Catharine & Edward (17 page)

Gabriel frowned. “I can’t say I favor this option. I can, however, understand how it may be effective. Catharine, are you willing to do this?”

She licked her lips to buy some time and caught the flare of heat in Edward’s eyes. “Will Edward still be assigned to me?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Marcello said.

Edward straightened, standing even taller, if that was possible. “Sir, I would be honored to protect the princess.”

“Are you sure you’re up to it?”

“Absolutely, Sir.”

Marcello gave him a long look, then nodded. “All right. Cat, if you want Edward, you’ve got him.”

If only that were true. “Then I’ll do it. What time do we leave?”

“You’re going to arrive fashionably late, and separately from Alex and Rebecca,” Marcello laid out. “Wear something long, but no trains, with comfortable shoes.”

High-profile events and ‘comfortable shoes’ did not really go together. “Marcello.”

“You need something you can run in, if you have to. Let’s plan for the worst, and hope it won’t happen. Bash, set her up with some pepper spray, too, and whatever else you can think of. Raid the tech closet if you need to.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Can we leave the bunker then?” Rebecca asked, and Alex frowned at her again.

“Sure, but stay in the Royal Wing until you leave. Don’t do any work in your offices today. I’m going to go over the club’s blueprints and get a plan in place. Bash, come with me.”

Edward gave her a last look and, with a nod to her parents, left.

E
dward
, dressed in a spiffy tux, knocked on Catharine’s door. “My Lady? Are you ready?”

The door opened a few moments later, and his cock hardened almost instantly.

She was dressed in a long, clinging almost sheer black gown. A nude underlay was covered in a close, swirling pattern of sparkling black, tantalizing the senses. The neck plunged daringly, revealing the curves of her breasts and highlighting her olive skin. Though the top of the dress clung, the skirt flared out, then fell to just above her ankles. It would be easy enough to run in, and billowy enough to hide a weapon or two on her thigh without anyone noticing.

“You’re beautiful,” he said gruffly, and she frowned; had he said something wrong?

She stepped to the side. “Come in. I’ll just be another moment.”

As soon as the door closed, he pushed her against it. “Are you alone?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” His mouth closed over hers, which parted as soon as his lips licked hers. One of his hands gripped her back, while the other tangled in her loose flowing hair.

He’d wanted her all day. Their time that morning wasn’t enough, not nearly.

As the adrenaline of the gunshot had waned, he’d wanted to claim her.

As he stood in the palace bunker, watching her through hooded eyes, he’d wanted to claim her.

In front of her family, he’d wanted to claim her.

Now, in private, he finally could.

“Eddie,” she moaned. “I have to get ready.”

His hand ruched up her skirt and then delved beneath. “I can get you ready, My Lady.”

With a tortured cry, she pushed him away, Eddie stepping back immediately. “What’s wrong?”

“Everything,” she whispered as she ran down the hall to her bedroom.

Eddie quickly caught up with her, and wrapped his arms around her. “What’s wrong?” He caught the tears in her eyes. “Damn it, Catharine, what is it?”

“We can’t see each other anymore.”

His body went deathly still. “What?”

“We can’t.”

“Why?”

She pushed away from him again. “Do I need a reason?”

“Yes, you damn well do. Why?”

“I can’t say.”

“You won’t say. Why?”

“Please, just let me go.”

“Whose are you?” He heard her choked cry, but didn’t let up; he couldn’t with their future on the line. “Whose are you?”

“Yours,” she whispered and let out a sob.

“Whose am I?”

She shook her head.

“Whose am I?”

She whipped around, faint lines of mascara etching her cheek. “You’re not mine! You can’t be. You can’t be.” As she fell to the floor, he caught her.

She clutched the lapels of his jacket, pushing him away, then pulling him close, tears flowing all the while. “You can’t be mine anymore.”

“Why, for God’s sake?”

“Rebecca can’t have children.”

His arms went solid around her heaving body. If she couldn’t have children, it’d be up to Catharine to continue the royal line.

And his blood wasn’t good enough.

He
wasn’t good enough.

“Jesus Christ.”

“I’m sorry. She told me just today. She doesn’t think she can have children and that means–”

“Wait a minute. She ‘thinks’ she can’t have kids? You don’t know yet?”

“She’s having tests done, but–”

“But you’re cutting me loose anyway, because you don’t think I’m good enough for you, and you think your family won’t, either.”

“No, I just–”

“Don’t want me anymore.”

“Stop! That’s not what I meant.”

One of his hands clasped her nape while the other kept her body firm against his. “Then say it and fast.”

She swallowed. “My time’s running out. Alex will marry Rebecca no matter what. If she can’t have children, that means I need to be married just as quickly. I’m getting older; it will be harder for me to have children of my own if I wait too much longer.”

“And I don’t factor into that future at all? You think your parents wouldn’t approve of me, even though I’m in love with you, even though I’ve risked my life for you, time and time again?”

“What?” she breathed, but he continued.

“I’m good enough to fuck you, but not take care of you for the rest of our lives? Is that it?” He shook his head and started to pull away, but Catharine held him tight.

“You love me?”

“Of course I love you. It’s clear you don’t feel the same.” He pushed back and stood.

Catharine scrambled to get up. “Eddie, no. Please listen.”

“We get through tonight, we get this fucker, I’m gone. You’ll never have to see me again.” He was halfway out the door when she spoke.

“I love you, too, you big, dumb jerk!”

Edward stopped as though he’d just hit a wall. “What?”

“I love you.”

He turned and saw her furious, tear-stained face. Relief swept through him like a wave, washing the dregs of his life clean away. “You love me?”

“Of course I love you,” she said, repeating his own words a few moments ago. “But I don’t know what to do about it, or any of this.” She shook her head. “I can’t disappoint my parents.”

He stepped closer and cupped her face, wiping her tears away with his thumbs. “Would telling them you’re in love with me disappoint them?”

“I don’t know. If they don’t approve, and disinherit me or whatever, then Nate and Charlie have to produce an heir. Charlie won’t want that. She loves Nate, but she’d have a hard time with the situation. If they didn’t, Grace also may not be able to have children, Arianna is pregnant but her child will be the heir to Brazenbourg, and who knows about everyone else down the line?”

He couldn’t think of any other way to shut her up, so he kissed her. He waited until she melted against him before he pulled back. “Take a breath, My Catharine.”

“Do you see what I’m dealing with?”

“I see you worrying over something you have no control over. Whoever produces the heir to the throne is irrelevant. Alex will still take over for your father, correct?”

“Well, yes, but–”

“But, nothing. The only thing you need to know is that I’ll never make you choose between your family and me. I told you I felt that marriage was a union of two families, not just two people, and I meant it. I won’t stand in your way.”

“Eddie.”

“I’m also not giving you up without a fight.”

A confused look crossed her face. “But you just said–”

“I said I wouldn’t get in the way of you and your family, but you need to tell them about me. About us. If they disapprove, I’ll leave you alone and never bother you again. Hell, they’ll probably toss me out themselves.”

“But, Eddie–”

“You’ve spent days convincing me to give us a chance; well, now you need to do the same. For the last few days, you’ve told me your family will accept me. Now, because of Rebecca’s
potential
situation, you’re assuming they’ll hate my guts. They’re your family, they’re part of you. I don’t think you’re giving them enough credit. We owe them the chance to accept us, and I’ll be with you when you tell them.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “You will?”

“Of course I will. Didn’t I make a vow to protect you in your hour of need?”

“Eddie.”

“Have I told you that I really like the way you say my name?”

A shy grin lit her face. “You do?”

“Oh, yeah. Can’t get enough of it. Or you.” He gave her a long, sweet kiss, and she softened against him even more.

“When should we tell them?”

“When this mess is over.” He shifted and pulled something from his pocket. “Lift your skirt.”

“We don’t have time for funny business.”

“Believe me,” he said with a somber face, “protecting you from an asshole is not something I consider funny.”

It was then she noticed the garter holster he held. “Oh.”

“Mmmhmm. Sit down and lift your skirt.”

She did as he asked. He shifted her foot through the holster and skimmed her skin as he moved it up her leg. He could have just strapped it on, but where was the fun in that?

“You got pepper spray in this small canister. Take it out – carefully – and give it a look.” She did and he gave her a quick tutorial on how to use it. “I’m not leaving your side, but it’s there just in case we get separated.”

“What else is in here?”

“Knife,” he said pulling it out and showing it to her. “Pull this out as a last resort. Pepper spray’s better, because you can spray your attacker and you’ll get a head start before they come after you. With a knife, you’ll need to aim and do it close.

“Get yourself to safety first. Don’t worry about your brother or Rebecca; they’ve got their own security watching them. You got me?”

“I got you,” she said quietly.

“Good.” He nodded once and pulled a diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings out of his pocket.

“Eddie,” she breathed. “They’re beautiful.”

He gave her a teasing grin. “Sorry, they’re a loan.”

“They’re still beautiful.”

He clasped the bracelet around her dainty wrist. “Some of the stones are actually fake, and are tracking devices.”

He took out the earrings she was wearing and replaced them with a set of three dangling diamonds joined by thin strands of silver. “The earrings are unique. The bottom stone on each is actually an earpiece. If anything happens, break it off and put it in your ear. You’ll be automatically connected with RPS, who’ll guide you.”

He shifted behind her, took off her necklace, and replaced it with a diamond one. Another set of three stones, hanging down, teased the edge of her cleavage.

“There’s a camera in the top stone.” He leaned into her ear. “Try not to let the chain break; if anyone at RPS gets a look at your breasts up close, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”

She giggled.

“I think you should keep your hair back, too. Ponytail would be best.”

“A ponytail? At an event like this? It took me ages to find shoes that might be acceptable, but another hairstyle?”

He brushed his lips against hers. “For me, My Catharine?”

She sighed. “Oh, all right.”

* * *

T
he party was
in full swing when Cat arrived, as they’d planned it. She was announced and entered, everyone bowing and curtsying as required when she walked by them. She greeted the hosts and began mingling. She found Alex and Rebecca, greeting them more warmly than the rest. She noticed Rebecca’s smile didn’t reach her eyes, but knew better than to ask how she was feeling at a public event.

Eddie stayed no more than a foot behind her the entire time.

By the time an hour had passed, no one had come up to her, threatened her, or even tried to embarrass her.

“I don’t think this is working,” she whispered to Eddie.

“It’s still early. We haven’t been here very long.”

“And yet, I’m completely exhausted.”

“Some fresh air might do you well, My Lady.”

Her body shivered; she loved it when he called her ‘My Lady’. “A lovely idea.”

They made their way through the throng towards the rear doors, which led to a full, wraparound deck. As she stepped outside, she hugged her arms against the cool, evening breeze from the river below. The Royal Yacht Club – which, incidentally, had not actually been founded by a royal – was set on the banks of the Rhone River, downstream from the palace. If the building didn’t house such a stuffy, nonsense club, it’d be a really lovely place to visit.

Eddie stood just off to her side, his eyes alert. She wished he would wrap his arms around her and keep her chill at bay, but it wasn’t the time for it. Perhaps she could convince him of it later.

In her bedroom.

“I think Philip’s headed our way,” Eddie murmured and she stiffened. She was finding she didn’t like thoughts of Edward interrupted by anyone, much less Philip.

“You don’t like him, do you, Eddie?”

“Keep away from him as best you can.”

“What do you have against him?”

“He wants you. That should be enough under normal circumstances.”

“What’s normal anyway? There’s something else.”

“Yes, but now’s not the time for it.”

“Catharine,” a voice called.

She painted an even smile on her face and turned. “Philip. How are you this evening?”

Philip, also clad in a tuxedo, looked well, but not nearly as handsome as her Eddie. Philip stood a few inches shorter than Eddie; in her heels she nearly overtook Philip’s height. Philip’s blond hair was clipped short and, though his lips smiled, his blue eyes held something else entirely.

Something she didn’t like one bit.

Philip leaned in to kiss her and she deftly deflected him to each cheek before pulling back.

He gripped her arms and pulled her close. “You tease. Give me a proper kiss.”

“Step back,” Eddie said, his body now at her side, ready to remove Philip forcibly if needed.

“I think I can take care of her,” Philip said condescendingly. “Why don’t you just run along?”

“Step. Back.”

“Really, Philip. Let go. What’s gotten into you?”

“You want me to step back? Are you crazy? What is this? A brush off?”

Cat pushed him away, but he still wouldn’t let go. Eddie stepped in and removed Philip’s hand, then stood between her and Philip.