the palace gates, beyond the palace itself and down a narrow lane Zoe didn’t even know existed. Unspoiled green foliage and wild flowers lined both sides of the roadway. They were heading far, far away from any curious eyes. It sure was a good thing that she knew Demetrius as well as she did. Otherwise, she would be wary of their isolated destination.
“Where are we going?” She turned to Demetrius as he continued to type response after response into his phone.
His fingers paused as he glanced out the window. “We’re almost there.”
“That doesn’t tell me anything.”
“Stop worrying. I’m certain you’ll approve.”
“And if I don’t?”
There was a moment of silence. “Then we’ll go back to your apartment.”
She didn’t believe it’d be that simple. Nothing was ever simple when it concerned this particular prince—this very sexy prince. “What’s the catch?”
“There isn’t one.” When she arched a brow at him, he sighed. “You don’t believe me?”
“Let’s just say I know you well enough to expect you not to give up so easily.”
Like when he’d proposed to her on a starlit night along the seashore. He refused to take any answer but her acceptance. Not that accepting a marriage proposal from a prince had been a hardship. In fact, in that moment, it had been quite the opposite.
Demetrius slipped his phone in his pocket. “There’s no catch.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Their gazes met and held as though in a struggle of wills. Demetrius was the first to turn away. “Before we go any further with this argument, see if this will calm your worries.”
When she turned to the window, her gaze landed upon a beautiful white beach house. It was like something out of a glossy magazine. The door and some of the trim was done in a light teal. The appearance was refreshing and welcoming. Was this part of the royal estate?
“It’s amazing.”
“I’m glad you like it.” A smile lifted his lips and eased the stress lines marring his face.
The car pulled to a stop and the driver got out to open her door for her. “If you want to go inside, ma’am, I’ll bring in your luggage.”
“Grazie.” She turned back as Demetrius alighted from the car. “Is there anyone here?”
He shook his head. “It’s all yours for as long as you need.”
Zoe made her way down the stone walkway, passing by a garden full of exotic foliage and blossoms from bright yellow and orange to pink and deep red. It was impossible not to fall in love with this place.
Anxious to see if the interior was as impressive as the exterior, she grasped the brass door handle and swung open the teal door. She stepped inside, greeted by a light-gray tiled foyer. The house had an open floor plan with a spacious kitchen that could be closed off by some teal shutters. The interior decor was of white walls and teal trim like the outside.
An abundance of open windows let the sea breeze filter through the house. She’d never been to such a charming place. When Demetrius said he’d take care of her, he hadn’t been kidding. This was her idea of paradise.
She moved to the wall of windows facing the Mediterranean. It was absolutely gorgeous. It didn’t matter how many times she looked out over the sea, she never tired of it. It would appear her mother wasn’t the only one having a seaside holiday of sorts.
Zoe heard footsteps behind her. “You can just set the bags by the door. I’ll get them—”
“Are you sure?”
That deep, rich voice sent a wave of delicious sensations coursing up her spine. It was most definitely not the driver. She spun around, finding Demetrius standing there holding her bags. “Sorry. I thought you were the driver.”
“I hope you’re not disappointed. I sent him away.”
“What? But why?” Being alone with the one man who could send her heart pounding with just a look was not a good thing. “I mean, I’m sure you have work to do.”
“I do. But first we have to talk.”
Talk? About what? She got the distinct impression from his serious expression that she wasn’t going to like what he had to say. Was he going to blame her for the nosy reporter sniffing around for gossip?
Demetrius cleared his throat. “But first, do you approve of your accommodations?”
“It’s absolutely amazing.” Zoe moved to his side and retrieved her luggage. She glanced up at him and her stomach quivered with excitement. They may no longer be a couple, but that didn’t mean she was immune to his charms. “I owe you an apology. I should have realized that you would have the perfect place in mind. Grazie.”
“You’re welcome. It’s the family’s escape from the palace life. A place where we can just be ourselves without the constant expectations that go along with royal life.”
“I feel safe here.” She glanced all around. “I can already imagine that I’ll be spending a lot of time out on the deck.”
“I’ve spent many hours there. It’s great for clearing your mind.”
“I’m sure it is.” Not anxious for the ominous talk, she said, “Well, I know you have things to do and I have to unpack, so I won’t keep you.”
“Not before we talk.”
Something told her that this much-changed prince didn’t normally have lapses in his schedule. Whatever he wanted to speak to her about must be important. Had something happened with the renovation?
She hoped not, for more than one reason. The South Shore revitalization project was a hard-fought-for and long-awaited improvement. And somehow, someway Zoe planned to get her mother a spot at the Residenza del Rosa. The doctor had warned that finding her mother appropriate accommodations needed to be a priority. The time for hesitating had passed.
Zoe set down her suitcase next to the couch. “What’s the matter? Has something happened at the mansion?”
Demetrius’s brows scrunched together. “Why would you think that?”
“It’s your tone and...and your demeanor. You have something serious on you mind.”
“You’re right. I do. This conversation is long overdue.”
Her stomach churned. She forced her gaze to meet his. “What conversation?”
* * *
Demetrius raked his fingers through his hair. “I’ve been waiting for you to say something about it, but I’m so tired of playing these games with you.”
“What games? I haven’t been playing any games with you.”
“Sure
