Page 12 of The Spy

He stood close, reached out his arms to pull her near as he shifted his weight to lean back against the railing behind him.

She wrapped arms around his back and pressed her cheek up against his chest. His heart pounded beneath her face, and she smiled. “I’ve missed you, Lucan.”

“Not a day goes by I don’t wish we were together.”

“But we’ve accomplished good things, did our jobs, and now…” She paused, realizing she had no idea where to go with that sentence. She didn’t even know if he planned to stay for the rest of the ball, let alone to give them time to be together.

“I’m here, Anna. I told them I’m done.”

Hope filled her heart and tears welled in her eyes. “Is this true, Lucan?” She pulled away and looked into his face.

“Yes. I’m going to step away from all my international travels, hang about uselessly around the palace and visit Spain as much as possible.” His eyes held a question. “If the lovely monarch will have me?”

His sentence was filled with so many questions. “I’m yours any time you are in Spain. We have a room at the palace for you…” She rested a hand at his cheek. “Forever.” She swallowed. Dare she go down this road again with him?

He reached a hand up and placed his large palm atop of hers. Then he stood to his full height, pulled her as close as she could fit, and lowered his mouth to hers.

Just as their lips might have touched, Ferdinand’s voice jarred her back to the present.

“Oh, Anna, there you are. We are to bid farewell to all the guests.” He looked from one to the other of them. “You had a speech?”

She jumped, looked apologetically at Lucan and then hurried off. “You are so right. Thank you Ferdinand.”

But joy filled her heart. Lucan had returned. He was going to leave his espionage work. Possibly he could be a king to her dear Spain. She looked over her shoulder at the frowning Lucan and almost laughed out loud. Oh, she was happy he had returned.

Ferdinand hurried beside her. “He won’t stay. Anna, remember he never has. I don’t think the man knows how to stay put and be domestic.”

A portion of her hope fizzled as she wondered if Ferdinand was right.

Chapter 10

Lucan handed a large binder, a set of keys, and a huge burden to his second in command. “Take care of them, Harris.”

“I will, boss.”

“And don’t bother me.” Lucan smirked. He knew he couldn’t totally step away, but handing over the day to day to his very capable assistant should have happened a long time ago. “Remember the wedding…”

“I know, respectfully, your highness. Might I suggest, you can now behave as a prince might?”

“Don’t keep tabs on me.”

“Oh no, Lucan. Everyone has a security detail.” Nico joined them laughing. “Don’t like a bit of your own medicine, do you?”

He rotated his shoulders. “You’re right. Know where we all are. Keep us safe. My motto.” Already he was itching to take the responsibility back, but he stopped, breathed deeply, and asked, “So, what do you people do around here while I’m doing security? Anyone up for a guys’ trip?”

Nico laughed. “Try pulling any of the guys away from their wives.”

“I’m just trying to get myself in the mindset of bachelor prince.” He wasn’t sure exactly how to go about it. He’d never been the reckless one, or the carefree one. And he was still tying up loose ends with all his many international contacts. Transitioning might take many months. He shrugged. “Well, if there’s nothing to do around here…”

“You’d better hightail it to Spain.” Nico laughed. “Check back in every once in a while.”

Lucan picked up his heels and ran for his rooms, texting his assistant on the way. “Pack my bags. I’m headed to Spain within the hour.”

“Done. They’re waiting at the airport. The pilot is prepping the plane now.”

Lucan stopped. Now that was a remarkable assistant. “You deserve a raise.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

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