Читать книгу The By Request Collection - Kate Hardy - Страница 101

CHAPTER SIX

JUST AS DEMETRIUS had promised, his chauffeured car ushered them past the palace gates, beyond the palace itself and down a narrow lane Zoe didn’t even know existed. Unspoiled green foliage and wild flowers lined both sides of the roadway. They were heading far, far away from any curious eyes. It sure was a good thing that she knew Demetrius as well as she did. Otherwise, she would be wary of their isolated destination.

“Where are we going?” She turned to Demetrius as he continued to type response after response into his phone.

His fingers paused as he glanced out the window. “We’re almost there.”

“That doesn’t tell me anything.”

“Stop worrying. I’m certain you’ll approve.”

“And if I don’t?”

There was a moment of silence. “Then we’ll go back to your apartment.”

She didn’t believe it’d be that simple. Nothing was ever simple when it concerned this particular prince—this very sexy prince. “What’s the catch?”

“There isn’t one.” When she arched a brow at him, he sighed. “You don’t believe me?”

“Let’s just say I know you well enough to expect you not to give up so easily.”

Like when he’d proposed to her on a starlit night along the seashore. He refused to take any answer but her acceptance. Not that accepting a marriage proposal from a prince had been a hardship. In fact, in that moment, it had been quite the opposite.

Demetrius slipped his phone in his pocket. “There’s no catch.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Their gazes met and held as though in a struggle of wills. Demetrius was the first to turn away. “Before we go any further with this argument, see if this will calm your worries.”

When she turned to the window, her gaze landed upon a beautiful white beach house. It was like something out of a glossy magazine. The door and some of the trim was done in a light teal. The appearance was refreshing and welcoming. Was this part of the royal estate?

“It’s amazing.”

“I’m glad you like it.” A smile lifted his lips and eased the stress lines marring his face.

The car pulled to a stop and the driver got out to open her door for her. “If you want to go inside, ma’am, I’ll bring in your luggage.”

“Grazie.” She turned back as Demetrius alighted from the car. “Is there anyone here?”

He shook his head. “It’s all yours for as long as you need.”

Zoe made her way down the stone walkway, passing by a garden full of exotic foliage and blossoms from bright yellow and orange to pink and deep red. It was impossible not to fall in love with this place.

Anxious to see if the interior was as impressive as the exterior, she grasped the brass door handle and swung open the teal door. She stepped inside, greeted by a light-gray tiled foyer. The house had an open floor plan with a spacious kitchen that could be closed off by some teal shutters. The interior decor was of white walls and teal trim like the outside.

An abundance of open windows let the sea breeze filter through the house. She’d never been to such a charming place. When Demetrius said he’d take care of her, he hadn’t been kidding. This was her idea of paradise.

She moved to the wall of windows facing the Mediterranean. It was absolutely gorgeous. It didn’t matter how many times she looked out over the sea, she never tired of it. It would appear her mother wasn’t the only one having a seaside holiday of sorts.

Zoe heard footsteps behind her. “You can just set the bags by the door. I’ll get them—”

“Are you sure?”

That deep, rich voice sent a wave of delicious sensations coursing up her spine. It was most definitely not the driver. She spun around, finding Demetrius standing there holding her bags. “Sorry. I thought you were the driver.”

“I hope you’re not disappointed. I sent him away.”

“What? But why?” Being alone with the one man who could send her heart pounding with just a look was not a good thing. “I mean, I’m sure you have work to do.”

“I do. But first we have to talk.”

Talk? About what? She got the distinct impression from his serious expression that she wasn’t going to like what he had to say. Was he going to blame her for the nosy reporter sniffing around for gossip?

Demetrius cleared his throat. “But first, do you approve of your accommodations?”

“It’s absolutely amazing.” Zoe moved to his side and retrieved her luggage. She glanced up at him and her stomach quivered with excitement. They may no longer be a couple, but that didn’t mean she was immune to his charms. “I owe you an apology. I should have realized that you would have the perfect place in mind. Grazie.”

“You’re welcome. It’s the family’s escape from the palace life. A place where we can just be ourselves without the constant expectations that go along with royal life.”

“I feel safe here.” She glanced all around. “I can already imagine that I’ll be spending a lot of time out on the deck.”

“I’ve spent many hours there. It’s great for clearing your mind.”

“I’m sure it is.” Not anxious for the ominous talk, she said, “Well, I know you have things to do and I have to unpack, so I won’t keep you.”

“Not before we talk.”

Something told her that this much-changed prince didn’t normally have lapses in his schedule. Whatever he wanted to speak to her about must be important. Had something happened with the renovation?

She hoped not, for more than one reason. The South Shore revitalization project was a hard-fought-for and long-awaited improvement. And somehow, someway Zoe planned to get her mother a spot at the Residenza del Rosa. The doctor had warned that finding her mother appropriate accommodations needed to be a priority. The time for hesitating had passed.

Zoe set down her suitcase next to the couch. “What’s the matter? Has something happened at the mansion?”

Demetrius’s brows scrunched together. “Why would you think that?”

“It’s your tone and...and your demeanor. You have something serious on you mind.”

“You’re right. I do. This conversation is long overdue.”

Her stomach churned. She forced her gaze to meet his. “What conversation?”

* * *

Demetrius raked his fingers through his hair. “I’ve been waiting for you to say something about it, but I’m so tired of playing these games with you.”

“What games? I haven’t been playing any games with you.”

“Sure you have. Why else wouldn’t you have signed the annulment papers?”

The whites of her eyes widened and her mouth gaped. Was she really going to try and act surprised? What did she hope to gain by acting all innocent?

All of his pent-up frustration came rushing to the surface. “Don’t look so shocked. I’m certain it comes as no surprise to you that we’re still husband and wife.”

“What? But...but that can’t be.”

“It can be when you don’t sign and return the annulment papers.”

“No, that isn’t right.” She pressed her fingers to her forehead as though she were trying to piece everything together.

Was she angling to garner his sympathy? Well, it wouldn’t work this time. Demetrius’s wounded pride refused to accept anything but a reasonable explanation. His ego hadn’t just been pricked. It had been slashed to ribbons. This had to stop. And it had to stop here.

He was on a roll now and he couldn’t stop. Not until she admitted what she wanted from him. Did she want more money? Or did she regret the way she’d trampled over their wedding vows on her way out the door? Did she want him back? The wondering and the not knowing had been nagging at him for months now. “Were you hoping for a bigger payday?”

“No!” Her gaze narrowed. “You know me better than that. I ripped up the check and mailed the papers back to you.”

“I don’t know what you did with the check or the papers, but I never received them.”

Her eyes filled with confusion. “Then...then that means we’re still married?”

He nodded. For the first time since the dreadful day when she walked out on him, he witnessed that same anguished look on her face. What was he supposed to make of it?

Don’t trust her. She already hurt you once.

The little voice in his head continued to issue warnings. But his heart longed to hear her out. There was something more here—something he was missing.

But could he afford to take another chance on her?

Before either of them could say a word, his phone buzzed. He retrieved it from his pocket and stared at the screen. It was the king—a man who didn’t go near a phone unless it was urgent.

Demetrius wanted to ignore it. He wanted to finish this conversation, but his royal duties trumped his personal life—just like he’d seen the king do time and again.

He took the call. All it amounted to was a few short, clipped sentences. There was an emergency at the shipping port. A car had been dispatched to pick him up.

When the call was concluded, he turned back to Zoe. “I have to attend to this.”

Her face was completely washed out as she nodded but said nothing.

“We aren’t finished with this. I’ll be back.” He strode for the front door.

He wanted to believe that her surprised expression was legitimate. In fact, he’d never wanted anything more in his life, but he couldn’t risk it. He couldn’t let himself become vulnerable again. Every time he let himself get close to someone—really close—they faded out of his life. First, his mother. Then his wife. And the last blow had been his twin who was now an ocean away with his beautiful bride—not that he could blame him.

But the truth of the matter was Demetrius had given Zoe a chance—he’d given her everything. And in the end, she’d rejected him. How was he supposed to trust her again?

* * *

That can’t be right.

We’re still married?

Zoe leaned against the back of the couch. Her knees had turned to gelatin.

Thankfully Demetrius had been called away. She needed time to make sense of what he’d said. They were still married? How was that possible?

Once her legs felt a bit steadier, she retrieved her suitcase and moved back through the hallway just off the kitchen. She entered the first spacious bedroom. It was decorated with sunny yellows and perky pinks. The exact opposite of her mood right now.

Demetrius had to be wrong. She was certain she’d signed the papers. She didn’t understand. Papers didn’t just disappear. What had happened to them?

It was obvious Demetrius wasn’t any happier about this development than she was. And now more than ever she needed to make peace with him. He not only held her future in the palm of his hand but also that of her mother. A contract to work on the rest of the revitalization project would make a huge difference in the type of care that Zoe could provide for her mother.

Speaking of her mother, she needed to check in with her. Zoe grabbed her phone and pulled up the number of their friend she was staying with, Liliana. The woman had been their neighbor most of Zoe’s childhood. Liliana hadn’t just been a friend, she and her husband had quickly become family. Watching Zoe when needed. Sharing holiday meals. And being there for any emergencies.

After a quick greeting, Zoe dove into the reason for her call. “Liliana, how’s my mum doing?”

“She has her good days and her bad days. I’m sure you know how that goes.”

“I do.” It was heartbreaking to watch the confusion that would come over her mother’s face—the utter lack of recognition. But thankfully for now the good times outweighed the bad. “I just wanted to let you know that work has me away on a short trip. So you won’t reach me at the apartment, but you can always reach me on my cell phone.”

“I’m glad to hear that you’re getting out and about. You need to do that more often. Too bad the trip is business. Maybe you can squeeze in some fun time.”

Demetrius’s face flashed in her mind. “I don’t think that will be possible. There’s a lot of work to do.”

“Does this have something to do with that South Shore project?”

“Sì.” Zoe knew she had to handle this carefully. Liliana was an astute woman. If Zoe wasn’t careful, her friend would add two and two. And there was no doubt about it, Liliana would get four. “I’m doing some research. It appears this project is bigger than I was anticipating.”

“Really? That’s a good thing, right?”

“It’s very good. I just need to be on top of my game.”

“Well, don’t you worry. Your mother is fine here. She can stay as long as you need.”

“Thanks so much. I really appreciate this. Did...did Mum tell you she’s moving into assisted living as soon as the arrangements can be made? The doctor suggested that sooner was better than later.” The thought that things had deteriorated to that point made Zoe’s heart ache.

“I’m so sorry, Zoe. You know I’m just a phone call away.”

“Grazie.” Liliana was like a second mother to her. “It means a lot.”

“This is one of your mother’s good days. Would you like to talk with her?”

“I would.” Zoe missed her mother dearly. It’d always been the two of them against the world. But lately their roles had started to be reversed and the strong woman that Zoe had always known her mother to be was becoming less and less sure of herself. Damn disease.

After a brief talk with her mother, Zoe stowed her unpacked suitcase in the walk-in closet. Not sure whether she was coming or going, she’d deal with it later. Right now, the fresh air beckoned to her. Hopefully a walk on the beach would give her the peace needed to make sense of Demetrius’s claim. They were still married. Husband and wife. She stared down at her bare ring finger. There had to be an explanation, but what?

Zoe moved to the deck. A long set of wooden steps led her down to the pristine beach. It was so hard to believe that this was all private property—property of the Crown. And she had it all to herself.

The thought brought her no joy. All she could picture was the accusing stare that Demetrius had leveled at her. Why would he think she had something to do with the missing papers when she was the one to end their marriage?