Page 52 of Falling for the King

***

Xavier heard the frantic thump of his heart. He hated saying that to her, to himself, but he needed to remind them both where his responsibilities lay. She deserved his honesty, she deserved everything. Not least for being brave enough to reveal the horrifying truth of her wedding night, marriage, while he burned with disgust at his brother’s behaviour, his own.

Belatedly he realised it wasn’t only the thump of this heart, but someone knocking on the door.

He bit back a curse as duty pressed down on him. He wanted to be a man first, king second but he knew it always had to be the other way around. If not, he’d be his father and he’d never allow that to happen.

‘I’m sorry, I asked for no interruptions so it must be important.’

Kat brushed a hand across her neck and down her arm. He followed the movement over the light blue fitted jumper and jeans which moulded a body that felt like it had been imprinted against his. He remembered every curve, the texture of her skin and feared he always would. He wished he had the right to take her back to his room and shred every one of her fears about her desirability. Instead, he walked to the door and opened it to Frederick who looked tired and concerned, all the things Xavier knew would be mirrored on his own face.

‘Sorry for the intrusion, we’ve just received the information you’ve been waiting on.’

‘Yes.’ He didn’t invite Frederick in wanting to give Kat some privacy.

‘The snow plough has started, the road’s not great but passable. We’re awaiting your decision on whether to recommence the tour.’

He felt Kat move beside him not needing to turn to see her, his awareness on high alert. He needed to make a decision; something that came naturally to him. He’d weigh up the facts, risk, impacts and choose the best path. This one, he knew, would affect Kat the most because of last night and those damn photos. He turned to her.

‘We can get to the train via the back road.’

‘Is it going to put anyone in danger doing that?’ she asked.

His admiration for her swelled, she remained calm and pragmatic despite everything that was going on.

‘It’s not the best road but I’ve driven it in conditions like this before.’

‘You’re driving?’

‘Yes.’

‘Let’s do it,’ she said simply understanding exactly what he was asking. She was okay with moving to the train, continuing the tour with him.

‘Frederick, let me know as soon as the road is cleared and we’ll head for the train. There are to be no announcements, nothing said about the photos, and I want a meeting set to rearrange schedules once everyone arrives at the train.’

***

Hours later Xavier steered the four-wheel drive down the winding private road that led to the town where the train waited. He fixed his attention on the treacherous road made passable after the snow plough had gone through this morning. The road demanded all his attention although his awareness of Kat seated next to him remained. She’d started the drive tapping on her iPad, preparing for the afternoon, now she sat turned away from him staring out her side window. Whenever possible he’d steal a glance at her finding it impossible not to do so. He switched gears and checked his rear vision mirror. In the back seat Frederick scribbled notes, no doubt amending the itinerary yet again and Thomas, his chief of security, did the same.

Xavier had insisted on driving himself. He knew the road and as much as he trusted the other drivers this was something he needed to do. To get Kat, all of them, back to the train safely. He also had to keep himself occupied and working through his mandatory pile of documents wouldn’t hold his attention. Not with Kat next to him and the constant thoughts that refused to let him have any peace.

Once again, he analysed his conversation with Kat this morning and last night, that the overwhelming attraction was mutual made his gut twist. This need for her that surpassed anything he’d ever thought possible, even when he knew he was obliged to marry someone else. The list of eligible wives stood untouched, unlooked at since the morning after he’d met with Serena and kissed Kat for the first time. With startling clarity, he realised it would remain that way. He didn’t want to marry any of them. A thought had taken root and refused to leave no matter how much he tried to sway himself otherwise. He wanted to marry Kat. Something between a groan and a growl erupted from him.

He felt three sets of eyes on him.

‘Do you want me to drive, Xavier?’ Thomas asked from the back seat.

‘No,’ he said shortly. ‘Thank you.’

‘Are you feeling all right?’ Kat asked him quietly.

‘All good thanks.’ He flicked her a quick glance not allowing his eyes to linger.

He wanted to marry Kat.

He gripped the wheel tighter.

Since when? He didn’t know, yet all through his sleepless night he’d been tormented by why something that felt so right could be so wrong. Why he had a connection to her that transcended anything he’d known, thought possible, that went far beyond physical.