Heart Captivated

by Lindsay Bergman

  He smiled and caressed my face with his eyes, while his thumb caressed the skin of my hand. Lost in each other, we lay still and simply looked. Awareness permeated the air, growing thicker with each passing minute. The air in my lungs grew heavy, and each beat of my heart pulsed with longing. The longing to draw closer, to feel his arms holding me, to feel his kiss on my lips.

  It was physically painful to hold myself back, to keep from giving in when every fiber of my being screamed out for him. He watched me with such tenderness, and open love in his eyes. I’d never felt so wanted, or cherished, in my life—not since my mother’s passing. It didn’t matter that he was a prince and I was a cowgirl. It didn’t matter that we were from two different countries. Despite how hard I’d fought against it, I’d found the one person I couldn’t live without. I was irrevocably in love with Prince Ashton, the youngest prince of Coradova.

  He was everything I’d ever wanted, and needed—all rolled up in a charming package. He was the shoulder I could cry on, the dimpled smile that could brighten up my day, the friend I could count on, the man who offered me endless amounts of love.

  A life with him would have been the adventure I longed for. A life with him would have been my happily-ever-after. But I didn’t know how I could have that life with him, without betraying my sister. It was hopeless. I was in love with a man who might never be mine.

  I closed my eyes against the unexpected flood of tears and turned my face away. One of the dratted tears escaped from the corner of my eye and trailed blatantly down my cheek.

  “Bree,” Ashton murmured in concern. I heard him raise up onto his elbow, and felt the warmth of his body when he leaned over me. His hand gently wiped away the traitor tear. “What’s wrong, bien-aimée? Why are you crying?” He softly brushed the hair away from my face and stroked his fingers along my cheek. “Tell me what’s wrong, mon coeur.”

  I opened my eyes to peer up at him through a sheen of tears. His handsome face was drawn tight with concern. He was so sweet, and caring. My heart ached for him even more. “It’s just—it’s just that I …”

  “You, what?” he urged softly.

  “I’ve finally realized how much I love you,” I whispered.

  Ashton froze, hovering in place above me. His eyes darkened into a deep, ocean blue and earnestly searched mine. “Say it again,” he commanded.

  “I love you,” I whispered, feeling it in my soul, and meaning it with my whole heart. I reached up to touch his face. “I love you, Ashton. I never meant to—and I fought you every step of the way. But your charm is impossible to resist, Your Highness.” I lovingly caressed his cheek and smoothed my hand over his rich, raven-black hair. “I couldn’t help but fall in love with you.”

  “Brielle,” Ashton said with a smirk, slipping his hand behind my neck to cradle my head. Our bodies touched, resting together, as he gathered me even closer into his embrace. His eyes were dark, inviting pools of ardent blue. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say those words, bien-aimée. It sure took you long enough, my stubborn, American cowgirl.” He kissed my forehead, and my cheeks, his lips lingering over my beauty mark. He lowered his mouth toward mine, then paused before making contact, and whispered against my lips, “Say it again.”

  I smiled into his eyes and threaded my fingers into his hair. “I love you, Ashton. Your Most Excellent Royal Highness.”

  He chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest and into my own. “God, I love you.”

  Ashton flashed that beloved dimple, then drowned me in a long, deep kiss that ignited a flurry of emotion within me. He held me close, alternating between slow kisses and gentle caresses of his hand along my cheek, arm and shoulder. His every kiss resonated with resounding ardor. Warmth arced through me all the way down to my toes. I clung to him and allowed the barrage of his ardent, loving kisses to carry me away.

  We’d never spent this much time kissing before; I luxuriated in every single moment. Out here on his sailboat in the middle of the sea, it was as if we were in our own little world. But once we docked, the harsh reality of our complicated love triangle would return. I’d finally confessed my love for him, but it didn’t mean we could sail off into the sunset together.

  When we finally resurfaced and shifted back to look at each other, I knew in an instant that everything between us had changed. We could no longer deny the deep pull of longing, or the obvious love that held us together like an unbreakable tether. We were in love.

  But this was one royal fairytale that wasn’t guaranteed a happy ending.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  When we reached the outer ring of the harbor, Ashton drew me aside behind the mast and out of sight from anyone on the dock. “Despite your declaration of love,” he began, “I know that nothing has technically changed, and once we set foot on that dock we’ll have to go back to pretending that we’re only friends.” He slowly backed me into the mast and covered my body with his.

  I squeaked in surprise, and felt my heart rate speed up at the look of desire in his eyes.

  “But before we get off this boat, we have enough time for one more kiss.” Ashton smiled seductively before crushing his lips against mine and stealing the very breath from my chest. His kiss was bold and playful, yet held a touch of possessiveness that claimed me as his. He framed my face and deepened the kiss until I was wilting in his arms. When he finally raised his head, he smiled arrogantly and nearly purred, “Now I hope you’ll dream of me, bien-aimée.” His gaze heated, and he couldn’t seem to stop himself from kissing me once more. “I know I won’t be able to think of anything else, my captivating Brielle.”

  He released me and took a step back, running his gaze over the length of my body, from my bare feet all the way up to my windblown hair. His appreciative look sizzled. “But I don’t know how I’m supposed to pretend that you aren’t the single most delectable creature I’ve ever seen.”

  Color bloomed dark in my cheeks. Although embarrassed, I couldn’t deny that I was pleased by his compliment. “And you are the single most smooth-talking man I’ve ever met,” I countered.

  Ashton grinned in response. “That’s one of the reasons you fell in love with me.”

  I suppressed a smile and shook my head in amusement. “Yes, it is.”

  Ashton moved like a flash. Suddenly, I was in his arms once more. “Say it again,” he ordered. “I need to hear it one more time.”

  I smiled softly, as tenderness unfurled through my chest. I draped my arms over his shoulders and played with the hair at the nape of his neck. “I love you, Ashton.”

  His eyes darkened with satisfaction. “Je t’aime, Brielle.” He kissed me tenderly, his touch brimming with deep love and affection.

  Easing back, Ashton held my gaze for a prolonged, heart-pounding moment. Words were no longer necessary when I could see the unconcealed emotion in his mesmerizing blue eyes.

  “Brielle, mon coeur t’appartient. My heart belongs to you.” He kissed me softly one final time, his kiss heart-achingly sweet, before he released me and moved away. He gripped the handles of the wheel and looked over to meet my eyes from across the distance now separating us. “I hope you know that you are everything I’ve ever wanted, and more.”

  My chest tightened in a swell of longing. I held his direct gaze and whispered hoarsely, “You are everything I never knew I needed.”

  Ashton nodded, the movement brisk. “For a prince, I’m not very good at getting what I want,” he tried to joke, but I could detect the hint of regret in his voice. He looked away and focused his attention on steering the sailboat into position alongside the dock.

  When everything was finally in its place and we were ready to disembark, I paused at his back to tell him, “I know this won’t make any difference, but if I could, I would be yours.”

  He twisted around and gripped my elbow to keep me from moving away. “I don’t know how, and I don’t know when, but some day you will be mine, Brielle.”

  Without ano
ther word, he hopped over the rail and reached back up to offer a hand in assistance. He helped me down, then placed his hand on my lower back to steer me in the right direction. I could feel his warm touch through the thin crochet fabric of my coverup and sighed remorsefully when it was gone.

  We had unintentionally timed things perfectly and reached the red convertible at the same moment as Sophie.

  “How was sailing?” she asked as she tossed an armful of shopping bags into the backseat.

  Ashton and I shared a look that made me blush.

  “That good, huh?” Sophie teased, turning to look over her shoulder at me.

  My blush deepened. Trying not to laugh, Ashton turned away and rounded the hood.

  “It was amazing,” I told her truthfully. “The speed, the open sea, the wind in my hair. It was everything I’d ever imagined.” And then some, I thought with a sigh, remembering Ashton’s swoon-worthy kisses.

  “It sounds like you’re in love,” Sophie said gently.

  My eyes darted up to her face. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ashton freeze midway through opening the driver side door.

  “With sailing, I mean,” she amended. But by the way she quietly studied our faces, it felt like she’d meant something different. “I’m glad you had a good time,” Sophie continued, but her sincere smile grew brittle, and she shifted awkwardly in place. “I hate to ruin your wonderful day, but I thought you should know I ran into Dad earlier.”

  “What?” I questioned, at the same time as the car door slammed.

  A moment later, Ashton appeared at our side, standing protectively close to me. “What did he want?”

  Sophie’s gaze encompassed us both as she explained, “He wants to meet somewhere private for dinner. He said he just wanted a chance to talk.”

  “I don’t believe him,” I said flatly.

  “Bree, I know you’re upset with him, but would it hurt to listen to what he has to say?”

  “What could he possibly have to say, Sophie? What lame excuse can he give us for abandoning his family?”

  She lowered her lashes, looking dejected. “I don’t know,” Sophie admitted, shrugging a pitiful shoulder. “But do his excuses really matter if he’s looking for a second chance?”

  “I’ll tell you what he’s looking for,” I growled, pacing the pavement. “I’ll tell you exactly what he’s looking for—and it’s not a second chance!”

  Her face crumpled. “Do you really think he’s just looking for money?”

  “Yes! I’ll bet he’s only here because he read that article about us in the newspaper. He thinks one of us is dating a royal prince—and if he pretends to want a reconciliation, he can scam money from us.” I stopped at Ashton’s side and crossed my arms in a huff.

  “Bree, can’t you just give him a chance?” Sophie implored, touching my arm. “I know that Dad’s leaving hurt you, but please give him the benefit of the doubt. You need to learn to trust people again.”

  “And you trust too easily!” I argued, getting worked up. She was too trusting, too impulsive, too willing to only see what was on the surface. “You only see what you want to see,” I told her. “That’s why every guy you’ve ever dated breaks your heart.”

  She straightened as if she’d been slapped, and her gaze darted to Ashton’s face. He looked away from us both, obviously embarrassed.

  I winced after unintentionally offending her. “Sophie, I didn’t mean it that way,” I tried to apologize.

  She drew herself up and gave me a scathing look. “At least I’m not afraid to put myself out there. At least I’m not afraid of love. But you—,” she pointed an accusing finger at me, “—you’re too afraid of being hurt again that you keep everyone out. Ashton is the first person you’ve let in since Dad left us, and you’ve done nothing but try to drive him away. Because you’re too afraid to trust anyone, you’re going to lose him too, just like you lost Dad.”

  I sucked in a painful breath; her words had pierced straight through my heart.

  “That’s enough!” Ashton growled, finally choosing to intervene. He scanned a stern gaze over our identical, hurt faces. “You are both upset over your dad and need some time to cool down. Now stop saying things you’ll both regret.” He waved a hand toward the car and suggested, “Why don’t we let this go and head back to the palace?”

  Sophie crossed her arms defiantly. “No, I’m not going back to the palace. I’m going to meet my dad for dinner tonight.” She shot a haughty glare at me. “I’m not too afraid to at least give him a chance.”

  “Sophie,” Ashton warned, flicking a glance my way.

  Fighting to hide the pain caused by her words, I raised my chin and told her, “Fine. Do whatever you want, but don’t come crying to me when all you see is his back as he’s walking away again.”

  Wearing identical scowls, we stomped off in opposite directions. While Sophie stormed off toward the main street of Les Arès, I slipped into the front seat of the convertible and waited with crossed arms.

  Ashton hovered outside my door for a long moment, his gaze on Sophie’s receding figure. With a sigh, he moved to climb into the seat beside me and quietly started up the engine. After a lengthy pause, he shifted to look at me. “Bree …”

  “Not right now,” I whispered. With a throbbing heart, I looked over to meet his concerned gaze. “I don’t want to talk. Let’s just drive.”

  “All right, Brielle.” He sent me a compassionate look before shifting the car into drive. As we sped away from the harbor, I burrowed down into my seat and tried not to think about the man I’d once loved with my whole heart. The man who should have loved me above all others, but instead, had abandoned me eleven long years ago.

  “Talk to me, mon coeur. Tell me about your dad.”

  I sighed, and turned to look out over the shimmering expanse of endless sea. Various puffs of clouds cast shadows across the surface, and occasional gulls dipped low to touch the water. The moment would have been peaceful, if not for the conversation. As much as I hated talking about it, I wanted to share this part of my past with Ashton. Once I did, then maybe he would better understand my reluctance to commit to a relationship—and the risk of heartbreak.

  As a distraction, we had gone on a long walk through the garden before wandering down to the scenic lookout. Now Ashton stood before me, holding my hand in his and waiting patiently to hear the story of my past.

  “Okay,” I sighed, and took a deep breath to begin. “When I was little, I practically worshipped the ground he walked on. He and Sophie were close, but I was a complete daddy’s girl. Anywhere he went, I went too. He used to call me his little Bree-belle; it’s a play on bluebell flowers,” I explained. “We lived out near Bozeman where he worked on a local cattle ranch. It was his dream to run his own ranch someday, so my parents were doing their best to save up money. We didn’t have a lot left over, but it was enough that my siblings and I never realized how little there really was. We had enough food, some toys and plenty of land to run on, and we spent weekends camping out in the mountains. What more could a kid ask for?” I shrugged, recalling how simple and perfect our life had once been.

  “Logan and I spent all of our free time following my dad around the pastures, learning the ins-and-outs about ranching. He’s the one who taught us how to ride, rope, shoot, hunt. He was so proud the first time he took us duck hunting, even though we didn’t hit anything.” I chuckled slightly at the fond memory. “One of the last good memories I have is from the family vacation we took to the west coast.”

  “The first time you saw the ocean,” Ashton confirmed.

  I nodded and looked out over the gorgeous view of the sea beyond us. “I’d always loved the wide, open space in Montana because it was perfect for playing, but there was something mesmerizing about the ocean. Watching the waves rise and fall again and again—it was hypnotic. But I remember that trip for more than just the ocean. My dad had recently gotten a raise, so they used some of the money to pay for our trip. They se
emed so happy—we were all so happy. It felt like my dad never stopped smiling. My mom later told me that they’d finally saved up enough money to buy their own ranch. Then I understood why Dad had been so happy: he was finally getting his dream. But after we got back home, everything changed.” My voice took on a sad, forlorn tone. I looked away from the water, and Ashton’s searching gaze.

  Lost in the pain, I continued as if on auto-pilot. “My dad was angry and distant, my mom was constantly crying. I still don’t know what happened to break them apart—my mom always refused to tell me. I just remember hearing a noise on the front porch one night, and looking out the window to see my dad climbing into his truck. I called out to him, and he turned to look at me—right at me. But then he just got in his truck and left without even saying goodbye.” My voice cracked. Ashton didn’t even wait another second before bringing me into his arms. Clinging to him, I mumbled heartbrokenly into his shirt, “He just left me there. His little girl. His little Bree-belle. And he never came back. He never called, or sent a letter, or even a birthday card. Nothing.”

  “I’m so sorry, Bree.” Ashton kissed my temple and ran a soothing hand down the back of my hair. “I’m sorry he hurt you like that, bien-aimée.”

  I tried to shake off the memory, and forced myself to continue. “They never did buy a ranch. So after Dad left, we sold the little we had and moved in with Uncle Cameron. It took a long time for us to get over his leaving. I probably took it harder than anyone,” I admitted desolately. “Sophie was right when she said that I don’t know how to trust people now. If my own dad could walk away from me, what’s to stop everyone else? What’s to stop you?” I shifted back to look into his grave face. “You might say you love me now, but what happens if one day you wake up and realize I’m only a cowgirl, and you want a princess?”