Forbidden Prince (Princes of Avce Book 2)

by Victoria Pinder

  Kristin rushed inside and grabbed a couple bottles of water from the buffet while she said, "Greg's here, and he's talking to his mother." She raced out again.

  What the heck was going on? She took the queen’s hand and waited, choosing to sit on the love seat. Waiting was the hardest part.

  Marco hurried inside and hugged both his mother and her.

  "It’s okay," he said.

  If only she could marry Marco, but she still felt like the loser who was stood up in her prom dress no matter how much time had passed.

  9

  Marco Aussa had failed his family entirely. A foreign invader was living under their roof and he'd never suspected Sophia as a foreign threat. She'd never once crossed his mind. She was always the annoying spider in his family, but he'd thought her harmless. She'd been part of his circle, along with his best friend Victor.

  Now he wasn't sure he could trust his friend either and instructed General Babik to find Victor too.

  He needed to follow the trail to see how deep this treachery went and who they'd converted.

  He could breathe easier knowing that Renee and his mother were safe in the sitting room. He brushed Renee's hair out of her face. "I had Lucio patch your parents through so you didn't worry."

  Renee stepped away. "Thank you. What's going on with Greg, our neighbor in Miami?"

  The way she'd said the name Greg made him pause, but he said, "He was flown here against his will-they threatened his mother as well—but his mother is still missing. Lucio is at the FBI office and connecting them now."

  "Ohh, okay." Renee nodded but hugged her waist. "I'm so confused."

  "I will try to clarify later, but right now I have to interrogate Sophia. Don't leave my mother's side, Renee."

  "I promise." She locked arms with his mother. "We're friends now."

  His mom patted Renee’s hand lightly. "And I'm helping her pick her wedding gown for your wedding, after Antonio's."

  Renee’s mouth tightened.

  Marco stared at his mother but didn't say anything. Renee wasn't a bad choice for a bride. She'd be rather fun to spend his life with because she was nothing like the women who expected things from him.

  Greg, Kristin and Antonio walked in the room. Renee unlocked her arm from his mother's side and hugged Greg around his neck. He stayed away, but her face was red.

  His gut twisted and his stomach felt sick all at the same time. The moment Renee ended the hug, he could breathe.

  Then he nodded at his brother and left. He'd get to the bottom of Sophia's plan.

  And when he walked down the hall toward his office and the cells, he realized every woman in his life had expected something he hadn't wanted to offer. All except Renee. She never wanted anything.

  So, the image of Renee in another man’s arms made his skin crawl. The air turned colder when he went to see Sophia, who was already in his downstairs cell.

  "Hello." She stood, still in her pearl necklace and purple suit designed for her, probably by a stylist his mother had paid for. "Marco, we both know I won't be in here long."

  His favorite witness interrogation technique was when he let the aggressor talk and give themselves enough rope to hang. Most criminals weren't smart enough to keep their mouths shut. It was how Sophia had been caught.

  He pulled a chair from the hallway and let himself into her jail cell. She sat on the edge of the bed like she was a queen. He folded his hands in front him on the table and stared at her. "Why do we know that, Sophia?"

  She lifted her chin. "Because your friend, Victor, is on my side. Once he's finished with a bang, there will be nothing left of your family."

  Victor. Babik was searching for him. He couldn't blink at that confirmation, but instead he smirked and shrugged. "For someone who wanted to be part of my family, you're truly okay with killing my mother and father?"

  Sophia crossed her arms. "They shouldn't get what my own parents lost."

  Now that was close to a motive. He made an argument, urging her to continue. "We didn't steal from you."

  She shook her head. "Building a church a few thousand years ago shouldn't bless a family—and yet the people support your lineage."

  True and it was a stupid reason to think his family was blessed eternally. It helped with the tourist industry but that wasn't the point. "I agree."

  She looked surprised.

  "I think that's rubbish to believe, but then I also believe plotting to overthrow my parents is a bad end game for you. You could have just married another rich man. I'm sure you know plenty."

  Her gaze was frosty and her tone derisive. "That won't get me back my throne."

  Now that was motive, but he had no idea how her overthrowing his family helped her. He sat back and unfolded his hands, but never let their eye contact waver. "Neblo decided to have a democracy."

  She nodded, but leaned forward. "There are some who want me, on the throne."

  "What did you mean bang?" He changed the topic. He was sure some in her kingdom did want her as ruler, and Neblo was a neighboring state.

  "I'll tell you this because I do like your parents. My initial goal was to be their daughter-in-law." Sophia stood from the bed and towered over him. "Victor has a bomb. You probably have less than five minutes to save your family, if that long, and last I checked your new girlfriend is with the queen. Your father on the other side of the castle. Who will you save? You can’t do both."

  His heart stopped. Victor had gone to those training classes with him, learning how to put together a bomb so they could diffuse one. He’d never dreamed Victor would build one against him. He jumped out of his chair. "You're joking."

  She slunk into the seat opposite him, a sick smile on her face. "Stay here and find out then. The people of Neblo will accept their queen back and it starts with taking your family's resources. I'm sorry your family will get hurt. I genuinely liked your mother."

  Marco ran out of the cell and locked it.

  There was no way he'd let anything happen to anyone he loved.

  If there was a bomb, he needed his gear. He stopped in the office and grabbed everything he could. Every second he delayed meant his family might still be in danger. He told the guard, "Evacuate my family and Renee from the castle. Victor has a bomb. Help me grab my bomb gear."

  The guards spoke on walkie-talkies and his father was the first person they moved while he went for Victor.

  Marco's skin felt on fire with pins and needles as he thought about what might happen, but he knew his racing heart wasn't a help to anyone. So he channeled all his years of training and zeroed in on what he knew about dismantling bombs.

  The second he opened the office doors, near the prison, guards chatter caught his attention. "What's going on?"

  "Victor Amadeus is heading toward your mother, brother and the gathered guests."

  Great. He was heading for a reckoning.

  10

  Renee went through the rack of wedding dresses while the queen spoke softly to Kristin. She made a selection she thought Kristin might like and another that was more her style.

  It didn't hurt to try on a few dresses, she encouraged herself. Why not? It was all part of the fantasy. Even if Marco thought her new ideas were all rubbish and she headed back home, alone, well, then she'd know the style she'd want for her own wedding with someone at her parents’ country club.

  The Monique Lhuillier frock was the perfect mix of modern and lace and she added that to her own pile. Kristin was more classical and would prefer Lela Rose's designs.

  Kristin said, "Renee, Greg, I have to go change but let me know if anything happens."

  Renee motioned to the rack she’d chosen for her, and said, "Start here."

  "You're awesome," Kristin announced.

  "Can I watch the fashion show for the upcoming royal wedding while we wait to hear about my mom?" Greg’s voice sounded higher than normal.

  Friends, as he’d said back in Miami. Now that she looked at Greg, she compared him to Marc
o. Marco's dark eyes and strong touch was like a magnetic force that pulled her toward him. Greg's blond hair was cute, but he seemed more Peter Pan than the tall, dark and handsome sexy prince that Marco was.

  "Sure." Renee patted Greg's shoulder and walked him toward the seats. "Why don't you sit with the designers?"

  Kristin nodded and stood near the pile, blocking the view of the dresses from others. "Renee, the mermaid dress was the first style?"

  "Yes. I put them in order," Renee called out while she made her way from the chairs back to the center to help.

  Antonio, Kristin's fiancé, who loitered with guards near the door, left the room like he was about to fight someone. Once he was gone, Kristin picked up the first dress and said, "Good. Help me?"

  "Delighted." Renee walked to the fitting room to help pull and zip. The shimmery white, satin and lace number made Kristin look like a true princess. But her friend's scowl told her that this was a no even before Kristin came out of the room and said, "No, thanks."

  Antonio returned with his fists clenched and Kristin ducked into the makeshift changing room, a large closet with a mirror and bright light, so he'd not see her—bad luck. Antonio spoke with Greg.

  Kristin waited for Renee, who immediately started unlacing the back of the gown. She stopped when Greg yelped from the next room.

  "Me?" His voice cracked. "Mom, you were kidnapped!"

  Kristin went out, not caring who saw her.

  Renee hung the dresses properly and followed.

  A moment later, she saw Greg lift his shirt and show parts of a bomb taped to his chest. Her heart raced while he said, "I can't, Mom. There is a bomb strapped to my body that's set to explode. I'm sorry. I love you."

  Whoever was after Marco's family intended to kill them all!

  Marco's brother Antonio hung up his phone and stepped in front of his mother while he told her, "Go. Get Babik."

  Renee inched to the door. Marco was a trained spy. He'd know what to do.

  "I have to get your father." The queen ran out of the room.

  "It's strapped to my chest," Greg said in tones full of misery. "Sophia and Victor Amadeus threatened to kill my mom. They had pictures of her tied up. Sophia said she was going to let herself get caught so Victor could win."

  The guards in the hall were waving the designers near the door down a hall. Renee's heart raced. She was on the other side of the room. She called out, "Greg, don't do this. I thought we were friends."

  "We are," Greg said with tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry."

  Antonio gestured for her to come to the door. "Kristin, Renee, everyone, get out—go to the front of the palace. Outside."

  "Do you have a bomb squad?" Renee wondered how she'd find Marco in time.

  Antonio answered with confidence. "Marco is the most highly trained person in the country."

  Her heart thumped that Marco could be hurt. More guards rushed to help get the guests out and Marco ran inside. He instantly placed his hand on her back, which helped fortify her strength. "I'm here, Antonio."

  Renee asked, "Marco, can I help you?"

  "I'd not be able to work without knowing you're okay. My father was already brought downstairs. Join my mother and him." Marco kissed her cheek and rushed toward Greg.

  Near the door, Renee called out, "Come back to me, both of you."

  Marco and Greg both looked at her before she followed the guards. She'd not interfere with diffusing a bomb. She raced down the stairs and held the rail so she didn't shake.

  Once outside, she saw Queen Anna Camilla next to a man in a wheelchair who must be the king. The queen waved her over. "What's happening?"

  "Marco is diffusing the bomb. Antonio stayed to help him."

  "I can't lose both my sons, not like this." The queen eyes swam with tears.

  Renee reached out and hugged her. She swayed on her feet and tried to comfort. "Marco's well-trained. You told me yourself."

  "I hope we're planning your wedding next, Renee. I already wish you were my daughter too."

  Renee cried. Her own mother had never told her that so sincerely. All her life she'd been Neil's unfortunate sister. Queen Anna Camilla was just one of the many reasons she'd say yes if Marco sincerely asked for her hand in marriage.

  Most important, though, was that Marco come out, alive. Her heart beat so wildly in her chest she wasn't sure if she could stand. "I wish there was a way we could help them."

  "Get Lucio on the phone for me." The queen handed Renee a cell phone and turned toward the king. "He was my most recent call."

  Just then, Kristin, still in one of her wedding gowns, raced out of the palace and hugged Renee and the queen.

  Renee had Lucio on the line. "Your Majesty, your other son."

  The queen spoke to the king, but broke off to instruct her, "Tell him what's happening. I'll be there in a minute."

  Renee took a deep breath. Right. Talk to Marco's brother. "This is Renee, Kristin's roommate."

  "The one dating Marco. Mother likes you," Lucio said. "How can I help?"

  She gripped the phone and wished she was stronger. Then she paced, to keep herself from running inside to be with Marco. "Your mother wanted you aware that Marco's inside, disarming a bomb strapped around Greg's body."

  Lucio's voice was soothing and similar to Marco's, only slightly deeper. "Okay, I'll make sure the other agents with his mother understand the situation." He spoke to someone else. Renee’s skin felt electrified with adrenalin. Lucio returned and spoke to her again. "Renee, my brother knows what he's doing. Just trust."

  "Trust is easy." Renee swallowed her own tears that started to form. "I'm scared for him, to be honest."

  "He'll come out the doors any minute now and you can tell him how you feel."

  "Feel?" She laughed, slightly manic. She had no idea how she felt other than Marco needed to walk out the door and hug her. She hugged her stomach but it wasn't as comforting. "I'm a complete wreck. I’ve always wanted a normal, simple life just as my mother always told me to dream. This is all too much."

  "Renee, be calm." Her father had told her that many times. Renee's mind settled. Lucio continued, "Marco was always interested in computers and electronics and his mind works sharp under pressure. He's never failed at anything. You’ll see."

  All Marco had to do was come outside. He didn't have to hug her. Seeing him would be enough. She pressed her lips together. "Thanks, Lucio. And thanks for taking care of Greg’s mother. Not knowing is the worst." The queen stood and met her gaze with a single nod. "Your mother is here for you."

  Renee handed the phone to the queen and glanced at the growing crowd near the gates. Kristin looked despondent too, so Renee went over and asked, "Are you sure you want to marry Antonio? We can sneak out of here, if you're changing your mind."

  "I love him, Renee." Kristin wiped her eyes. "I'm scared."

  Good. Her friend always assumed love was a joke and scoffed at romantic movies, so having Kristin say that was a big deal. Renee kept her voice down so no one else heard them. "I'm happy for you. I'm glad you believe that love exists."

  Kristin nodded. "Renee, love isn't bringing someone home to meet your parents. It's about finding your own home."

  Score one for her best friend. She saw right through her. Marco was amazing and if he wasn't prince of a messed-up country where people strapped bombs on her friends, she'd say he made her feel happy.

  Her old boyfriends had been decent guys, but nothing like Marco. Prince Marco Aussa lived way out of her league and she wasn't sure she belonged in this world. So maybe the feeling of belonging to him was stupid. She held her hands around her waist and stared at the door that didn’t open. He needed to get out here, now!

  11

  "Stand up." Marco ripped Greg's tank top so he could see the bomb.

  The look of terror on Renee's face haunted him, but he worked on getting Greg’s entire shirt off so he could see the whole bomb. Once the room was cleared of people, Marco picked up his tools and traced
the bomb for the trigger.

  The device was so thin that it hadn't been visible beneath the tight fabric.

  Greg stood still while Marco traced the belt with a small metal object that looked like a pen.

  "What are you doing?" Greg asked nervously.

  The last thing he needed was for Greg to move during the extraction, so he opted to explain. "This is an IED, clearly made to let the world believe this was a suicide bomb." Marco then pointed to a plastic container. "This is the PETN, but I need to find the trigger and stop it before it detonates."

  Greg's tears rolled down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry. I just wanted to wash my car, that's why I'm wearing these old clothes."

  The clothes didn't matter though Renee's relationship with Greg definitely did. Marco motioned for Antonio to talk to Greg and keep him calm.

  "You’re doing good," Antonio said.

  Greg nodded and sniffed. "I don't want a life of excitement. I just want to go home and forget this ever happened."

  As long as his home didn't include Renee at his side, thought Marco.

  Marco focused on the trigger and worked his tool to release the bomb, but he was hyperaware of footsteps in the hall. A second later a loud bang echoed that must be the door. Antonio had to deal with it because Marco was in a sensitive juncture, but from the corner of his eye, he saw his best friend Victor Amadeus holding a semi-automatic gun inside the room.

  Antonio whispered, "Keep working, Marco. I'll handle this."

  Marco had seconds to disarm the bomb. He closed his ears and trusted his brother would take down the man with the gun. He whispered to Greg, who shook like a tree in a storm, "I need you not to move."

  Marco had the first half of the trigger in his hand and needed to disconnect the second piece, when Victor shouted, "You walk around all proud of yourself because you were brought back to be a future king when the truth is you don't deserve any of this."

  Marco began to disengage the second half of the trigger.