Page 39 of Forbidden Bastard
Awareness of her grew and he didn’t care about her red lipstick. She was his.
For better or worse, and he’d marry her soon. He claimed her lips in a searing kiss that made his own body heat.
If it wasn’t for the party, he’d strip off the formal red gown that hugged her curves and take her right here in the back of the limo.
Charles let her go and battled to stay in control.
She sighed. “You’re on edge.” The driver opened the door before he could explain; she slid out and waited for him with her arm extended for him to walk beside her. She said, “I’m nervous about this party. I keep imagining I’ll fall into some three-layer cake and embarrass myself.”
His lips curved into a smile despite the fact there were cameras now shooting photos of them. “Don’t be overly dramatic. Besides, three-layer cakes are so American weddings.”
Her face contorted like she'd just heard her childhood friend had died. “So no cake at the party?”
Good to know. Sandi could be won over with cake, like him. He patted her arm as they took their place to walk the red carpet. “Thetowerof cake will likely be taller than a human being, without the need for a pedestal.”
As they turned the corner, millions of camera bulbs flashed in front of them and he couldn't see clearly. She tugged on his arm. “So, that doesn’t help. I’m more nervous now.”
He turned toward her and the lights and noise of the press faded away. He stared into her beautiful green eyes. “Just hold my hand.”
For a moment neither of them moved. She then wiped his face with her finger like she saw some speck of dirt on him and nodded at him like she'd succeeded. As they headed to the palace, she glanced up at the huge double doors. “This is it?”
“Yes.” They stopped for more photos.
She smiled but between her teeth she asked, “How does anyone live here?”
The same way they were talking. Carefully. He waved off the camera crew and directed them forward. “The branches of the royal family all have their own suites. They can probably avoid each other entirely with all the space.”
Again they stopped and a reporter called his name from behind them. Sandi tugged his arm and whispered, “Don’t leave my side.”
”Of course not.” He wanted to help her adjust to just being beside him without the pressure of making sales on her shoulders. “Okay, we finish this walk on the red carpet, shake hands of whoever is greeting at the door, and then go straight to the dance floor.”
Her shoulders relaxed as she nodded and said, “I like having a game plan.”
“I guessed that about you.” Sandi didn't seem to like surprises much as she’d been afraid to wear the diamonds out of the store.
He’d be whoever she wanted for the night as he’d show the crown that he wasn’t a threat to anyone and let his bad-boy reputation rest until he could move Clara to Avce without incident.
They finished the walk, and headed up the steps. Cameras flashed. Whoever wrote articles about him would soon figure out that Sandi was important to him as they were photographed side-by-side.
Luckily his jet was now halfway to America to pick up her parents--his one surprise before the wedding that he hoped she liked as she'd said she missed her mother. The staff was already getting the guest house across the pond ready for them as Americans, from what he could tell about the country norms, preferred some privacy.
His mind stopped spinning as he saw King Leopold Aussa’s brown eyes and open hands in the waiting line.
He hadn’t expected to see his birth father here. He’d never wanted to meet him again, though the man had been nothing but kind. Royalty didn't interest him.
Queen Anna Camilla, pretty with light brown hair and blue eyes, was beside him, as always. Charles didn’t shake his father's hand, but kept Sandi close as he bowed. Sandi curtsied beside him while he said, “Your Highness.”
The king reached out and patted his arm as Charles straightened, then offered his hand in greeting again. “Charles, it’s good to see you.”
This time, Charles clasped the man’s hand and noticed they had similar fingers.
He pulled back fast and said, “This is Sandi Smith.”
His father then extended his hand to her. “Lovely to meet you, as well.”
She trembled as she shook hands with the king, and Charles touched her lower back so she wouldn't topple over.
She then greeted the queen who smiled and also shook both their hands.
