Page 51 of Forbidden Lord
She lifted her chin. “Never mention that again to me. I love Matteo.”
If Charles disrespected his wife in the future, there was a court record of her feelings and he’d be justified in defending his family.
Charles risked looking Sheena in the eye. “I never had a real chance with you.”
“Absolutely not,” Sheena said.
The country newspapers would be full of these proclamations that had flown in court today.
This wasn’t the worst gossip his title had gone through, but hopefully in his life, this would be the end of it. His heart beat a little faster as he asked the king, “Your Highness, may we be excused now? We had plans to head to Fiji…”
The queen answered for them both. “Yes. Go on your honeymoon and be happy.”
He took a step backward with Sheena at his side without turning around as he said, “Thank you, Your Highnesses.”
They backed from the room so as not to show the royal family any disrespect.
Once they made it into the antechamber, Matteo relaxed. They were alone and Sheena tapped his chest with her small hands. “That’s it?”
“Yes.” They walked together and she tugged on his hand as they reentered the grand hall and motioned with her head toward Chelsea’s painting that hung among the Monets. Sheena’s benefit had been a success.
“It seems we’ll never be truly rid of Charles,” she said.
He guided her through the hall toward the front entrance and fresh air. “As long as he doesn’t have your heart, I don’t care that he’s on the other side of the country.”
She winked at him as they crossed the palace doors and headed outside. The air smelled like the rose gardens and the sun was shining down on their heads, much warmer than the mountains. “That’s good of you. I knew he had secret funding, but I’m happy to see far less of Charles and far more of you.”
The limo picked them up from the royal carriage steps that circled the huge water fountains and lawn. The driver stopped in front of them, between two angel fountains. On either side of the lawn, both shot water in unison. “It’s fine because I get to go home every night, to you.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and twirled in front of him as she said, “Let’s get home and pack. I’m wanting Fiji.”
His lips tingled for her kiss. This was finally the beginning of their lives together. He pulled her closer. “Or we can head to the airport right now and buy whatever we need.”
She stood on her tiptoes and hugged his neck. “That’s an even better idea.”
If he kissed her on the palace steps, they’d be featured in the newspaper. And from now on, he wanted no one to know about his life. His lips ached to claim her, but he tugged her toward the limo and said, “Good. Let’s go.”
They ducked inside the limo and as soon as the door closed, Matteo tugged on her knee so she’d look at him. He wanted to kiss her senseless now that they were alone, but she stared at him with wide eyes and asked, “One question?”
Laughter filled his heart as he leaned closer and said, “You always have a question.”
She shrugged like that was a foregone conclusion and then nodded. “When we get back, you’ll teach me to ride a skateboard again? I loved the feel of exhilaration, and trust you to catch me if I fall.”
“I’ll always be there for you.” Everything but the two of them faded away as they drove off the palace grounds. “We can board the countryside till we’re old and gray.”
“Perfect.” She curled her legs over his.
Finally. Her eyes closed and her pink lips pursed. He held her tight and refused to ever let go, not now, not ever again. He kissed her hard and pulled her toward him.
Happily-ever-after started right now.
Chapter 20
The beaches of Fiji had been spectacular. The turquoise water and humid climate made her skin smooth and soft.
As their plane landed the palm trees were now truly just a memory, though the green maples near the private Avce airport were pretty in a different way.
She stretched in her leather seat and stood after the plane rumbled to a stop.
