Page 15 of Forbidden Prince
She’d taken a step, and then the cool stone wall was at her back, Marco holding her by the hipbone and shoulder. "And what about you? What do youwant?"
"I'm not asking for anything." Renee looked into his probing gaze. There was no way a world-wide catch, a prince, even the spare to the spare, would meet her parents’ approval. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "Except more time with you, though maybe without thehandcuffs."
"Agreed." His erection prodded her thigh before he stepped back and kissed her inner wrist. "Tonight, we'll escape so it's just the two ofus."
"Will you always live at home, with your parents, in this castle?" It might be his job, living on the grounds. And it was certainly largeenough.
He shook his head. "When we marry, we each get our own castle, though Antonio stays here for a lot of his time, with Mom and Dad. He's the CrownPrince."
And then they were inside the dining room, brightly lit by a chandelier above the long table that could hold a party three times their size, though only a few places were set with plates and glasses. People were already seated, but there were still some chairsopen.
"Marco."
The older woman who spoke and stood must be his mother and the queen. Marco had her gleam in his eyes that seemed curious but sharp at the sametime.
Marco escorted Renee over to the queen. "Mother, this is ReneeBrown."
"Nice to meet you." Renee wasn't sure if she held out her hand to shake or if she should bow her head. She awkwardly tried to do both and then just curtsied like she saw in themovies.
"I'm Queen Anna Camilla, though you may call me Anna." Her blue eyes beamed at her. "You and your friend Kristin are most welcome in myfamily."
"Mother, I've not asked Renee to marry me." Marcoadded.
Renee quickly added. "And I'm not looking to marry a prince at themoment."
"I get ahead of myself, though I understand you were caught together already. Besides, my son can talk you into changing your mind, if he's smart. Waiting until the last minute for a bride, like Antonio, isdangerous."
Her mind fired off in a million different directions and left her confused. Queen Anna thought she was good material for a princess? Renee hadn't even been invited into the country club. She blinked and steppedaway.
Marco nudged her down the line, but his mother stopped him to talk to her sonprivately.
Sophia was next and she looked at her up and down. "You're dressed thistime."
Renee stood taller but kept her voice low so the queen didn't hear her. "I'm not the one hanging around hoping for a wedding disaster and to steal the groom at the lastminute."
Marco rejoined her and said, "Let's sit overhere."
A servant walked through the door. "Your Majesty, there has been another attack in the castle." Marco wrapped his arms around Renee. The queen stood. "The king is secure, but we are seeking Antonio and hisbride."
"A second attack in the castle?" Sophia sipped her champagne. "This must be terrifying for you and the upcomingvote."
Queen Anna raised her eyebrow at Sophia. "Our family doesn't scare easily. Let'seat."
Marco led Renee to her seat. Servants poured wine and set the salads in front of them. Renee turned her knees toward Marco who then said, "Renee, everything will befine."
He patted her hand. She wasn’t sure she believed him, but everyone did as the queen bid. Renee looked up at the sound of the door opening. Kristin walked in, her head held high, her red gown slightlytorn.
Renee met her best friend's gaze but then Kristin backed out of theroom.
Strange. She started to get up but sat back when Queen Anna said, "Renee, please tell us about your family and where you comefrom?"
Right. The truth. Her entire life was set to become just like dear old Mom and Dad, so she might as well explain. "My parents live in Jupiter, Florida. My older brother, Neil, is a computer programmer and working on the west coast these days. My parents practically live at the Jupiter Country Club and go to all the eventsthere."
Soup was served, the servants effortless in theirduties.
Marco sipped his broth. "And you're ateacher?"
"Yes, in Miami." She tasted vegetable soup done with spices that made her crave the next bite. She had one more sip of the soup and then put her spoon down. "Kristin is my roommate, though I think she's going to marry your oldest son and leave theapartment."
