Page 70 of Stranded with His Runaway Bride

Fierce now, Violetta reached up to take his face in her hands. ‘Firstly, your mother didn’t want love. She wanted adulation. Secondly, she didn’t leave because of you, she left because of your father, but he was too much of a coward to admit it so he pretended it was your fault.’

‘Neither of them loved me. I’m not someone that people love, Violetta.’

There.

He’d finally said it. The truth he’d buried deep, but had carried with him for years, rooted like a malign growth in his soul. ‘You think you care for me now but...’ his voice cracked ‘...you’ll change your mind.’

She gently scuffed her knuckles back and forth along his bearded jaw. ‘Oh, my darling man, you really won’t get rid of me that easily. I love you. I’ll always love you. Believe it. Despite your efforts to keep everyone at arm’s length. Seb, Matteo, your people, while she was with us, your wonderfulgrand-mère. We all love you—we can’t help ourselves. You’re a good man.’

Leo’s throat closed.

Above their heads the image of their respective flags fluttered together on his castle walls. On the garden paths and the dance floor, Grimentzians and San Nicoloans were together.

Why could he not do the same? Why could he not reach out for happiness, for love?

Because of a woman who failed her only child? A father who was so cold-hearted all he could teach his son was to gaze with avarice at his neighbours?

But Leo wasn’t either of them. He served his people well. He’d been like a brother to Seb. He’d let go of the need to grasp San Nicolo because it was morally right. He’d supported its grand duchess in every way he could and here she stood, offering him her heart.

Violetta had risen above all the limitations her family had placed on her life and surpassed them all. Leading her people into a bright, new future.

How could he think of letting such a woman slip through his fingers just because he was afraid?

How could he leave the way open for another man...?

A possessive rage reared up inside him.

He wouldnot.

He gathered her up and crushed her to him.

‘No other man will be the father of your children, Violetta,’ he growled. She was so slight in his arms and yet she felt like his anchor, like a safe harbour in the storm. He dropped to the bench and drew her onto his lap. He dropped his forehead against hers. ‘You’re right. My life is nothing without you because I love you, too. Marry me.Saveme.’

She let out a long sigh of contentment and wound her arms about his neck. ‘Yes, Leo,’ she said, ‘I will.’ Her fingers toyed with the hair that curled over his collar. A shadow fell briefly over her eyes. ‘You’ve scolded me for not taking care of myself, but you’ve also worked too hard and I know why,’ she said, sadly. ‘You focused on fixing your country so you wouldn’t have to think about fixing yourself. That stops now. We can fix you together. A day at a time. Here, or in San Nicolo. Or both. Commuting would be easy and I’d rather like riding in that fancy helicopter of yours.’

‘I don’t care where I live as long as it’s with you,’ he said and stopped any further discussion by sealing their bargain with a kiss.

When they strolled back onto the path hand in hand, Seb was waiting for them. Helene and Matteo hovered a few paces behind.

‘Well?’ Seb asked, glancing down at their entwined hands.

Violetta stared up at Leo with a glorious smile. ‘Yes.’

‘Finally. I thought I might have to start a fight so I could beat some sense into you.’

‘We’re a go then, ma’am?’ Helene asked.

‘We’re a go.’

‘I’ll get the chef to bring out the cake.’

‘The luggage is ready, Your Highness.’ Matteo popped up behind Seb. ‘I’ll have it taken down to the castle forecourt.’ With a swift bow he spun on his heel and followed Helene.

Leo frowned. ‘Cake? Luggage? What’s going on?’

Violetta took both his hands and smiled up at him. ‘I thought we could get married.’

‘What?Now?’

---