I do.”

“I’m glad.” He rubbed her back, the circling motion such a comfort. “So, ah, are we still friends, at least?”

“Friends?” she asked. How could they ever be only friends? “I don’t know. Are we?”

“I’d like to think we are. I mean we were before we got, you know, involved.”

“I think we shall find a way to manage a good working relationship.”