Page 35 of Claiming His Virgin Princess

Noah shook his head at the fancy and stroked her ponytail of silky hair. His desire for Ilsa was as fresh as when they’d met.

Two people from such different backgrounds shouldn’t be a good match. Yet their interests and personalities dovetailed beautifully.

She enticed and enthralled him and in many ways they were attuned. He respected her strength and honesty, her positive attitude and the way she treated others. She was genuine in a way so many people he met weren’t.

But it surely these feelings couldn’t last. Did this time with Ilsa seem special because it was the first real break he’d had?

‘It’s okay, Noah. I know it’s not possible.’ She drew back, a rueful smile on her face. ‘But some moments are wonderful, aren’t they?’

‘I suppose they are. It’s good to have a break from business sometimes.’

It was what his family had been saying for ages but it was Ilsa who’d made him realise it. Ilsa who’d given him a new perspective on his work-life balance and on his goals. He’d begun to consider some changes for the future.

‘Business!’ She stiffened and frowned, then looked up at him. ‘That reminds me. Have you had time to follow up that contact in Altbourg I gave you? About a business opportunity there?’

Noah shook his head. He’d had other things on his mind. Namely her. And the intriguing new thoughts he was grappling with about what he wanted in his future.

‘My PA sent a reminder. My father’s office keeps asking. He’s very eager about it.’ Ilsa shrugged. ‘But if you’re not interested—’

‘It’s okay. I’ll follow it up today.’

Damn her father for interrupting this idyll. Ilsa was so much more relaxed now than she’d been when they met. Noah would make the call so they stopped hassling her.

At that moment her phone rang and she frowned. She’d told him she had a new phone and very few people had the number. Part of her plan to switch off during this trip.

‘Sorry, I need to take this.’ She turned away and headed down the rows of marble benches. ‘Hello? Lucien?’

Noah’s fingers curled tight as he recognised the name. King Lucien, the man Ilsa had been going to marry.

He heard warmth in Ilsa’s tone, and concern. A sharp, ice-hot sensation jabbed his chest. He breathed deep but couldn’t dislodge the feeling.

Noah turned away to give her privacy, but an exclamation stopped him. He swung around to where she stood at the front of the amphitheatre.

Her shoulders were hunched and he wanted to take her in his arms. She looked so alone.

Despite their intimacy, there was a lot Ilsa kept to herself, as he did. Yet increasingly Noah found himself wanting to know everything.

Thinking of her with her ex-fiancé sent pain radiating through Noah’s clenched jaw and deeper, where a phantom dagger jabbed his gut.

She and Lucien mightn’t have been lovers but when Lucien rang Ilsahadto answer. Did she love him, despite what she’d said earlier?

Finally she ended the call and took a deep breath, tipping her face towards the sun as if seeking strength from its rays.

Because she pined for Lucien? Did she regret leaving him?

Noah took the steps at speed, his shadow falling across her face and making her open her eyes. The warmth in her gaze eased a tightness in his chest.

His hands closed around her elbows. ‘Are you okay?’

‘Of course.’

‘But there’s a problem.’

Her eyebrows arched, whether because he’d guessed or at his implicit question, he didn’t know. This time he wasn’t going to give her space.

‘Things are getting complicated in Vallort and Lucien rang to warn me.’

Noah said nothing, waiting for more details.

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