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

“Would it be so bad if we told the truth? That I decided we didn’t suit and took the blame?”

He gave his head a shake. “Are you serious? Then the story becomes all about what possible deficiencies Stephen has, since it clearly isn’t his money or position.”

Gabi spun away, frustrated beyond belief. “But they’re going to spin it no matter what! So why can’t we, I don’t know, live our lives?” She turned back to face him. “Stephen is a big boy. Why do you have to handle everything?”

“Because I owe him,” William shot back.

“Owe him for what?”

“Saving me from myself, all right?”

Silence fell over the room. Gabi wondered what in the world that meant.

“I understand family loyalty—”

“You have no idea,” he interrupted. “I owe William, and my father, everything. I can never repay our dad. But I owe Stephen this. I’m no longer a mess to clean up, you see? I’m the one who does the cleaning up. That’s how it is now.”

She didn’t even know what that meant. “Then we’re right back where we started. I’m the mess. So let’s take me out of the equation. I’ll go back to Italy and my family. Completely out of your hair.”

William ran his fingers through his hair. “Are you mad? You think they won’t find you there, either?”

“So what’s your brilliant idea? How are you going to control the story this time?” She raised her voice in frustration, and he did the same.

“I don’t know, all right?”

Was it absolutely bonkers to feel like crossing the room to kiss him right now? What was wrong with her?

And then he did it. William took a half dozen long strides, pulled her into his arms and pressed his mouth to hers.

There was a brief moment of surprise and then she wrapped her arms around him, sliding her fingers into the hair just above his neck. Excitement jangled from her belly up through her chest, catching her breath as she responded to the feel of his lips on hers. His arm settled at the hollow of her back and pulled her tightly against his hard body. Oh, magnifico. The word slipped into her brain on a sigh as her body ignited against his fit physique.

She nibbled on his lower lip and he moaned, then pushed her away and stood back, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he stared at her. His hair was slightly mussed and his lips swollen, and his jeans... She swallowed thickly. Magnifico, indeed. Fantastico. Splendido. And about a hundred other adjectives she could think of.

“That was a spectacular mistake,” he ground out, his voice gritty with frustration.

Gabi straightened her shoulders and reminded herself to be calm, despite the crazy beating of her heart. “Oh? I’m glad we got it out of the way. It’s been brewing all week. At least now I don’t have to wonder.”

“Wonder? What are you talking about?”

She tucked her hair behind her ears. “I got the feeling there was some chemistry between us. Then I wondered if I’d imagined it. Now I know.”

“Chemistry!” he exploded.

In another situation she might have laughed at the astounded expression on his face, as if she’d said something both preposterous and unsavory. But this was a serious situation. It made the mess even more complicated.

“We ignore it at our peril,” she advised, trying to sound logical. It was difficult, though, because he looked so utterly delicious and the taste of him was still on her lips. “That picture caught us in a vulnerable moment, Will. It looks bad because we were gazing at each other.” She wiped a hand over her face. “It’s annoying and problematic, but the worst thing we can do is pretend what just happened never happened.”

His expression darkened. “Stephen is my brother.” His voice was low and seemed to hold a warning.

“I know that.”

“Less than a week ago, you were going to marry him.”

“Thank you for the recap.”

His eyes sparked, more green than hazel at the moment. “Stop that. You’re being...troublesome.”

“After last weekend? Also not news. And your finely executed plan didn’t exactly work. Here I am in the tabloids again.” She glared. “I trusted you and your precious plan, and look where it landed us. I won’t make that mistake again.”