Page 14 of Royal Salvation

“We’ll find them, Lucía, you have my word.”

“I know, but that boy will still be dead because of me.”

Reaper stood, not wanting to hear her blame herself and crossed to her, taking her shoulders in his hands, and gently turning her so she was looking at him. “This isn’t your fault. Those men did this for their own evil reasons. You can’t blame yourself for the actions of others. It will eat you up and spit you out.”

“But this was my fault. It happened because of me.”

“No.”

“Yes!”

“No, God dammit. Don’t do this, please.”

“Why not?”

“Because I know what it does to you.”

“How?”

Reaper never bared his soul, but this felt like the only way to make her understand. “Because when I was in the military, the men under my command did something horrific and for a long time, I blamed their actions on myself and in some ways I always will. But I don’t want that for you.”

“I’m sorry that happened but it’s not the same. They didn’t do it because of you.”

“Neither did these men. You’re the excuse, the pawn. They did this for their own sick agenda.”

“I want to believe you.”

“Then believe me. This isn’t your fault any more than it was the kid’s fault for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. What ifs will eat you up inside.”

“I know. My logical brain knows everything you’re saying is true, but my heart is just going to take time to catch up.”

“Well then, it’s a good thing I’m around to keep you honest.”

“I’m not sure you’re going to keep me honest, but you certainly helped today, so thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now get yourself to bed. We have a long day tomorrow.”

Lucía saluted him. “Sir, yes, sir.”

He watched her saunter away towards her bedroom. It took everything in him not to follow her and spend the entire night making sure the only thing she thought about was pleasure. But that wasn’t his role, and it never would be. She was a Princess, and he was just her lowly bodyguard.

Chapter 6

As the plane got closer and closer to her homeland, she could feel the tension growing in her shoulders. Looking out at the beautiful deep azure of the Mediterranean Sea, she was filled with a sense of love for the land and the people she served. Lucía loved her country, was passionate about it and the people, but it was the politics and rules which chaffed against her skin.

The second the plane landed she was bombarded by people wanting things from her. Justice led her from the private plane toward the waiting car, his hand resting on her back, his body alert to any danger, his head on a constant swivel looking for an attack. He didn’t allow a chance for her fear to overtake her. She knew without a single doubt that he’d protect her with his life, and that hadn’t always been the case with the men guarding her.

All of them wanted to be on Maria’s duty. The second in line was a mere inconvenience to so many. As Justice opened the car door she smothered a groan at the sight of the King’s private secretary, Felix Morales, sitting in the back waiting for her.

Justice tensed and pushed his body in front of her. “Who the fuck are you?”

Felix bristled, his perfectly plucked eyebrows almost jumping off his face in surprised indignance, the pout of annoyance as he looked down his nose at Justice made her angry on his behalf. “I’m the King’s private secretary, and you’ll address me with respect.”

Justice held the door open and hooked his thumb behind him, making it clear what he was saying. “Out.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You heard me. Out of the car now before I toss you out myself.”