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

“Yes, before I ran out on Stephen. Before they knew I was lying to them. Let’s be realistic. And there’s still the press to consider. Being seen together would rekindle that story.”

They were quiet for a while, sitting with their own thoughts. Gabi hadn’t been to Paris in a long time, but she didn’t care to look out the window at the city moving past them. She kept her eyes closed and held on to Will and the fragile bond between them.

The driver dropped them at Will’s apartment and Gabi tried very hard not to be overwhelmed. She had an idea what to expect—she’d been to the château and the manor, after all—but this was different. This wasn’t a family space, this was Will’s space, and his alone.

The first thing she noticed was the wall of windows that overlooked the river. “That is stunning.” She looked at the view and then turned back. “What is it with us and views, anyway?”

“It’s freedom,” he replied, putting down her bag. “It’s open space and possibilities and calm and a million other things that call to us. I’ve wanted to share this one with you ever since I got back.”

And then he finally kissed her, the way she’d wanted to since first seeing him at the airport. His arms tightened around her and his mouth was sure and soft, claiming and seducing, loving and teasing. Nothing in the world was as lovely as kissing William Pemberton.

The living area before the windows was open and furnished in soft whites and grays. It took no time at all before they were on the plush sofa, wrapped in each other’s arms. “I’ve missed you so much,” Will said. “That night in Perugia...it wasn’t enough.”

“I didn’t want to miss you, but I did,” she replied, then kissed his neck. “Oh, Will.” Their lips met again, and then he pulled away and looked into her face.

“I love you, Gabriella.”

It felt as if her heart expanded in her chest as the words filled her with joy, and yes, even fear. Love was such a big emotion, filled with such risk. But she couldn’t stop the words from coming. “I love you, too, Will.”

“We’ll figure it all out. I swear we will,” he promised, and somehow she believed him.

* * *

Will woke early. The sun was up but still held that thin, morning light quality to it. He slid out of bed and left Gabi sleeping on her side with her glorious hair fanned out on her pillow, the sheet tucked beneath her arms and revealing the top of her breasts. As quietly as he could, he grabbed a pair of pajama bottoms and pulled them on, tying the drawstring loosely around his hips, and then padded quietly to the kitchen. He’d start some coffee. Enjoy the quiet moments, knowing that the woman he loved was in his bed.

The water was heating and he took a few moments to quietly tidy the remnants of last night’s late dinner. They’d made love first, on the rug in his living room, an urgent, hurried coming together after so many days apart. Then he’d ordered in steak frites for two, opened a bottle of wine, and they’d eaten, talking as if they’d never been apart, perhaps even freer now that they’d confessed their feelings. And then they’d made love again, slower, with a reverence that had shaken him to the core.

She didn’t know, but he’d never told a woman he loved her before. At least not since he’d been seventeen, and in his mind, that really didn’t count. It wasn’t a love like this.

He was still trying to figure out how to bring up the matter with his family, but it was no longer a question of if but of when. He did not want this to cause a rift, but his feelings couldn’t be denied, either.

But that was for later. Today he was going to enjoy every moment with Gabi that he could. She had to go home tomorrow.

He poured the first cup of coffee and had sipped away at half of it when he heard a key turn in his lock and he froze.

Charlotte, his twin sister, popped into the apartment and looked at him with surprise. “You’re up! I figured I’d have to wake you. I brought breakfast. I thought we could talk about the designs for the fashion week show. I want your approval before I finalize everything.”

Oh, God. Charlotte was here. Gabi was in his bedroom, wearing nothing at all. He had to get his sister out of here.

“You should have called, Charlotte.” His voice held a low warning. “We didn’t make plans for this. It’s barely eight on a Saturday morning.”

“I know, but it’s coming up soon, and—”

“We can do it another time. I’ll call you. It’s really not a good time for me.”

Her eyes widened. “You have a woman here. Oh, mon Dieu, I’m so sorry.” Then her eyes twinkled. “Anyone I know? Is it serious?”

“Charlotte.” His voice was firmer now as worry settled in his gut. “Please.”

“Mmm, is that coffee I smell?”

Will froze. Gabi shuffled out of the bedroom wearing nothing but panties and one of his T-shirts. Charlotte gasped, and Gabi suddenly looked very, very awake.

“Oh,” she breathed.

Charlotte’s normally sweet gaze darkened. “What the hell is going on here? Will? Gabi?” She put an emphasis on Gabi’s name that was more accusatory than surprise.

“I said you should have called.” Will’s voice was firm and none too pleased. “Now you’d better come in.”