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  “I swear I wouldn’t do that,” he spoke softly after catching up to her. “But I brought you to Croatia and I would like to take you back to Salonica. We’ll fly there together in my uncle’s jet. It will give us the time we need to finish talking.”

  “There’s nothing more to say.” She kept her voice low.

  “If it’s because you don’t want to be married to a ruling prince, then I won’t accept the throne. You’re the most important person in my life. I’ll do whatever is necessary to have you for my wife and live a normal life with you.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  GIANNINA COULDN’T BELIEVE what she’d just heard. After a grateful nation wanted to crown him king, he’d give it up for her? Her heart was exploding in her chest.

  Here they were in a busy airport terminal and Philip had just walked up to her with a declaration that almost made her legs buckle. He was the crown prince of Hellenia. She knew in her soul that after all the agony he’d been through over the years, he wouldn’t say something like that to her if he didn’t mean it.

  One glance at the pain coming from those gorgeous black eyes revealed he’d been suffering after telling her the reason for his lie. Admittedly it had taken uncommon courage, as Nico had said.

  How could she insist that she never wanted to see him again and just fly away when yesterday she’d cried out her love for him? She at least needed to hear him out before everything ended. Once they landed in Salonica, he would drive her to her apartment. Giannina couldn’t think beyond that point.

  “I’ll come,” she murmured and started walking toward the entrance to the terminal. He reached it before she did and opened the doors for her. The black sedan stood waiting in a lane close by. She got in the back without his help. Alex gave Ivan instructions and slid in next to her.

  They reached the small airport and climbed on board the jet. Giannina strapped herself in and left a text for her brother that she was returning to Salonica. Without telling him what had happened, she said she would have news for him after she landed. He texted back that he’d meet her at the apartment later.

  When they’d achieved cruising speed, the steward brought them a meal with hot coffee, fortifying her. It tasted good. Her chaotic emotions had sapped her of strength, and she realized she needed sustenance.

  “We’ll be landing soon,” Alex spoke after devouring his food. “But I need to ask you a favor. Zikos just texted me that he’s convening an emergency session of parliament in Loria. He doesn’t want anything leaked out about me yet. The plan is for me to lie low for the next twelve hours before I return to Hellenia. I’m assuming nothing will go wrong until I can join them, but better to be safe.”

  She shook her head. “You shouldn’t have come after me at the airport.”

  “I’d do anything for you, Giannina. But my unmasking has caused complications. When I take you to your apartment, will you let me come in with you? Together we can enter your building through the back. People will assume I’m one of your boyfriends.”

  Her pulse raced off the charts. “Couldn’t you go to your own apartment?”

  “Someone on the staff there will question what I’m doing in the Dimas apartment. After years of planning for Hellenia to be a free country again, I can’t allow anything to go wrong at the last moment. Zikos is depending on me to be careful.”

  She wanted to refuse him. But he’d risked exposure to come after her. When she thought of the consequences to everything he and Zikos Novak had been planning for his triumphant return to Hellenia, she found she couldn’t deny him.

  “Just for tonight,” she warned him and felt his black gaze burn through her. “I hope you understand that nothing has been resolved between us.”

  “I’m aware of that. I also know I don’t deserve your help. Perhaps now you realize that there’s not another woman on earth to match you. I adore you, my love.”

  The fasten-seat-belts sign went on. They were descending. After the landing, she undid hers and got up to leave the jet. He carried her overnight bag and before long they reached the parking area, where he helped her into his rental car.

  Early evening had come to Salonica. Three years ago, she would have given anything to bring Philip home to her apartment. Stop it. Philip Dimas doesn’t exist. In his place is the prince of Hellenia, a man I don’t know.

  He drove to her apartment and pulled around the back to park along the access road. They both undid their seat belts. “I see a night watchman near the back entrance.”

  “He’s always there,” she murmured.

  In the next breath, he put his arm around her and pulled her close. “Let’s make this real, shall we?” he spoke against her lips before covering her mouth with his own.

  The action was so unexpected, it caught her off guard. She found herself responding to the hunger of his kiss. It grew longer and deeper until she forgot everything but her need of him. He took her back to those evenings in London where they’d gone on long walks and embraced, not able to get enough of each other. Right now, he caressed every inch of her face before his mouth plundered hers again.

  “It’s been too long, Giannina.” She couldn’t tell if the moans came from her or from both of them. They weren’t close enough. He molded her against him, kissing her neck and hair until she trembled with desire.

  Suddenly she realized where this was leading, where she wanted it to lead. White-hot heat suffused her face to think she’d lost control and he knew it. She pulled away from him, struggling for breath. “I would imagine we’ve convinced the night watchman.”

  A knowing smile appeared on Alex’s lips. “Plus the security guards Zikos has sent to guard me.”

  “They’ll be guarding you from now,” Giannina murmured. “You’re the prince.” His whole life had changed.

  He got out his side of the car and came around to help her. She reached for her key while he retrieved her bag and one of his from the trunk. Carrying both with one arm, he put his other arm around her shoulders and nibbled the side of her neck as they hurried past the man.

  Once she’d unlocked the door, they entered the building. Thankfully no one was around, and they took the elevator to her three-bedroom apartment. After she unlocked the door, he swept them inside. Putting down the bags, he cupped her face in his hands. A light shone from the recesses of those fiery black eyes. “Thanks to you, we’ve made it in safely.”

  He lowered his head and kissed her mouth again, as if planning to take up where they’d left off. Fighting for her sanity, she wheeled away from him and carried her bag to the bedroom. While she freshened up, she discovered herself more out of breath than ever.

  Once she’d gotten a grip on her emotions, she walked into the living room. Naturally she found him on the phone speaking Croatian while he drank a cola. She sat down on the couch where she’d left her purse and waited for him to hang up.

  Her friends would call him the hunk of hunks. When the news came out with his photo, every woman young or old would stop in their tracks and figure out a way to meet the tall, dark, dashing prince of Hellenia.

  Giannina had just been thoroughly kissed by him and still felt the upheaval inside her body. Too many unsatisfied longings cried out for the kind of satisfaction she knew only he could give, but he wouldn’t let that happen until she became his wife.

  A few minutes later she heard Nico’s familiar knock on the door. Alex darted her a questioning glance before he went in one of the bedrooms and shut the door.

  She hurried across the room to let him in. Her handsome brother rushed inside. “You’re home and safe.” He hugged her hard. “Echaristó parádeiso.”

  “Thank heaven is right.” Giannina kissed his cheek. “And someone else is here with me.”

  His brows lifted in surprise. “You’re talking about Philip?”

  She bit her lip. “Actually no.” Her heart pounded too hard.

 
; He stared at her from those intelligent dark eyes. “Then who?”

  “The prince of Hellenia is in the middle bedroom on the phone.”

  Nico gripped her arms. “The prince. He’s really here?”

  “Yes.”

  “I saw no security.”

  “He assured me it’s there. Why don’t I knock on the door and let him know it’s okay to come out.”

  “Wait—where’s Philip?”

  She took another breath. “That’s a long story. The prince will explain.”

  He frowned. “You’re being very mysterious.”

  “That’s my fault.”

  Another deep male voice reverberated in the living room. They both turned as Alex walked toward them, bigger than life. Every time she looked at him, she could hardly breathe.

  “You have to be Nico Angelis, Kyria Angelis’s brother. Your fame is legendary, and I’d recognize you anywhere.”

  She looked searchingly at Nico. “May I introduce you to Prince Alexandros of Hellenia, formerly known to the world as Philip Dimas.”

  Her brother was a quick study. As comprehension dawned, he stared hard at her before letting out a long whistle. Turning to the prince, he said, “This is an incredible moment for me, Your Highness.” The two men shook hands and took their measure of each other.

  “For me too.” Alex smiled. “I’ve waited fourteen years for this day. General Ruiz has been arrested and every Hellenian will taste freedom again.”

  Nico had been given a lot to process and his expression sobered. “It grieves me and Giannina that our uncle was one of the men responsible for the deaths of your parents. What we can say with joy is that the prince of Hellenia will finally serve as the country’s new king. It’s a great honor to meet you. If there’s anything we can do to help, you have only to ask.”

  Alex’s penetrating gaze focused on her. “Your sister has been kind and brave enough to let me hide here tonight. There are reasons I don’t want to be seen until my uncle has met with the parliament and they’re informed about me. It’s happening now, but we’ll have to see. If there’s a delay, I’ll make other plans to stay hidden.”

  Nico frowned. “That would present a definite problem. It would be better and safer to stay completely out of sight away from the city where your privacy is guaranteed. If you would permit, I’ll drive you and Giannina to my office building now.”

  Giannina wondered what in heaven’s name her brother was up to.

  “From there we’ll fly in my helicopter to my villa overlooking Sarti Beach, where you’ll have the best security available. You can stay there for as long as needed and have everything at your disposal until you’re ready to get back to Hellenia.”

  While her heart raced, Alex eyed her brother with genuine warmth. “That’s a very generous offer, one I accept on behalf of my nation with the deepest gratitude, Kyrie Angelis.”

  “Call me Nico.”

  “I will if you’ll call me Alex.”

  “Agreed.”

  No, no, no, Giannina cried inwardly. “I don’t need to leave Salonica, Nico.”

  “I’m afraid you do. News has leaked that our uncle is in custody for his crimes. There could be repercussions against our family since he worked at the newspaper all those years.”

  Her brows furrowed. “Of course.”

  “It would be better to avoid any unpleasantness until the prince’s return is made public.”

  “Your brother is right, Giannina.”

  Nico kissed her cheek. “Since the newspaper staff can’t explain your absence at this particular time and they’re starting to get phone calls about Ari, it’s best you stay away a little longer for both your sakes.”

  Giannina understood his reasoning, but she had other fears. After those soul-destroying kisses Alex had given her out in the car, she’d been shaken all over again by needs she couldn’t seem to control.

  He wanted to marry her and said he would give up the throne for her. But could he really do that? What kind of a queen would she make? What if he grew disappointed in her and in time his duties took precedence over her? Or worse, what if he gave up the crown and then regretted it bitterly. She wasn’t at all sure she could marry him under such circumstances. She had to make him understand.

  While she struggled with her fears, Nico reached in his pocket for his phone. “I’ll alert the security guard at my office and let the pilot know that we’re on our way.”

  Alex had already pulled out his cell. “I’m letting Zikos know what’s happened. He’ll keep my bodyguards informed. One of them will drive the rental car back to my apartment.”

  While history was taking place, Giannina walked to her bedroom for the overnight bag she hadn’t yet unpacked. Alex had accepted Nico’s genius plan to get them away from the city. She knew her brother was devastated over what their uncle Ari had done to the royal family and wanted to do anything he could for the prince.

  Earlier this evening she’d believed Alex would leave in the morning and get back to Hellenia. Once gone, she would never have to see him again except in the news. Nothing ever turned out as she thought.

  The setting of Nico’s villa represented a paradise she’d wanted to show him three years ago. She’d dreamed of being there and lying in his arms, but his deception had ended those fantasies. Her only hope rested in Nico. She would prevail on him to stay with them until he felt it was safe for her to fly back to Salonica.

  * * *

  After a short flight to Sithonia, the helicopter landed at the back of the Angelis villa in the middle of the night. Alex had traveled to the Halkidiki Peninsula on several occasions and loved the scenery. This isolated spot overlooking the sea couldn’t have provided a more perfect place for him to stay out of the public eye.

  He’d found a powerful ally in Gianinna’s protective brother, who’d insisted she come with them. Though the man had every right to feel hostile toward Alex over his lie of omission to Giannina, he’d encouraged her to go to Mount Athos with Alex to witness Hatzi’s downfall. Now he’d offered him his home for an indefinite period.

  Nothing could have made Alex happier. He needed time to try to win her over and Nico Angelis was the only person who could help make that happen.

  Giannina had sat in the back with him during the flight, but she hadn’t participated in the conversation with him and Nico. Once they touched ground, Nico helped her out while Alex reached for their bags. He followed them down the path to the stunning white villa located in the greenery. Starlight illuminated it.

  In the living room Nico introduced him to Thanos and Anna, the trusted older married couple who looked after the place. “Alex? These two will help you with whatever you want or need. Now I’m afraid I have to get back to home.”

  “You’re leaving?” Giannina cried. Alex heard the anxiety in her voice.

  “I promised Alexa I wouldn’t stay. Nico has been fussy.” He kissed her cheek. “Call me if there’s anything else I can do. Alex? If an emergency should arise and you have to get to Hellenia, the helicopter will be at your disposal.”

  “I’m indebted to you, Nico. In return it will be my privilege to give Giannina my story to be announced in your family’s newspaper. I can tell you with absolute authority she’s the only person in this world I would trust with the truth.”

  Nico nodded. “She will never publish a greater story or set of headlines in this century.”

  The two men smiled at each other before Alex saw her catch hold of her brother’s arm. “I’ll walk you out.”

  When they had disappeared, the older woman said, “If you’ll follow me, kyrie, I’ll show you to your room and fix you a meal.”

  “That’s very kind, but I ate earlier.” He picked up his suitcase and they walked down a hallway into a guest bedroom that would have a glorious view of the sea by morning.

  “The en suit
e bathroom has all the toiletries you will need. There’s a robe hanging on the door. I made coffee in case you and Giannina want it.”

  “Efcharisto, Anna.”

  “Parakalo, kyrie. Kalinikta.”

  As soon as she disappeared, he took a shower and shaved. This was heaven to be here alone with Giannina. But he still had to convince her of his love and gain her trust.

  He put on a fresh shirt and pants, then walked down the hall past the living room to the kitchen. Overhead he heard the whirr of rotor blades. With Nico leaving, she would be coming back any second. His pulse sped up in anticipation.

  Anna had prepared a tray with sugar and cream. He poured both of them a cup of coffee and took it into the dining room off the living room. While he waited, he reached for his phone and left a short message for Zikos.

  I’m now with Giannina at the Angelis compound on Sarti Beach. All is well for the moment.

  “Alex? I thought you would have gone to bed.” Gianinna’s eyes played over him, obviously noticing he’d had time to change.

  He put the phone back in the pocket of his shirt. “Anna fixed us coffee.”

  “That was kind of her.”

  “Did I upset you by telling your brother I’d like you to publish my story? I should have approached you about it first. Forgive me.”

  She shook her head, causing gold highlights to shimmer among that profusion of brunette hair. “You’re a famous journalist and the missing prince of Hellenia. If that’s your decision, it will be a real coup for the paper. Every outlet in Europe, let alone the civilized world, would give anything for the privilege.”

  “I always wanted you to be the one, but I’m aware I’ve broken your trust and might never get it back.”

  She clung to the back of one of the chairs. “Even so, our personal history is not important to a world waiting to hear your news. We’d better get started on it soon.”

  Giannina was a marvel. “Whenever it’s good for you.”