Heart of Mine

by Lindsay Bergman

  “Yes, Gerard. I’m fine. I was just thinking about the article this morning; the one about my sister,” I hedged, not wanting him to know about the hate note because he would undoubtedly tell Alexander. The prince was protective enough as it was and I didn’t want to give him any other reasons to worry about me. I forced aside a twinge of guilt as I tried to tell myself that I was doing the right thing by keeping it from him.

  I could feel Gerard studying my face as I grabbed my beach towel and meticulously spread it out on the sand. Eventually he rose and carefully moved back into position, his eyes scanning the beach. Gerard was an expert at reading people. I sincerely doubted that I had fooled him, but was grateful he hadn’t pressed me for the truth.

  Leaning back onto my elbows with my chin tilted up toward the sky, I tried to enjoy the warmth of the hot sun on my face, but all I could think about was the hate notes. Who was sending them, and what would they do if I didn’t heed their warning? I briefly wondered if I should be concerned for my safety, then disregarded the thought, certain that the person behind the notes was merely a jealous noblewoman hoping to scare me into breaking off my engagement.

  We returned to the palace a few hours later. I ate lunch alone out on the terrace, lost in speculation as names and faces swirled through my head; a pitiful attempt to find the culprit behind the hate notes. I spent the early afternoon riding Spirit down to the cliffs. I’d hoped that the familiar rush of adrenaline and speed would help me to outrun my troubles, but it wasn’t working.

  So I wandered aimlessly through the palace. Searching for another distraction to keep me preoccupied until it was time to get ready for the theater, I was delighted by the baby grand piano I found in the music room.

  A smile spread across my face as I sat down on the bench. I ran my fingers lovingly over the glossy black surface and carefully raised the lid. It had been a few months since I’d last touched our upright piano at home, but my fingers began to dance familiarly across the black and ivory keys, music filling the room as I played a song from memory. Within moments I was lost in the melody of notes and chords, the music wrapping tenderly around me in a comforting blanket, my thoughts and worries finally melting away.

  It was some time later, minutes or hours I wasn’t certain, when I was startled by the two large hands that joined mine on the keys. Alexander was standing at my back, his long arms reaching around me to the piano, his cheek pressed against mine. I leaned into him as our hands danced together across the keys, gradually slowing as the song drew to an end. The echo of the last note lingered poignantly in the air.

  Without speaking, Alexander slowly slid his hands up my arms, his touch leaving a burning trail in its wake. He brushed the hair away from my face and neck to expose the bare skin of my right shoulder, his touch feather-light. My heart skipped a beat when he leaned down to kiss my neck. He paused to whisper sweet Italian words in my ear before his lips trailed slowly across my jaw, the warmth of his breath hot on my skin. I shivered in response.

  I heard him chuckle quietly, the sound of his voice low and husky with passion. Warmth flooded my stomach as my own passion rose within, the familiar longing for him spreading through me. I quickly turned on the bench, angling my body toward him, and looked up to see his handsome face achingly close to mine. His dark blue eyes smoldered.

  Alexander cupped my cheek and traced his thumb softly over my bottom lip before he lowered his head to kiss me. His lips burned against mine, hard and fierce. In one smooth motion, he slid onto the bench and drew me closer into his arms. I ran my hands up his chest, tracing the muscled contours of his body that I could feel beneath the white dress shirt. My fingers eventually slid into his black hair.

  A few hot moments later, with our bodies practically melded together, the passionate demand of his touch began to ease, softening into sweet, loving kisses. Beyond the gentle touch of his lips, I could still sense the hard edge of his carefully contained passion. I was amazed by the enduring strength of his self-control.

  After our engagement, we had both agreed to wait until we were married before becoming intimate, even though we knew the idea was old-fashioned. I sighed when he shifted back to alleviate the temptation. It was going to be a very long five months until our wedding in November.

  The corner of his mouth tilted up in a wry, knowing smile. “La mia bellissima tentazione. You make it very difficult for me to keep my hands to myself.” He brought my hand up to his lips and kissed my knuckles, his eyes lingering on my face.

  “Then you’re in for a very long night, Alex.” I shot him a sultry smile as I stood, his movements mirroring mine. Resting my hands against his chest, I rose up onto my toes to press a soft kiss to his lips, leaving him with the promise of something more. “I’m going to wear something dazzling to the theater and then you won’t even be able to keep your eyes off me.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Standing at the top of the staircase in one of Arianna’s borrowed evening gowns, I felt like a princess in a fairytale. It was a stormy blue chiffon and lace dress, with a v-neckline and delicate beaded embroidery. I touched a hand to the curled brown hair that cascaded down over my shoulders and hoped that my smoky eye makeup and silver dangling earrings made me look as glamorous as I felt.

  Smiling softly, I looked down at the handsome prince waiting for me at the foot of the stairs. He was dressed in a classic black tuxedo and holding a single long-stemmed red rose. Alexander watched me descend, his warm gaze traveling over the length of my gown, and smiled with a deep appreciation.

  “You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen,” he said warmly as I reached the landing. He bowed dramatically, and held out the rose. “This is for you, cuore mio.”

  “Thank you, Alex. It’s beautiful.” His thoughtfulness made my heart swell with pleasure. “You’re very charming tonight.”

  Alexander smiled. “Well, I am your Prince Charming. And you were right, by the way. I won’t be able to keep my eyes—or my hands—off you tonight.” He promptly closed the distance between us and kissed me passionately for several long moments. My cheeks were flushed by the time he eased back to escort me out to the waiting limo.

  We arrived outside the theater fifteen minutes later. When we stepped out of the limo, Alexander took hold of my hand and smiled proudly at the crowd of faces watching us. Four royal guards escorted us down the red carpet toward the entrance, with lights flashing and cameras snapping from paparazzi and eager spectators. The crowd was over-joyed to see their crown prince; I even heard my name shouted enthusiastically once or twice. Accustomed to this level of attention, Alexander took it all in stride, smiling and waving amicably, even pausing a few times to greet different people before he led me through the double doors.

  The grand foyer was stunning in classic shades of gold and ivory. The ceiling towered overhead at three-stories high with elegant and intricately patterned gold crown-molding and a dazzling crystal chandelier that drew the eye. Two grand staircases curled up the sides of the room, leading up to the open second floor that was surrounded by tall marble columns and white stone banisters.

  The prince introduced me to various Patrons and guests before leading me up the left staircase to our private box on the second floor. Positioned in the front left corner of the theater, it had an excellent view of the stage and overlooked the curved rows of red velvet seats that stretched over and up three levels high. This was the first live-theater performance I’d ever attended. I practically bounced in my seat, excited and eager for it to begin.

  Alexander smiled in amusement, slipped his arm around my shoulders and leaned in close to kiss my cheek. I could feel the multitude of eyes on us as the other guests found their seats, but for once, I was too excited to worry about what any of them were thinking.

  As the lights dimmed and the curtains finally opened, I turned toward my prince and smiled radiantly. “Thank you for bringing me here, Alex.” I kissed him with a deep, abiding affection, my lips lingering on his. When
I pulled back, his tender gaze was filled with love.

  “It was my pleasure, dolcezza.” Alexander glanced briefly at the crowd down below us and grinned. “The play has already started but everyone is still watching you, bellissima. You’ve already started to win over their hearts by showing them how much you love their crown prince. Coradova is full of hopeless romantics who enjoy a good love story. Someday they’re going to adore you, my princess.”

  He kissed me once more before we turned our full attention to the performance. It was captivating and thrilling. I loved every minute of it. When it was over the actors took a bow on stage and we rose to our feet with enthusiastic applause. Many of them turned to smile and wave up at us, pleased to have had the opportunity to perform for their prince. As heads began to turn our way, Alexander slid an arm around my waist and waved to the crowd down below with a charming smile.

  In the grand foyer, we were introduced to the director and actors. I was delighted with the chance to personally praise them for the amazing performance. The excitement from Opening Night practically hummed through the room bursting with people both young and old. Everyone was dressed in their absolute best, sharing smiles, drinks and continuous chatter about the play. At one point, Alexander ventured over to the refreshment bar in search of water and left me in the friendly hands of a group of theater Patrons.

  When he was gone longer than expected, I started scanning the room for him, knowing it shouldn’t be too difficult to spot my prince towering over the other guests. I finally found him in the far corner, surrounded by a group of beautiful ladies showering him with seductive smiles. I politely excused myself to go rescue him from his adoring fans.

  As I drew closer, I recognized the curly-haired girl in the strapless sapphire dress standing near the prince’s elbow. My steps faltered. It was Lady Emma Rousseau.

  I straightened my shoulders, plastered on a wide smile and strode toward them. Once I reached Alexander at the heart of the group, he grinned in welcome and circled an arm around my waist. I stepped even closer into his side, feeling slightly possessive.

  He smirked knowingly and kissed my brow, then turned to introduce me to the gorgeous noblewomen surrounding us. “Ladies, I’d like to present my fiancée, Madison.”

  After formal greetings had been exchanged, I smiled demurely at the prince’s admirers. Several of the ladies smiled sheepishly before retreating, and the others exchanged pleasant farewells with the prince until only Emma remained.

  “Bonsoir, Emma. How did you enjoy the play?” I asked politely, trying to force down the spark of jealousy that had been easier to hold back with the others. While I had gotten over my initial upset about Alexander’s past relationships, including his relationship with Emma, I still struggled not to let my envy of the exotic Lady Emma control me.

  “Bonsoir, Madison,” Emma replied with a kind smile.

  We spent several minutes exchanging comments and praise about the play, both agreeing that we had thoroughly enjoyed it. Alexander inserted his own opinion now and again, but I heard little of it because the soft caress of his fingers on my arm was driving me to distraction.

  As we socialized with Emma, an event photographer approached and asked to take our picture. He was young and nearly as tall as Alexander, with blond hair and brown eyes. He grinned widely when the prince nodded in consent.

  Without missing a beat, Emma stepped closer and slipped her arm around Alexander. She shot a bright smile up at the prince when his arm settled around her shoulders. I forced myself to turn and smile for the photo, hoping that my displeasure wasn’t obvious. The photographer took way too many photos. I tried not to frown at him, impatient for this to be over. When he was finally finished, he thanked us with a bow and disappeared into the crowd.

  Alexander promptly released Emma, but she hesitated before finally stepping back. A flash of longing crossed her face. She flicked a glance at me and blushed scarlet when she caught my gaze on her. There was a long awkward pause before she spoke again. “I’m so glad I ran into you, Alex.” Turning to me, she added, “It was nice getting the chance to talk with you, Madison. I’m glad you enjoyed your first night of live-theater. I hope to see you both again soon.” She briefly touched Alexander’s arm, a wistful smile on her face, before she turned and walked away.

  Alexander looked down at me with a proud smile. “You were wonderful, dolcezza. I could barely tell that you were jealous.” His voice was playful at first, then grew serious. “Tonight you have been the amazing princess I’ve always known you would be. Someday they’ll adore you, mia bella principessa.” He bent down to kiss me tenderly.

  “Bonsoir, mon chéri,” said a silky smooth voice next to us, making me cringe.

  Alexander straightened, his grip around me tightening as we turned to look at the blond grinning brazenly at us. Marie Delacroix was stunning, as always, in her crimson off-the- shoulder mermaid style gown and her golden hair spilling down over her shoulders.

  “Bonsoir, Lady Marie,” Alexander said. “Did you enjoy the performance tonight?”

  “Yes, it was riveting.” Marie’s gaze flitted over me before settling back on the prince. “Was that Lady Emma Rousseau I saw you with? You two were quite the item not too long ago. I’m surprised that she’s not the one standing at your side with that engagement ring on her finger.”

  Alexander stiffened, but when he smiled at Marie a moment later his outward demeanor was nothing short of polite. “Yes, we dated briefly last year but now we’re just friends.” He looked down at me with his heart in his eyes. “I’ve loved Madison for a very long time. I can’t imagine anyone wearing my grandmother’s ring, but her.”

  I smiled, my heart melting at Alexander’s defense of me. I touched his cheek and pressed a loving kiss to his mouth. We turned back to Marie, who was watching us with a raised brow and pursed lips.

  “How sweet.” Marie’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

  When she scratched her left arm, I noticed that the skin above her wrist looked raw and irritated. Her eyes narrowed when she caught my gaze on her arm, and she quickly hid it behind her back. She glared at me with an expression so intense that I felt slightly unnerved. Then in the blink of an eye she turned to smile radiantly at the prince, the transformation so sudden that I blinked in surprise.

  “Well, if only we could all be so lucky as to win the heart of a prince,” Marie purred, her hazel eyes appraising Alexander. “Especially one as handsome as you, Your Highness.”

  She grinned flirtatiously at him and drew closer, her body just brushing his. Alexander tensed, uncomfortable with her closeness, but Marie didn’t seem to care as she stroked his arm with bold fingertips. Her beautiful face tipped back to look up at him, her gaze intimate and red lips curved in a seductive smile. “You know where to find me when you’re ready to take on a real woman,” Marie said hotly. She kissed Alexander on the corner of his mouth before sauntering away.

  Staring after her, I struggled to control the outrage that crashed through me in indignant waves.

  Alexander watched her retreat as well, his brow furrowed in surprise. “That ... was unexpected,” he said slowly, turning to look at me.

  I was too angry to reply.

  If that curvy, blond seductress thought she could steal my prince, she was sorely mistaken. I was starting to get sick of all these different women trying to get their perfectly manicured hands on Alexander. He was mine, and I would not let him go without a fight. Not to Emma, not to Marie, or anyone else. Game on, ladies.

  A couple hours later, I was climbing into bed when my cell phone beeped. I was surprised to be getting a message so late—it was nearly two o’clock in the morning. Curious, I grabbed it off the nightstand but nearly dropped it when I began to read the text. It was from the writer of the hate notes, only this time, they’d somehow gotten a hold of my phone number.

  Poor little Cinderella. How does it feel to know that the glass shoe doesn’t fit? Prince Alexander looked very cozy with all of his
different women hanging on his arm tonight. It won’t take long for him toss you out the door and back into the dirt where you belong. You’ll never wear that royal crown on your head. You’ll spend your life mucking out stables and groveling at the feet of those better than you. Not everyone lives happily-ever-after .

  Fury stormed through me, intermingled with slight twinges of unease. There was no direct threat in these angry words, but the note was still alarming. It seemed as if someone wanted me out of the picture. The twenty different ladies Alexander had dated were at the top of my suspect list. I didn't know any of them well enough to really know what they were capable of, which worried me even more. My initial reaction was to suspect Marie Delacroix, particularly after her brazenly flamboyant behavior tonight; but based on past experience, Marie had no qualms about speaking her disapproval directly to my face. And Emma Rousseau, though she clearly still wanted Alexander for herself, didn't seem capable of this kind of malice.

  No, this had to be someone else. But, who?

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The article that came out two days later thoroughly ruined my good mood.

  PRINCE ALEXANDER’S SECRET LOVE LIFE: THE OTHER WOMAN

  After a night out at the theater for Opening Night, it seemed as if the prince and his new fiancée were very much in love, until Prince Alexander was spotted amidst a group of beautiful and single women of nobility. He was caught in an intimate embrace with his former lover, Lady Emma Rousseau, daughter of the Earl and Countess de Grignan. It was only last fall that Prince Alexander and Lady Emma were the perfect couple that won the hearts of Coradovans across our beautiful country. Many of us were heartbroken when the couple went their separate ways at the start of this year. After weeks of claiming to be in love, it appears that the prince is not as happy with his American commoner as we were coming to believe. Will Madison Kavanaugh become the next Princess of Coradova, or will Prince Alexander choose to marry his former sweetheart, Lady Emma?