The Crown Prince's Bride (Royal Duology 2)

She chuckled. “Now you’re getting carried away.”

“When was the last time you took a real holiday?”

They both knew the answer to that. The job was a busy one, and had only gotten more so in the months since the accident and Raoul had been deep in his grief. Then there was the whole incident with Diego’s former assistant, and training Sofia . . .

“Still,” she said, reaching for a piece of melon. “That might be a little conspicuous. Isn’t the idea to fly under the radar?”

Raoul grabbed a plump berry and popped it in his mouth. “Let’s keep an open mind, then. We’ve got a basic itinerary, but there are lots of windows of opportunity for . . . other activities.”

Her cheeks heated, and she looked out the window at the layer of clouds beneath the plane. She was sure he hadn’t meant any innuendo, because that wasn’t his style. Still, intentional or not, the possibilities were before them. There were no meddling family members around now. It was just the two of them.

Marco popped in from the cockpit, where he’d been sitting with the flight crew. “Excuse me, sir. I thought we could go over the transportation arrangements one final time before we land.”

“Certainly, Marco.”

While the two of them talked, Stephani looked out the window. They’d started a slow descent, and the clouds got closer, then they were in them, the wing disappearing in a swirly, soft mess. A minute later and the clouds were above, and little drops of moisture showed on the window. A spring shower? The coastline was visible now, and it wouldn’t be long before they arrived at the Nice airport and then the short drive to their hotel.

“We’ll be on the ground soon.” Raoul’s voice broke through her thoughts. “It’s cloudy now, but the forecast is good for the rest of the week.” His smile was wide. “And despite your protests, I do have a few little surprises up my sleeve.”

Warmth spread through her body at the intimate way he looked at her. Maybe part of her problem today was that this didn’t seem like it should be real. She’d wished for this for so long, it had become a dream that played on a continuous loop in her head, but one she’d been sure she would never have. Now she felt as if she might wake up at any moment, or that the tenuous grip she had on the future she wanted could slip out of her grasp at any moment.

He cared about her. He wanted her. Both of those had been impossible only a few weeks ago. Was it possible that he could fall in love with her, too? Or was that a wish too far?

They landed with a small bump and a smooth glide down the runway. For better or worse, they were here. And in a week they’d likely know which direction their relationship would take.

* * *

Raoul watched as Stephani surfaced through the clear water of his personal pool. He ran a hand over his chin, a familiar tension taking over his body. She was more beautiful than she realized. She wore these conservative, totally appropriate suits and dresses to the office. She was impeccably dressed for every official engagement. But the aqua-colored bikini revealed honey-gold skin that he longed to touch. And so far he hadn’t, even though they’d been here two days already.

She rested her arms on the edge of the pool. “You coming in?” she invited, water glistening on her lashes. “It’s lovely.”

“I thought I might. A morning swim is a nice way to start the day.”

So is something else, he thought to himself, but didn’t say it. Clearly the chemistry between them was good. The dinner at her apartment had made that plain. This trip was for more. It was about compatibility. About romance.

She smiled. “Join me. We have time before today’s meetings.”

He’d intended to anyway, so he untied his robe and dropped it on a nearby chaise, then stepped down into the cool water of the pool.

Her smile widened and she pushed away from the side, floating on her back. He couldn’t look away from the twin points her breasts made out of the water, or the way her long, dark hair spread out around her. Watching her the last two days had been gratifying to say the least. She greeted every little thing with wonder, even though opulence was no stranger to her. She’d sighed with happiness at her suite, even though it was only half the size of his. The balconies outside the rooms looked over the cerulean sea, and she couldn’t seem to get enough. They lived in their own corner of paradise, but Stephani was anything but blasé.

She was appreciative. S

he found enjoyment in the smallest things. She reminded him of what it was to take pleasure in moments, something that hadn’t happened in a long, long time.

They had only kissed since arriving, sweet little stolen kisses. They hadn’t slept together, and even so, Raoul was starting to feel as if she was giving him back himself.

“Where did you go? You’re lost in your head.”

He blinked and met her gaze. “Sorry. Just thinking.”

“Well, don’t hurt yourself.”

He smiled. “I like it when you tease me.”

“It’s easier when we’re not in the office. I wouldn’t want to be insubordinate.” She flashed him a saucy grin, then dove under the water, giving her toes a little flip that splashed water up and over his face and chest.

Scamp.