Chapter Fifteen
FOTIS’ STRIDE SLOWED as he negotiated the throng. He’d known this renowned European book fair attracted crowds, but the vast complex teemed.
Impatience rode him, adding to the potent mix of anticipation and fear churning inside.
In the ten days since Rosa had left, his life had turned on its head. He’d let deadlines slide or alternatively micromanaged projects to the extent that he’d almost lost one of his best staff, unable to work with his suddenly interfering ways.
Fotis couldn’t get the balance right. He’d thrown himself into work because for years that had been his prime focus. Since Rosa’s departure it filled the empty hours. That and long workouts.
But nothing worked. He was strung out, jittery and operating on too little sleep.
He couldn’t banish the memory of Rosa’s dazed eyes when he rejected her. Or her gallant courage when she confronted him, forcing him to hear things he didn’t want to hear, even as he read the hurt she tried to conceal. He’d never felt so emotionally stripped bare.
She loved you and you pushed her away.
He’d told himself it was the right thing. He couldn’t give her what she craved. He couldn’t be the man she wanted. He hadn’t dared hope she was right and he could reach out and grasp the sort of happiness she promised.
Was he a coward?
He’d rejected her words the instant she said them. Because he always faced the truth about himself. He knew he had feet of clay. He’d failed his brother. In the past he’d picked himself up and kept going, even when it felt like he’d lost everything.
But as time went on her words had gouged deeper, eating through his certainties, leaving him in darkness.
Until yesterday when he’d heard she was appearing at the book fair. Not in her royal capacity but as the author of the Princess Lily books. The surprise announcement of her identity had taken the world by storm.
He’d been stunned when he’d looked them up the night she’d left. They were a worldwide phenomenon, translated across the globe.
A unique talent…wonderful world-building…engaging and utterly authentic…a humorous but honest voice for today’s young readers.
He’d burned with pride at the praise. Her stories blended a lush fairy-tale world with a relevance to today’s society that hooked children and adults. Her fans had gone wild when her identity was announced.
Fotis was sorry he hadn’t been with her to tell her how proud he was, of her work and of claiming her place as the author of the much-loved books.
But she wouldn’t want to hear from him. What right had he to offer praise after what he’d done?
Yet circumstances had altered when he’d learned she was appearing here.
He’d contacted Leon, ostensibly to discuss progress in their lobbying, but Leon had seen through that ruse.
He’d complained his sister had accepted the barest minimum security arrangements for her appearances.
He’d also tried to quiz Fotis about their time together.
Fotis shouldered his way through the throng, quickening his step. He’d brought in top security staff to blend in with the crowd but wouldn’t be happy until he saw she was safe. Ricardo might be locked up but there were some dangerous people out there.
He slammed to a stop as he rounded a corner and saw her at a desk, dwarfed by the queue of people waiting have books signed. Others clustered, taking photos. Behind her two images filled the wall, a book cover and a photo of her, light dancing in her eyes.
Air backed up in his lungs as the noise faded. It was like the first time he’d seen her. That moment of absolute shock because he recognised this woman at a cellular level, knew her in the way of a man recognising his mate, though he hadn’t realised it then.
The longing was just as fierce now, worse, because he knew he’d destroyed his chance with her.
Forcing himself to breathe, he moved in.
Rosa’s hair was loose around her shoulders, its glow drawing him like a beacon. He hated that her face was pale against her cornflower-blue jacket, though her smile was bright as she chatted to a pair of teenagers.
She’d always been good at putting on a public face. Was she doing it now? Or had the thrill of connecting with her readers pushed aside the pain he’d inflicted?
Maybe she’s already moved on.
Maybe she realised it wasn’t love. Perhaps she’s relieved to have left. She’s embracing a new life that doesn’t include you.
You’re in her past, Mavridis. She won’t thank you for pushing into her life now.
He noticed the woman standing between Rosa and the queue. His breathing eased. He’d employed the woman, hoping Rosa would be more comfortable with her than a man whose presence screamed bodyguard. Scanning the area, he saw other guards, incognito. At least she had some protection.
The teenagers moved on. Rosa flexed her fingers as if they were stiff and suddenly her gaze met his.
Everything in him stopped. Her eyes widened, the corners of her mouth lifting. Her smile speared him. He felt blood flow from the wound as his breathing and pulse kicked in again.
Then her half-formed smile died. She looked away, mouth firming. The woman beside her said something and Rosa turned to the next person in line.
Fotis was gutted. She’d wanted to see him. Until she remembered what he’d done.
Still, he wasn’t going anywhere. Not until he’d spoken with her. That was non-negotiable.
For the next couple of hours he watched, feeling the too-heavy thud of his bruised heart against his ribs. In all that time she didn’t look his way.
That tells you all you need to know.
Yet he stood his ground, until finally staff erected a sign stating that the signing had ended for the day, setting up a cordon.
Fotis moved in, nodding to the security staff. Rosa was talking to a woman he recognised as her agent. They were at the rear of the space, backs to him, yet Rosa sensed him approach. Her shoulders rose, spine stiffening. She turned.
‘I’m afraid the signing’s over,’ the other woman said. ‘You can come back tomorrow.’
‘Rosa?’ Still she said nothing. This close, he read her fatigue. Despite the smile she’d worn for the crowd, her eyes were dull. Exhaustion from the signing or something else?
Beads of sweat prickled his nape as he moved nearer and the agent stepped in front of him.
‘It’s okay, Carlotta. I know him. I’ll join you soon.’
You don’t even deserve an introduction. Do you really think she’ll listen?
Fotis ignored the voice, shoving his hands deep in his trouser pockets. Because it took everything he had not to reach for Rosa, wrap his arms around her and pull her in tight.
Rosamund had plumbed the depths of despair since leaving Greece, telling herself things would get better as she moved on with her life. Now she learnt she’d been wrong. The anguish of seeing him again, realising separation hadn’t diminished her feelings, almost tore her apart.
His severe features had never been more starkly compelling. It had taken all her control not to look at him for the past couple of hours, though she knew he hadn’t taken his eyes off her. She’d felt his gaze through every greeting, every new reader, every conversation.
She swallowed but stood her ground, hating the way she devoured the sight of him. The way her pulse quickened as familiar excitement stroked her. She was famished for the sight and sound of him. For his touch, his warm, spicy scent.
‘We need to speak. Let’s go somewhere private.’
She shook her head. They were in clear view of anyone walking by and that suited her. Being alone with him could only bring more heartache.
‘There’s nothing more to say, Fotis.’
Despite the passers-by, they were out of earshot, if they kept their voices low. Carlotta hovered several metres away, talking to one of the staff, darting concerned glances. Bless the woman for wanting to protect her, but she could handle this.
‘I need to talk with you alone. It’s important.’ His voice was a velvet rumble that threatened her resolve.
‘This is as alone as we get. If that doesn’t suit, there’s somewhere else I need to be.’ She reached for her bag.
‘Congratulations on your success, Rosa. I’m happy you stepped out of the shadows and claimed your place. That took a lot of courage.’
‘Thank you.’ Later she’d appreciate those words. For now, it was agony being close to him. She had to escape. She turned away.
‘There’s something else, Rosa.’
To her deep despair, the way he said her name still undid her. Tense muscles loosened and her insides unravelled.
‘No! There’s nothing. You think I don’t know the so-called publishing assistant over there is a bodyguard?
Or that you arranged for others? I know you have strong protective instincts but I’m not your responsibility.
’ She saw his lips part, knew he’d argue, and couldn’t bear it.
‘I don’t want a minder,’ she snapped, whipping up anger as a defence.
‘I want a man. One who’s strong enough to believe in himself and in me. Now, it’s time I left.’
She’d taken a step away when a single word stopped her. ‘Please.’
She froze, hearing something in that one syllable she’d never heard from Fotis. Desperation. Longing. Something more, so powerful she drew the sound deep inside, holding it, afraid of what would happen if she let it go.
‘You’re absolutely right.’ His voice was hoarse, as if his throat had constricted like hers.
She was sure hers was lined with sandpaper.
‘You deserve so much more than I offered. I’m ashamed, Rosa.
I was a coward, all the time telling myself I was doing the right thing, pushing you away to protect you from even worse hurt, but all the while I was protecting myself. ’
Slowly she turned back. Beyond him everything was a blur. All she saw was him, hands open by his sides, wearing an expression of such pain that answering grief stoppered her throat.
How could a man with such innate strength look suddenly so gaunt? Haunted? His cheeks hollowed, those bright eyes dimming as if he were a shadow of the person she knew. It killed her to see him that way.
‘I came to say you were right. About me. I’ve been scared since I was a boy, scared of caring too much and losing what I cared for.
Terrified of connecting, much less loving.
’ His chest rose on a deep breath and she saw a pulse race at his temple.
‘It was easier to cut myself off. But I did yearn for more. For community. Friends. Love.’
His words reverberated between them, dying away into thickening silence.
She’d been hurt too many times. It had taken all her strength to walk away last time and now…
Rosamund shook her head, torn between excitement and fear. Her flesh was cold but scorching heat radiated inside. She blinked as fire burned the back of her eyes.
Instantly Fotis was there, so close she had to angle her head up to hold his gaze. And suddenly there was fire in his eyes too, blazing down at her, holding her in thrall. He might be haunted by past pain, but he was strong, a survivor, willing to learn from his mistakes.
‘I was terrified, Rosa, because with you I wanted everything. I wanted us to continue as we were but I wanted so much more, things I’d never considered. I want you body and soul. I want to laugh with you, share with you, build a future with you.’
His words stole the air from her lungs, because she could see, feel, that he meant every syllable. The air crackled between them, her fingertips tingled as hope ghosted along her spine and settled near her heart. When he spoke like that…
But this time caution, the product of past hurts, stopped her. ‘I…’ She shook her head.
‘It’s all right, asteri mou. I know I’m another man who let you down when you deserved better. I know you need time to think. I won’t crowd you.’
He raised his hands and stepped back. Part of Rosamund went with him.
‘I love you, Rosa.’
Again her heart seemed to stop, before taking up a rackety, excited beat. Had she heard him right?
‘I didn’t know it at the time, but I suspect I loved you from the moment you went toe-to-toe with me that day in Paris, when you put me in my place then strutted off the plane. But what I feel for you is deeper than attraction. It’s something I’ll carry all my life, whether you forgive me or not.’
He smiled then, a rare, crooked smile that hooked her heart.
Who was she kidding? Her heart had been hooked from the first.
‘You need space,’ he said. ‘I respect that. I’ll go now and—’
‘You’re not going anywhere.’
One winged eyebrow rose. ‘I’m not?’
‘If you loved me, would you really go back to Greece now?’
‘Who said anything about Greece? I’m trying to be reasonable, not pressure you. I’ve booked a suite in your hotel. I’m going to invite you to breakfast tomorrow when you’ve had time to think. I’m going to work on convincing you to forgive me, then I’m going to woo you properly.’
So, far from accepting defeat and retreating, he had a plan to coax her out from behind her defences. Or wear her down. Or perhaps seduce her into changing her mind. Anticipation rippled across her skin and eddied in her womb.
That was the man she’d fallen for. Powerful, clever, single-minded.
It was just as well she loved him the way he was.
Despite the gravity of the moment, her mouth twitched. ‘Wooing? That sounds very old-fashioned.’
His eyes narrowed as if he read her changing emotions. ‘My intentions are of the old-fashioned variety. I want to marry you, Rosa.’
Shock compounded on shock, but somehow each one was easier to take. She was learning to like the surprises Fotis offered today. Love. Wooing. A future together.
From the corner of her eye she saw heads turn in their direction. They’d forgotten to keep their voices down. She didn’t care, and nor did Fotis, given his expression.
Nevertheless, she stepped closer, close enough to slip her hands beneath his jacket and plant them on his solid chest. The steady throb of his heart eased the last ache in her chest.
‘Yes, please. I still love you, Fotis. I always will.’
His arms went around her, pulling her in as he groaned deep in his throat and kissed the top of her head then peppered kisses over her face. ‘I don’t deserve you, Rosa. I was petrified you’d changed your mind.’
‘Never,’ she whispered as she lifted her mouth to his. ‘I want to spend my life with you. I’ve been so miserable—’
‘Sh, asteri mou. I was a blind idiot but I’m going to make it up to you. We’re going to be so happy.’
She slid her hands up to clasp the back of his neck, luxuriating in how good they felt together. In the impossible excitement of knowing this was only the beginning. ‘I know.’
Then the globe’s most reclusive billionaire and the world’s most talked-about princess kissed passionately, ignoring the gathering crowd and raised phones.
They were in love and didn’t care who knew it.