“From the day he was born, he was tutored by experts to be king one day. He has to be on top of everything.”
Being a father to a child he hadn’t known about would have thrown any other man, let alone a king. Yet he’d let nothing stand in the way. Darrell had a foreboding there was going to be a huge price Alex would have to pay. It terrified her.
“Someday I’m going to be as smart as he is.”
“You’re his son, so I wouldn’t be surprised. But you’ll have to start taking your homework more seriously.”
“I know.”
She turned out the light. “I’m going to say good-night to him, then I’ll be back.”
“Okay.”
Her fear for the whole situation caused her to leave the cabin for the den where the three of them had been talking earlier. Alex was just coming out.
They would have collided but for his quick reflexes that sent his hands to her shoulders to steady her.
She let out a small cry of surprise.
“That was close,” he murmured without relinquishing his hold on her.
“Yes.” She exhaled the word, afraid to look at him. Even though the jet was full of his staff, in the dimly lit passageway it felt like the two of them were far removed from the rest of his entourage.
His male warmth enhanced the tang of the soap he used, overwhelming her with telltale sensations and yearnings.
A long time ago Melissa had experienced these same feelings. With the help of alcohol she’d acted on them and he’d been willing. To Darrell’s shame, she couldn’t seem to control her attraction to the man who’d given Melissa a son.
If he’d been a normal man who’d married her sister, Alex would be her brother-in-law. Instead he was engaged to be married to another royal. Darrell needed to keep that fact foremost in her mind. He was off-limits to her and always would be.
Guilt drove her to back away from him, forcing his hands to let go of her.
“I know it’s late,” she said in a breathless voice, “but now that Phillip’s in bed, there’s something we have to talk about.”
“If you’re referring to our son, he seemed fine to me earlier.”
“I agree. I’m afraid I’m the one who’s nervous. My relationship with Phillip is changing. When I think of the life we’ve had in Denver all these years. Now everything’s different.”
Her head fell back as she looked up at him through eyes that had turned a deeper shade of violet. “I keep wondering what I’ve gotten us into. I—I’m scared.”
His lips tightened, giving him a forbidding aura that made her tremble.
“What are you really saying, Darrell? You want me to instruct my pilot to turn the jet around?”
“No—Yes—” she cried, covering her face with her hands, “This is going to ruin your life—” The words came out muffled.
To her surprise he removed her hands. Still holding them clasped in his he said, “Look at me.”
She was afraid to, but his compelling demand had her lifting her chin. His gaze probed hers.
“The fact of Phillip’s existence trumps all royal oaths and pledges. There’s no question this is going to change things. But I’ll make you this promise. I’ll do everything in my power to shield Phillip from any unnecessary hurt.”
Darrell could hardly swallow. Once again she eased herself away from his touch.
“Melissa begged me to look for you because she believed in you. Now that I’ve found you, I believe in you. I know you’ll do everything in your power to make Phillip feel secure in your love. But I’m not naïve.
“Though I may not have been born to royalty, I’ve read enough history over the years to know the normal challenges of living take on a life of their own within a royal household.
“I have to admit I’m afraid for all of us. For you! Your wedding day should be one of happiness and joy. If the monarchy suffers, then I’m going to feel responsible. So I’m begging you to rethink what you’re doing. It’s still not too late to go back to Denver and give this a little more time.”
He stared at her through shuttered eyes. “It was too late the moment I saw the pictures of the ring. I’m the one who set things in motion thirteen years ago. Therefore that absolves you of all responsibility. As I told you earlier, I can never repay you for restoring my son to me. Perhaps he’ll be the only son I ever have, the only child…
“Since no man can know what the future holds, we’ll think only the best thoughts.”
The best thoughts? her heart cried hysterically.
“Just so you know what to expect ahead of time, a helicopter will be waiting at the airport in Zurich to fly you to the castle. You’ll be taken to one of the apartments on the second floor, which has been prepared for you and Phillip.
“Anything you need, whether it’s food or fresh towels, all you have to do is pick up the phone and press line two. Rudy will see to your requests and arrange a morning city tour for you. It will give Phillip a feel for the place.
“To reach me, press line one and my private secretary Carl will get word to me. I plan to join you at the pool by midafternoon for a swim and an early dinner.”
“Where will you be until then so I can tell Phillip?”
She watched his broad chest rise and fall. “San Ravino.”
“Is that where the princess lives?”
“Yes. By noon tomorrow she’ll have heard the truth from me in person.”
“Oh, Alex—” she cried softly, forgetting she wasn’t going to look at him. “Isn’t there anything I can say to get you to reconsider acting too hastily?”
“No.”
Darrell moaned because a chiseled mask slipped over his striking features. She could feel it lock into place like the suits of battle armor on display in his castle’s ancient war room.
“The matter’s settled, Ms. Collier.”
In an instant he’d put an impenetrable barrier between them, one that froze her out with devastating force.
For a few minutes she’d forgotten he was a king and had pled with the man. But she wouldn’t be making that mistake again. “Good night, Your Majesty.”
Darrell hurried down the corridor to the bedroom. Almost crazy from lack of sleep and the incredible circumstances of their lives, she got ready for bed in the dark, then slid under the covers, taking care not to disturb Phillip. Before long oblivion took over.
Toward morning her troubled dreams had changed into a nightmare. At one point she came awake in a cold sweat with the very
