“I know. I just don’t want to think about it tonight. I want one last night with you. A night where we don’t have to think about the future.”
He didn’t like the thought that he’d never get to hold her like this again. He’d already been down that road. And even with his busy schedule and countless meetings, it still didn’t erase the empty spot in his heart where Zoe should have been. But now she was back, and he didn’t want to let her go again. Holding his wife close was heaven—it was the way it should be.
He cleared his throat. “Why does this have to be our last night together?”
“You know it would never work. Surely by now, you can see that our lives are too different. We’ve already talked about this.”
He scooted over to the edge of the couch in order to actually be able to see her face. “No, we didn’t talk about it. You always make excuses or skirt around the issue.”
“I do not.” She paused as though considering his words. “Okay, so maybe I do. It’s not easy to talk about.”
“The important things in life aren’t normally easy, but that doesn’t mean you should run from them.”
She sighed. “I’m trying to do better—to take things head-on. I never thought about it before you mentioned it, but I guess I’ve got some of my father in me.”
“You never talk about him.”
“That’s because there isn’t much to say. My mother used to say he was a dabbler. He dabbled with this or dabbled with that until something bigger or better came along. And if things got too tough, he ran. When my mum got pregnant, he ran.”
“I’m sorry.”
Zoe shrugged. “It’s okay. My mum was enough for me. But the one thing he did give me was my artistic ability. I have a painting in my bedroom that he did of the snowcapped Alps. It’s the only thing of value that I got from him.”
Demetrius liked that she was letting him in. At last, she was letting down her guard. He settled back on the couch next to her. Her cheek once again pressed to his chest. He wondered if she could hear how hard his heart was pounding.
She played with a loose thread on the shirtsleeve. “Would you still want me if I had a secret?”
His body stiffened. “What secret?”
“Relax.” She pressed a hand to his chest. “We’re talking hypothetically. You know, what if I had a criminal past?”
His muscles eased upon accepting that they were playing a game of what-if. “I don’t know what it matters because you don’t have a criminal past.”
“But if I did, would you still care about me? Would you have still asked me to marry you?”
He wrapped a lock of her long dark hair around his finger. “Of course. How could I say no when you look at me with those big brown eyes of yours?”
“Demetrius, I’m being serious. I want you to be honest.”
His jaw tightened. He didn’t know where this conversation was going, but he suddenly didn’t like the direction—not one little bit. “Fine. I don’t know what I’d have done. I guess it would have all depended on the secret. If you’re an ax murderer, then probably not. If it’s something else, we’d face it—together.”
“How can you say that? There’s no way you can marry someone who isn’t perfect—someone who would be a princess and eventually your queen.”
He wanted to change the subject. This conversation was making him exceedingly uncomfortable. “Why don’t we talk about the mural? Do you think you’ll have enough time to finish it—”
“Demetrius, this is important. Don’t change the subject.”
“Fine. I don’t know what I’d have done if you weren’t perfect, but you are. So it’s a moot point.”
“But you don’t know that. We didn’t know each other that long when we eloped. What if you found out after we married that I couldn’t have children? That I couldn’t give you any heirs to the throne?”
His chest tightened. He never would have guessed this was what she’d been holding back. “You can’t have kids?”
“I can...at least I think I can.” Her hand slid up over his chest. “Relax. Remember this is just a round of what-if.”
“I don’t like this game.” A frown pulled at his lips.
“Humor me. If you knew I couldn’t have kids, would you have stuck by me?”
“Of course.”
“Out of sympathy?”
“Stop. I’m done with this game. I knew everything I needed to know when I married you.”
He tickled her side, knowing all of her sensitive spots. He was tired of all this serious conversation. He wanted to see her smile again.
The corners of her mouth lifted, but she swiped away his hand. “I’m not talking about that. I’m serious. How did you know that marrying me wouldn’t be a mistake?”
“Fine. If you want to know, I had you checked out. I might have been a little reckless back then, but I did have to be cautious.”
She sprang up off the couch. The parts of his body where she’d been snuggled quickly grew cold. But the fire in her eyes practically singed him. “What do you mean you had me checked out? You mean you had people spying on me? How could you?”
“Of course I didn’t have people following you around. But a standard background check was imperative, especially if we were going to make things formal. I don’t know what you’re getting so worked up about. They didn’t uncover anything. You didn’t even have so much as a motor vehicle violation.”
“Of course I didn’t. I don’t own a car. Public transportation is so much easier. But that’s beside the point. You violated my privacy.”
“Why are you getting so worked up? I didn’t do anything that the paparazzi wouldn’t have done when they found out about you and me.”
Her mouth gaped as though she hadn’t realized how intrusive the paparazzi would be in her life. That creepy reporter would be nothing compared to the numerous exposés about any little bit of juicy information the press could dig up. And if they couldn’t dig up any dirt, they’d create some—of that he was certain since they’d done it to him. Although to be honest, after his mother died and his father had withdrawn from his family, Demetrius had given the press plenty of fodder to fill their front pages. But Zoe didn’t need to know any of that.
“And you didn’t find out anything about me that would stop you from marrying me?” Her big eyes searched his.
“Of course not.” Was she trying to tell him that there was something there—something that the palace staff had missed? “Tell me, Zoe. What should they have found? Is this about your mother?”
“No.” The little bit of color in her face faded away. “Um...it’s nothing. I’m just rambling.”
He wanted to believe her. Honestly, he did. But there was still something she wasn’t saying—something that she was afraid of him learning. Still, he didn’t think it was as big of a deal as she was making it out to be. His staff may have missed something small—something inconsequential—but there was no way they’d have missed something that would affect the royal family.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
TWELVE DAYS.
Twelve very fast days had passed.
This amazing fairy tale was almost over.
Zoe started down the steps from the administrative offices of Residenza del Rosa. Perhaps she should smile because at last she’d secured her mother’s safety and care. And she’d done it without involving Demetrius. She’d negotiated with the center’s administrator to get her mother a room there. The administrator realized that Zoe had the prince’s ear, but to her relief, he didn’t make a big deal of it.
However, the administrator did make a big deal of her completed mural. He was exceedingly impressed with it as well as her interior design. He offered that in exchange for Zoe teaching art classes to the center’s residents, she would get a reduced
rate on her mother’s care. Zoe immediately jumped at the offer. Even with the reduction, the cost would stretch Zoe’s budget. However, she would do whatever it took to see that her mother had the care she needed. And this move would retain as much of her mother’s dignity as possible. That was very important to her mother. And her mother’s happiness was very important to Zoe.
She had reached the last step when she noticed Demetrius stroll past the reception desk. He wasn’t alone. There was the female reporter, Carla Russo, next to him with a mic and a photographer in front of them. Demetrius’s manner was casual as though he lived in front of the camera all of his life. Then again, he pretty much had lived out his life with a camera following him around. She could never imagine being at such ease with the press.
This interview must be another push for publicity for the revitalization project. Zoe hung back. She knew that he was keeping certain parts of Residenza del Rosa under wraps until the night of the Royal Christmas Ball—rooms such as the library, the garden and the ballroom.
As though Demetrius could sense her gaze on him, he turned her way. “And here is the mastermind behind the mural.”
The photographer focused in on Zoe. The flash practically blinded her. What in the world? She wasn’t prepared for this. She wasn’t even dressed appropriately for photos. Her hair was pulled back in a haphazard fashion while her makeup was almost nonexistent. What was Demetrius thinking?
Ms. Russo smiled at her. “Hello again, Miss Sarris. We’re very anxious to see your mural. Prince Demetrius says that it’s a sight to behold.”
Zoe’s gaze moved to Demetrius. He did? He said that about her—erm...about her work?
He smiled and nodded. “Ms. Sarris, will you please show them your masterpiece?”
Masterpiece? Wasn’t he laying it on a bit thick? After all, she definitely was no Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo. Not even close. She just did her best and hoped other people would take pleasure from her efforts.
Zoe swallowed hard. “I’m very honored that His Royal Highness has enjoyed my work. I just hope you’re not disappointed.”
“I’m sure we won’t be.” The eager look on Carla Russo’s face revealed her true interest in Zoe’s work. “Is it possible to see it now?”
Zoe’s gaze sought out Demetrius. He’d moved into the background, leaving her alone in the spotlight. She had no idea what he was up to and no way of asking him privately. The only thing she did know was that he’d been super kind to her these past couple of weeks, reminding her of all the reasons she’d fallen in love with him in the first place.
When Demetrius nodded toward the ballroom, she knew that he was giving her yet another gift. Her heart gave a fluttering sensation as his gaze held hers. He was giving her a chance to spread her wings as an artist and to make a name for herself. How would she ever repay him?
She turned back to Ms. Russo. “The mural is right this way.”
As they walked, the reporter asked one question after the next. “Was the mural your idea or was it something the prince came up with?”
“Um...it was actually my idea. I wanted to give the residents a relaxing, calming atmosphere. My mother has a great love of the sea, having grown up in a seaside village. I recently painted a similar mural for her. Though not nearly as large, she has enjoyed it a lot. And...and I thought others might enjoy it, too.” Zoe wondered if it was a mistake mentioning her mother, but it was too late to worry about it now.
“Your mother is one very lucky lady to have an artist for a daughter.” Ms. Russo meant well, but her words dug at the tender spot on Zoe’s heart.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to view both murals and they are amazing,” interjected Demetrius. “We were very lucky to have Ms. Sarris sign on for this project. She’s very talented.”
“And has it been decided if she’ll be working on the other buildings slated for renovation?” Ms. Russo held out the digital voice recorder for him to speak into.
Demetrius’s gaze met Zoe’s before turning back to the reporter. “That’s my hope, but we’re currently in negotiations.”
He didn’t disclose anything in his facial expression, but Zoe could tell he wasn’t referring to the revitalization project any longer. Her heart fluttered. Try as she might, she just couldn’t get him out of her system—even if it was the only way to protect him from his own good intentions.
When he found out about her chance of inheriting her mother’s disease, he would stay with her for all of the wrong reasons—pity, obligation and honor. She couldn’t let him fall on his sword for her. She loved him too much for that.
Ms. Russo turned to Zoe. “When Prince Demetrius called to tell me about your mural, he couldn’t stop singing your praises. You’ve definitely won him over, which I hear isn’t an easy feat.”
“We should move along. Ms. Sarris’s time is limited.” Demetrius stepped up to Zoe’s side. “She still has a lot of final touches to attend to before the ball.”
Ms. Russo frowned, but she quietly continued toward the ballroom. When the reporter turned away, Zoe could at last take in a full breath of air. She turned to him and flashed him a grateful smile.
He smiled back and signaled for her to lead the way to the mural. After weeks of hammering, plastering and painting, it was time for the grand reveal of Residenza del Rosa. On shaky legs, Zoe moved into the lead.
Even Demetrius had yet to see the mural since she’d put the final touches on it. All it needed now was a clear topcoat to help keep the colors from fading as well as to protect it from fingerprints. She’d been worried about how it would be received, but now with Demetrius’s encouragement and the administrator’s praises, she felt confident enough to share it with others.
She swung the door to the ballroom open and stood back, letting the others enter. The reporter and the photographer rushed forward, but Demetrius hung back, refusing to enter until Zoe had done so. He was forever a gentleman. That was just one of the many things she loved about him. The truth was there was so much to love about him that if she wasn’t careful, she was going to throw caution to the wind and forget why this relationship couldn’t be a forever thing.
The small group stopped in front of the mural. Her stomach quivered with nerves. She gazed up at her greatest creation and hoped it would be well received. Her gaze settled on the deepening blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds. Midway down was the bright orange and yellow of the sun as it started its descent into the horizon. Brilliant shades of orange, pink and purple streaked out along the sea. The calmness of the dark blue water reflected the sun’s rays as the tide gently rolled into a sandy shore. Upon the beach rested a maroon sailboat with a yellow stripe. She’d wanted to give the impression that it was waiting for someone to sail away in it—away from their troubles—to a place of peace and tranquility.
After answering countless questions, more about what it was like to work with the prince than her artwork or her interior design work, Ms. Russo and the photographer departed. Zoe sighed in relief. At last her lungs could fully expand as her tense muscles loosened up. She would definitely not make a good spokesperson like Annabelle. Not a chance.
Zoe turned to him. “I wish you’d have given a little warning about the interview. I’m a mess.” She ran a hand over her hair. “Those pictures are going to be terrible.”
“They will be beautiful, just like you.” His gaze met and held hers.
Her heart pit-pattered faster.
“I don’t know how you deal with the press day in and day out.”
Demetrius walked over and opened the door leading to the veranda. “In all honesty, I don’t like answering questions, but it’s part of my world. I guess for the most part, I’ve grown used to it—at least as much as anyone can.”
She followed him outside. “I want to thank you for this amazing opportunity, but words don’t seem like enough.
I still can’t believe you went to all of this bother for me.”
“What bother?” He acted so innocent, but she knew he went out of his way just for her. “Oh, you mean arranging for Residenza del Rosa to get some additional coverage? I should be the one thanking you.”
She shook her head. “Don’t dismiss this. Admit it. This wasn’t about the center. You didn’t even mention it.”
His dark brows scrunched together. “I didn’t? Surely I must have.”
She couldn’t help but smile at his antics. “Afraid not. Maybe if you run after them, you can catch them.”
“Hmm...I don’t think so. I’d rather stay here.” He gazed deeply into her eyes.
“You would?” Her voice came out much softer and sultrier than she’d intended.
He nodded, stepping closer.
“I don’t know why you did what you did today, but grazie. You don’t know what this means to me.”
His hand slipped around her waist. “Does this mean that you’re not upset about the impromptu interview?”
She lifted onto her tiptoes and leaned forward. “If I was mad, would I do this?”
Her lips met his. At first, he didn’t move as though he were afraid of scaring her away. She slipped her arms up over his shoulders and moved her mouth over his. That’s all it took for him to reach out and pull her close.
Her heart swelled with love. She knew that this thing—them together—couldn’t last forever, but in that moment, it didn’t matter. No one had ever done something so sweet, so thoughtful for her.
She reveled in the fact that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. The kiss went on and on. She didn’t want it to end. She knew when it did that they’d crash back into reality. And indulging in a passionate kiss with the Crown Prince of Mirraccino was not part of her reality—even if they were secretly married.
The sound of footsteps caused them to spring apart. Her gaze met his and she knew that if they’d been back at the beach house things wouldn’t have ended there. And if she was honest, she didn’t want it to end. The more of Demetrius she had, the more she wanted.
The Prince's Christmas Vow Page 13
