Page 58 of Revelations of A Secret Princess

‘Of course. Carolina, see you take Mr Maynard to the business park on the way out of the city.’

Caro opened her mouth and Jake spoke first. ‘That sounds perfect. But maybe on the way back. There are other sights Carolina promised to show me first.’

‘I’m sure there are.’ The King’s suggestive chuckle curdled Jake’s belly but he kept his expression light.

Finally, to his relief, Caro spoke up. ‘That’s right. We’d better leave now if we’re to fit everything in.’

‘Come and see me when you return, Carolina.’ It wasn’t a suggestion but an order.

Jake wore a calm face as they traversed the palace. He was determined the servants wouldn’t see anything amiss, though restraining his seething emotions took concentration. Caro’s hand was cold in his and she moved stiffly, shoulders high and face blank.

He was torn between slashing guilt over the way he’d treated her, disbelief at the enormity of what he’d witnessed and the desire to do serious damage to the man they’d just left.

Jake had thought his own mother appalling. She had nothing on Caro’s father.

They remained silent till they reached Caro’s rooms. As the door shut, Jake wrapped his arms around her, breath expelling in a rush when she didn’t push him away. He didn’t deserve her trust.

His scorn last night proved he had no filter and precious little control where Caro was concerned. He’d told himself he was furious on Ariane’s behalf but this was more, much more.

Caro leaned close, fracturing his thoughts and filling him with relief. He inhaled spice and woman, her hair tickling his cheek, her body warm and trembling.

His arms tightened. ‘I’m getting you out of here. Now.’

Caro let Jake lead her from the helipad along the path to the castle. She’d been away less than a week yet spring had arrived in the Alps. The air was warm and the snow had begun melting. Further down the slope she saw the first traces of wildflowers. The air felt fresh with promise and the fragrance of growing things teased her nostrils.

While she felt chilled.

Everything had happened quickly. Maybe she was in shock. The confrontation with her father, then Jake spiriting her off St Ancilla in a private jet, followed by this short hop in a helicopter. She wasn’t used to anyone, especially a man, coming to her rescue. That added to the air of unreality.

If ever she’d doubted Jake’s ability to make things happen, today would have disabused her. He’d made one call while she gathered her most precious possessions in a large shoulder bag. Her mother’s photo, her mother’s jewellery that she’d worn last night and some illustrated books she’d had when she was young and had always wanted to give her own child. Then they were heading to the garages and from there to an airfield.

All the time fear tingled down her spine as she imagined her father’s reaction when he found her gone.

She had no illusions that his threat to hold her by force was bluster. He was ruthless. While she was in St Ancilla he had all the power, despite what the law said.

‘I have to thank you. Getting me off the island.’ She stopped and turned to Jake as the helicopter lifted off and its throbbing thunder retreated.

He looked the same, dark-featured, broad-shouldered and with the air of calm competence that reassured.

Alarms tripped in her brain, warning that she couldn’t relax her guard, couldn’t rely on anyone but herself. Yet it was too late. She’d gone so far with him, in so many ways, she couldn’t pretend none of it had happened.

It felt as if a lifetime had passed since they met.

‘There’s no need for thanks. I was glad to get away too.’

There was so much to discuss but neither was eager to start. They’d barely spoken on the trip. Caro because she grappled with a barrage of emotions and Jake because he was busy working on his phone. Because his business couldn’t wait or because he realised she needed some quiet time?

Pewter-grey eyes surveyed her. ‘You’re feeling better now you’re off St Ancilla?’

Caro breathed deep and nodded, looking away to the magnificent vista of fields, forests and soaring mountains. On the other side of the valley towering waterfalls, fed by melting snow, plunged to the valley floor.

‘I wouldn’t have got away so easily without your help.’ She faced the horrible truth today had revealed. ‘I love my country but I can’t stay there. Not with my father’s threats hanging over me. If he sends his men after me...’

She shivered and hunched her shoulders despite the warm sunlight on her back. To be virtually exiled from her homeland was bad enough. To fear returning because it could only be on the King’s terms was even worse.

‘Don’t worry. I’ve got people working on it.’ Caro raised her eyebrows but before she could question Jake continued. ‘Let’s talk about it later. For now just know you’re safe.’ He gestured to the castle, golden in the sunlight, its machicolated towers charming yet sturdy, its massive walls solid. ‘I’ll make sure no one, not even the King of St Ancilla, can harm you or Ariane here.’

‘Thank you. That’s...good of you.’

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