Page 117 of Keep Her from Them

“It turns out he’d hurt and made threats against a lot of people and was poised to sell his story to the highest bidder. His idea of storming the palace was to get the attention of the press. Unfortunately for him, he’d also left explosives in his car which blew up outside an embassy, with no injuries aside from a hole in the road, I’m glad to say, and neatly branding him a terrorist. He’s now safely tucked away at my pleasure in prison and unable to menace anyone else.”

The king’s people had done that, I was almost certain if I read between the lines. Sir Reginald’s actions weren’t in isolation.

The king smiled at me. “If this father who does not deserve the name comes calling, let me know. I’m sure we can arrange similar for him.”

He exited, taking the noise and fuss with him.

Raphael found me. “All okay?”

“Can you take me home now?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

Chapter 41

Alexandra

After saying goodbye to my father and Sarah, who was now back at his side where it seemed she belonged, we returned downstairs. Raphael’s team talked to the police, Riss, Will, and Johnnie sitting in a row and looking forlorn. Riss gave me a sad smile, but I couldn’t return it. If she’d suspected anything at all, she should have told me. Instead, she’d taken the money then acted after. I couldn’t forgive that.

Raphael checked in with Ben that we weren’t needed, but Ben shook his head. “Barrington is in custody after they nabbed him elsewhere. The picture of ye, Raphael, has been taken offline, and your name never appeared. The latest headlines are the shot of the king with his cousin, but the press is hustling to present the news in a different way. All the other articles about ye, Alex, are vanishing. They’re offering it as a rare glimpse into the close royal family with two of the younger generation spotted out for a stroll. They’re commending the king for visiting his elderly uncle. No hint of ‘find the princess’ now. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.”

Another knot of stress dissolved. Perhaps the last one. Today had done a number on us all.

Ben waved us off. “Go on home. We’ll handle it from here.”

The release we both needed.

In what felt like no time, we were in the air and flying to the McRae estate. On the flight, Raphael had me unlock his phone to see the picture of his new nephew.

I gazed at the gorgeous swaddled cutie. “He looks just like you.”

“Do you think?” At the aircraft controls, the landscape flew by behind Raphael. “I always thought this baby’s birth would terrify me. That feeling hasn’t hit yet. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel safe from my father, but I’ll do everything I can to make sure that bairn is. And ye. So will my team.”

“So will my family. I asked the king for a favour.”

I told him what I’d said and what King Philip had confided in me.

Raphael’s eyes widened. He swore, his grip on the helicopter’s controls tight. “I can’t believe ye did that for me.”

“This thing between us? It works both ways. I get to protect you, too. And if that means calling in all the king’s men to put your father in jail the second he steps foot on this island, then so be it.”

He laughed, relief obvious on his features. “Aye, princess. That helps. Fucking hell, that’s the best thing I’ve ever heard.”

That was more than good enough for me.

Back at our cottage, Raphael locked the door then brought me into his arms and just hugged me. The afternoon was at an end, though the sun was still bright around our closed curtains. Enough to make our hideaway even cosier.

His low, beloved voice rumbled in his chest. “So apparently I’m marrying a princess.”

I pushed at his chest with a laugh. “Don’t. I can’t believe my father’s meddling. At least it means he likes you.”

He didn’t let me go. “I like him, too. I’m in love with his daughter.”

My protests faded. I gazed up at him in happy shock.

He brushed over my cheek with reverent fingertips. “I’m pretty certain I’ve been in love with ye since that first time we danced together. Ye stole my heart when your palm slid under my shirt to lie on my chest. Ever since then, you’re the only person who could ever have got in, despite the obstacles I put between us. Ye were already there. You’ve shown me what it is to want someone so badly that nothing else matters. Only ye. I’m in love with ye. Completely, wildly, and in over my head.”

My fingers trembled, but I laid them down in the place he’d said, where the steady thump of his heartbeat underscored his words.

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