Royal Secrets (The Hidden Kingdom Romances Book 1), page 12
“I’m on my way.”
“Thank you.” She hung up the phone then realized maybe she should’ve stayed on the line with him, like calling 911 when there was an intruder. Wasn’t that what she was supposed to do? She was too frazzled to know. Clinging to the phone, her heels clicked across the cobblestone streets. The guard stayed right behind her with his gun still out. Both of them checked every shadow and movement. The streets were quiet, but a cat darted out and the guard pointed at it, almost shooting it.
Julia let out a shaky laugh. The guard managed half a laugh as well and a little of the tension fizzled. She heard a door open and close down the street and the tension ramped up again. Was Samson close? She could swear someone darted across the street behind them. When she looked, no one was there.
They kept moving steadily toward the castle. This adorable, friendly town no longer seemed adorable and friendly. She prayed desperately.
Please let Alaric come quick. Please let Samson not be following us.
Did Samson think she would just slink back to America and not call Bodi and Alaric for help? Probably not. He probably expected she would run to them. What if it was an ambush and as soon as Alaric came, Samson and his men would kill them all? Fear clogged her throat.
Footsteps pounded down the street from the drawbridge. She peered through the dim light coming from the streetlights and saw Bodi racing in front of Alaric, several soldiers behind them. A sob rose in her throat at the sight of Bodi’s strong form, still dressed in his suit. When he saw her, a look of relief washed over his face.
“Julia,” he breathed out, and then he was to her. He wrapped her up tight in his strong arms. “You’re all right?”
She nodded against his chest, tears leaking out. Bodi was here. She was safe. “I’m okay,” she managed.
Alaric was issuing commands. “Spread out and search for Samson and his men. I’ll send reinforcements to help you.”
His men saluted and took off.
“Bodi.” Alaric’s voice was kind but commanding. “Let’s get her back to the castle. Kingston will want to know what happened.”
Bodi turned and they started walking quickly to the castle. His arm stayed tightly around her. Alaric took up the rear, searching everywhere and obviously planning to protect them both. Thank you, Lord for good, brave men, she prayed.
Julia wanted to sob. She wanted to tell Bodi everything and she wanted to get off this infernal island. Could they really bring tourists here with Samson threatening to kill people over it? What kind of insanity was that? Killing people over tourism.
They finally reached the drawbridge and she felt like everything was happening at the end of a tunnel. The clack of her heels as they hurried over the bridge and through the courtyard. More soldiers approaching. Them pausing so Alaric could issue more commands.
It was like she was watching a movie, not her own life. She was invested in it but not part of it.
“Did you see other men or just Samson?” Alaric paused in his commanding to ask her.
She focused and came back from her disjointed state. “Just Samson.”
“Thank you.” He went back to speaking with his men and then they ran off. It all felt surreal. Julia couldn’t help but worry. What if there was a mole in the castle, in the royal family? Was she safe going to the castle or should she just beg Bodi to call his friend Treck to fly her away from this madness?
Yet … Bodi.
She glanced up at him and he stared down at her. His dark eyes were fierce, protective, and filled with a caring for her she’d never seen from any man. Her dad and brother adored her, but they’d never been called upon to protect her. This look from Bodi was deep and she wouldn’t ever forget how he made her feel—safe and … loved. That was crazy. She’d only been here a week. He couldn’t love her.
He ushered her through the castle doors. They walked through the wide hallways and up the stairs. Finally, they were in Bodi’s suite. Julia had come in here once, earlier in the week when Bodi needed to pick something up. It was a beautiful suite. He had a sitting area and small kitchen with a bedroom and large bath beyond that.
Bodi turned to her, wrapping both hands around hers. “You’re okay?”
She shrugged, shivering. “Okay is a relative term.”
“You’re cold.” Taking off his suit jacket, he wrapped it around her shoulders. The warmth of the jacket seeped into her. There was no reason to be cold. It wasn’t cold outside or in, but just the memory of Samson being there, of his terrifying words and threats, the gun against her neck, and then him appearing again to take out the guard. She shivered again.
Alaric was pacing over by the kitchen, talking on his phone very adamantly. Bodi escorted her to the couch and they sat side by side. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she leaned against his solid chest.
“I’m so sorry,” he murmured. “Samson was there when I left you?”
“Sitting on the couch.” She shivered again.
“Did he threaten you?”
She couldn’t get the words out. She nodded.
“I’ll kill him.”
Julia felt her body start to shake. While she loved Bodi’s protectiveness, she didn’t want him anywhere near that awful Samson. The evil man had taken out that guard so easily. Thank heavens he hadn’t killed him.
How had she gotten to this moment? She was just a marketing expert. She was supposed to be on a semi-vacation to an exotic hidden island. No wonder they kept it hidden. These people were a mess. Except for Bodi, and Alaric, and Adelaide, and sweet little Belle, and … okay, they weren’t all a mess. Just that Samson jerk. Did his dissenter people back him up? Julia didn’t want to be prejudiced against people on this island like some were to her, but it was hard not to get defensive when they hated her simply because she had red hair, was an outsider, and was trying to help them bring tourism to their island.
“I don’t want you near him,” she managed to get out.
Bodi cuddled her even closer. “Don’t worry about me. Worry about Samson.”
“He’s terrifying.”
“He won’t get near you again,” Bodi promised.
Alaric pocketed his phone and started toward them. There was a rap on the door and then Kingston burst through it. He slammed it behind them and stormed up to Alaric. “What’s going on?” he demanded. “Are you starting a war with the dissenters? You know we can’t do that.”
Why couldn’t they do that?
Alaric arched an eyebrow. “I know what our fathers have commanded, but I’m sick of not knowing why.”
Julia was very confused. This family seemed to have a lot of secrets.
“I’m tempted to start a war,” Alaric said, his jaw tight. “Samson broke into Julia’s house. I have everyone searching the city and close by for him and his men. I haven’t ordered anyone into the mountains … yet. If they won’t turn over Samson to us, I’ll take them all to task.” He turned to her. “Julia? Can you tell us what happened?”
“I didn’t know.” Kingston’s face softened as he looked at her. “Are you all right, Miss Adams?”
“Yes,” she managed.
“He didn’t hurt you?”
She shook her head. “Just terrified me.”
“And threatened her,” Bodi added.
Kingston tilted his head to Alaric and they both sat in the chairs facing Bodi and Julia. “Please tell us exactly what happened,” Kingston requested.
Julia took a deep breath, appreciating Bodi’s silent support and arm around her. She recounted Samson’s words and warnings. Kingston’s brow grew more furrowed, Alaric’s mouth tighter, and Bodi’s arm pulled her ever closer as she talked. When she finished with Samson knocking out the guard and telling her that many more would be hurt if she didn’t go home, there was silence for a few beats. She felt drained and terrified from recounting the story.
Alaric and Kingston exchanged another look. Had the two of them been trained in telepathy? Alaric nodded. “I’ll find the mole.”
“I know you will,” Kingston said.
“First light, we’ll track down Samson and bring him back here. Thank you for coming, General.” Alaric’s words were full of respect, and though Julia had sensed how close these cousins were, it was obvious who had the power.
Kingston stood. His entire body looked coiled like he was ready to thrash somebody. Julia was glad it wasn’t her that was in trouble. “Miss Adams. My deepest apologies that this happened while you were visiting our island. Rest assured, Samson Cohen will be arrested and reprimanded for his actions tonight and whoever has shared inside information with him will also be punished. I hope you feel safe for the remainder of your stay.”
“Thank you,” Julia managed. She had the eerie feeling she wasn’t in Kansas anymore. Samson had terrified and threatened her, but she almost felt sorry for him. She wouldn’t want to be reprimanded by the likes of Kingston. Was the mole in the palace, in the royal family? Could Samson and his buddies have bugged the palace or paid a maid to listen in and that’s how they knew why Julia was here? That was a much better option than it being one of Bodi’s family members. They were the only people who were supposed to know about tomorrow’s announcement.
“Bodi.” Kingston nodded to his cousin and turned to go, but then he paused. “I’m assuming this changes nothing about your announcement tomorrow.”
Bodi’s jaw clenched, and she could feel his muscles tighten against her. “Absolutely not. I will inform the king, but you know how he will feel about bowing to the dissenters’ threats after how patient he has always been with them.”
“Yes, I do. We might have a fight on our hands if the dissenters decide to back Samson’s bigoted actions.” Kingston smiled for the first time, as if a fight was the best news he’d had in a while. He inclined his head to Bodi, murmured, “Thank you, Commander,” to Alaric and then turned and strode from the room, shutting the door more gently than when he’d come in.
“The military will be on high alert,” Alaric said. “And you will be protected, Miss Adams.”
“Please call me Julia,” she managed. “And thank you.”
“Julia.” He gave her a brief smile and looked to his brother. “I’m assuming she’s staying with you.”
“Yes. She isn’t leaving my side.” Bodi’s tone was final, heart-warming, and thrilling.
“Do I have a say in that?” Julia asked, turning to him. “I don’t believe we are that friendly.”
Bodi gave her half a smile, obviously still upset. “I will take the couch and you can sleep in the bedroom.”
She stared at him, loving how protective he was, and how honorable.
“I’ll have Zara get your clothing and personal items.”
“All right,” she conceded. “But I feel bad kicking you out of your bed.”
“Don’t. I have to know you’re safe.”
The moment stretched between them as they stared into each other’s eyes. How could she ever leave this man? Yet how could she stay on this island where she had to be protected from crazy rebels simply because she was an outsider trying to help them?
Alaric cleared his throat and stood. “I think that’s my cue to go. I’ll have several of my men escort Zara to your cottage, Julia. Bodi, I’ll let you know as soon as we have Samson in custody.”
“I wish I could go with you,” Bodi muttered. “That’s the second time he’s threatened my girl without me planting a fist in his face.”
His girl? Julia didn’t mind being called that, but she had no clue how a relationship would ever work between her and this perfect, unattainable prince.
“I understand, bro, but you’re needed here.” Alaric gave Julia a significant look and then gestured at them, still clasped in each other’s arms and not making any move to get off the couch. “No, don’t get up. I’ll see myself out.”
Julia laughed in surprise. Alaric always seemed so serious.
He grinned and winked at her, disappearing out the door.
As soon as he was gone, a funky tension rose in the room. There was a lot of junk between them. A lot of strong feelings, but also a lot of questions and unknowns. She wanted to lean in and kiss him, forget about Samson, Grace, the pressure of the announcement tomorrow and the fear that the rest of Magna would react like Samson had to her and her ideas.
“Excuse me while I call Zara,” Bodi said.
“Oh, of course.”
Bodi released her, stood, and pulled out his phone. He briefly conversed with Zara, telling her to remove everything of Julia’s from the cottage and bring it to his suite. As he talked he paced, removed his tie, and undid his top button. He seemed agitated and kept glancing at Julia as if to reassure himself she was all right.
As soon as he hung up, he walked back to her. He knelt in front of her and her eyes widened as he gently unstrapped her high heels and slid them off. His fingers brushed the bare skin of her ankles and made her tingle. Standing, he sat by her, wrapped his arm around her, and murmured, “Do you want to put your feet up?”
She did. She was so tired and didn’t want to deal with any of it any longer. She curled her legs under her, grateful her formal dress was a soft, silky material that moved easily. Bodi reclined into the couch, pulled a lever that lifted his legs, and reclined them both farther.
With his coat on and his arms around her, she felt warm, safe, and protected. She closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest.
“I’ve got you,” he murmured against her forehead. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”
Blinking up at him, she said, “I guess we are that friendly.”
He gave her a slow, smoldering smile.
Julia wanted to kiss him. She studied his nicely-formed lips. It probably wasn’t the smartest idea. After tonight, she was more certain than ever that she couldn’t stay on this island, but she had no idea how to resist him any longer.
“Julia.” His voice was deep and gravelly. “I want to be … that friendly with you. I want it badly, but …”
“Grace,” she supplied.
He nodded.
Sighing, she gave up on kissing him. Once again. For the tenth—or was it the twentieth time? She hated it. She cuddled into the strength of his chest and his lips grazed her forehead. “Soon,” he murmured. “Very, very soon.”
Julia didn’t know if she believed him. Maybe Dr. Grace was a figment of all these people’s imagination and his excuse to not get too friendly with the redheaded outsider. She rolled her eyes at her petty thoughts and then shut her eyes and let herself relax against him. He felt good. He smelled good. He was good.
If only he could be hers.
Chapter Fourteen
Bodi held Julia in his arms and listened as her breathing settled. He felt her body soften against his as she drifted off to sleep. Half an hour later, Zara brought her things. He forced himself to extract himself from holding her and get the door. He took her things into his room and bathroom and then came back to stare at her cuddled on his couch, wearing that perfect pale blue dress with his dark gray suitcoat. She looked so irresistible. She looked like she should be his.
He passed a hand over his face. Should he pick her up and move her to his bed or simply put a pillow under her head and a blanket over her gorgeous, irresistible body? If he lifted her into his arms, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to resist kissing those beautiful lips, especially the way they looked right now, all soft and pouty as she slept. She was the most incredible woman he’d ever known, and she probably wanted to run from this island where she kept being threatened and treated awfully, simply because she was an outsider.
He was done with Samson and bigoted people. Tomorrow things would change. He still believed most of the people were ready for advancement, for change, or at least knew they had no choice if they wanted medicine and essential items imported. Jerks like Samson would have to accept outsiders, progress, and tourism and the benefits and drawbacks. He grabbed a clean blanket and pillow from the linen closet down the hall, returned to his suite, and gently put the pillow under her head and the blanket softly over her.
She smiled and cuddled into the blanket, murmuring, “Bodi.”
His heart raced. Who would know if he bent down and kissed her? He wasn’t truly engaged to Grace; it was more a long-standing plan that had nothing to do with love or his own desires. He’d never fought or questioned it before because he’d never felt for a woman like he did for Julia. He respected and loved Grace as a good friend and impressive, smart woman so he’d assumed that would be enough to make a happy marriage. He had no idea he could feel so much more for a woman.
As soon as he saw Grace, he would break it off. Julia was irresistible and for all he knew she might leave tomorrow after the announcement. He wouldn’t be surprised. It terrified him to think of her leaving. His place was here, with his people. Yet how could he let Julia go?
He edged closer. Julia had been close to kissing him several times over the past few days and he’d been the one to stop it. She wouldn’t complain if he woke her with a kiss. He leaned down. Just a little more and the lips he’d been craving would be under his.
A tug of conscience stopped him. He’d been trained from birth that being a Magnum meant loyalty, honor, and commitment. He couldn’t kiss Julia until he’d talked to Grace.
He pushed out a heavy breath, strode to the wall, turned off the lights, and hurried into his room. He brushed his teeth and slid out of his clothes, saying a brief prayer of gratitude that Julia had been protected tonight while in Samson’s power and that all would go well tomorrow with the announcement and Alaric going after Samson. He also prayed selfishly that Grace would be there tomorrow so he could talk to her and be free to pursue Julia, and that Julia would stay in Magna and give him a chance.
He climbed into bed exhausted and fell asleep quickly despite his worries. His alarm buzzed at five-thirty. Normally he’d go on a run and then lift weights. The past week he’d gone on longer than usual runs every day with Julia, only fitting in a few lifting sessions. Today everything felt out of sorts and he was tempted to fall back to sleep.
