Enchanting Sebastian (Big Sky Royal 1)

“You always stiffen up when I pull you into my arms, but then you relax.”

“I don’t like to be touched,” I say into his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

“Well, we’ll need to work on that, darling, because I’m an affectionate fellow, and you’re about to be my wife.”

“But we’re not falling in love.”

“That doesn’t mean I can’t care for you, Nina. Enjoy you. Touch you. You said yourself the other night, you feel the chemistry.”

I sigh and grip him just a bit tighter. “I did say that. And I do feel it.”

“Then why fight it?”

“I’m not. I’m just adjusting. I think there will be plenty to adjust to.”

“For both of us,” he agrees and loosens his hold on me. “I also spoke with Charles, my security detail chief. He’s on his way here. They should arrive late tonight. He’s quite livid.”

“Nothing is happening.”

His eyes take on a hint of sadness as he drags his knuckles down my cheek.

“Yet,” he says. “We’ll be mobbed by paparazzi by morning.”

“Jesus.” I drag my hand down my face and pace away from him, my mind whirling.

“It seems our brief time in our little bubble here in Montana is almost over,” he continues. “Do you mind if I go up to the resort and fetch my things? It’s probably simpler if we can base out of here.”

“Of course, I don’t mind. But maybe you shouldn’t go. We can call up and ask Jacob to get your stuff and bring it here.”

He smiles gently. “Are you worried for me, darling?”

“Maybe a little.”

“I’ll be fine. And I won’t be long. Lock up tight. No sitting out on the deck this evening, at least not until my security arrives.”

“I can call Brad. Jenna’s oldest brother is the police chief in Cunningham Falls.”

“That’s a great idea,” he says with a nod. “Let’s do that, and I’ll go get my things.”

But he doesn’t turn away. He leans in and kisses me, softly at first, but then he really sinks in and kisses me. Like his damn life depends on it.

Is this what they mean when they talk about being kissed silly? It’s new for me.

I don’t hate it.

“I’ll be back soon,” he murmurs against my lips, and then he’s gone. Once he pulls out of my driveway, I stand with my fingertips pressed against my lips and take a deep breath.

Seems someone can give me butterflies, after all.

***

“I have ten men on the house,” Brad says two hours later. His face is grim. “I just got off the phone with Charles, and we agree that you both need to stay put inside the house.”

“There is literally no reason for that,” I say, trying to sound reasonable. “Brad, it’s only been hours since the news went out on social media. There’s no way the paparazzi has already made it to town to make our lives hell.”

“You underestimate them,” Sebastian says beside me. His arms are crossed over his chest. “We’ll stay here.”

“I have the driveway blocked off. No one in a vehicle can get in or out without speaking with my guys. I also have a helicopter on standby to give us air support.”

I scowl. “This feels…excessive.”

“It’s not enough.” A tall man with salt and pepper hair marches into the house, his face grim. He stops before Sebastian and bows his head. “Your Royal Highness.”

“Hello, Charles.”

“I’d like a word with you please, sir.”

“You can speak with me right here, Charles.”

The man, whose face is nothing if not moody as hell, looks around at all of us in the room and then back to Sebastian.

“How did you get here so fast?” I blurt.

Charles’ cold gaze meets mine. “I can get to His Royal Highness no matter where he is in the world within hours. Our military planes are quite advanced, miss.”

“Wow.”

“Charles, this is Nina,” Sebastian says.

“I recognize her.”

Sebastian raises an eyebrow, and Charles immediately turns to me, bowing his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, miss.”

“The pleasure is mine, Charles.”

I try to carry on like normal, but three words keep ringing in my ears.

Your Royal Highness.

I’m marrying a prince. What in the actual hell do I think I’m doing?

Charles turns back to Sebastian. “I would hope, after nearly twenty years of working with you, that you would have thought to call me before this whole storm began so I could be on hand and at the ready to protect you, sir.”

“You’re here now, Charles. And I appreciate it.”

I can see Sebastian’s body is tense again. Is it because he doesn’t like to be told what to do by his staff? Or is he really worried about not being safe here in Cunningham Falls?

Without looking my way, he reaches over and links his hand with mine. The touch immediately calms me. And if I’m not mistaken, Sebastian’s body relaxes a bit, as well.