“Last night? What about it?”
“Yeah,” he rubbed his hands over his thighs. Shit. Why was he nervous? “Like you said, we need to establish a friendly working relationship. I think we have to set some ground rules so situations like the one that happened in your room, don’t happen again.”
“Was that a situation? I thought it was a kiss? And it was lovely.”
“It was more than one, and if I hadn’t put on the brakes, it could have developed into more.”
“And if anything developed between us that would be a problem.” She snapped.
Yeah, she was pissed. But he couldn’t let that stop him. “That’s right and I’m sure you understand why. We know from past experience that your position and my position don’t mix.”
She looked away. Turned her face toward the bay and locked her eyes on some point in the distance to keep her focus.
“The other thing is, and this is the most important consideration, I can’t be distracted. My focus has to be on your safety.”
“Of course.” She nodded once, never taking her eyes off that focal point off shore. “I wouldn’t want to distract you.”
“I want you safe—“
“I understand. And that being the case we should probably forego our outing.” She stood and nailed him with her fiery green eyes. “It wouldn’t be a very safe thing to do, and quite frankly, having a traditional body guard would only attract attention.”
“That’s probably true.”
“So, since going out would require us to appear to be in a relationship, that was the plan, correct?” Ian nodded even though he knew he was being out maneuvered. “I guess we’ll be staying here, then. Or at least I will.”
Now he felt like an ass. “We can still go into town. You’re not a prisoner. We just have to be aware of certain protocols.”
“Protocols? I see.” Taking two steps toward the house, Sofie stopped and then faced him.
Her face had turned to stone. He couldn’t read her if he wanted to, and that wasn’t something Ian thought would affect him, but it did. “Very well. Please be ready to detail all procedures for me, Special Agent Stuart. I require a full briefing and itinerary before we leave the house, and what would be the most appropriate behavior on my part, given the circumstances.”
Special Agent Stuart. The Princess had reentered the building. “Yes, ma’am. We’ll head out about noon, so I’ll give you your briefing at eleven-thirty.”
“Very good.”
She vanished into the house without another word and only a quick nod to Uncle John who returned to the patio with a steaming cup of coffee and took his seat at the table. “Hmm,” he said. “She looks angry.”
“That would be accurate.”
“What did you do?”
Ian was getting tired of playing this game with his uncle. “Nothing. All you have to know is that I will be following protocols with the princess to the letter. Her safety is my only concern.”
“I didn’t say it wasn’t. I wouldn’t expect anything else.” Hands folded on his belly, Uncle John stretched his legs like he didn’t have a care in the world. “You’ll keep her safe. But be careful. She’s a hell raiser, that one.”
“Don’t I know it?”
Sofie sat at the small table in her room, looking out at the bay. The view was stunning and she couldn’t imagine ever tiring of seeing the blue water and the town of Greenport in the distance. She was furious at herself for being so forward with Ian last night. She should have realized that he’d pull back, that his honorable nature, his sense of duty, would outweigh his desire for her.
He felt something for her—that was obvious the night before when she kissed him. He responded passionately, pulling her close, letting their mouths engage in a sensual dance. But as quickly as the heat flared between them, Ian doused the flame. In his arms, Sofie felt alive, safe and normal--like a woman. In his arms she wasn’t a princess, or a target, or a pawn in someone’s sick game. She was just a woman, being held by the man she loved.
When she saw Ian again, it didn’t take Sofie long to realized that the graduate student she’d fallen for was still there. At his core he was still the brilliant, compassionate, loving man who had stolen her heart, but he’d gotten better. Stronger, more confident, and even a little more handsome. Ian possessed a kindness and respect for others that was unyielding. Couple that with his intelligence, and she didn’t have a chance. Now she was trapped with him in the house, wanting him, but not being able to have him.