I grunted. “Yes, she was the perfect little host, I’m sure.”
“Yes, Jackie was an… excellent escort.” Escort? Escort? Alex’s next words cut through my thoughts with amusement. “How small are you planning on cutting those?”
“Shit.” I frowned and looked at the mess I had made. I pushed it aside and started on another mouse. I’d freeze this for one of the birds we had to syringe feed.
“You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were jealous.”
I spun around to glare at him. I opened my mouth and closed it. If I denied it, I’d look like an ass, but I couldn’t just tell him the truth. Shit, shit, shit. I was jealous. Snap out of it, Sam!
“Your ego is something of a wonder, isn’t it?” I glared at him as he put Dover on her perch to finish eating.
“I think I like this look on you.” His eyes were a different shade of blue as he regarded me. “Jackie was nice, very friendly, and dumb as a rock. She is nothing compared to you.” He pulled the gloves off as he walked toward me. I flattened myself against the counter with each step he took. Placing a hand on either side of me, he leaned forward. “Put down the knife, Samantha.”
“Why?” I hadn’t realized I was still holding it. My voice had been too high; excited. This close to him my brain was turning into mush. His blue eyes peered down into mine and I felt small and feminine.
“Because I’m going to kiss you and I don’t want to be stabbed when I do it.” His hand moved to mine and carefully plied my fingers away from the blades’ handle. When he had disarmed me, he dipped his head down toward mine and I felt my heart beat speed up. While his breath tickled my lips, he carefully pulled my work gloves off. One of his hands moved to cup my cheek, tilting my face upward. Our eyes stayed locked until his warm lips touched mine. It started out slow and tender, our breaths mingling while we touched with feather light brushes. I was putty in his hands, my body no longer under my command.
I ran my hands over his chest, tracing the muscles I had caught hints of through his shirt. Eventually I tangled my fingers in his hair. He mumbled things I didn’t understand and didn’t need to, the tone making it obvious. He tasted like a dark, decadent dessert. I had a feeling I could live on that taste alone for months; that his kiss was something I could become addicted to.
The sound of wings flapping and loud squawking had us pulling apart. My breathing was heavy and I felt lightheaded. Alex ran a thumb over my bottom lip, his eyes bright with a mixture of surprise and desire.
“I think someone is jealous.” I bit my lip and looked over his shoulder to where Dover was glaring at us.
“Not much I can do about that.” He leaned forward and nipped my bottom lip. I melted back into him, already craving his taste again. His hands moved up my sides, his thumbs barely grazing the sides of my breasts. I sucked in a breath at his touch and moaned softly.
One of the side doors opened and we froze at the sound of voices. Alex smiled at the look on my face, but pulled away. I adjusted my shirt, hoping I didn’t have that ‘just kissed’ look. Alex picked up my gloves and handed them to me. I pulled them back on and turned back to what I was doing.
“Hey, Sam?” David’s voice heralded his entry into the room. Alex moved over to the sink to wash his hands and I heard David’s footsteps pause.
“What’s up?” I turned to look at him, the knife in my hand. His eyes moved from Alex to me, noting how close we were standing.
“I wanted to see how Dover was healing. Dr. Geller asked me to keep an eye on her while he was gone.” Something in his tone changed and I realized he appeared pissed.
“She’s doing good.” I felt my eyebrows draw together. David was usually a bit distant, but friendly. Did he think I had ignored the owl because of everything going on? Everyone brought friends or family to the center, so he couldn’t be upset at Alex’s presence.
“Have you given her the medicine yet?” David glared at Alex, who had turned around to lean against the sink. There wasn’t much space between us and I could see the calculating gleam in David’s eyes.
“Yep.” My response was curt, annoyed by the judging look in his eyes.
“Good.” He grabbed a glove from one of the shelves and walked over to check out Dover. I turned back to my task and frowned.
“She’s a beautiful bird.” Alex had stayed leaning against the counter, so close that my elbow hit him when I went back to work.
“Yes. She is.” David’s voice sounded odd, so I tried to peek over my shoulder. Dover was sitting on his arm, but his eyes were trained on Alex. “She’s been through a lot. I’d hate to see her hurt any more.”
I turned back to the mouse I was holding and frowned. Why did he sound so angry?
“I’m sure everyone here takes very good care of her.” Alex’s voice sounded affable, but there was something odd about the way he phrased his words.
“Often people hurt things on accident.” David’s voice took on an edge. “No one plans on hurting anyone, but it happens.”
Anyone? I froze at and set down the knife I was holding. Slowly I turned around and glared at David. He was ignoring me, his gaze still glued on Alex.
“I have no intention of hurting Samantha.” Alex’s posture was relaxed, at odds with his words.
“She’s been through enough. I’ve watched her fight her way through the death of her mom and now her dad. Don’t pull her into something just for her to have to fight some more.”
“David!” I felt my mouth fall open in shock. How had the conversation turned into this?
“She’s like my sister and I’m tired of seeing her screwed over.” His eyes turned to me apologetically.
“I can understand that.” Alex stood up straight. “But I think she can take care of herself.”
“Just remember there are people, here in the real world, that love her.” My heart squeezed with David’s words. I had grown really close to everyone in the office. David had been a big help when I was applying for a master’s position. He wasn’t one for too much emotion, so to hear him say that made me want to throw my arms around him in a hug.
Alex nodded his head and David turned back to Dover. I stood there staring at them both, wondering what on Earth had happened to my life.
“Close your mouth, Sam.” David didn’t look at me, but his voice shook me out of my thoughts. I grabbed the gloves off the floor and turned back to the task at hand.
Alex’s phone rang and he walked away to answer it. I could hear him but couldn’t make out what he was saying. When I had finished cutting up the food, I split it up and went to deliver it to the birds in the building. When I got back, David was finishing up his examination of Dover. He put her back in her pen and replaced his gloves on the shelf.
“See you later?” David looked at me from where he was standing and I nodded my head.
“Yeah. Geller will be back tomorrow.”
“I know.” He turned to leave. “See you then.”
“David?” He stopped and looked at me. “I love you guys, too.”
He winked before turning and leaving the way he came. Alex was still on the phone, so I checked the time before going about cleaning. I was almost finished by the time he was done with his conversation.
“I didn’t mean to leave you with all the cleanup.” Alex took the broom out of my hand.
“There’s not much to do.” I shrugged and rinsed out one of the rags while he swept the trash I had collected into the dustpan.
“Still, I said I would help.” He frowned.
“It’s really okay.” I headed for the office where our coats were hanging with him following close behind.
As I reached for my coat, I was spun around and pressed against the wall. Alex leaned down to nuzzle my neck before dragging his lips across mine. There it was, my new drug of choice. His kiss was hot and hungry. His hands weren’t patient this time as he slid them over my body. It was as if our first kiss had answered a question and now he was sure of what he wanted.
His phone beeped and he muttered something that had to be a curse. The kiss slowed. There was something serious and dangerous behind his kiss—something that made my heart stutter and my panties catch fire. When his phone beeped again, I pulled back so there was just enough space between our mouths that I could feel our breaths mingle.
“You should probably get that.” My voice was husky and thick. It had taken a lot of willpower to pull away from him.
“They can wait.” He started to lean forward again but I shook my head.
“I can’t. I need to go see my dad.”
He sighed but nodded his head. “I understand.”
“Are you leaving soon?” I bit my lip, surprised I had asked him. Did it matter? I guess it did, considering how my heart was beating rapidly.
“I’m waiting to see what you decide.” He brushed some of the hair out of my face.
“Is that why you’re kissing me? To try to convince me to come to Lilaria?” The words seemed to freeze the air between us and I felt my stomach clench.
“You think I would kiss you to try to get you to come back?” He leaned farther away. “I’m not sure what you think having you in Lilaria would accomplish for me, but I assure you I don’t go around kissing people to make political alliances.”
“I’m sorry.” I closed my eyes and thunked my head against the wall. “I just can’t imagine why you… I’m just…”
He pulled away from me with a look of frustration. “Do you realize how insulting that is?”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”
“You didn’t mean to insinuate I would stoop to such a thing, or you didn’t mean to insinuate you’re not attractive enough to make me forget my senses?” He stood up and ran a hand through his hair. “I do want you to come to Lilaria. I think it would be good for you and for your father. I think if you would let yourself, there could be something good between us, as well.”
“This is happening too fast. There’s too much going on.”
Alex pulled his coat off the rack. “Don’t think your whole life is here. Your ancestors were courageous—don’t let them down by hiding.”
I watched as he walked out of the little office, my mind a complete mess.
Lilarian Healthcare Makes Headway with Homeopathic Medicines
—Durren Pathology Center
It had taken a lot of arguing to get my security detail to stay in the car. Becca had insisted on standing at the door, but I finally convinced her she would get frostbite if she did. I used my key to let myself in and sighed in relief. It was nice to be back in my childhood home.
“I’m in here.” Dad’s voice drifted over the sound of the television in the living room. The smell of lasagna meant he was in the kitchen.
“Hey.” I hung my coat on the back of the chair and smiled at Patricia. She gave me a hug and then held me out at arm’s length.
“Girl, what on Earth have you been up to?” Apparently she had been watching the news.
“It’s a really long story.” I shook my head.
“A really crazy one, I’d guess.” She narrowed her eyes at me and lifted my chin. She tsked under her breath and gave me a knowing smile and wink. “You’re all flushed.”
“It’s minus ten outside. Of course I’m flushed.” I tried to not grimace when she laughed.
“That’s not the same kind of flushed.” She lowered her voice. “I bet it has something to do with that gorgeous man I saw you on the cameras with.”
“What?”
“There’s video of you walking around on campus laughing with that prince. He’s a good-looking guy. I’d let him get me all flushed, too.”
“I’ll let him know you’re interested.” I laughed as I walked past her and into the kitchen. I threw my arms around Dad’s neck and pressed my face against his shoulder.
“Don’t make me spill this!” He was trying to transfer the lasagna from the dish onto plates. I had learned with my mom you never took time for granted, so hugged my dad as often as possible.
“I’m gone, you old fart!” Patricia hollered from the living room.
“Get out of here, woman!” Dad yelled back. I could hear her laughing even after the door closed behind her. I knew for a fact that even though they enjoyed pestering each other they were the best of friends.
“So, I thought you had a headache today.” I carried our plates to the table and then went to get glasses out.
“I did, but feel a bit better tonight. I figured you might need your favorite dinner after I saw you on TV.” He smiled at me as he brought the milk carton to the table. “Lasagna is always good for dinners where there’s stuff to discuss.”
“Did you know?” I sat down and looked at him. “Did Mom tell you?”
“I think you’re going to have to start at the beginning.” He passed me a piece of bread. “All I know is I woke up today to seeing you on the news and had voicemail from several news stations.”
“Oh, Dad, I’m so sorry.” I sighed and poked at my food. “I should’ve asked them to send someone over for you.”
“Who to send who over?”
“Mom was from a royal family. I don’t know if she knew or not, but I sure didn’t. But they gave me a detail to keep the press away and I should have asked them to send someone over here for you too. I mean, the duchess that came to tell me about my family assigned a detail.”
“Huh.” We ate in silence for a few minutes, each of us working through things in our heads. “I don’t guess they’re going to bother me too much, since I’m just your stepfather.”
“You’re not just my stepfather. You’re my dad.” I knew he would understand the differentiation.
“I know, but that probably makes a difference to the people wanting to ask questions.”
“Did she know?”
“Your mom was always a mystery, Sam. That’s one of the things I loved about her. She was brilliant, funny, and the most loving woman. But I knew there were things about her I would never learn.” He smiled at me, his love for her still as alive as ever. “She never told me she was from a royal line, but I know she placed a great deal of emphasis on family. I suppose that could mean something.”
“I have this folder full of birth certificates and a family tree. Of ship itineraries and land deeds.” I frowned. “And it all leads back to Duke Rousseau of Lilaria.”
“Why did they hunt you down?” Dad had always been practical. It was probably why he had done so well in the military. “Seems like a lot of work just to tell you your great-great-great-grandfather used to own some land.”
“They want to reinstate my title.” I bit into my bread and chewed thoughtfully. “Supposedly the queen has made it her life task to bring back the families that left.”
He looked at me, processing what that could mean. “They want you to move back, then?”
“Yes. I think so.” I frowned. “They aren’t pressuring me, but there’s a lot to accepting the position. I’d be on the council to the queen.” I laughed. It was such a ridiculous thought. “I’d be in charge of lands and a house.”
“That’s a very big honor.” Dad looked at me seriously and I stopped my giggles.
“It is. But me? On the council to a queen?” I shook my head. “Can you imagine?” I snorted. “I don’t know anything about their country and let’s face it, I’m not the most diplomatic person.”
“Maybe that’s what they need. New insight and someone that isn’t constrained by centuries of protocol.”
The fact that he was echoing what Alex said scared me. I stared at him while he ate. Did he really think it would be a good idea?
“They also have a really great healthcare system.” I watched him for any indications that this would excite him. “They have a really great specialist that would be willing to work with you.”
“Don’t base your decision on me, Sam. The truth is if it’s my time there isn’t anything to be done about it. You know that.” My heart clenched and I fought the tear
s that gathered at the back of my eyes.
“Anything has to be better than what you’re going through.” I reached out and grabbed his hand. He was only fifty-five and yet his hands looked like those of an eighty-year-old. There were bruises from all the IVs, shots, and blood work. This was only his second round of chemotherapy, and yet it had already taken so much out of him.
“I’ve had a wonderful life, Sam. You and your mom have given me everything I could need.”
“Don’t talk like that,” I snapped at him, angry he seemed to have given up. He smiled and squeezed my hand, not bothered by my anger.
“Baby, I’ve always told you that you should travel. Here’s a chance in a lifetime.” Traveling had been Dad’s favorite part of being in the service. He’d told me and Mom countless times about the places he had seen.
“This isn’t the same thing. This wouldn’t be a vacation.”
“I know. If you decide to go, you need to do it for the right reasons. You need to do it because you’re ready to accept the responsibility.” He laughed. “Though I bet there are some amazing perks as well. It can’t be all bad, can it?”
I smiled, even though I didn’t feel like it. I remembered the media hounding me as I left the center and how the people I’d known for years had treated me differently.
Later that night, Dad fell asleep in his chair in front of the television. I went to the kitchen and sorted out his medicine for the night and got him a glass of milk. When I came back into the living room, I stopped and watched him for a minute. He looked so tired and worn out it made my heart ache. He’d barely started the chemo and I hated seeing him so vulnerable. He was my father; he was supposed to be invincible.
As I worked on setting up his medicine, I caught the glint of something out of the corner of my eye. I turned around to look out the kitchen window and froze. There was a man with a camera standing just on the other side of the glass. The light above the kitchen table must have reflected off the lens, because he wasn’t using a flash. From the way his finger moved over the button on the top of the camera, I knew he was taking pictures.
Suddenly Royal Page 8
