Page 22 of His Forever Princess

She was so beautiful that he had to remind himself to keep his eyes on the road.

He wasn't kidding himself that everything between them was hunky dory now. There were still things that had been left unsaid.

She'd claimed there was nothing between her and Arnault, but Gideon had seen plenty of photos and video of the other man in the same room with Alessandra. Maybe she was innocent, but the man cared about her deeply. Was maybe even in love with her.

And Gideon was supposed to just let her walk back into a committee meeting where she'd sit right next to him? He'd once read an interview where Arnault had disparaged Gideon, though in the most polite terms imaginable.The Princess’s husband was not available for this meeting. He has his own interests overseas.

Gideon hated the guy.

But Alessandra claimed he was a friend.

He didn't know whether he could be okay with that.

Besides, he had a life in Texas. A family legacy spanning generations. He'd spent the past fifteen years on the ranch building a new herd, growing the infrastructure for the Triple H. He didn't know if he was fit to live in the royal palace anymore.

Or if Alessandra would want that.

Things had changed between them, sure. He wanted his family back. His wife back. But just because she'd warmed up to him a little, would she be happy sitting in a movie theater next to him? That didn't mean she wanted all of it. The good and the bad.

He didn't have any answers by the time he stopped driving.

It was well after dark. The fact that no one had known their destination, except for the palace staff and security he'd notified, meant the tarmac was empty save a security car and the private plane, with its steps extended.

Gideon sighed.

He got out of the car and rounded the front, opened Alessandra's door gently. He didn't want to frighten her.

"Wake up, honey." He brushed the back of her hand with his thumb and she came to with a little sound, half hum and half purr.

She didn't even know where they were, but she smiled at him so beautifully it was like a kick in the gut.

"I like it when you call me honey," she murmured.

She reached for him, and he was very aware that this might be their last moments alone together.

He curled his hand around her jaw and claimed her with his kiss. She met him sweetly, her nose brushing his cheek when she turned her head for a better angle.

He heard a voice from far away. The last thing he needed was for her to be embarrassed. So he pulled away, both of them breathing hard.

I love you. The words remained trapped behind his breastbone. He had the worst timing ever.

She brushed aside her hair that had fallen in her eyes. She seemed alert now, looking to their surroundings.

"Are we—? Gideon, what's going on?"

He gestured to the private plane. "It's time to go home."

ChapterSix

Idon't want to go without you.

Alessandra had spoken the words before she'd exited the SUV.

At that moment, Gideon's heart had leapt, knocking against his sternum.

But hours later, he was sitting on a fancy leather seat on that private plane staring out the window at the ocean below.

Alone.

---