The Playboy Prince and the Nanny (Royal Duology 1)

“And why can’t they still? We can make this work.” He straightened a bit, and Rose saw the stubborn tilt to his jaw. “I’ll make it happen.”

And just then Rose was reminded of her first night at the palace, where they’d met at the fountain and she’d felt so outmatched. Palace playboy or not, Diego was a Navarro, and he was confident and used to getting his own way. The stakes were far higher now. Real feelings were involved, and she didn’t want to be either manipulated or hurt.

“What are you going to do, issue a royal decree?” She lifted an eyebrow. “This is what I want, so deal with it?”

“If I have to.” He wasn’t smiling anymore.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She moved to pull out of his arms, but he held her fast.

“Don’t run.”

“Is that an order, too?”

He frowned. “Rose, what’s got into you? I’m trying to tell you how I feel! That I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this work.”

She knew what had got into her. More than a romantic date on the rooftop, or a kiss in the intimate confines of her room, or even holding hands ever so briefly walking down a hall. It was this setting, tonight. When she was next to him, she tended to forget. But it was just like that day in the city. Someone would always point out that she didn’t measure up. That she didn’t matter.

What had got into her was fear, plain and simple. Because she wanted to say yes. She wanted to say yes so badly that she was nearly willing to throw caution to the wind.

The song ended and Rose stepped back. “I have to go,” she said, trying hard not to stutter.

“Don’t,” Diego said, reaching for her hand. But she stepped back, then pasted on a smile and affected a little curtsy in case anyone was watching. Of course they were watching . . . how could they not?

“I said one glass and one dance. I have to get back. Good night . . .”

She turned and wanted to run but didn’t. She walked carefully, deliberately, to the edge of the room again, then skirted the perimeter until she got to the doors. Her heart pounded as she hoped he wasn’t going to follow her, but she was too afraid to look back. Instead she smiled at people along the way, nodding politely. Then once she got outside the room, she let out a breath and picked up her pace.

When she got to the stairs her feet were aching so much from her shoes that she slipped them off and hooked them in a finger as she climbed to the next story and then headed down the long hall toward the nursery and her room just beyond it.

Once inside she shut the door, dropped her shoes, and leaned back against the cool wood.

This wasn’t just caring anymore. She was utterly, totally, in love with him. How could they possibly live here together? She certainly couldn’t continue sneaking around with him, couldn’t bear the thought of being only his mistress, absolutely couldn’t be his wife . . . good heavens, what a scandal. And this was his home. She could leave . . .

But she thought of the children and knew she couldn’t leave them. Not after they’d already had so much upheaval.

What in the world was she going to do?

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

He couldn’t believe she’d walked away like that.

Diego stared through the crowd at the rear door of the ballroom and saw her pink dress slip through the gap. He’d been trying to explain his feelings. To show her that they could be together, that it would be all right. And instead she’d run. Run! Rose didn’t run from anything. Nothing scared her . . . except, apparently, this.

He could just let her go. Let the affair die a quiet death, move on, focus on other things. Only he couldn’t, because he suspected rather strongly that he could go just about anywhere and she’d be there. In his head and in his heart. That meant the only thing to do was go after her. His heart clubbed against his ribs as he threaded his way through the crowd to Raoul.

He pulled his brother aside and met his startled gaze. “I’ve got to go. I just didn’t want to leave without making my apologies.”

Raoul frowned. “What’s going on?”

Diego took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. “I love her, Raoul. I don’t know if she’ll have me or not, but I have to at least tell her how I feel.”

“This is the real thing?” Raoul maintained his stern face. “Because she’s not a girl to be toyed with, Diego. Nanny or not. Rose is a sweet, kind woman.”

“Don’t you think I know that? And I wish it wasn’t complicated. I swear I do. I didn’t set out for this to happen. I certainly wasn’t looking to fall in love. It found me.”

Raoul smiled a little, the curve of his lips breaking his icy features. “Well, you’d better tell her, then,” he answered. “Go.”

“You’re sure?”