She put her glass down and sighed. “Florida. I’ve lived in Miami since I was fifteen, though before that we were from a small beach town.”
“So Avce was your first stop for your vacation?” Normally first time tourists to Europe chose London or Paris. The last American woman he’d spoken to had been in Paris, where she’d tried to introduce him to her three hotel roommates. He’d declined and never spoke to her again, but Americans were way more common in the bigger cities.
She sipped her champagne as they drove into Avce toward the church. “Yes, I want to see the world a little bit and I’ve always dreamed of Europe.”
Avce was beautiful but small. He was still learning to love it, though the historic estate he lived on felt bigger than he deserved. He met her gaze and shared his past, which was something he normally didn’t do. “I moved here when I was sixteen. I’ve seen most of Europe at this point, but my soul still wishes I was on our corn fields in Colorado.” Honesty felt strange. The limo stopped in front of the church and he held out his hand for her empty glass. “It seems we’re here. Are you ready?”
She winked at him. “Yes, Blackwell, I’m ready for you.”
Now, who was teasing who? He laughed low. Flirting with a beautiful woman came naturally. He placed his hand on her knee and sat back as the driver opened her door. “That is good to hear. Let’s go.”
He followed her out and placed his hand on her lower back as the world press snapped their pictures. Donna scooted closer as they walked into the church and she slipped her hand in the crook of his arm. The moment her fingers brushed against the blue velvet, his skin became electrified, eager for her touch. If he’d worn a simple t-shirt, there might have been actual sparks, but he ignored the sensation. Sparks made no sense.
4
The Queen of England was already seated in Donna’s pew. Her heart pounded. Being a guest at a royal wedding was so different from her ordinary life. She held onto Blackwell’s arm, just in case he disappeared and she woke up from a dream.
Blackwell escorted her two rows behind the royal family she’d grown up watching on TV. She scooted in and stared around the room. In the front row were the American princesses but her gaze went to the entire royal family that the newspapers were always writing about.
There was no way she belonged in this world, but it was nice to see that the faces were all real. Blackwell smelled good, like the mountain air he so loved mixed with pure testosterone. She squeezed his hand and glanced at his profile. Yesterday she’d never have believed she’d end up as the date to a tall, handsome duke. This wasn’t even on her list, but he was the sexiest man she’d seen in years, and he was holding her hand. “I can’t believe I’m here,” she said in a low voice. “This feels unreal.”
He whispered to her as the wedding started, “It’s a traditional royal wedding and the guest list is old European society, or the richest.”
The bride, Amy Fields from England, was beautiful, and the church itself was more ancient Roman temple in feel than a traditional gothic church, which she hadn’t expected. She kept her voice low so only Blackwell heard her. “It’s all so different. In Miami, we have a lot of South American nouveau rich types who like to show off thier money, but here it seems the royals have classic, understated tastes.”
For the rest of the wedding, neither of them spoke, but her body was warm at Blackwell’s side. It seemed odd, but it was as if she belonged somewhere at last, next to him.
The bride and groom walked down the aisle together after sharing their vows and the guests began to mill out after them. The reception at the palace meant she’d get an inside look at a real royal family. Goosebumps grew on her arms.
Then as they walked out, Blackwell asked her, “Would you like to meet the English royalty? You’re staring at them.”
She had been? She lowered her head and felt heat rise on her cheeks. “I couldn’t.”
“That’s a yes.” He walked right over to the Queen of England, who waited for her limo in the midst of the other nobility.
Blackwell stood beside the Queen. “Good evening, Your Majesty. The wedding was beautiful.”
“Agreed.” The Queen of England said in response. “It was lovely.”
Blackwell then bowed formally. “Your Highness, I’d like to introduce Ms. Donna Smith. She’s a huge fan of yours.”
The Queen held out her gloved hand. “Delighted.”
“Your life is so very interesting.” Donna curtsied. This was surreal--beyond a dream. She’d never imagined really talking to the royalty that she’d read so much about. She couldn’t wait to tell Beth.
The moment she straightened the Queen smiled at her. “It’s a life. We all have one. I hope yours is interesting too.”
Her family brought her toward her limo.
“Thank you,” Donna said as they departed. Blackwell then led her toward his limo and her heart pounded in her chest. “Blackwell, she was so gracious.”
“I think it’s part of the job description. Now let’s get you into the palace.” He guided her through the crowd to his black limo and she stayed at his side.
The driver held the door open for them and they scooted inside. When Blackwell joined her, she put her hands on his thigh and met his gaze. “I’m waiting for the reception where we can relax, eat and possibly dance. This is a dream come true and I can’t even begin to truly thank you for all of this.”
He winked at her but didn’t say much. Her breathing skipped beats and she had a zip in her pulse that couldn’t be contained. She kept her hands on his leg, but stole glances at his handsome profile. He could have anyone he wanted and there were tons of women way more sophisticated than she was. “Blackwell, why me? Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited we’re here, together. You’re a sweetheart.”
His lips curled and she saw his dimples. “Not even my mother thinks that of me.”
Family. At least he still had some. Once her grandmother had died, she’d lost everyone related to her. She released her grip on his leg. “Why isn’t she here?”
He turned toward her and she could smell his mountain air essence like cologne. Her lips tingled for a kiss though she knew it would be a mistake. Tonight was just one night.
Blackwell then said, “She’s still in mourning for my father and skipping social events for the rest of the year.”
She lowered her head, her breaths at last coming easier. “That’s sad.”
The limo slowed again. He pointed toward the castle with the blue roofs. “See? We are at the palace already. Are you ready?”
Part of her felt like an intruder. She dropped her hands on her lap. “For?”
“The reception.” He took her hand to gently tug her toward the limo door.
“Sure.” This was what she’d agreed to, to be Blackwell’s date. She followed him out and hoped tonight was as magical as she imagined because she planned to remember every detail. Tomorrow she’d call Beth and describe it, but she doubted her friend would ever be able to understand.
He led her into the grand ball room where some people danced and others gathered around tables set with linen and crystal. They walked past glass doors and were led to a table near the patio. “This all feels surreal. I don’t know what might ever beat this day.”
He took her hand so she didn’t sit where directed and instead brought her out onto the patio. He stared into her eyes. “I’d like to kiss you Donna.”
“Now?” She lowered her lashes and remembered her list. Blackwell counted as a stranger and he certainly was more handsome than any man she’d ever created in her imagination.
His mouth was inches from hers. “Yes.”
“Okay.” She held onto him as he pressed his lips to her.
Wow. It was the only thought she could have as her body ached to kiss him over and over again. Her hands tugged on his velvet jacket to keep him close as she prayed the kiss never ended.
However, it did, it had to, leaving her momentarily at a loss. “You taste as sweet as
cake.”
When he hugged her tight she realized that he was turned on and it made her want him more. She gave a light laugh. “I’m no one really.”
“Absolutely not true. Your sweetness makes you rare.” He let her go and discreetly adjusted himself. “You’re the first woman I’ve met in a long time that didn’t feel like a rock being tied to the top of my shoulders, weighing me down.”
Soon, this would all be over and she’d continue on her vacation as if they’d never met. His kiss would be burned onto her lips as the standard no other man might ever meet. He offered his arm to walk back to their seats. “Well, tomorrow I’m heading to Venice and we’ll never see each other again—no ties.”
He leaned closer. “Maybe that’s part of the attraction.”
The music changed and everyone left the dance floor. Then the bride and groom entered and all eyes were on the dance floor for the first official couple’s dance. They stayed near the glass door to watch from the back. “The royal couple seems so happy.”
His hand brushed against hers and a zap of energy coursed through her. “I hope they are.” He leaned against the wall, keeping her close. “I hope we all are.”
She kept her voice low. No one needed to hear her besides Blackwell. “The last guy I kissed broke my heart.”
His gaze narrowed and he brought her close. “How?”
The only person she’d told about the relationship and break-up had been Beth. She hadn’t slept for days after, the question of what she’d done to Harry racing through her mind—had she been a horrible fiancée? But how? He hadn’t explained. She took a breath. “We were engaged and he cheated on me. A week later he had a new girlfriend.”
“Then he was a fool and you should be thankful to be rid of him.” He spoke like it was a fact.
She tilted her head and watched the dance. Love seemed so tangible at this wedding reception, with couples whispering and dancing close. Donna glanced at Blackwell. It was nice that he thought that. “It still hurt.”
He brushed her arm and goosebumps followed in his trail. “Don’t let fools close to your heart.”
If only it was that easy. She inched closer to him and wished this night would last. “Wise words. I guess I’m not a good judge of character.”
“We all make mistakes.” He put his arm around her back.
Harry had been a mistake, but being with Blackwell would not. One night? She was free to make her own choices. She tugged on his shoulder so that he would lean down and whispered, “Tonight is all we have and I’d like to do more than kiss you, if you’re interested.”
Blackwell squeezed her waist, slightly more possessively. “I’m interested, beautiful. Let’s get out of here.”
He led her around the tables while everyone’s gaze was still on the first dance. She didn’t bother keeping her head down. She’d never see any of these people again. She memorized each detail of the British Royal family, knowing that was who Beth would ask about.
Blackwell’s hand on her back was private and intimate and something she would hold close to her heart.
They walked outside and a valet went for his limo driver. As they stood on the bottom step of the royal palace, she asked, “Why didn’t you have a date before you asked me? You’re handsome, rich, titled. I assume many women want you.”
“You’re the first in a while who I wanted in return.” His arms tightened around her waist.
Everything he said added to her growing desire. She had a hum in her veins and she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Kiss me again.”
He leaned closer. “Until morning, you’re mine.”
“Sounds good to me.” Donna closed her eyes and lost herself in the moment.
His kiss made her both weak and strong at the same time. The world stopped existing outside of his arms and tonight that was all she needed. She’d let him lead the way.
Blackwell unbuttoned his blue velvet tuxedo jacket as they entered her room at the inn, tucked up near the attic. Four plain white walls, trimmed with dark brown wood, and a full-sized bed in the corner by the picture window.
She’d been lucky to get a room in Avce at all considering the influx of tourists around for the wedding. He closed the door behind them and looked around. “It’s so small.” His head almost hit the ceiling.
“The bed is big enough for both of us.” She pulled a few pins out of her hair to let it fall loose around her shoulders.
His lips claimed hers and she ached for more. His fingers unzipped her dress and she tensed—would she be good enough for him? He stopped and said against her nape, “You’re beautiful Donna. You know that?”
No one else had ever said that to her in such a way. A tingle rushed through her as she took in his massive muscles straining his white silk shirt. Her own body grew hotter. No one like him ever noticed her, but she’d not say that out loud. “Not really, but I feel it, when I’m here with you right now.”
He reached for her dress again. “Let me help you so I can see everything.”
She nodded and he took it off her. The dress didn’t allow for a bra so he saw all of her right down to her underwear. His eyes widened and he grinned in admiration at her breasts.
Cheeks flushed, she reached behind her for the switch. “We can turn the light off.”
His hands brushed against her heavy breasts and she leaned into him. Her fingers ached to touch him, everywhere, anywhere, but now. “But then I can’t see and your nipples are already tight. Let me…”
“Ohh.” She clutched his coarse thick hair while he suckled her.
A shiver of pleasure rushed through her as her body begged for more. She felt her knees weaken and she needed his strength. She held him close until he picked her up and moved her to the bed.
Every cell in her body begged for his touch, but he backed away to remove his shirt, pants and underwear. Her mouth tingled for his kiss and she held her breath as she stared at him. He truly was magnificent—no other man had his muscles or strength.
This one night was already better than anything in her experience. The fluttering in her heart left her light-headed and needy for him. She licked her lips until his hands brushed against her and helped her out of her panties.
If he didn’t take her, she’d be lost in heat and desire. No more foreplay. She needed to be part of him and to sense him inside of her. She wrapped her legs around him and invited him to join her.
He pressed his body and she moaned, waiting, needing, aching. When he stopped, she took a breath, heavy with desire, and said, “Keep going. Please…”
He quickened the pace and heat surged inside her, firing her nerve-endings and creating a rush of want, and need, for this man. Donna couldn’t think or breathe as she hit a peak. She clutched the bedsheets as she called out, “Blackwell…”
No more words would come. She felt like she’d died and been transported to quivering satisfaction. She couldn’t do more than moan over and over again while the wave of pleasure overwhelmed her.
Replete, she fell beside him on the bed and held him, not wanting to let go of her handsome duke that was better than any prince.
He kissed her forehead and adjusted her under the blankets. “It’s okay to rest Donna.”
She normally did not sleep after sex, but right now, she gratefully snuggled in his arms, her eyes closed, her body lax with trust and sated desire.
Blackwell was the perfect stranger.
5
Blackwell rolled over on the small hotel bed and his back hit the wooden frame. One of the good things about Woodbridge Hall was that his bed was wide enough for his shoulders.
The room felt still and cold. He sat up and saw the curtain was drawn, but that the sun shone beyond them. He could tell the room was empty but stood and called out, “Donna.”
She didn’t answer. He went to check the bathroom to see if she was inside and saw a note on the desk near the front door with his name printed on the outside. He ripped open the small envelope to read.
Blackwell, Last night was wonderful. I had to catch the morning train to Venice. It was lovely getting to know the man beneath the blue jacket. Yours, Donna
She’d left. Without a goodbye. Normally he was the one that ran off in the middle of the night to avoid a confrontation. A feeling that he missed her felt strange in his gut, but he splashed water on his face and dressed before going downstairs where his driver waited for him. He tipped the innkeeper on the way out and stepped into the morning air. His driver opened the rear passenger door. “Did you see Ms. Smith this morning?”
The driver looked at him with surprise but then lowered his head and answered in a low tone to ensure privacy. “I drove her to the train station. She took the seven o’clock train to Venice. I carried one bag for her.”
No other woman he knew went across Europe with one bag. Donna was unique and it seemed she truly was gone. The clench in his stomach would ease with time. He patted his driver on the shoulder and slid inside. “Good man. Now take me home.”
“Absolutely, Your Grace.” The driver closed the door.
Inside the limo, the light scent of vanilla still clung in the air.
The word fool ran in his brain but he ignored it as they drove the short distance back to Woodbridge Hall.
He’d likely never see Donna again and the knot in his stomach travelled up to his chest. This shouldn’t feel like a mistake. He ignored the warning and walked inside his empty house, up the stairs toward his room.
Hopefully a shower would wash away this regret. Just outside the hall near his bedroom, his mother called out from behind him, “How was the wedding?”
He turned and kissed her cheek. Gray hair smoothed in a bob, dressed in a stylish black shift despite the hour. Her rosy cheeks meant she was healthy and well. “Good, Mother. You’re up early.”
She made a tsk sound in her throat. “The Vernaks were here for breakfast, wondering if you were still with your date. But that’s not important—I have news.”
Forbidden Duke (Princes of Avce Book 4) Page 3
