Our eyes met across the distance still separating us. The connection between us flared to life, strong and inviting. An overwhelming urge to run into his arms surged through me, so strong that it rocked me forward onto the balls of my feet. But instead of following my heart, I hesitated.
My thoughts spun, head and heart in conflict. I wondered if I should take the next step. Running to him would be an open display for all of Coradova to see, a declaration of the relationship developing between us.
Could I do it? Could I risk my heart for a love that might not last?
Before I could make up my mind, a blur of auburn hair whipped past me as Sophie rushed down the length of the dock and threw herself, heart and all, into Ashton’s arms. Surprise flashed briefly across his face as their bodies collided. His arms came around her waist, helping to steady them, as Sophie slipped her hands up around his neck. His gaze flickered to mine for the briefest, heart-wrenching moment, before Sophie reached up to kiss him.
She was unabashedly and wholeheartedly giving herself to him.
When Ashton finally broke the kiss and stared down at her, all the while still holding her close in his arms, I knew it was too late. I’d missed my chance.
My moment of hesitation had cost me the prince of my dreams.
After a restless and tormented night, I waited all the next day for a moment to speak with Ashton alone. But because everyone was so relieved to have him home safely, his every move was shadowed by one of his family members. Sophie was practically glued to his side. After almost losing him, it looked like she had found the will to fight for him after all. And as much as I hated to admit it, Ashton didn’t seem displeased by her attention. I kept waiting to catch his eye, but after that brief moment of connection we’d shared at the harbor, he’d barely made eye contact with me.
I should have been happy for them and their newfound second chance, but instead, I felt sick to my stomach. I had to endure hours of Sophie’s constant attention and pampering of him before I finally caught him alone in the hallway leading out to the terrace.
“Ashton,” I called out from behind him.
He hesitated, and turned around slowly. His dark sea-blue eyes met mine, almost reluctantly. “Hey, Bree.”
Why did he sound so resigned? He was normally playful and all too eager to tease me.
“Ashton …” My words lodged in my suddenly dry throat. I didn’t know what to say to him. I knew what I wanted to say, but after Sophie’s obvious declaration yesterday, there was no way I could confess my true feelings to him now. It was too little, too late. “I’m so glad that you’re safe,” I said instead, twisting my fingers together nervously. “I was really worried.”
“Thanks for your concern, but I’m fine.” He gave me only a fraction of his usual smile, and shoved his hands into his pockets, looking uncomfortable.
He was safe and standing a mere two feet away, close enough that a few steps would carry me right into his arms. But the sudden distance between us felt like a deep, gaping ravine. I fought against the desperate desire to touch him, to beg for his understanding and forgiveness, knowing that I couldn’t—for my sister’s sake. For a moment I simply stared at him, my emotions swirling through me like a tidal wave. The painful stab of regret made me wince.
Ashton’s fake smile faltered. “Brielle, is everything all right?” He drew closer, then stopped abruptly, as if he’d moved toward me against his will.
A breeze fluttered in through the open doors leading out to the terrace. Through it, I caught the familiar scent of his skin, like spice and sea. I loved it, just like I loved his gorgeous blue eyes, and the warmth that normally emanated from them whenever he looked at me.
But right now, they regarded me warily.
A sheen of tears blinded my eyes. I’d really lost him. I’d lost the one thing that had truly meant anything to me since my mother’s death. I couldn’t hide the tremble in my lower lip as I sucked in a painful breath. “I’m sorry,” I sniffled.
“Bree,” Ashton murmured hoarsely. The hint of tenderness in his voice was my undoing.
As he took another step toward me, all thought flew from my head, and I moved to meet him halfway. I tossed my arms around his neck in a fierce hug, needing to feel him safe in my arms, and needing the comfort only Ashton could offer.
He circled his arms around my waist and pulled me snug against his solid and warm chest. I could feel his thundering heartbeat, strong and reassuring, and let out a long sigh of relief. My fears and regret finally began to melt away as he hugged me close.
“I’m sorry about everything I said yesterday,” I whispered raggedly against his neck. “I pushed you away, and then I nearly lost you before I could tell you how I really felt.”
“It’s okay, Brielle. I’m safe, and I’m right here, mon coeur.” His hand stroked my hair in comfort. I felt a tug as he slipped the band from my ponytail, letting auburn waves spill over my shoulders. He threaded his fingers through the long tresses. “C’est magnifique. I love this stunning hair that you never let me see enough of.”
With one hand still tangled in my hair, he eased back to look at me, exploring my face with dark and smoldering eyes. The longing to kiss him gripped me, so fierce and demanding. Without realizing what I was doing, I pulled his face down to mine.
Our lips met in a kiss that was soft at first, and tentative, then quickly escalated. He pressed me tightly against his hard chest as his mouth firmly covered mine. Ashton deepened the kiss, setting my senses on overload. I couldn’t get enough of him. His touch, his scent, his taste. Ashton’s soul-touching kiss sent tendrils of warmth curling through to my very core.
Then sanity came rushing back in brutal force. I shoved away from him so quickly that I nearly stumbled without the support of his arms around me. What had I done? I was kissing the man that my sister loved. Waves of remorse banished the desire that had overwhelmed me in the heat of his embrace. I looked up at him with horror.
“I’m so sorry, Ashton.” Shame burned my cheeks. I stumbled back a few more steps and spun to flee, but not before I saw the hand he held out to me, or the disappointment that crossed his handsome face.
“Bree, wait!” he called out.
I ignored him and fled out through the terrace doors, running until I could no longer hear the sound of his voice pleading for me to come back.
Chapter Twenty
I didn’t particularly want to be here, or anywhere within fifty miles of Prince Ashton, actually. After that amazing, toe-curling kiss yesterday afternoon, I had barricaded myself in my room and faked a headache in order to avoid joining everyone for dinner.
I had tried to get out of attending the polo match today too, but Sophie refused to take no for an answer. She knew how much I loved horses, and insisted that a polo match in Coradova was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So here I was, in a floral-print dress nearly identical to Sophie’s, with my hair down and curling over my shoulders, trying not to watch my twin sister fawn all over Ashton. She’d barely left his side since their all-too-public reunion at the dock, and kept reaching out to hold his hand or link their arms together. The fact that he didn’t discourage her spoke volumes.
When Ashton glanced over to catch me watching them, I spun away, cheeks flaming, and stalked across the tent to take a flute of mimosa from a passing waiter. Sipping at the cool, bubbly drink, I surveyed the gathered crowd. Hundreds of men, women and children had shown up for today’s opening polo match. The event was set up similar to a wedding reception, with four large white tents erected at the edge of a polo field, and bar-height tables scattered around to hold plates of appetizers or drinks. Each person in attendance was dressed in fine summer dresses, or blazers and pressed slacks.
A private tent had been set up for the Royal Family and their personal guests, where we would all sit to watch the match. This was only the welcome party before the game. As King Mathis, Queen Gabriella and their children wandered through the crowd, offering greeti
ngs and making idle chitchat, the rest of us dined on appetizers and refreshing, fizzy drinks.
Sophie had designated herself as Prince Ashton’s unofficial date, and hung proudly from his arm as he led her around the gathering. Feeling sick at the sight of them, I retreated to the edge of the farthest tent in a pathetic attempt to hide.
The unexpected whinny behind my shoulder caused me to jump. I nearly spilled the remaining contents of my mimosa as I whirled around to face the horse and rider who had snuck up on me. The chestnut stallion snorted again, nearly sneezing all over my dress. The dark-haired rider laughed gaily as he slipped smoothly out of the saddle and approached with a wide smile.
Clad in a forest-green polo shirt, white pants and black riding boots, Adam Rousseau presented a charming picture. “Sorry about that,” he apologized, still grinning, and quickly perused my outfit and hair. “You look beautiful today, Sophie.”
I grimaced. “Actually, I’m Brielle.”
“Oh, pardon, Brielle,” he said hurriedly, cheeks flushing slightly. “You look so much alike.”
“Well, we are identical,” I said dryly.
He rubbed the back of his neck and flashed an embarrassed smile. “Well, you do look beautiful, Brielle.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, finishing off what was left of my mimosa and setting the empty glass down on the nearest table.
We stood in awkward silence for a moment, eyes averted, until Adam’s younger sister Emma joined us. She was stunning in a strapless dress made of crimson lace and white satin. Her black side-swept curls cascaded down over one olive-toned shoulder, hazel eyes dancing merrily as she smiled at me.
“Bonjour, Brielle.” She inclined her head toward Adam. “Is my knucklehead of a brother giving you a hard time?”
“Only a little.” I smiled, immediately feeling at ease in her presence. Emma had a friendly, soft-spoken nature that tended to draw people to her. Even Madison had admitted that she couldn’t help but like her; and considering that Emma was Alexander’s ex-girlfriend, that was quite a compliment.
“I mistook her for Sophie, but she’s already forgiven me.” Adam winked playfully. His hazel eyes sparkled with a wicked humor so similar to Ashton’s that I felt a painful twinge pierce my heart.
Emma rolled her eyes and leaned over to touch my arm. “I’m sorry about my brother. He spends so much time with his horses that he’s forgotten how to use his people skills.”
Adam smiled good-naturedly as we laughed, and shrugged a shoulder, un-offended. “Sometimes I prefer the company of horses to people.”
“Me too,” I admitted, surprised by the similarity. “Living on a ranch in Montana, I’m used to being surround by only horses and cattle.” I gestured at the large crowd surrounding us. “But here in Coradova, there are always so many people around, especially when the Royal Family is out and about. It takes some getting used to.”
Adam nodded in understanding, and stroked a hand down his magnificent stallion’s neck. “That’s why I prefer to spend the majority of my time at the farm.”
“Oh, that’s right!” I said brightly, remembering what Madison had once told me about Adam Rousseau. “You breed your own horses. Do you think I could come out for a visit?”
“Absolutely.” Adam grinned. “I would love to show you around.”
“Show you around where?” Ashton questioned, appearing out of nowhere. He joined our circle with Sophie in tow, moving to stand in the open space between me and Adam. If I didn’t know any better, I would have sworn he looked jealous. He smirked at me. “Haven’t you already explored all of Coradova in the three weeks since you’ve been here?”
“Not everything,” Adam said, shooting me a wink. “Bree wants to come out to the farm to see my horses.”
“Can I come, too?” Sophie asked, turning eagerly to Adam. My sister wasn’t much of a rancher, but she’d adored horses since early childhood.
“The more the merrier,” Adam replied. “Let’s plan a day for you all to come out.”
“I hope that offer extends to us,” Prince Alexander commented from outside our circle. “It’s been a while since we last went out to the farm. What do you think, dolcezza?” he verified with his wife, slipping an arm around her waist. They were adorable in their complementary outfits. Madison’s dress was a soft, pale pink that matched perfectly with Alexander’s white shirt and tan blazer.
Madison nodded eagerly. “Yes, I want to see your new foals.”
“You have new foals?” Sophie squealed, turning to pepper him with questions. They moved slightly out of the circle as they both talked animatedly about Adam’s newest additions to his farm.
A slightly tensed pause fell on the rest of our group as Emma, Maddy and Alexander exchanged brief, awkward greetings. It was obvious that they hadn’t interacted much since the wedding in January; my heart churned with compassion for each of them.
Ashton kept trying to catch my eye, but I ignored him and decided to step in to help smooth the uncomfortable tension.
“So, Emma,” I said, moving over to link arms with her. “Maddy tells me that you both enjoy live-theater.”
A surprised Emma glanced over at Madison, who looked equally embarrassed, then smiled at me almost bashfully. “Yes, we’ve both developed a love for it. Have you been to a performance yet?”
“No,” I sighed, genuinely contrite. “But I was hoping to before going back home.”
“There’s a new performance next week,” Madison commented. Her gaze encompassed us both as she tentatively suggested, “Maybe we can all go together?”
Emma’s answering smile was brilliant. “I would love to, Madison.” The broken fence between them was officially on the mend. Emma turned her beaming smile at me. “It will be so much fun. You’re going to love it.”
Maddy stepped up beside Emma and offered, “Why don’t you meet us at the palace so we can share a limo? Maybe we can even go out to dinner first?”
“That sounds perfect,” Emma agreed, then straightened to glance around Madison. “Oh, I hear the announcer. It looks like the match is starting; we should find our seats.” She and Madison moved off together, chatting excitedly about the upcoming match.
“Nicely done,” Ashton complimented. “You are an excellent peacekeeper.”
“I’ve had years of practice,” I told him, before remembering that I was supposed to be avoiding him. “Excuse me,” I blurted, bolting away from him as if struck by lightning.
“Brielle,” Alexander called out, matching his steps to mine. “I wanted to thank you for helping to break the tension back there.” He smiled down at me in gratitude as we trailed his wife and ex. “They don’t always know what to say to each other.”
“Well, it is a bit of an awkward situation,” I said wryly. “I was happy to help, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they turn into great friends one day.”
“I’d like that,” Alexander admitted softly, his eyes on the two dark-haired beauties in front of us.
They paused outside the Royal Family’s private tent to wait for us.
When we reached them, Madison peeked at Alexander’s smiling face, then offered, “You’re welcome to join us, Emma. There’s plenty of room.”
Emma beamed with pleasure. “Thank you, I’d love to.”
“Wonderful.” Madison turned her smile my way. “Sophie, would you like to sit with us or wait for Ashton and Bree?”
“Oh, um …” I fumbled through my words as a blush burned my cheeks. “… I’m not Sophie.”
Madison clasped a hand to her mouth in mortification. “Oh, Bree, I’m so sorry. You two look absolutely identical in those matching dresses, and you normally wear your hair up.”
“You were just talking to her five minutes ago,” Alexander teased.
She swatted him with the back of her hand. “It’s not like I was memorizing the details of her dress.”
“It’s okay,” I told her. “Adam mistook me for Sophie, too.”
“But he has
n’t known you for years.” Embarrassment colored her voice. “I’m really sorry.”
“Maddy, it’s fine.”
Before she could apologize again, a man accidentally bumped Emma’s shoulder in his effort to avoid a group of giggling young women, who only had eyes for the jocks on the field. It was Ethan Deimos, looking sharp in a pale blue dress shirt and unbuttoned navy blazer.
“Pardon,” Ethan exclaimed, steadying Emma with a hand to her arm. His butterscotch eyes widened in recognition, and he smiled. “Bonjour, Emma.” His friendly smile wavered when he caught sight of the crown prince and princess over her shoulder. He tensed slightly before dropping into a bow. “Your Highnesses,” he greeted them both. Clearly at a loss for words, he commented, “This weather is perfect for polo.”
We all agreed, then lapsed into silence.
Thankfully, the announcer once again encouraged everyone to find a seat. Alexander and Madison gently excused themselves to take their place beside his parents. Both Ethan and Emma watched their retreat with matching expressions of regret. How sad, I thought, to have been brushed aside by the ones they loved, only to be forced to watch them together like a broken reel stuck on repeat.
When Ashton and Sophie claimed their seats together in the far corner, I couldn’t smother the harsh laugh that escaped my lips. It was ridiculous for me to feel sorry for Ethan and Emma, when I was in the same exact boat. As I watched them together in the corner, Sophie reached over to twine her fingers through Ashton’s. I held my breath, waiting to see if he would pull away.
But instead, he sent her a smile that broke my heart.
Chapter Twenty-One
Still trying to avoid Ashton, I chose to sit with Ethan and Emma in one of the middle tents to watch the match. It was surprisingly fun, especially in the company of two new friends. As the match began, horses rushed by, carrying riders with long wooden mallets and black protective helmets. The crowd cheered or groaned throughout the game, and rose in waves as they urged on their favorite players. The quiet and gentle Emma was an absolute riot during the match. She was very vocal, and clearly one of Adam’s biggest cheerleaders. Even Ethan was surprised by her exuberance, and sent her more than one amused smile. Caught up in her excitement, I was able to temporarily forget about the pain of my splintered heart.
Heart Captivated Page 13
