grateful, in some way, that she still felt easy with him. “If you want, we can hit some stores before we get on the ferry. There’s an outlet mall out there.”
“Outlet mall?”
He smiled, and Sofie’s heart pattered restlessly in her chest. Even in her state, she still responded to him. And she hated it.
“Outlets are where the regular people shop.”
“You’re having far too much fun at my expense. That was not nice.”
“I’m sorry.” He might have been sorry, but he was still smiling. Sofie was going have to keep reminding herself how much he'd hurt her eight years ago, how he made her believe anything was possible, and then told her what he thought of her the first time they hit a bump in the road.
“I guess I’ll go pack.”
He turned off the water and opened the bathroom door. “No one can know. No one.”
She nodded. “Can I talk to my parents?”
“As soon as we have a secure line.”
Wonderful. More waiting. The waiting would be the death of her.
“How is my father?” she asked.
“He’s well. Glad you’re safe, but he acknowledges the threat is very real.”
She nodded, and Ian dropped his strong hand on her shoulder. She took in his long
fingers, the callouses, the dark hair on his arms. He was a strong man and Sofie still had feelings for him. In that moment, she didn’t know how this was protective custody thing was going to work.
Chapter Two
Ian watched Sofie out of the corner of his eye; she was curled into the passenger seat of his Grand Cherokee and staring out the window at the changing scenery. They’d be at the Greenport Ferry in about ten minutes and would then make the eight minute ride to Shelter Island.
Her entourage was gone. Sent back to Europe where they would await word from other
members of the royal staff. Based on the most recent report Ian had received, the palace was deserted—everyone had scattered.
He hadn’t yet informed Sofie of the latest information. He hoped he didn’t have to tell her, there was a chance she’d never go home.
They’d stopped at the outlets as promised and Sofie picked up a few things—shorts,
some jeans and casual pants—usually having designer clothes brought to her and custom fitted, or being escorted through luxury stores, shopping with the masses was something she hadn’t done very often.
Before they left, a messenger arrived at the suite with two credit cards, something Sofie never carried anymore, and it was easy to see she loved the independence. She always had.
“There are so many vineyards,” she said. “I had no idea.”
“Lots of wineries and farm stands. The North Fork is all about growing things. Let’s get settled in at the house and maybe we can come here in a few days. We’ll taste some wine, buy some pies.”
“You think we’ll be here that long?”
“It could be a week,” he acknowledged. “Possibly longer. Not sure.”
Taking a deep breath, she smiled shyly with acceptance. “Then we’ll definitely need pie.
Probably more than one.”
Her voice was sweet and musical. He’d always loved listening to Sofie talk. Her speech was tinged with the slightest Italian accent, and when she was excited or upset, she’d throw in bits of French or German. Ian’s heart stopped right in his chest. Shit. He was supposed to be over her. When they’d been alone in her suite, when she’d cried because she wanted to be with her sister, when the fear seemed to get the better of her, Ian just wanted to hold her. It was a miracle he’d been able to hold back, because where Sofie was concerned, his heart ruled him just like always.
Based on photos he’d seen recently, she always wore her hair up and her makeup was
expertly applied. He guessed it was to make her look older, more sophisticated. More like a future queen. Now though, her hair was down, the long dark curls spilling over her shoulders, and she wore only a touch of makeup. She looked as pretty and natural as when she was twenty-one. The girl he fell in love with.
The girl he was still in love with.
Every day since she’d walked out of his flat, Ian wondered if he’d done the right thing.
Knowing the responsibility on her shoulders right now, it was obvious he wasn’t the man for her.
Being cruel to her, hurtful, the day they broke up, made it easy for her to leave. And even now, Ian believed Sofie needed someone who could support her, love her, and fit into her very complicated life.
He wasn’t that man, but he’d protect Sofia until he drew his last breath. Nothing would happen to her as long as he was with her.