“Come this way.” He led her down a hall to a huge extension at the back of the palace. “Let me warn you now. This was my parents’ bedroom and suite.”
She groaned and hugged his arm tighter. “I can’t bear it.”
“Neither can I. Something radical has to be done here.”
After a minute she started walking, then spun around. “I know. Why don’t you open it up and turn this whole area at the back of the palace into a memorial garden? Can their remains be transferred here?”
“Yes.”
“Then do it! Visitors can come and pay respect to your parents. The people never got the chance all those years ago. It would be a permanent way to honor them.”
A memorial garden? Where did this marvelous woman come from?
He walked over and gripped her upper arms. “I knew I was inspired to ask you to fly here. You’ve solved my greatest concern and lifted that terrible weight from my heart. I love you, Giannina. You’re the most precious person in my life. I can’t live without you.”
“I love you too,” she cried, “but—”
“No buts, darling.” Cupping her face in his hands, he lowered his head and kissed her luscious mouth, mindless of time and place. “I’m going to ask again. Will you marry me?” His mouth roved over her features, kissing her everywhere. “I promise we’ll have a wonderful life. We need each other. You know we do.”
* * *
She couldn’t deny her need of him. She loved him heart, mind and soul, but she couldn’t tell him yes. Not yet. Maybe never.
“Will you give me more time to think about it?” she questioned against his lips. “I can’t think when you’re holding and kissing me like this. You were born a prince and have planned for years what was expected of you. After the way Evander responded to you today, it’s clear you’re meant to rule. Give me a little more time.”
“I will, because we love each other. Like any married couple, we’ll make it work. Right now I want to show you the rest of the palace that will be our home once we’re married.”
CHAPTER NINE
IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE to refuse Alex and so she went on the tour with him. She couldn’t believe the damage done by the cruel despot, but she saw the beauty in the bones of the neoclassic structure.
“My apartment is on the second floor.” He grasped her hand as they made their way up the grand staircase. “This was my room.”
French-pane bay windows looked out on a forest of deep green. Though most of the glass had been shattered and lay scattered on the floor, Giannina loved the design.
“Would you still like this to be your room?”
He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “If you mean our room, I think we’d be very happy in here. I used to look out these windows for wildlife. A family of red deer would appear once in a while. I left fruit out for them.”
She smiled. “Did they find it?”
He kissed her neck. “I’m sure they did because by the next day it had disappeared.”
His stories delighted her.
“There are bedrooms on either side of this room for our children. One of them could be made into a nursery adjoining this one. On the third floor you’ll find more bedrooms and what used to be a playroom, but I think you’d enjoy seeing the first floor.”
He led her down the elegant staircase to the main rooms, where she found more men working.
“We had a music room with a grand piano and an impressive library. All the treasures, furniture, paintings and books were destroyed. Ruiz not only wanted to take over our country, he enjoyed destroying anything owned by the rich monarchists.
“He’d planned the assault on Hellenia for several years with my parents being the initial target. It came one night in a surprise attack that weakened security and virtually the nation.”
Giannina shivered.
“The next thing I plan to do will be to organize our security in a way that such an attack can never happen again. The nation needs to feel safe before anything else. Without the proper policing and allies, chaos steps in every time.”
Already he was on fire to establish his government. “History has proved as much. You have your work cut out, Alex.”
A smile broke out on his handsome face. “But not today. I’ve wanted you here so you can see the kitchen and other parts of the palace. Then I’ll want your feedback.”
Incredible that he was talking about decorating a big palace, not an average home in the city. Taking hold of her hand, they continued the tour. So much would need to be done, but he didn’t seem daunted. If anything, she found him energized. He hadn’t been Europe’s venerated journalist for nothing.
“There’s one more thing to show you.” He kissed her passionately before taking her out the front entrance.
She let out a cry of surprise. Forty steps the width of the palace leading up to the entrance filled her vision. Beyond them, a glimpse of the city of Loria. “How spectacular!”
“Walk down with me.”
Excited, they descended together.
“Now turn around.”
Giannina did his bidding. “Oh, Alex—” She was breathless from the sight of the exquisite yellow-and-white facade above. This was the only part of the palace that hadn’t been ruined.
The second floor had an ornate balustrade that ran the width of the palace along with a colonnade. A fantastic ridge work with a taller centerpiece outlined the third floor and roof. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life.”
“Neither have I.” But he wasn’t looking up. His eyes blazed like black fires as he stared at her. She felt their heat to the deepest recesses of her being before he gave her a kiss to die for.
When he finally relinquished her mouth, he said, “We’ve done enough for today and I’ve exhausted you. Let’s get you back to the helicopter, but I won’t make you climb these steps.”
Before she knew what was happening, he picked her up like a bride and carried her up all forty to the entrance without being out of breath. “I’ve dreamed of doing this with my new wife.”
She hid her face in his shoulder while Alex walked them past the workmen. He made for the side entrance that led to the helicopter. The copilot opened the door and helped her climb in the back. Alex followed and took the seat next to her. In a quick move he leaned over to kiss her and fasten her in.
“What are you doing?”
“Coming with you.” He gave instructions to the pilot before strapping himself in. “A limo will be waiting for us at Salonica airport and we’ll go out for dinner. I feel like celebrating with you as the man I really am.”
She frowned. “You’ll be mobbed, Alex.”
“There’s no time like this evening for a trial run. If you marry me, this will be our life from now on. Why not find out what it feels like?”
“But we’re not married. Aren’t you concerned about being seen with me? Think of all the unnecessary gossip it will generate.”
“Giannina—I have news for you. No one will be looking at me. Every male out there will be wishing he could be with the most beautiful woman to come out of the Aegean.”
Within seconds the helicopter was once again in motion and they rose in the air. “I wish you’d be serious. This isn’t something to joke about and you know it.”
He clasped her hand and squeezed it. “I’ve asked you to come live with me as my wife forever. How can I be more serious than that? I know you’re worried about being married to a royal. Have you considered that I might be worried about not measuring up to your expectations?”
The question brought her up short. She jerked her head toward him. “You couldn’t be!”
“I’m only human, remember?”
She lowered her head. “You’re braver than I am.”
“I must be, otherwise I wouldn’t have found the courage to prop
ose to the famous beauty who ruined me for other women even as a young girl.”
Warmth rushed into her face. “I was equally enamored by you, Alex.”
He kissed the palm of her hand. “Why don’t we take it one step at a time. This evening will be an experiment as a potential royal couple.” Alex had the kind of confidence that made him exceptional. She needed to take Nico’s advice and have faith in herself.
She looked out the window in time to see Salonica rush up to meet them. Soon they climbed down from the helicopter and got in the limo waiting for them. Giannina gripped his arm.
“I’m nervous to go out in public with you, Alex. By now, news about the general and my uncle is all over the media. Everyone will know that he helped murder your parents. Being seen with me could prevent the parliament from backing you. You mustn’t do anything that could backfire on your dreams at this point.”
His black brows furrowed. “You think I haven’t considered all that long ago? The parliament will have to take me ‘warts and all.’ If they don’t, then everything’s off the table because I refuse to lose you.”
On that note, he told the chauffeur to drive them to the Taverna Kaza, a restaurant near the White Tower with a live band.
“I’ve heard of it, but never been there.”
“The concierge at my hotel recommended it to me. We can go dressed as we are. He said it’s a favorite place for lovers who want to dance the night away.”
That explained why she’d never eaten there. Philip had gotten in the way of every possible relationship. Because of that, Giannina hadn’t wanted to be physically close to the men she’d occasionally dated.
“You look gorgeous.” He pressed a kiss to her succulent lips. “We haven’t been dancing for three years. I need this night with you.”
* * *
Even on a Wednesday night, crowds filled the streets. It had been a long time since Alex had been able to relax and enjoy a summer night with his heart’s desire. There was a festive feel with music coming from several establishments in the area.
He knew Giannina didn’t want to be out with him where he could be recognized, but it was necessary. He’d thrown off the shackles of his disguise and she needed to see them function as a normal couple.
The restaurant with its potted flowers and trees had a certain charm. He’d reserved a table under his given name, but no HRH. Once inside, the host snapped his fingers to the waiter who took them to their table and handed them menus. The younger man couldn’t take his eyes off Giannina.
“I thought he’d never leave,” Alex said after he walked away. “The same thing happened when we went out to dinner in London. They’d line up to stare at you.”
“I’m not listening to this.” She studied the menu. “Everything looks good, but I’m in the mood for moussaka.”
“That appeals to me too, and their best house wine.”
The eager waiter soon came back to take their order, his eyes all over her. Alex could forgive him. The first time he’d seen her at his lecture, he’d probably looked as pathetic as the waiter.
“Alone at last,” he muttered after the younger man had gone. “Let’s dance. I need to feel your body against mine.”
Without giving her a chance to say they’d better not, he walked around the table and drew her out of the chair. Only a few couples were on the dance floor.
Alex pulled her into his arms. The touch of her, the brush of her elegant legs against his, electrified him. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. Once they ate, he wanted to go back to her apartment and love her into oblivion.
“Enjoying yourself?” He kissed her ear and neck.
“I’m trying to.”
“Surely you’re used to people looking at you. Men particularly.”
“Alex—I don’t like being stared at, but that isn’t what’s wrong. Don’t you understand that I’m worried?”
“That’s why I brought you here, to get used to the water.”
“I’m not talking about my first swim in the ocean.”
He chuckled and kissed her cheek. “In a way, that’s exactly what we’re doing. Taking a dip together where the world can see us. So far nothing disastrous has happened. If you noticed, our meal has arrived. I suggest we enjoy it while it’s hot, then I promise we’ll get back in the limo.”
“Thank goodness.”
He danced her off the floor and walked her to their table. Though he enjoyed the food and wine, Giannina struggled. Alex knew this was a new experience for her, but until now he hadn’t realized the depth of her fear at the thought of marrying a royal.
What better proof than to be out with her now and feel her wanting to leave the restaurant as soon as they could. Tonight had not turned out to be the celebration he’d hoped for.
Alex told the waiter they wouldn’t be ordering dessert. But after paying the bill, he escorted her back to the dance floor and pulled her into him. “I could do this all night. Just close your eyes and pretend we’re the only two people on the planet.”
“Don’t I wish,” she whispered against his jaw.
“Hold on to me and never let me go. I need you in my arms.”
“I love being in them, Alex.”
“But you still want to leave. We’ll go.” He kissed her quickly, then led her outside the taverna. They had to walk past dozens of people to reach the corner where the limo waited for them.
She hurriedly climbed in the back without his help. He slid in after her and closed the door, giving the chauffeur instructions to her apartment. Once they drove off, he felt the tension leave her body.
“I won’t ask you if you had a good time, Giannina.”
“I’m sure I ruined it for you. Forgive me for my behavior tonight.”
He put his arm around her shoulders. “I forgive you anything. I love you. Our first swim together wasn’t so bad.”
She swung her head toward him. “I loved being with you, and the Hellenians love you. But they’re not going to forgive you for being seen with the niece of Ari Hatzi. It’s ludicrous to imagine a marriage after what he did to your parents. Admit it!”
He put his head back with a sigh. “I agree this is something we’ll have to wade through. But most people are forgiving and will realize you had nothing to do with the man who married your aunt. Give them time and they’ll come around.”
“I don’t believe that.”
Alex knew he wouldn’t be winning this argument tonight. He told the driver to pull around the back of her apartment building. “I’m coming in with you to say good-night.”
“No, Alex. It would be better to end this now.”
That was panic talking loud and clear. “In that case I want one last kiss.”
He pulled her into his arms and fought for her mouth until she surrendered. Their passion took over. When neither of them could breathe, he lifted his mouth from hers.
“You know damn well this will never be over, but I’ll let you go in alone this time.” He reached across her and opened the door for her to get out. “I’m not going to tell you to sleep well since I know I won’t. You’ll be hearing from me shortly.”
Giannina stared at him with a tormented expression. “For your own sake, you mustn’t be seen with me. This has to be it.” In the next instant, she got out of the car and hurried past the guard at the back entrance.
“Take me to the heliport,” Alex told the driver.
By the time he’d arrived at the hotel in Loria, it was after midnight and too late to talk to Zikos. Tomorrow would come soon enough. For the rest of the night he would dream of Giannina.
At seven the next morning Alex rang for breakfast and called Zikos to let him know he was back.
“I’m glad you called. You have trouble.”
“Bad?”
“Come to my room and we’ll talk.”
&nbs
p; “I’ll be right there.”
When he entered the hotel room, he discovered Zikos at a table surrounded with half a dozen newspapers. They glanced at each other. “There’s a photo I want to show you from one of the Greek tabloids. Naturally it made the front page and will be on television nonstop.”
Alex took the newspaper from him and couldn’t miss the picture of him and Giannina outside the entrance of the restaurant. The headline read:
His Royal Highness Prince Alexandros enjoys Salonica’s night life with Giannina Angelis, editor-in-chief of the Halkidiki News
Beneath the headline it went on to explain she was the niece of Ari Hatzi, the killer recently imprisoned for the murders of the king and queen of Hellenia committed fourteen years ago.
There was more, but he stopped reading.
Zikos looked up at him. “I’ve had a call from the parliament spokesman wanting an explanation.”
“So it has started.” Alex wadded the paper in his hands.
“They don’t know of your romantic involvement with her. When we’ve been so careful, it’s understandable they want to hear details. A meeting with you is set up for a half hour from now in the hotel conference room.”
Alex nodded. He needed to let Giannina know about the news in the tabloid before she heard it from anyone else. But he’d have to phone her after he’d met with them to get a temperature reading. “Any advice, Uncle?”
“Talk from the heart, my son. Be straightforward like you always are and see where it leads.”
The time had come. Whatever happened, he and Giannina would never be separated.
* * *
“Good morning, boss.”
“Thanks for holding down the fort, Khloe.”
“Happy to oblige. Hey—you look exhausted.”
“That’s because I am.” She hadn’t slept last night and still didn’t have the answer Alex wanted to hear.
Harlequin Romance April 2021 Box Set Page 12
