Page 30 of Royal Salvation

“He does. He adores her and she adores him. Their story is a complex one I won’t go into but suffice to say, it all worked out how it should have.”

“What about you? Any man on the horizon?”

Valentina laughed causing the three men to look over, frowns on their handsome faces. “No, this job doesn’t allow much time for finding love and it’s not what I need right now.”

“Really? I was sure I saw a spark between you and Bás.”

Val’s head shot up, her eyes wide with surprise and maybe a little hope or perhaps panic. “God, no. He and I are friends, that’s all. And in any case, we work together, and work relationships are strictly prohibited in this job.”

“Shame. You two would be great together.”

“So back to what I was saying earlier and changing the subject in a not-so-subtle fashion, Reaper is a heartbreaker, but he looks at you differently than I’ve seen him look at anyone before. I’ve seen the sparks. This can only end in heartbreak for you both, Princess Lucía, so please be careful. I’d hate to see either of you hurt.”

Lucía didn’t want to lash out or hurt this woman, so she was careful with her words. “I appreciate your concern but there really is nothing to be worried about.”

Valentina regarded her as if knowing the lie she told but merely nodded and left her to her own thoughts as the flight began its descent.

Butterflies fluttered in her tummy and her eyes danced across the cabin to Justice. She had no idea what it was about him that made her ache, made her want to be someone different just so they could see what could be between them, but it was a fool’s game. She was who she was and so was he, and a relationship between them would never work.

Once the plane had taxied to a stop and they’d disembarked, she was rushed out of the door toward a waiting car that already had Bishop behind the wheel. His nod as she got in made her feel secure, but not as safe as the man who sat beside her, his eyes on the road around them, tension in his body as if he was coiled for a battle that she couldn’t see.

“Is everything alright?”

His gaze came to hers and the instant attraction seemed to fill the car, so it felt like it was just the two of them. His hand resting on his leg moved a fraction and his little finger brushed her thigh like a whisper. She shivered with desire, her eyes closing as if too heavy to stay open.

“Everything will be fine when I have you safe at my home.”

The idea of being in his space surrounded by the people he loved the most gave her a funny feeling in her tummy she couldn’t explain. “I’m excited to meet your family but also a little nervous.”

“Nervous? Why would you be nervous? You’re a Princess for goodness’ sake.”

“Maybe but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel the same things as other people. I once got so star struck meeting Tom Cruise at a premiere that I could hardly speak. He must have thought I was a complete dolt.”

Justice’s husky laugh warmed her belly and made her itch to make him do it again, this severe protector who’d seen more than he’d ever let on.

“I doubt it, darlin’. He was probably trying to figure out how to get you into his bed.”

Lucía blushed and shook her head, not wanting to admit that although Tom had been a complete gentleman, his co-star had indeed tried to get her alone. “My point is I’m human.”

His eyes swept over her body deliciously slowly. “Oh, I’m aware.”

Her body warmed despite the air conditioning moving about the car. She knew he saw the way he affected her when he winked, an arrogant sexy move that made her want to crawl into his lap and take what she needed from him. Although she couldn’t see him allowing that. She had a feeling he’d be in charge of whatever happened between them, and her traitorous body wanted it all.

Chapter 13

As they drew up to his mother’s home with Hurricane and Valentina following in a car behind them, Reaper bit back a sigh, but it wasn’t one of anger, more annoyance. His brother’s favoured hire car, a Mercedes was sitting in the drive alongside his mother’s more modest KIA. He’d half expected his brother to show up when he’d heard he was home but had hoped for a day to get Lucía settled before he bombarded her with his family. Much as he loved them, they could be a lot.

As the car drew to a halt, the front door opened and his mother, looking as if she hadn’t aged a day, was running towards him, her arms open wide. Exiting the car with a grin, he caught his mum in his arms and lifted her feet off the ground for a hug.

“Oh, my boy, it’s so good to have you home.”

Guilt swirled through him at her words, though no censure was intended. He loved his family, and he knew they struggled with him being so far away. Yet he couldn’t explain to them the need for distance to keep fighting evil in the only way he knew how. He wasn’t even sure he understood it himself. “Missed you, Mum.”

As he put her down, keeping his arm around her shoulders, her head barely touching his chest, he turned to Lucía, who’d come to stand beside him. Her smile held nerves and warmth and once again it was like a sucker punch to the gut. She was more than just beautiful on the outside, her personality exuded kindness and joy and he was no more immune than anyone else. “Mum, this is Princess Lucía.”

His mum went to give a curtsey and Lucía reached out a hand to stop her. “Please, while I’m here, I’m Lucía, a friend of your son’s and you’re very kind to offer me a place in your home.”

His lips twitched, his heart warming with the way she was treating his mother.