Scandal and the Runaway Bride (Heirs to an Empire 1)

“Love doesn’t make sense,” he replied, his voice husky. Had he used the word love? This was going so much faster and deeper than she knew what to do with.

“Come to Paris,” his low voice persuaded. “Please. Spend a few days with me so we can sort this out face-to-face. I thought leaving you would be the end of it. I thought friends would be fine. But it’s not fine, Gabi. I haven’t been able to let you go.”

How many women could refuse such a plea?

“Not this weekend. Next weekend. I’ll fly Friday afternoon and will have to be back Sunday night.”

“I’ll take it. I’ll take whatever time with you I can have, Gabriella.”

She felt the same. And knew deep down that this weekend might be their one and only chance.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

GABI FLEW IN to Charles de Gaulle Airport early Friday evening and tried to contain the nervousness centered in her belly. She’d brought only a carry-on with her, and she shouldered the bag as she walked toward the doors leading out of the secure area. When they slid open, Will was waiting there, his eyes searching for her, and she knew.

I love him.

Then his gaze found her and connected and he smiled, and she knew a second most important thing: he loved her, too. It was on his face, in his eyes. In the connection that jolted to life the moment they

laid eyes on each other. Oh, this was going to be so complicated.

“You’re here.” He said it when she was close enough to hear. “You’re really here.”

“I told you I was coming,” she said, unable to contain her smile.

There was a moment where they hovered, considering a kiss. The urge to touch, to be close to him, was overwhelming, but common sense prevailed and Will stepped back. “Do you have another bag? Do we need to collect it?”

She shook her head. “No, this is it. I can pack light for two days, you know.”

He laughed, the sound happy and free. “Come on, then. I have a car waiting.”

Of course he did. No run-of-the-mill taxis for the Pemberton family. She found herself ensconced in black leather luxury as a driver drove away from the airport.

Will reached over for her hand. “How is your father?”

“Recovering well and getting stronger every day. The cancer hadn’t spread, so that’s very good news.”

“I’m happy for you, and for your family. And Lucia? Giulia? Marco?”

“Mama is fussing over Papa. Giulia, I’m discovering, is very good at her job in human resources, and Marco is getting more besotted by the day. I’m not sure what’s going to happen there. Giulia isn’t ready to settle down.”

“Is he willing to wait for her?”

“I think so. I hope so.” She met Will’s gaze. “I hope she’s not throwing something away that is pretty incredible.”

“Hmm,” he said, and Gabi knew what he was thinking. They shouldn’t throw away their chance, either, even if neither of them knew how to navigate the situation.

“I didn’t even hug you when you arrived.” Will’s face took on a boyish pout and she laughed. And then he lifted his arm along the back of the seat, and she wiggled over to the middle and settled into his embrace, grateful for the tinted windows.

She closed her eyes. This was where she wanted to be. Always. Warm and loved and secure and accepted. He kissed her hair and tucked her head into his shoulder. “Oh, Gabi,” he murmured. “This feels so right.”

“I know.”

“We’re not even at my place yet, haven’t even spent any time together, and yet I know what I want. I want to be with you. Really with you. Not sneaking around but a part of your life and you part of mine. I want us to own our relationship.”

“I’m pretty sure my family wouldn’t have a problem with that,” she admitted, his words both thrilling and terrifying her. “They love you already. The day I told my parents the truth and you went upstairs? Mama asked if there was ‘any hope there.’ My family isn’t the problem.”

“I have to believe mine won’t be, either, if we tell them the truth. Everyone liked you so much before.”