Only A Night With A Billionaire (Only Us Billionaire Romance Book 2)

by Ellie Hall

  As dawn turned into day, he also looked forward to a very long sleep, but it would have to wait. He hoped Penelope could endure the welcome festivities. To the public eye, they should be rested and smiling, given the purported detour through the snowy countryside. Instead, he felt weary and drained.

  But when she stepped through the carriage into the dining car, the sight of her brought him to his feet. He gripped her hand and kissed her cheek politely, longing for more. But there would be more, so much more, as the years stretched ahead of them.

  She seemed stiff, uncertain, but he knew it was likely fatigue, possibly still shock. He’d considered delaying the celebratory return, but couldn’t put the people off too much longer—at least not without speculation and worry among them and that wasn’t how he wanted to start their reign.

  After breakfast, they donned heavy, but stylish jackets, and stepped onto the platform. Banners waved. Garlands of blue and silver strung overhead reminded Oliver of the night sky—something he’d always be thankful for.

  As their arrival was announced, Oliver and Penelope waved politely. The crowds cheered and clapped, despite the cold. Although it was a relatively mild and sunny day, considering it was still winter in Concordia, their welcome was warm and he was glad to be home.

  A reporter called, “Your Royal Highness, please tell us about your travels from England.”

  He turned to Penelope and then to the crowd, he said, “I’ll forever think of it as an adventure of a lifetime.”

  He caught the edge of her smile but knew it was time for them to rest. They answered a couple more questions before getting into an awaiting SUV and were quiet for most of the ride. He felt the rush of his return whizzing inside but she was probably too exhausted to experience much enthusiasm.

  As the vehicle wound through the familiar streets, he sighed contentedly. The old part of the city where the train station was located was a hamlet grown up alongside the inlet water with quaint buildings and shops, cobblestone streets, and markets with artisanal crafts that he hoped Penelope would enjoy visiting.

  The castle perched on a rise at the head of the town and at the end of the sea inlet that turned to fresh, wrapping around part of the castle. There was indeed a mote. The newer part of the city consisted of classic architecture that didn’t scale above the castle but was the seat of the financial and technological prosperity of the country. Oliver pointed out a few of the notable sites but they’d have plenty of time to explore.

  Before them, the silver castle gates opened and the SUV wound up the hill to the entrance. Ivy grew on the silver-flecked stone, even in winter. It was a romantic sight with towers, flying buttresses, and flags breezing in the wind.

  “Welcome home,” Oliver said as the car came to a stop.

  Penelope smiled but it was tinged with sadness or at least she was still very shaken up.

  “Listen, go get some sleep and recover. Everything will still be waiting when you wake.” He wanted to return to the cocoon they’d created, but under different circumstances, assure her everything would be fine, and she never had to go in a helicopter or a train again.

  Addie met them and guided Penelope into the castle.

  The palace in London had been home for so many years, but in the castle, he felt his parents’ presence and his ancestors before them. He had a deep rootedness and connection. He wanted Penelope to feel it too. After he briefed his advisors on the accident, they zoomed into the engagement celebration. He would follow custom but had his own addition in mind. Penelope wasn’t used to the royal decrees and he reasoned he wanted to make it their own, at least partially.

  Later that evening, he checked on her in a room adjacent to his.

  She was awake and dressed but fatigue pulled on her features. “Oliver, we need to talk, privately.”

  A jolt of fear rocked through him. Was she more traumatized by the train wreck then he thought? Did she want to call it off?

  “Sure. I know just the place.” He led her to the garden. The usual flowers were in deep freeze, but the scientists of Concordia propagated special plants that adapted to cold environments. The garden wasn’t nearly as beautiful as it would be in the warmer seasons but it was a peaceful place for them to be alone after the excitement of their return.

  “I imagine you’re concerned about our roles, our relationship, and everything to come.”

  “I always imagined royal life to be like in the movies.” Her voice sounded distant even though she was right next to him.

  “Even though you had your schooling in America, you grew up in this environment. It’s not entirely foreign.”

  “But it's not real life. Not my real life.” Her eyes watered.

  He wondered if they should go inside by the fire.

  “But this is your real life now.”

  “It’s not. I mean, everything's not always perfect.” The words came out frantic, desperate or was it resignation that knotted her voice?

  “I understand what you mean. Not everything is perfect but as the nobility, we pretend it is. I know there are global concerns like human rights, animal welfare, and the environment, all of it that we need to turn our attention to given our position and status. This was what I tried to explain when we first met, rather when we re-met. I’m glad you understand, but a viable way forward, for both of us, is together. Don’t you think?”

  “Oliver, I don’t know what to think.”

  He supposed he sounded like the people he criticized for being pompous.

  She wrung her hands. “You have to understand. I'm far from perfect.” She started to name the ways.

  He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “You’re perfectly Penelope. I like you just the way you are.” He leaned in, kissing her on the cheek, then moved to her lips. His fingers laced in hers, drawing her closer. They pressed together, reigniting the heat that radiated between them the last time they kissed.

  She pressed her lips against his like it was their first time and like it would be their last. He held her close like they were surviving the storm all over again with nothing between them but warmth and desire.

  But she pulled away. “You’re not listening.” She cast her gaze to her hands then met his eyes. At the same time, Winston rang his bell.

  “Miss, utmost apologies for interrupting but you have an important call. I was told the person said they cannot wait.” He held out her cracked phone.

  “You answered my call?”

  “No, Miss. Your lady’s maid did and insisted, under threat of, well, I dare not repeat it, that if I didn’t find you and bring you the phone…”

  Penelope swiped the phone and rushed off.

  Oliver turned to Winston and grabbed his bell. “I thought I’d be thankful to hear this thing again but that was poor timing.”

  “Sir, I was told it was an emergency.”

  “Let’s hope the media didn’t catch wind of the accident or I’ll make you eat figgy pudding.”

  “How does everyone know it makes me sick?” He asked, referring to Addie’s threat as well.

  “Just the same way you always somehow know where I am,” he retorted.

  Oliver continued his peaceful walk through the garden, imagining his parents on the same path. He tried to ignore the concern on Penelope’s face and the plea in her voice. Perhaps she had second thoughts. If anyone of the nobility had a choice whether or not to marry, it would be her. Not even the queen could control her.

  She was a free spirit and he had the sudden fear by marrying her he would be caging her in, keeping her from flight. He let out a ragged breath. He couldn’t do that to her.

  Chapter 21

  Penny

  While Penny waited for the call to her sister, Emma, to go through, she scrolled the texts she’d received that grew increasingly frantic.

  Penny, call me as soon as you get this. It’s important.

  Where are you? Why aren’t you answering?

  P-it’s an emergency. This can’t wait. Call me IMME
DIATELY.

  Her first concern was that something happened to Emma on the private island or the engagement with Will was called off. Her second was that something happened to their mother, also in the Caribbean. Her third was that because something had actually just happened to Penny her sister somehow knew, despite being told it was going to be kept out of the press.

  The phone rang several times with an irregular rhythm as it struggled to make the connection between one remote location to another—if her sister was still in the Caribbean.

  Her mind continued to stream through possibilities: maybe it had to do with her sister’s order not to tell the queen about her true identity—whatever that was about. Perhaps she was raising funds to buy the monarch’s silence on the matter, to spare Penny from a life sentence in jail.

  She tried again when the call went to voice mail. Still waiting, she thought of Oliver and how she was falling for him. No, she had fallen. It may have been sometime after they actually fell from a great height, in a rail car. The way he took care of her, did everything in his power to bring them to safety. Or it could have been before that: during the courtship—he was sweet and thoughtful, handsome, irresistible with his flirtatious smile. Maybe when she walked into the throne room that first day when the queen mistook her for her niece. Perhaps there really was such a thing as love at first sight.

  Still, her stomach was unsettled. Yes, she was traumatized from the accident but it was more than that. She’d lied and lied again and there was no way to get out of it without heartbreak—breaking the law being the least of her problems right then.

  A servant scurried across the path and toward her. The woman’s breath puffed in the cold. It was bad enough Winston interrupted the kiss, possibly the last, with Oliver. Now what? She needed to have the call go through and talk to her sister, if for no other reason, support.

  “Miss,” the servant called. “We need you soon for the fitting.”

  “What fitting?”

  “Your dress for the engagement party, of course.”

  Penny sighed. There would be no engagement. As soon as she spoke with her sister, she’d come clean. That was final. “I’ll be in soon. I have an important call. Please let Addie know.” Her friend and lady’s maid had an inkling of what was going on given the urgent nature of Winston’s appearance in the garden so she’d understand and postpone the fitting—she hoped.

  The servant scurried off.

  Penelope wrapped her arms around herself as she held the phone to her ear. She should never have let things go so far.

  Finally, the ringing stopped and through the earpiece came indistinct chatter then, “Penny?”

  “Emma?” she replied.

  “It’s me. Thank goodness. We’re flying back to London right now. Thirty thousand feet up and I finally have a signal. Listen, I’ve been doing research and you’re not going to believe it—”

  The line cut out.

  Penny’s stomach tied itself into tighter knots. “Emma?” It had sounded like her sister was on a windy beach.

  When it came back, she must not have realized the reception was bad because it sounded like she hadn’t stopped talking. “…fell in love and ran away.”

  “I haven’t wanted to admit it but you’re right. I am in love and I have been running away from these very real and very big problems. But I can’t anymore. I have to tell them the truth about who I am.”

  “Wait. What?” Emma asked.

  “I’m in love with Oliver.” Penny slapped her hand over her mouth. Had she said that aloud? It almost felt like her mind was still thawing out, but perhaps not her heart, it knew what it wanted. Love. Oliver. Something that could never be. She’d broken his trust. He deserved better, a truth teller, a woman of integrity and he required royalty. She gave him neither.

  “Really? Well, that’s fantastic.”

  “Emma, did you get sand in your ears? Spend too much time in that salty water?” She didn’t mean to sound so harsh but did her sister understand the situation at all?

  “No and no and I was listening and I do understand. It’s you who’s missing parts of the story.”

  “It’s not my fault the phone connection keeps dropping.” The line turned to static. Penny groaned.

  When it came back Emma was still talking. “I will be there soon. Don’t do anything rash or crazy.”

  “I already did. I—”

  As before, the line went dead.

  What did Emma mean she was on her way? What had she said that Penny missed? Likely crucial parts of the story but it was too late. Her decision was made.

  Penny let out a little grunt of frustration but behind that was sadness. She was going to disappoint Oliver, break his heart along with her own. She couldn’t bear to do that to him but she also owed him the truth and he couldn’t marry a commoner.

  She convinced herself of this as she followed the path toward the rear entrance of the castle. But she couldn’t help but gaze out at the valley. The castle, situated on a hill, gave a bird’s eye view of the village and the more modern parts of the city. She wished she’d had that kind of vantage point to look at her own life and everything that was about to unfold. She would’ve liked it in Concordia had she been born into the nobility. But that was as unlikely as the prince ever forgiving her.

  If she hadn’t gone along with the queen’s mistake, if she hadn’t succumbed to the temptation of feeling glamorous and regal—thoughtlessly giving into a fantasy— she’d be in the palace baking.

  That wouldn’t have been so bad either. Likely, she’d have found out about Concordia and perhaps even would’ve been chosen to visit the kitchens there on account of the prince returning and being crowned. It could’ve been her who baked the engagement cake for him and his rightful bride. But she had been foolish, selfish. She scrubbed her hands down her face.

  A warm and firm hand brushed her back. Oliver stood by her side.

  Her body wanted to lean into his embrace, to let him hold her but she turned, creating space between them. “Oliver—”

  “I know this is all hard—change tends to be. First, London. Now a new country. I bet it’s tough to imagine spending your life here. We don’t have the open prairies you were so fond of but we do have horses and beaches and mountains and a castle. I want you to like it here. Please, let me give you a tour before all the chaos of the engagement party begins.” Something passed through his voice that she recognized, the same fleeting desperation and the sense that what they’d created, what they felt pulsating between them, was all about to crumble like a castle made of sand.

  She gave a non-committal nod, feeling like she teetered on the edge of blurting everything out and the hope her sister inspired. Emma was on her way. What did that mean? Could she somehow exonerate her? Did she convince her billionaire fiancé to bail her silly sister out?

  As they reached the entrance, Oliver said, “I think you’ll love the library. I can’t decide if it’s my favorite or if I prefer the gardens. Oh, there’s also the bath. It’s modeled after the Turkish baths with warm tubs and steam. It’s delightful with this cold.”

  It sounded like he was trying to convince her to stay but knew she was about to take flight.

  “And if it gets too cold, we can make our escape and go on jungle adventures. Visit the tropics. You name it.”

  They passed into a wide hall and like the palace, it was decorated with ornate carved joinery and paintings. There was scrollwork and everything was polished, gilt, and lavish. The ceilings were high and painted with scenes. The windows were many and wide, letting in natural light and creating a checkerboard as they passed through the hall. It was a mixture of antique and modern elegance. She imagined it was a bittersweet homecoming for Oliver because so much there had been marked by his parents’ presence and now their absence.

  Addie approached from the other end of the hall. “Pardon, your Highness, Miss.” She curtsied.

  “Thank you for making sure I got the message from—”

>   Oliver’s hand landed on her arm with concern. “I meant to ask, is everything okay?”

  She nodded but couldn’t muster a reassuring smile on her lips.

  But it wasn’t. Not at all.

  “Miss, I apologize for being the cause of another interruption, but the royal dressmaker would like to get your measurements, the royal concierge needs to speak with you about a certain birthday—” Addie cleared her throat and looked pointedly at the prince.

  “Wait? It’s your birthday? Why didn’t you tell me? Happy birthday,” Penny said momentarily abandoning her anxiety. Still, the words felt hollow. How could she tell him the truth on such an occasion? “I wish I’d had known. I would’ve gotten you something.” Instead, of ruining your day, possibly your life. He was likely to be humiliated on top of everything else when he learned the truth.

  Addie gestured for Penny to follow her.

  Oliver reached for her hand. Their fingers brushed and he clasped them before she let go, leaving him standing in the hall, looking like he knew what was coming but not why.

  “Miss, I hope everything is alright. If it isn’t, I urge you to postpone your concern. Because your arrival was delayed due to the accident, we’re well behind schedule.” She paused as though about to say something very important. “And Concordia is nothing if not insistent on punctuality. There’s the fitting first and foremost. The queen selected a beautiful dress in a silvery-gray with lace and a smart little bow around the waist. I nudged her on that one because now the engagement party is being combined with the prince’s birthday and you wouldn’t have wanted to wear anything too formal. You should also know that it’s the responsibility of the queen-to-be or queen in the future to make festive arrangements for the birthday celebration.” She continued on full steam. “Not to worry about all that though. When everything calms down, a tutor will come from the Royal Prep Academy to refresh your memory.” Addie winked, knowing Penny’s mind didn’t need refreshing, rather a full education but that was not to be. “It’s like a finishing school of sorts to help nobility learn the customs, particularly important since you’ll soon be the queen of Concordia. Anyway, that’s later. While you were stranded, I took the liberty to organize a few extras for the prince. He’s a fan of the musician L Ryder and I thought it would be smashing if he performed as a birthday gift.”