Page 15 of His Stolen Princess

Apollonia

Irun my fingers through little Carter’s hair as he naps on my lap. His dark lashes rest against his cheek. So innocent and sweet. I want to protect him from the world, but I feel I might be fighting a losing battle.

We’ve spent most of the day in the pool together. I started teaching him how to swim last week. He was hesitant at first, but then I told him stories of how his dad had taught me how to swim. How I had also been scared at first. Little Carter finally gave it a try. Now I can’t keep him out of the pool. Not that I mind. Out here it’s just the two of us. It also gives me a reason to hold him without making him feel like a baby.

I brush my thumb across his chubby cheek and wonder what he looked like as a tiny baby. I’ve missed so much already. Cato hadn't, though, not if his words were true. He’s been here for Carter more than I have. Cato had gotten to experience all the special moments up until this point. I both want to thank him and smack him for it. What I wouldn’t give to have seen my brother with his son.

Carter loves Cato, and I’m not sure what to do with that. His whole little face lights up whenever Cato enters a room. If Cato isn't around, then Carter is talking about him. About all the things they like to do together. How Cato taught him how to color within the lines and how he sits with him when his dreams are bad. It’s this adoration that both worries me and warms my heart at the same time.

What if the one thing you want to destroy is the same thing the person you love most in the world adores? What am I supposed to do? To accept Cato is to allow my nephew to follow in the footsteps of my brother and more than likely meet the same fate. So here I sit having no idea what I’m doing. I’m once again lost. I should be used to this feeling by now. I’m either lost or losing someone or something.

I can feel him before I see him. It’s his eyes. His steps draw closer. I don’t think he’s allowing anyone else to be out here right now. The pool is always empty when Carter and I are splashing around. With a sleeping Carter on me, I’m trapped under the cabana. No way to escape coming face to face with Cato--which is the one thing I’ve been making sure didn't happen. I’ve been giving him a wide berth since that night in my room.

He doesn't say anything as he sits down on the long pool seat with us, then stretches out. He should look ridiculous in his slacks and button-up shirt out by the pool, but he doesn't. He looks like he always does--too damn sexy for his own good.

“How long are you going to avoid me?” He smirks as he asks the question.

“I have dinner with you every night. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“When you lie, your cheek twitches, lioness.”

“Is there something you need?” Does my cheek really twitch? Shit. Not sure if he’s poking at me or if I really do that. It’s something I need to work on.

“There are many things I need.” His eyes openly roam over me. He reaches out and plays with the strings of my bikini on my hip. A few quick pulls and he could have me naked. I’ve learned not to tempt him. At least for now. Until I can figure out what the hell I’m doing here.

What I do know is that I want to continue growing close to my nephew. I’m making so much progress on that front. He took to me even quicker than he did to swimming.

What’s a little unsettling is that Cato hasn't tried so much as to kiss me since the night in my room. That isn’t the unsettling part though. The problem is that it bothers me. I’m not even going to lie to myself and say it doesn’t.

In the moments he had me on that bed, I’d felt free. It was only him and me. My mind wasn't filled with a million thoughts of what I should or shouldn't be doing. He made me feel things I don’t understand. He made me push aside everything except the pleasure he was giving me. I’d momentarily forgotten the sorrow. But as soon as he’d left the room, that feeling left with him. I was alone again. Always alone.

Wait, what had he just said? Needs. Right. “I’m sure filling your needs isn’t hard for a man like you, Cato.” I look away from him and back down at little Carter. My stomach tightens at the thought of Cato with another woman, at the thought of him finding someone else to fill his needs. I sigh inwardly.

My plan was all but abandoned after he called my bluff that night. I’m supposed to be trying to make him fall in love with me. But I can’t do that if I avoid him. I also can’t do that if he’s out banging his mistresses. But the things he makes me feel scare the hell out of me. I lose control. He’s the one pulling the strings, and even though I loved every moment of it, I shouldn’t want that with him. Even if I crave those feelings now.

Cato lets out a deep laugh. I can’t help but look over at him. He looks almost carefree with his head thrown back a little. I didn't think what I said was funny, but he looks good when he laughs. I don’t think he’s done it enough in his life. I guess I don’t much either, anymore.

“One lioness is all I need. I’ve got my hands full.”

I glare at him. Though a stupid happy thrill runs though me that maybe he isn’t whiling away his nights with another woman. “You realize you’ve spent the last two weeks sleeping in his room. In fact you use Carter to keep me away from you.”

“I do no such thing.”

His eyes flick to my cheek. I put my hand to it. He laughs again. I reach out and smack his thigh. “You’re full of shit. My cheek didn't do anything.” He gives me a playful smile and snatches my hand.

“I’ve said nothing while you do this. I get you wanting to get close to little C, but it took me a year to get him out of my bed. I don’t want to progress backwards.”

“He slept with you?” Gah. Why is that so adorable? He shrugs like it’s not a big deal. He truly does love this little boy. He lifts my hand and kisses my palm.

“Wear a robe inside the house when you’re only in your swimsuit,” he orders. I’ll make sure not to do that. He lets my hand go and runs his fingers through Carter’s hair before he stands. “Know that I’ve allowed you to avoid me.”

“Allowed?” I raise an eyebrow at him.

“Yes, allowed. It’s been quite a test of my patience.”

“Why?” If he doesn't want me to avoid him but continues to let me, then I want to know why. He clearly does whatever he wants, but maybe he can at least explain himself to me.

“So you can heal, my little lioness. You came to that funeral already broken and were more so when we left. I want you whole.” With that, he leaves me alone again with little snoozing Carter.

Am I healing? To be honest I don’t know what I’m doing anymore.

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