Alexander & Rebecca (Royals of Valleria #1) (15 page)

“The threat?” Rebecca whispered, as fear overtook all the lovely thoughts and feelings of only moments ago.

“Could be,” Alex said as he checked his phone. “I’d turned my phone off when I arrived so I didn’t get his messages. And there they are,” he said as his phone was alight with notifications.

“Alex, you can’t do that. What if he needed you?”

Alex paused in his perusal of his phone and walked over to her. He gently put his arms around her and rested his forehead against hers. “
I
needed
you
, darling. So, everything else just needed to wait.”

“Can a prince do that?” she asked as her arms slipped easily around him.

“This prince does. We deserved the time together. I’m just a man underneath it all, Rebecca. A man who needs you, very much, in more than just the physical.”

“I’m still not sure.”

“I know,” he said and kissed her forehead. “But you will be, and I’ll wait for you until you do.”

“You sound awfully sure of yourself.”

“No, my Rebecca. I’m sure of you.”

What was a woman supposed to say to something like that? He dropped his lips to hers in a soft, slow kiss. She felt the heat pooling gently inside her again when he pulled away. He kissed her hand before letting go.

“Thank you for dinner. We’ll find some more time soon.”

“You’re welcome, but don’t you think we should avoid each other until the threat is resolved?”

His eyes flashed. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily, Rebecca. I’ll contact you tomorrow.”

“Is that safe? I don’t really have a secure phone.”

Remembering what he’d arranged for earlier, Alex pulled a second phone from his jacket. “You do now,” he said as he handed it over. “It’s our little secret. My number’s already programmed in there, as is your security team and Marcello, just in case.”

Her eyes widened. “Do you really think someone will come after me?” When he didn’t answer, she said, “Total honesty, Alex.”

He ran a hand over his face, then nodded. “I just don’t know. I’m disturbed at the lengths to which they’re harassing us.”

Rebecca nodded. “All right.” She wrapped her arms around herself and started rubbing her arms; she suddenly felt very cold.

“Until next time, Rebecca. Dream of me.”

She couldn’t help but smile. “Dream of me back.”

When he shut the door behind him, Rebecca locked the door and sighed. She could still feel his lips and hands against her. She needed some time to think so she started to clean up their dinner. She kept the phone near her, hoping but not expecting a call.

As she finished up and headed to her bedroom an hour or so later, she carried the phone with her and jumped when it vibrated in her hand. When she glanced down, she saw a message from Alex and couldn’t help but smile.

Tucked in?
Alex asked.

Not yet. Headed there soon.

You’re not working, are you?

Just cleaning up. Someone left quite a mess.

That someone apologizes.

I accept the apology.

After a few minutes, he messaged again.
Still cleaning up?

She didn’t answer right away as she’d just gone to change and lamented her practical cotton pajama bottoms and tank top. A woman in her thirties should have something sexier for bed, shouldn’t she?

Where are you?
He asked when she didn’t respond.

I was changing
, she messaged defensively.

What are you wearing now?

What are you wearing now?
she asked instead.

I asked first.

Wanting to seem as sexy as possible, and she couldn’t believe they were messaging each other sexy thoughts, she said,
Pink
.

Pink? Any other details?

Soft.

Send a picture.

No.

Please?

She laughed.
Not a chance. Now, your turn. Are you back at the palace yet?

Yes, I’m in my apartment.

What are you wearing, Your Highness?

She could almost sense him growling at the other end when he replied,
Call me Alex
.

What are you wearing, Alex?

Nothing.

She swallowed as an image of a nude Alex crossed her mind, and her cheeks flushed with warmth.
Nothing at all?

I sleep in the nude. You’ll get used to it.

The problem was that she thought she could get used to it, and all too easily. Best to change the subject.
What did your brother have to say?

I’ll tell you tomorrow. Just know that you’re safe. Sleep well, darling.

Night.

Night.

Oh my.

***

Alex set the phone down on his night stand as visions of Rebecca in something pink and soft rolled around in his head. It made it all too easy for him to fantasize about removing said garments and having his way with her.

He took a deep breath. He’d been close at her apartment, so close to that soft, hidden part of her that no man had explored before. He couldn’t say why the thought of being her first, and hopefully only, made him feel so possessive and so much a man, but it did.

He told her she’d be safe that night; he hoped he was telling the truth. Marcello had told him about a new lead they were following up on, but still had no confirmation on the culprit.

For him, it would be a long night. One filled with worry and erotic dreams of pink lips and innocent tongues.

He
would
see her again tomorrow. He would make sure of it.

When Rebecca woke, her entire body ached. It wasn’t a pulled muscle or exhaustion; it was arousal, plain and simple. Her mind had been filled with capable hands delving deep underneath her skirt and full lips possessing hers. Her breasts felt tight and her panties were wet. She needed to work off this energy.

After pulling back the curtains in her bedroom and opening the window, she saw a gorgeous late summer morning, with the air mildly humid and a cool breeze swirling; it was a perfect morning for running. After checking the clock, she saw she still had plenty of time before work so she put on her running clothes and stretched before opening the front door.

As she stepped out, surprise then remembrance crossed her face when she saw the security agent outside, dressed in a dark suit and tie. He took in her well-worn shorts and slightly ratty tank top. “Morning, Miss Campo. Did you plan to go running this morning? You should have informed us last night.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t think of it. I’m not used to having security around. Is it all right if I go?”

He took in her clothes again and Rebecca had the terrible sensation of feeling exposed. “Give us a minute,” he said, then talked into a communicator on his watch while listening to the response in his ear.

A few minutes later, a woman came running up, dressed in workout gear. “Agent Kane will follow you on your run,” the male agent said. “Be sure to inform us of your daily routine as soon as possible.”

“Of course. I’ll send you a schedule later today.”

When he nodded, she headed down the stairs and out the back entrance of the complex. There was a jogging path through the park, about a mile around. She often used it when she had the time, or had excess energy to burn off as she did today.

As she ran along, greeting those neighbors she knew and waving to the ones she didn’t, she heard the agent’s footfalls close behind. At least she was safe for now.

A shiver ran through her as she thought of the camera in her office. Who had done it? Why? What did they want with her and Alex? Alex said he would keep her informed about the investigation, and he was man who kept his promises.

She wondered if she’d have a chance today to see him. She was falling for him, no denying it. Falling for his enigmatic eyes and dark, thick hair. Falling for his kind heart and protective nature. Falling for the future leader of Valleria. Alex. Prince Alexander. His Royal Highness Prince Alexander Robert Louis Santoro di Valleria.

And he could be hers.

As Rebecca rounded past the entrance to do another lap of the track, she thought about the conversation they’d had last night. They knew each other better than before, but was it enough? She supposed she knew who he was: kind, strong, gentle, fair, and more. They were beginning to learn each other’s bodies and sighs and, she had to admit, she was very much enjoying the physical side of their relationship.

However, did he really know her? She wasn’t sure. Was she simply a dream to him? A fictional woman in a non-fictional body? Was she really the woman he wanted, or just the woman he thought she could be? And were those different things to begin with?

She didn’t know if she could be queen, that was the crux of it. She needed advice, but didn’t know who to ask. Catharine was out of the question, though she desperately wanted to know what she thought. Rebecca didn’t have any close friends, or anyone that could really be trusted with something of this magnitude.

Of course, she could speak to her parents. Would it be fair to tell them? What if it didn’t work out between her and Alex; would they be disappointed?

As she neared the entrance again, she decided this was just too important a decision to make alone. She’d try to meet with her mother before work, if she could manage it. Yes, her mother would know what to do.

With a plan in place, she headed back to her apartment where the security agent stood guard. The agents spoke to each as she walked inside and shut the door.

She heard the phone Alex had given her buzz against her night stand, and she was surprised she hadn’t checked it first thing. She smiled as she saw the numerous messages, each sent about five minutes apart.

Good morning, darling.
Then another.
Are you awake yet?
And another.
Avoiding me?
Then finally:
Where are you? I’m starting to get worried.

Alex was a little possessive, but she couldn’t help feeling cared for by his concern.

She messaged back.
I’m fine. I was out running. Yes, security was with me.

Thank God. I was getting worried.

Do you always expect an answer right away? That seems very controlling, unhealthy behavior.

She jumped when the phone rang in her hands. He spoke as soon as she answered it.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound controlling or upset you.”

“I know, Alex. I was kidding, for the most part anyway.”

“Oh. Well, I didn’t know you liked to go running.”

“I can’t always manage the time for it, but the morning was too nice to pass up.”

“Yes, it is, isn’t it? Why don’t you meet me for breakfast?”

She thought of her mother and her plans for the morning. “I’m sorry, but I haven’t got the time this morning. Wherever could we meet anyways?”

“I’d find a way. Why can’t you meet? Do you have an early meeting?”

“Of sorts.”

“If you left now, there would be time for both.”

“Perhaps, but I couldn’t leave now even if I wanted to.”

“Why?”

“I’ve just come in from my run, and haven’t even showered yet.” Her hand went to her forehead as she winced.
Great job, Rebecca. Tell him you’re filthy and sweaty and need a shower; that will attract him to you.

“Oh? It’s a shame I’m not there. I’d love to help you with that.”

Stunned for a moment as she imagined that exact scenario, she recovered and tried to change the subject. “What happened with your brother last night? You said you’d tell me today what he’s learned.”

“I will, when we meet later. I’ll come by your office.”

Her stomach clenched as the thought of the cameras and photos resurfaced. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

Alex spoke softly. “We’ve already swept your offices again today, okay? There’s nothing for you to worry about. I wouldn’t let you or Cat go back there if I thought it wasn’t safe.”

Her fear softened as she thought of Cat. Alex would do anything to protect her, so if he said it was safe to return, it was. “All right, I trust you.”

“Progress,” he said, and somehow she could tell he was smiling.

Catching sight of the clock, she said, “I’ve got to go, Alex.”

“I know. I’ll see you soon. We’ll make plans for tonight.”

“I don’t know, Alex. It was pretty risky for us to meet last night.”

“Some risks should be taken. And you, my dear, are a risk worth fighting for.”

Oh, my
. “Thank you.”

“Until later.”

“Later.”

After she hung up, she fanned herself with her hand for a moment before stripping on her way to the bathroom. Perhaps a nice, cold shower this morning would do just the trick.

***

Alex strode into his offices, trying to put the image of a wet, naked Rebecca out of his mind. Tavin came in just minutes after he’d sat down and gave him a run through of the day ahead. Meetings, meetings, and more meetings. Another thought came to him, so he interrupted Tavin.

“What about public functions?”

“No, sir, you haven’t got any until Thursday. Princess Catharine does have a function today at a local elementary school. Would you like to attend, sir? I can rearrange your schedule, if you wish.”

“Rearrange Catharine’s.”

“Sir?”

“No public appearances for any royal family member for the time being.”

“I see, sir. I’ll make sure the royal schedules are clear. What reasoning shall I give? It will certainly draw attention if none of the royal family are seen in public for a period of time.”

“Nicely put, Tavin. Yes, I suppose you’re right. Reschedule hers today and mine as well. Don’t mention anything specific. And check on the schedules for the rest of this week, at least.”

“Of course, sir. Anything else?”

“When Marcello calls, put him straight through. He’s been avoiding me all morning.”

“Yes, sir. You’re to meet with King Gabriel in ten minutes, sir,” Tavin said and bowed his head before leaving.

Alex had ten minutes to put the threat and Rebecca out of his mind and focus on the work.

God help him.

***

Rebecca turned into her parents’ driveway earlier than expected. She’d sent her mother a brief message letting her know she’d be stopping by; her father was already out on the grounds working.

It was probably for the best, Rebecca thought as she stepped out of the car. Her father was friends with the king, and she wasn’t sure how he’d react. She didn’t know how her mother would react, either, come to that, but she’d always been a fair woman.

Rebecca gave a few swift knocks before stepping inside. “Hello? Mama?” she called.

“In the kitchen, dear. Come on through,” her mother called.

Rebecca stepped through the cozy living room filled with well-worn, soft furniture and scads of family pictures scattered about, and followed the aroma of fresh croissants and coffee to the kitchen.

When she stepped inside, she was transported back to a scene that just as easily could have been from her childhood. Her mother, Francine, stood in casual clothes rolling out dough, her floral apron spotted with flour. Her mother’s golden hair was piled in a messy bun atop her head, and she was humming a cheerful tune.

Rebecca smiled as she stepped over and gave her mother a quick kiss on the cheek. “They smell wonderful, Mama,” she said as she grabbed the plate of baked croissants and took them to the small, functional dining table.

“If you’d have given me more notice I could have prepared something else.”

“You didn’t have to prepare anything at all, but thank you just the same. Come sit. Let’s have coffee,” Rebecca said as she began to pour a cup for her mother, then herself, knowing her mother would never let a cup of coffee go to waste.

Francine dusted off her hands on her apron before removing it, and washed her hands in the sink. When she sat down a moment later, Rebecca had already selected a croissant and drizzled it with warm honey.

“So what’s wrong?” Francine asked as poured some cream and sugar into her coffee.

Rebecca swallowed a bite of flaky, sticky pastry and licked her fingers. “What makes you think something’s wrong?”

“You only come to visit during the week if something’s troubling you. I’m happy anytime you come visit, of course, but I sense you have a problem and need advice.”

“Mother’s intuition?”

“Damn right.”

Rebecca laughed. “I never could keep anything from you. All right. Yes. There’s a problem. Two, actually.”

“Work-related?”