The silence in return was enough. Amy hung her head and disconnected. Why did her sister have to make her feel as if she would always be second to perfect Evie?
Lucio was handsome but Amy had always figured it would be better to marry a nerdy, average-looking man than someone out-of-this-world gorgeous. The word physics rang in her ear but she shook it out—Lucio was smart, too, and could carry on an interesting conversation. Her skin still burned from Evie's judgment.
As her parents didn't call, she asked for advice from her American neighbor, Suzie. She texted, 'My parents set me up.'
'With a guy or a job?'
'A man they want me to marry.'
'How awful was their choice? Ugly? Fat? Missing teeth?'
'None. He's gorgeous and I had a huge crush on him in high school, but he never noticed me. Now he thinks we're getting married.'
'Married? So he assumes too much too fast.'
'My parents told him to marry me. It's for a contract.'
'So he marries you and gets a contract with your parents?'
'No my parents get a contract to build in his land.'
'Land. So he's rich and handsome?'
'Yeah.'
'I expect an invite to the wedding.'
'But my sister is in love with him.'
'All the more reason to marry this rich and handsome man. Your sister doesn't have to get everything.'
Amy scrolled up the screen and realized she hadn't said no, that she implied that she’d marry this man.
Why couldn't she even be firm with her friends?
Her spine stiffened as she imagined Evie pea green with envy at Amy and Lucio’s wedding—then she shook the image off. She wouldn’t get married to spite her sister.
Back in high school, she told her mom that Evie interfered with her crush, but their mother insisted Evie was just being smart and marrying a prince was a good thing. No one had cared if Amy was miserable when Evie made her take all those romantic pictures of her and Lucio.
Her parents knew she went to her room and cried for hours, but no one said a word to Evie, ever. And who was it that sat at their mom’s bedside in the hospital? Amy. Her mother only perked up when Evie came over.
If she married Lucio, she’d have everything except love that probably didn’t exist for her. The plus was a chance to be next to a man she’d always wanted that her sister once stole.
She drank a glass of wine and sat on her couch. If she married Lucio, her sister would be a duchess but she’d be a princess.
It wasn’t a bad trade off and for once in her life, her rank might be higher than perfect Evie’s.
She shouldn’t make a decision thinking like this. She wasn’t this petty, but she picked up her phone, dialed Lucio and waited. The second the phone clicked and he answered, she said, "Pick me up in the morning. I'll marry you."
"If we leave tonight, we can be home faster."
His deep voice sent awareness through her even over the phone. Tonight would be too soon. She shook her head. "I need to pack and go through a few things. Tomorrow at 8 in the morning, I'll be ready to be your princess."
"I'll be at your door." He answered. "And Amy..."
She held her breath. Starting tomorrow, she'd have to learn to live with Lucio and to be his wife. "Yeah?"
"I'm glad. Until I met you in person, I was holding back committing myself."
So something about her made an impression. Her heart began to race and she rested her hand on her chest. "What made you change your mind?"
"Your inner beauty, your grace. You'll make an excellent princess who can help the people of Avce."
Grace wasn't something anyone had ever used to describe her before and the word felt strange against her skin. She agreed to this marriage because her sister hated the idea and her parents would never leave her alone if she didn’t.
Goodness, she’d have to find something kind to do to make up for this decision.
He spoke to someone in his language that was similar to Italian, and then said to her, "I will see you tomorrow."
"Goodbye." She sat on her couch and sucked in her lips the second she hung up the phone. What had she done? Tomorrow she'd let her parents and the world know that she’d be transformed into a princess. Tonight, she'd run around her flat in her underwear and pack the small trinkets that mattered to her.
Her recent assignment gave her insight into the weakness in Avce's political structure so she could set out to make first-hand changes.
Determined, she rose from the couch and went to her bedroom to find her suitcase. Starting with her jewelry box, she went through what was important. The gold was coming, but she stopped at a pendant. Her sister had the other half of the locket that read, "BE SIS" combined, they read "BEST SISTER." Amy sank to the bed and hugged the pendant to her chest. This hadn't been true in years and wasn't now.
Evie was vindictive. Amy knew better than anyone that her sister was going to find a way to prove that marrying Lucio was a mistake. Perhaps it was, but as Amy held onto the pendant, she also flashed to a memory where Evie told her "Lucio is like all guys. No one is interested in your skinny butt. Go, read, because no one will love you, ever." Amy let the pendant go. She'd not take it with her.
Hopefully her parents would make sure that Evie stayed far away from Amy and her new life. She picked up her phone, took a second to be calm and collected for when she told her parents, and finally, sent the text, 'Packing to marry Lucio. It's your job to ensure Evie stays in Scotland with Michael. I won't go through with this if she shows up to ruin everything.'
Her mother texted back immediately. "Your father and I will handle your sister. You're going to be a beautiful bride. Don't be jealous of her because we found you the perfect prince who needs your expertise."
If only that was true. She finished with her jewelry and moved to her photo cabinet. Most people kept their photos digitally, but Amy loved making a quarterly report on her life in photos that she could hold. She picked up the last book and saw a photo of her and Suzie drinking at the local bar. Their genuine smiles as they held up their beers in the small local tavern had been a great night where they’d laughed for hours. The picture was a keeper and she slipped a few of the albums in the bag.
Her sister Evie hadn't been in a picture in years, and it needed to stay that way for all their sakes.
The night sky outside her window was dark and foggy. She slipped into her bed, knowing this was now the end and a new beginning.
4
Lucio fixed his tie and stepped up to the outside door of Amy’s brick apartment building, then rang the doorbell. Being in London and performing these normal actions reminded him of childhood. In Avce and most places he traveled, he'd have servants holding the doors open for him.
A moment later, the door buzzed and he reached out to open it with a slight smile. He hadn't done anything for himself like this in years. He slipped inside and headed up the steps to the second floor, where Amy lived.
He reached the landing and rasped his knuckles against number 207. Amy opened the door. "Come in."
Her dark blonde hair wasn’t touched up and her face was beautiful without much makeup at all. She had an air of innocence. When he married her, he’d at least feel he won a prize. She rushed backwards into her apartment and said, "I'm almost done."
Lucio nodded and followed her inside her small living area. The main room was smaller than his bedroom at home, though the dark wood floor and white walls were certainly clean and tidy. The full bookcase made him smirk—he wasn’t surprised.
The hem of Amy’s light blue dress disappeared beyond a white door partially open and he assumed it led to her bedroom. Then she came back with her wheeled bag. "Eight on the dot. I'm on time and ready."
"Let me get your bag." Lucio stepped forward. She moved to the side and let him take the handle. "You look pretty this morning."
"I was trying to look like a princess, but I didn't think a ball gown worked so early in the morning. I wen
t for a simpler dress."
Was she joking? Her curved lips indicated that she was teasing, but he wasn’t sure. He said nothing.
Amy walked beside him until they reached her door, where she fixed her pearl necklace and turned. "Can you talk to me? I'm not sure how to communicate with brooding."
His eyes widened as she opened the door with the key in hand. "I don't brood."
"Right." She shook her head while she held her key to the lock. "And the last time you laughed was when exactly?"
"I laugh." He answered automatically but then considered his words. She closed the door behind them and locked up. Perhaps it had been at a movie? He frowned, thinking back. He wasn't sure when he’d last laughed. It wasn't a habit.
She crossed her arms. "Well, I don't see how we'll suit each other for long if we don't find a way to communicate."
"Communicate? Fine. I will brief you on my plans every day and expect you'll do the same."
She lowered her arms to her sides and went downstairs. Once they were both at the bottom, he held the front door open for her. She met his gaze with those brown eyes of hers. "Sounds like a business deal, which I guess this is, but I was hoping we could try for friendship."
He placed his hand on her back, guiding her back from the street to keep her safe. "Once we are married, you'll be my wife, not my friend."
She looked up at him while they made it to his car. "I'd rather be both. Marriage works better that way, though we have to learn to trust each other."
His chauffer took Amy’s bag from him. Lucio kept his hand on her lower back and directed her into the backseat. He followed and said, "Amy, I'm not someone who opens up all the time, but I'll try."
"Why are you so reserved?" The driver slid behind the wheel. "And don't blame it on growing up in England because that's untrue."
"Not many people are interested in the same things I am, so I’ve learned that less talking allows me to get along with more people." The driver must have heard enough because he closed the partition. Lucio glanced at Amy. "And I don't expect you to suddenly find my interests your interests. I cannot stand fake people and your interest is clearly politics."
She placed her purse at her feet, then fisted her hand on her knee. "I think we should talk without judging. I can be a good listener."
The last thing he needed was a wife who pretended to care about him. The worst type of women were like Sylvia the woman his parents had been so keen to be their future daughter, who always pretended and who carried on with her lies. At least he saw through her. He placed his hand on Amy’s closed fist. "Let's just take it day-by-day and we'll go from there."
"Okay..." She took her hand away from him. "I assume you're still reading all about quantum mechanics for fun? Honestly, that’s never been my thing anyway."
"It's conceptual," he shrugged. "Most people aren't interested." Her eyes widened slightly and he found her gaze hypnotic, her energy vibrant. He waited for her next move. "The electricity I feel near you is intriguing."
She half-smiled. "You must say that to all the girls." She dropped her hands so they rested on either side of her on the leather bench seat of the limo. "But we'll learn each other’s quirks." The driver signaled to the left, then parked. She looked over his shoulders through the tinted windows. "Why are we stopping?"
"We're getting breakfast." The driver opened his door. "I'm hungry and thought you might be too."
"I guess I can eat more than the toast I made for myself before you picked me up." He scooted out and waited for her on the sidewalk that was slightly wet from last night's rain, giving the air a clean scent.
She had wanted conversation, so while he waited for her to cross into the restaurant, he asked, "What made you change your mind? I assumed I'd have to send gifts and persuade you."
A blush appeared on her cheeks. "Gifts might have been nice," her tone hinted at a laugh. "No, I didn't speak to my parents."
A hostess escorted them between tables.
"I never said you did." They followed the hostess to a private room in the back. A round, dark wooden table had been set for breakfast with a candle in the center despite the early hour.
He held her chair for her and sat on the edge as he scooted her closer. The hostess said she’d bring back coffee then left them alone. Amy placed her napkin on her lap. "Your question was implied. While I wanted to speak to them I had to leave a message. I found out later that they are already in your country."
He took the seat opposite her. A smiling, slightly plump waitress rushed in and poured them both coffee, then hurried out. Lucio leaned forward, his elbow on the table. "So, why did you change your mind?"
"I could lose my position at Whitehall and Fisk." She picked up the goblet of water that was left for her on the table and held it tight.
Lucio thought back to their conversation the night before. He'd never threatened her career, he was certain. "That's not a reason."
"It is. My parents had connections which was how I landed the job." She put her water down and leaned forward. "While I enjoy analyzing governments and their strengths and weaknesses of the regime running the country, it has always felt temporary because they found it for me. With my sister, they were excited to be tied to a duke who also owns a large rock quarry. I wanted to avoid the "married for business" strategy, though I know my parents depend on me to help them. I guessed at some point I'd be a bargaining chip. It’s because we’re distantly related to Charles II and they’ve wanted royal relations all my life. If I say no to you I’m quite sure they will lose patience with me and I’ll be booted from the family." Her laugh held no humor. "They have the power over my employment, which leaves me with nothing."
He hadn’t intended to trap Amy. He held his tongue and ordered his breakfast the moment the waitress came in. Amy did the same. Once they were alone, he met her gaze. "So you realized all of that when sitting in your apartment, alone?"
Her cheeks blushed as she looked down. "I don't expect you to understand. I'm sure you never caved like I always do."
"No, I generally don't give in—with the exception of this law that I must marry. But I’m choosing to accept my fate so that I can stay near my family." The wait staff streamed in with breakfast plates piled with a selection of eggs, bacon, quiches and fruit. Lucio moved his seat closer to her while everything was set up. Alone again, he said softly, "Amy, when I marry it will be a full marriage. I won't bring shame to my family and seek out other women."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "You want to discuss this, now?"
He adjusted his napkin on his lap. "Why not? The staff cannot hear us."
She covered her face with her hand. "Lucio, I'm not ready to have this conversation."
"I won't force you." He leaned closer. Amy's reasoning grated against his conscience. He pressed his lips together and tried to figure out how to help ease her mind about this wedding. "I'd rather you ask me to take you."
His vivid imagination brought that scenario to life. Amy lowered her hand and stared into his eyes. "I didn't think you would demand anything, but I'd rather wait until we're both comfortable... You swear you'll let me say when?"
"Comfortable?" Frowning, he repeated the word and her shoulders relaxed as if he’d offered her a reprieve. He wasn't that much of a jerk, he thought with annoyance.
"Will you wait?" Her gaze softened with hope.
He nodded and reached for her hand, smoothing his expression. "Yeah. I can wait for sex until you ask me, if that helps you adjust. I swear it." The need to argue burst in his throat, and he stopped short of taking her hand, resting it beside hers on the cloth instead. How else could she get used to him? Thinking fast he added, "However, you must stay in the same suite as me. I won't have servants talking until I fully seduce you."
She tugged on her pearl necklace like it might be too tight against her delicate throat. "Okay. I agree. We won't cause any gossip, especially since your brothers’ weddings made international news with all the danger your family w
as in."
He'd ensure no spies were near them and no government take-overs loomed. The people had voted to keep the royal family in power. With Amy, he could see a bright future. His heart quickened. "I won't let anyone harm you or my family, Amy."
"I believe you." She picked up her fork and knife and they finished their breakfast with small talk.
He'd keep his vow. Amy was going to be his, and he'd show her that they fit. Lucio worked better with a deadline, so he set one for himself. Two weeks was plenty to see how successful he'd be at seducing his soon-to-be wife.
5
The plane touched down in Avce with barely a bump of wheels to tarmac. Amy looked out the window at the country she’d written articles about. It was a sunny day in comparison to cold London and she couldn’t wait to get out of the recycled air and outside. The hot-blooded male who sat beside her reading a hardcover book on thermodynamics, thin-rimmed black glasses perched on the edge of his nose, made her pulse quicken.
No one had ever tried to seduce her. Her old boyfriends were Peter Pan types who were way too narcissistic to even pretend she was more important than themselves, and her parents never approved of them because they weren’t titled enough for their tastes. To defy them, Amy used to enjoy nice-looking men at her side but they’d never caused her own thermodynamic blood temperature to rise.
This time, Lucio was hers and her sister wasn't going to show off her legs to steal him away.
She reached out and brushed her hand against his arm. He took off his glasses, pocketed them and asked, "Yes?"
The way he stared at her with warm concern brought a swoosh of butterflies. She shook off the silly feeling and asked, "Are we getting off the plane or should we just sit here? I don’t mind, whatever you want to do. It’s your country."
He closed his book, his brow heavy. "I was thinking. It might be best to go to the North Castle and settle into the home we'll live in before we head to my parents. If we go to the palace, we'll be married by the end of the week, if we make it that long."
Forbidden Royal Page 3
