The Princess and the Outlaw

by Leanne Banks

  Her climax sent her soaring.

  “It’s never enough,” he said. “I can’t get enough of you.”

  Thank goodness, she thought and wrapped herself around him from head to toe. She clung to him with every fiber of her being, wanting him to draw her strength into him.

  “I want you with me,” he said next to her ear. “All the time.”

  Love me, she thought. Love me just for me, that’s all I want. She wished he would say, I’ll take care of you forever. The thought took her by surprise. Pippa didn’t want to be the one taken care of. She wanted to be the woman strong enough to stand up and take care of her man and give him anything he needed from her.

  “I want to be with you anytime,” Pippa whispered. “Every time.”

  They made love again and afterward, Pippa realized that Nic needed rest. He might deny it, but the truth was he needed rest. She knew he needed far more rest than he could possibly get tonight.

  Relaxed against him, Pippa fought sleep. “I need to go back to my apartment.”

  Nic swore. “I wanted to talk you into staying here all night.”

  “It will be easier for you to rest tonight, then wake up to leave tomorrow without me here,” she said.

  “Says who?” he said.

  “Says me,” she said and lifted her hand to stroke his forehead. “You have a tough trip ahead of you. Business and something else you’re not telling me.”

  He leaned his head back and narrowed his eyes. “How do you know?” he challenged.

  “I just do,” she said. “Besides, you said you had a personal mission, too.”

  He scowled at her, then chuckled. “I’m going to bring my brothers back. Even if I have to kidnap them.”

  Pippa gasped, then bit her lip. “Well, bloody hell, if anyone can do it, you can.”

  He laughed louder this time and put his hands on either side of her hand as if she were the most precious thing in the universe.

  “If you get arrested,” she began.

  “Would you pay my bail?” he asked.

  “Oh, yes,” she said without a second thought. She squeezed his hands. “Call me anytime,” she told Nic.

  “I will, unless a police officer does…asking you to make bail,” he said and gave a dry chuckle.

  “You’re a bad, bad boy with an amazing heart,” she said.

  “That’s why you fell for me from the beginning,” he said.

  She bit her lip. “Yeah, maybe. Just promise me you’ll take care of you,” she said.

  “I will. Spend some time with my mother,” he said. “She’s on the edge and I have a feeling you could bring her away from it.”

  Surprised at his belief in her ability, she shook her head. “I’ll visit her tomorrow, but you know I can’t control her future.”

  “Yeah,” he said. “I think being with you makes things better for her.”

  “I’ll do my best,” she promised. “My very best.”

  Pippa reluctantly dragged herself from Nic’s bed and washed her face and pulled on her clothes. Stepping out of the bathroom, she felt Nic step behind her and wrap his arms around her. “What are you doing?”

  “Drawing your life force into me,” he said.

  She giggled. “That sounds ominous if it were possible.”

  “How do you know it’s not?” he asked.

  “I’m taking a wild guess,” she said, turning in his arms.

  “Well, damn,” he said.

  “Well, damn,” she echoed, and they kissed. She caressed his mouth and squeezed his body tight. “Kick your brothers’ asses down the street like a can and bring them here to Chantaine.”

  He drew back to meet her gaze. “That’s pretty strong language for a princess,” he said.

  “Just sayin’,” she said.

  “How cool are you?” he said. “I’ll get the job done. Thanks for sticking with me,” he said with a gaze that held all kinds of crazy emotions she was determined to ignore but couldn’t. “I’ll see you soon,” he said.

  She kissed him and headed toward the door. “Ciao, darling,” she said. “Be safe.”

  * * *

  Goldie drove her home even though it was 2:00 a.m. He didn’t even blink at the time. Pippa took a deep breath and leaned her head back against the seat. “You’re kind to drive me back to the apartment at such a crazy hour.”

  He shrugged. “Crazy is relative,” he said.

  “You’re quite amazing,” she said. “With all your skills. Nic and I ate your appetizers and a few bites of your amazing pie last night.”

  “Cooking relaxes me. I’m glad you enjoyed the food I prepared,” he said.

  “It was delicious. Is there anything that helps you relax? You spend so much of your time working,” she said.

  Goldie took a deep breath. “I’m addicted to yoga.”

  “Really?” Pippa asked. “Does it make that much of a difference?”

  “Yes,” Goldie said. “Relieves pain, allows me to relax and sleep.”

  “Do you go to a special studio?” she asked.

  “Sometimes,” he said. “Otherwise, I use a DVD or cable on TV.”

  “What station?” she asked.

  He smiled. “Eight. You can DVR it. Meditation and acupuncture can help, too.”

  Pippa thought about the prospect of having needles stuck inside her and shook her head. “If you say so,” she said.

  “Take it slow. You will learn your truth,” he said.

  “Goldie, what do you think of this whole crazy situation with me, Nic, Amelie and Paul?” she said.

  “You’re more powerful than you know,” he said.

  She thought about that for a moment. “I hope so, but speaking of power—you are quite powerful and talented. Why do you stay with the Lafittes?” she asked.

  “They are my home,” he said. “I would do anything for them.”

  His resolute statements sent chills through her. “I wish I had your talent and your fortitude,” she said.

  “You have both,” he said. “Don’t fear them.”

  Goldie pulled into her apartment complex, flashing a pass, then driving toward her apartment. “I’ll escort you upstairs,” he said.

  “It’s not necessary,” she said.

  “It is for me,” he said, pulling to a stop. Stepping outside the car, he opened her door and walked with her to her second-floor apartment. “I’ll wait outside. Knock on the door to let me know you’re okay.”

  Pippa ventured inside her apartment. For just a half beat, she felt lonely and insecure. Then she gave a quick walk-through to her bedroom. She realized she was okay and opened the door. “No one here but me,” she said to Goldie. “Perhaps I should get a cat.”

  Goldie chuckled. “Good night, Your Highness,” he said.

  * * *

  Pippa spent most of the next day with Amelie. Nic’s mother knitted, chatted and dozed on and off throughout the day. Pippa noticed that Amelie’s energy came and went in short spurts. Paul lumbered restlessly on crutches. Nic had been correct about his father’s need to release pent-up energy. Goldie stepped in and helped occupy Paul.

  Pippa remembered Amelie when she’d had so much more energy. She’d been so lively, engaging. Irresistible. She still possessed her charm even when sleeping. Her stubby eyelashes rimmed her eyes. Her face growing more gaunt every day, full of wrinkles, crinkles, hollows and bones, defined her character. Her stubborn chin told the world she would push it to the max, till the very end. Amelie was nothing if not a fighter.

  Pippa felt her throat suddenly close shut at the realization that Amelie was going to die, and it would be soon. She’d known all along that Amelie’s time was short, but Pippa realized she’d been in denial. Amelie’s time was all too close. Pippa
left a little later than she’d planned. Goldie gave her a sandwich and followed her home.

  Pippa took a shower and fell into a dreamless sleep. She awakened to the sound of her cell phone beeping. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw that Bridget was on the line.

  Reluctantly, she accepted the call. “Good morning, Bridget. How are you?”

  “When did you move? Why didn’t you tell me? I went to your suite and you weren’t there. Stefan won’t discuss it, but he’s clearly furious. How could you do this to us?”

  “I moved a few days ago. It took place quickly because I had to do it before I lost my courage. I couldn’t continue to live in the palace. I felt so trapped,” Pippa said.

  “We all feel trapped,” Bridget scoffed. “The key is stealing your freedom whenever you can.”

  “You’re a better fighter than I am,” Pippa said. “I needed to finish the big fight so there could be peace for me, for everyone.”

  Silence stretched between them. Bridget gave an audible sigh. “I want to argue with you, but I can’t. I obviously haven’t had enough coffee.” She gave a growl of frustration. “Maybe I’m just jealous that you got out before I did.”

  Pippa smiled. “You’re right on my heels with your ranch in sight. You have Ryder and your boys. I have…genealogy.”

  “I still may find a man for you,” Bridget said.

  “Oh, please. If you love me, Bridget, stop,” she said and laughed.

  “Everyone deserves a second chance,” Bridget said.

  “Maybe in five years,” Pippa said.

  “That was cruel,” her sister said. “Don’t forget, there’s a family dinner tonight.”

  “Lovely,” Pippa said. “I’ll have the whole table glowering at me.”

  “Don’t be late,” Bridget said. “Ciao, darling.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “I want to go to the ocean,” Amelie said at three-thirty.

  Pippa blinked. “The ocean?” Today had been a duplicate of yesterday with Amelie knitting, chatting and sleeping except for this latest request.

  “Yes, I want to swim,” Amelie said, standing. “I’ll put on my suit.”

  Pippa followed the woman to her feet. “I’m not sure that’s wise. I don’t think you’re supposed to be swimming.”

  “Why not?” Amelie asked.

  “Well, because of your condition,” Pippa said.

  “Oh, you mean the draining procedure. I’m permitted to swim after five days. I don’t suppose you have a suit. I’m not sure mine would fit. Perhaps I should go by myself.”

  No. “I’ll come up with something. Goldie can help me,” Pippa said. “Go change into your suit.” She wondered if Amelie would tire before they were able to leave. As soon as Amelie walked down the hallway, Pippa called for Goldie. Somehow she ended up with shorts and a tank top.

  With surprising energy, Amelie returned wearing a caftan, the strap of her swimsuit peeking through the shoulder sliding over her too-slim frame. “Ready to be a little fish?” she asked with a singsong tone in her voice.

  “Ready,” Pippa said. “Goldie said he’ll drive us.”

  Amelie frowned. “But what about Paul?”

  “He’s already given Paul a good workout. Paul is napping in the extra room,” Pippa said.

  “Excellent,” Amelie said. “Let’s go. Another adventure.”

  Heaven help them all, Pippa thought. Moments later, they trudged through the sandy beach toward the ocean. Partway there, Amelie pulled her caftan over her head and dropped her towel on the sand. She lifted her head to the sun and smiled like a child.

  Pippa’s heart caught. She picked up her cell phone and clicked a photo and another. She was no photographer, but she hoped the photos somehow captured Amelie’s love of life.

  “Let’s go,” Amelie called. “Before the water gets too cold.”

  Pippa tossed her cell phone into her bag and ran toward the ocean with Nic’s mother. The water was already cold. Pippa muffled a shriek. “It’s a bit nippy.”

  “Could be worse,” Amelie said. “We’re lucky it’s not winter. The waves are so calm.”

  Amelie reached for Pippa’s hand. “Isn’t it lovely?”

  Pippa took a deep breath and looked at the beautiful blue ocean with the slightest caps of white. Both she and Amelie wore water shoes to cushion them from the rocky ground.

  Amelie smiled but her teeth chattered. “I always wanted to be a fish or a dolphin,” she said. “Or a butterfly.”

  “You’re all of those in one,” she said.

  Amelie laughed. Her lips were turning blue. “You’re such a lovely person. The perfect princess.” Her smile fell. “The one thing I’ll miss is meeting my grandchildren. You could have my first grandchild.”

  Pippa stared at Amelie in shock. “Grandchild?” she echoed. She felt her insides clench. Could Amelie sense something? In fact, she was late with her period, but because she wasn’t regular, pregnancy wasn’t a concern. Nic had worn protection.

  “Don’t worry, it will all work out. You’ll have a beautiful baby,” Amelie said.

  Pippa wondered for a moment if Nic’s mother was suffering from some kind of delusion. “You’ve grown cold. We should go back.”

  “Just a moment longer,” she said. “I want to feel the water and the waves a moment longer.”

  Pippa laced her fingers more tightly through Amelie’s and began to count. She was torn between protecting Amelie’s pleasure and her fragile health. Amelie stumbled, then dipped her shoulders underneath the water.

  “Amelie,” Pippa said.

  Seconds later, Amelie ducked her head beneath, frightening the bloody hell out of Pippa. She tugged on Amelie’s hand, pulling her above the surface. “What are you doing?” she asked Nic’s mother.

  “It was so nice under the water,” Amelie said, beaming. “I feel like I’m nine years old again.”

  Pippa put her arms around Amelie and squeezed her tight. “Let’s get our towels. I want you cozy and warm.”

  Amelie’s teeth chattered as Pippa led her to their towels. Goldie rushed out to help them into the car. “Turn on the heat, please,” Pippa said.

  “But it’s—” Goldie broke off and met Pippa’s gaze. Understanding flowed between them. For Amelie, it may as well have been winter. Her body was so thin and she’d become chilled in the water.

  “I hope she won’t get sick from this,” Pippa said, scrubbing Amelie’s arms.

  “She won’t,” Goldie said. “You did the right thing, Your Highness. She was determined to go to the sea. We’re lucky you went with her.”

  They returned to the cottage and Pippa helped Amelie into cozy pajamas, then into bed. Only after Goldie’s promise to frequently check on Amelie did Pippa agree to leave. As she climbed into cab, she noticed the time. Bloody hell. She was going to be late for the family dinner.

  Rushing, rushing, rushing, she took a shower, dressed herself and pulled her errant hair into a bun. Forget cosmetics, she told herself. She drove to the palace and raced up to the private dining room and burst inside. Everyone was there, her brother, his child and his pregnant wife, Eve, her sister Bridget, her husband, Ryder, and the twins. For one stunning moment, they were silent. Damn them.

  “Hi,” she said, forcing a big smile. “I’m so sorry I’m late. Time got away from me.” She sank into the empty seat. “How are you feeling, Eve?”

  Eve shot her a look of sympathy. “Better, thank you. How are your studies?”

  “I’m getting there,” Pippa said and glanced at Bridget. “How’s the ranch?”

  “Well, if we could get the plumbing and the kitchen straight, we’d be most of the way there,” Bridget said. “Why is your hair wet?”

  “I just took a shower,” Pippa said and reached for her glas
s of water. She eyed the wine, but remembering what Amelie said, she wasn’t sure she should do much drinking. She didn’t think she was pregnant, but she supposed it was remotely possible.

  Her hand shook as she held the glass of water. Pregnant? No.

  “What’s for dinner?” she asked brightly.

  “Beef, rare,” Eve said, wincing slightly. “Stefan’s favorite.”

  “Mashed potatoes for Eve and anyone else who wants them. It’s the only thing she can eat. That, and bread.”

  With the help of her screaming niece and nephews, Pippa made it through the meal. She gave a sigh of relief as dessert was served. Bananas flambé served with a flourish. She took a few bites, then discreetly motioned for one of the servers to take her plate.

  “This had been wonderful, but I should leave. Back to work early tomorrow,” she said and pushed back her chair.

  “I’d like a word with you,” Stefan said. “In my office.”

  “Our suite,” Eve said. “Stephenia would love a bedtime hug and kiss from her aunt Pippa.”

  A flicker of irritation crossed his face, but he appeared to mask it with a quick nod. “Our suite will be fine.” He said good-night to Bridget and her family, then the four of them made their way to Stefan and Eve’s suite. Pippa had noticed Stefan had appeared more remote than usual this evening, but she’d just thought he was either still peeved about her move or his mind was on something else altogether.

  Once inside the suite, Pippa kneeled down and extended her arms to Stephenia. “Come give me a big hug.”

  The little girl rushed toward her, her curls bobbing. Laughing, she threw her little body against Pippa. Her uninhibited expression of joy and complete trust tugged at Pippa’s heart. “Now that’s a hug,” Pippa said and kissed the toddler’s soft cheek. “You are such a sweet and smart girl. I bet you’ve been busy today.”

  Eve nodded with a wry expression on her face. “There’ll be an early bedtime for Mamaeve tonight, too. Come along, Stephenia. You need to pick out your book. And Stefan—” she said but stopped.

  Pippa saw the silent communication between the two of them and wondered what was going on. Surely he couldn’t still be so upset about her move from the palace.