Page 22 of Forbidden Prince
The guards in the hall were waving the designers near the door down a hall. Renee's heart raced. She was on the other side of the room. She called out, "Greg, don't do this. I thought we werefriends."
"We are," Greg said with tears in his eyes. "I'msorry."
Antonio gestured for her to come to the door. "Kristin, Renee, everyone, get out—go to the front of the palace.Outside."
"Do you have a bomb squad?" Renee wondered how she'd find Marco intime.
Antonio answered with confidence. "Marco is the most highly trained person in thecountry."
Her heart thumped that Marco could be hurt. More guards rushed to help get the guests out and Marco ran inside. He instantly placed his hand on her back, which helped fortify her strength. "I'm here,Antonio."
Renee asked, "Marco, can I helpyou?"
"I'd not be able to work without knowing you're okay. My father was already brought downstairs. Join my mother and him." Marco kissed her cheek and rushed towardGreg.
Near the door, Renee called out, "Come back to me, both ofyou."
Marco and Greg both looked at her before she followed the guards. She'd not interfere with diffusing a bomb. She raced down the stairs and held the rail so she didn'tshake.
Once outside, she saw Queen Anna Camilla next to a man in a wheelchair who must be the king. The queen waved her over. "What'shappening?"
"Marco is diffusing the bomb. Antonio stayed to helphim."
"I can't lose both my sons, not like this." The queen eyes swam withtears.
Renee reached out and hugged her. She swayed on her feet and tried to comfort. "Marco's well-trained. You told meyourself."
"I hope we're planning your wedding next, Renee. I already wish you were my daughtertoo."
Renee cried. Her own mother had never told her that so sincerely. All her life she'd been Neil's unfortunate sister. Queen Anna Camilla was just one of the many reasons she'd say yes if Marco sincerely asked for her hand inmarriage.
Most important, though, was that Marco come out, alive. Her heart beat so wildly in her chest she wasn't sure if she could stand. "I wish there was a way we could helpthem."
"Get Lucio on the phone for me." The queen handed Renee a cell phone and turned toward the king. "He was my most recentcall."
Just then, Kristin, still in one of her wedding gowns, raced out of the palace and hugged Renee and thequeen.
Renee had Lucio on the line. "Your Majesty, your otherson."
The queen spoke to the king, but broke off to instruct her, "Tell him what's happening. I'll be there in aminute."
Renee took a deep breath. Right. Talk to Marco's brother. "This is Renee, Kristin'sroommate."
"The one dating Marco. Mother likes you," Lucio said. "How can Ihelp?"
She gripped the phone and wished she was stronger. Then she paced, to keep herself from running inside to be with Marco. "Your mother wanted you aware that Marco's inside, disarming a bomb strapped around Greg'sbody."
Lucio's voice was soothing and similar to Marco's, only slightly deeper. "Okay, I'll make sure the other agents with his mother understand the situation." He spoke to someone else. Renee’s skin felt electrified with adrenalin. Lucio returned and spoke to her again. "Renee, my brother knows what he's doing. Justtrust."
"Trust is easy." Renee swallowed her own tears that started to form. "I'm scared for him, to behonest."
"He'll come out the doors any minute now and you can tell him how youfeel."
"Feel?" She laughed, slightly manic. She had no idea how she felt other than Marco needed to walk out the door and hug her. She hugged her stomach but it wasn't as comforting. "I'm a complete wreck. I’ve always wanted a normal, simple life just as my mother always told me to dream. This is all toomuch."
"Renee, be calm." Her father had told her that many times. Renee's mind settled. Lucio continued, "Marco was always interested in computers and electronics and his mind works sharp under pressure. He's never failed at anything. You’llsee."
All Marco had to do was come outside. He didn't have to hug her. Seeing him would be enough. She pressed her lips together. "Thanks, Lucio. And thanks for taking care of Greg’s mother. Not knowing is the worst." The queen stood and met her gaze with a single nod. "Your mother is here foryou."
