The Crown Read online

  “See, you’ll be making him happy, Jo.”

  She wiggled again and sat up. “Let’s do it.” Her tears gone, her eyes shining, a sort of reckless joy filling her face.

  And he almost collapsed in relief. He had her a bit longer. And he would do everything he could to keep her forever.

  10

  They arrived at the airport in the royal private jet. The staff had taken to calling her your majesty. Which felt odd. But Nico didn’t correct them. In fact, she thought she saw hints of satisfaction cross his face every time they addressed her. She pushed all thoughts of coming decisions aside and relaxed into a no-stress, only-fun week with the man she loved and her best friend.

  Sierra had never looked happier. She had met Julian when he had come to live with Nico at her marina in Shady Lakes. She had come to the palace with Jo originally, but had left after a couple weeks. All texts from her were full of questions about Julian. Had she seen him, what was he doing? Could she send a quick picture of what he was wearing that day?

  She and Julian sat across the aisle from her and Nico, hands clasped, deep in conversation.

  Nico whispered in her ear, his breath sending shivers down her center. “I can’t wait to get you out on the water.”

  She turned to him, the energy in his voice thrilling her. She stared into his eyes and then tilted her head as his lips met hers. He let his mouth linger, exploring, soft. It was the kind of kiss that made promises. She felt his love for her in his soft insistence. When he pulled away, a few inches only, his eyes full of emotion, she said, “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” He placed a second quick kiss on her mouth that left tingles and a yearning for more, but the staff had opened the outside door and the thrill of their coming week filled her with excitement to get moving.

  They left the plane and loaded into a waiting limo. She never saw their bags, but assumed they would arrive. With everything Nico had to do, she was grateful for the people in his life that took care of his comforts. If she let herself, she could get used to it really quickly.

  “I had the captain move the boat to a closer port so we could start there and then bring her home at the end of the week.”

  Sierra squealed. “I can’t wait. Everyone at home would be so jealous.”

  All three of the others turned to her.

  She held up her hands. “I haven’t told a soul. Work thinks I’m visiting my grandma in Kansas.”

  They sat back again in their seats. And Sierra laughed. But no one else did. As far as they knew, they had been able to keep their trip out of the press’s eyes.

  They pulled into a marina, and Jo fan-girl’d a moment over the boats. “These are incredible.” She eyed row after row of white, shiny yachts sitting in their slips.

  Nico chuckled. “I love that we share a love for something so simple as water parking for boats. Come on.” He offered his hand, which she readily took, and he walked briskly down the closest dock to the end. Then he held out his arms. “Meet Fairweather.”

  Jo ran around him to inspect it. Gorgeous large yacht, beautiful lines, mast with sail tied down, ready for her. Crisp, white, new.

  Itching to get out to sea, they explored the boat while the staff loaded their things into rooms.

  At last the captain started the engine and they backed out of their slip, and made their way slowly out of the marina and out into a canal to the open water.

  Jo and Nico sat on a white couch at the back of the boat, looking out to the side at the passing shoreline. Colorful houses lined the clear turquoise water. “How does the water get this color?” She sighed.

  “This is one of my favorite ways to relax.” His eyes were warm, the worried creases missing, his happy relaxed body leaned back with his legs out at her side.

  She grinned. “I like you like this.”

  “I like us like this. We will have to get away as often as we can.”

  A trickle of worry tried to ruin her peace. There was an unspoken rule between them. They hadn’t talked about next week or the week after. This trip was all about the now. Any other talk required uncomfortable conversations and sacrifices and decisions. And she couldn’t see any other option other than returning home. She owed it to her father.

  She stood. “Let’s go out to the front.”

  He followed her. As soon as they moved away from the protected rear of the boat, around to the side of the yacht, the wind picked up. But the warmth caressed her face and she closed her eyes to welcome the sun. They moved to the white seats that were bolted down to the front just as the yacht cleared the buoyed area of the residential homes and the no wake zone.

  The boat immediately picked up speed and they raced out to the middle of the Mediterranean. And she had to remind herself it was not a dream. They were really there. Nico at her side. A week to their front, with nothing to do but enjoy themselves.

  Her heart raced at the speed, laughing, she moved to the front railing, hands gripping the cool metal. She let the wind whip her hair out behind her and for a moment, she felt like the mermaid at the front of an ancient ship.

  Nico pointed out interesting land forms, countries out to their side.

  Julian approached with Sierra at his side. “We have some repast in the main cabin if you would like.”

  Nico turned to her with a question on his face. Jo shrugged and so they entered the main cabin. Luxurious in every way, it enveloped them in comfort. She removed her flip flops so her toes could dig into the thick soft carpet. The walls white, the carpet white, the furniture a deep grey or black, and the chandelier geometric in shape. The modern, clean lines drew her eye to the lovely marble table top and an assortment of cheeses and fruits and bread. Her stomach rumbled, and Nico laughed. “Let’s get some food.”

  Gathered round the table, she asked where the back door led.

  Nico raised his eyebrows a couple times. “The media room.”

  Jo and Sierra shared a glance.

  And Julian held up his hands. “Oh no. I don’t have five hours to devote to Darcy and Elizabeth. Choose any other.”

  Sierra play shoved him away. “I thought you loved it.”

  “I do. It’s just we can’t be starting such a thing without finishing it.”

  Jo popped a fig in her mouth. When her teeth broke its surface, sweet juice filled her mouth. “Oh mmmm.” She finished chewing. “I’ve never had anything so sweet.” She reached for another.

  “We always get local faire. Wait till we stop in Malta.” Nico’s eyes held excitement. And Jo loved how much he enjoyed showing her his favorite things.

  He scooted closer and rested a hand on her knee, running a finger along the skin there. “I’m happy you’re here.”

  “Me too.” She felt suddenly shy, embarrassed at her insistence to leave. Everything needed to be addressed. She didn’t know what she would do with him or without him. But she was seeing things with Nico with a little more hope.

  They tore out across the sea for the better part of the day. They were heading toward a famous port and the buoys where they could tie off. Jo drank in every second. After about two hours, the motor turned off, and Nico pointed up. Jo gasped as the sails unfurled and tore up to the sky, filling their view with a billowing white triangle. For a moment, the wind whipped the sail in loud sharp flapping noises, but then the boat angled to the right, just slightly and the sail filled out. The boat tilted to the side as they moved forward by the quiet force of the wind. And Jo felt at home. A peace filled her. She closed her eyes and could feel her own boat back home under her feet.

  Nico wrapped his arm across her shoulders. “We’re gonna have to get you your own boat.” He smiled, full of love into her face. “You belong out here on the water.”

  She nodded. “I feel so at home.” She searched his face. “And it’s better with you here. It’s like my father once told us. You ground me.”

  Hope lit his face. “I want to be that for you. I want to be everything for you, whatever you need.”
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  They went below after another hour out front, Jo wanting to freshen up a little bit and get settled into her room. They had left their phones at a docking charge station in the main living area, and as she walked by Nico’s phone dinged. A page full of texts from Monique appeared. She tried not to pry, but the third one down said, “Try not to think of the time we went on a similar trip.” embarrassed emoji.

  Betrayal tore at Jo’s happiness. She remembered that Nico had probably taken hundreds of similar trips with any number of women in his life. Suddenly theirs didn’t feel as special. Flashes of Angelique, a past girlfriend who had hired paparazzi to follow her and Nico around on their trip on the yacht flashed through her mind. And all the other images of his reckless heartthrob days with multiple women at every event. She didn’t want it to happen, but trickles of doubt entered where there had been growing peace and assurance.

  After a good, long, hot shower in a remarkably large bathroom, she felt stronger, able to face the idea once again that this trip was for one week. Monique, the crown, the press, all of it would not be her problem if she just left. But she loved Nico. And the expectation of their separation twisted her insides with a sharp pain. She tried to set it aside and enjoy her vacation, knowing it could be her last with him.

  They played hearts for too many hours. But it was amazing to just enjoy Nico. She doubted his other women, or Monique, spent time playing cards. She blocked out what they likely did do. And she determined to enjoy herself. Because a trip like this would never happen for her again.

  The sky glowed from outside their porthole and Nico jumped up. “We can’t miss this.” He raced up the stairs and Jo followed, laughing. They made it to the deck and sat on the very top lookout spot, watching the sun hug the horizon for twenty more minutes before it sunk below. Just at the very moment when it lowered, a green light flashed in the sky around it. “Did you see that?” Nico turned to her.

  She nodded. “I have only seen it one other time.”

  “It’s a good omen to see it with the woman you love.” He reached for her hand.

  “How many times have you seen it?” She couldn’t help it. She wondered if he’d seen it with Monique.

  “None that I can think of right now. If there were any, they didn’t matter.” He turned her face to him. “You’ve never seemed bothered with my past before. I always assumed you know they all meant nothing to me.”

  She nodded. She knew that. But she couldn’t help wonder, and dreaded the moment when he might say the same thing about her one day. Hurt filled her, and he noticed immediately.

  “What? Jo, talk to me.”

  She shook her head, squeezing her eyes.

  “Is it my past? Does it bother you?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t want to talk about sad things. Let’s continue enjoying our time while we have it.”

  As soon as she said it, she regretted bringing up her eventual return to Shady Lake. His eyes clouded and he stood up and walked to the rail. “I keep thinking I can convince you to stay.”

  She joined him. “Let’s not talk about it. Not now.”

  They stood together in silence, a great ache filling her. How could she ever leave him? But how could she stay? When she thought about what they did to her father, when she remembered all that is required of the future queen, insecurity filled her. She might be able to figure out world policies, and to support Nico in tough decision making. But she didn’t think she could stand by stoically while the country attacked her and those she loved. She would cave to their every whim in an effort to keep good will or she would collapse in a puddle every time. The very first real jab at her and she was off to America. She just didn’t think she had what it takes. And it proved to her that the crown did not come first, not when the other priorities were her father’s happiness or her privacy.

  Nico pulled her to his side and kissed the top of her head. “No matter what, Jo. I will always love you. You will always be the queen who was meant to be at my side.” He sighed. “And if I can’t convince you to stay with me. I don’t know what I’ll do.” She leaned into his chest, unsure how to respond. They watched the first stars light the sky.

  As the night grew late, the sail was pulled down and the motor again rumbled below. City lights came into view.

  “There are buoys where we can dock and then tomorrow...” He squeezed her hands, a new energy making him smile. “Tomorrow we get out on this water. There’s a bay for waterskiing. We have all the toys. A wave runner tour guide will come take us to see dolphins, whales and a group of rays. And we can go into town. The nightlife here is incredible, including...” He paused, leaning in. “My favorite club.”

  She squealed. “Is it as good as the Tiki Rumble?” the nightclub at her marina.

  “Almost.” He winked. “You and I are going to dance until we fall down.” He laughed. “You ready to party?”

  A reckless happiness filled her. The original purpose of their trip, to enjoy one last week together, resurfaced. “You know I am!”

  They slowed to the buoys, where boats were already tied up all around them, and the captain tied them down. Jo and Nico were about to go below when a voice carried across the water.

  “Is that the Fairweather?”

  Nico stiffened and then groaned beside her. “It can’t be.”

  And then Monique’s voice filled Jo with ice. “Nico? Did you really just pull up right beside us?” Her laugh grated and it was Jo’s turn to groan.

  Nico turned to her with urgent panic in his eyes. “I don’t want to share this with them.” His face was earnest, and she knew he hadn’t planned it.

  “Who is it? I mean, besides Monique?”

  “At least Henry Baldeez. Remember, the guy you danced with?” He watched her face while he said it, and she felt a tiny piece of comfort that he cared enough to be concerned.

  “Of course this isn’t a coincidence.” Jo crossed her arms. “What if they brought the press?” She couldn’t handle it if their special time was ruined by being endlessly hashed out in all the papers. “I don’t want to share you either.”

  “Then we’ll leave tomorrow.” His fire of determination warmed her.

  And her heart softened. “But what about your club? Our dance? Maybe we won’t have to see them much.” She hated the thought of Monique around, but if they didn’t have to spend all their time with that group, perhaps they could still stick to the plan.

  Even as she thought it might work, a part of her knew their smooth sailing together was about to hit rocky waters.

  11

  True to their desires, the four set out early in the morning before anyone in the Baldeez yacht was likely awake, let alone ready to head for shore. They would meet up with the wave runners and begin their eco tour.

  Jo experienced, yet again, how nice it was to travel with Nico. The wave runners were waiting and ready when they arrived, a cooler full of lunch and drinks inside. Each couple shared a craft instead of using all four offered. And their guide sped off ahead of them.

  Jo twisted the handle to increase their speed and Nico wrapped his arms around her waist. His legs squeezed against her, and she felt encased in his embrace. “I’m going to love this tour.” He called into her ear and then sucked her earlobe into his mouth. “You are right where I love you to be.” His following kisses down the side of her neck caused immediate hair raising and a longing inside. She wanted to stop the craft, turn around to face him and press her mouth to his, but instead she just sped up their wave runner.

  “Woohooo!!” Nico shouted to the air around them, rising up to his feet and waving one hand around in the air. “My fiancé is a maniac!”

  She laughed, and then a wicked idea teased at her. She whipped the vehicle around, digging into the water in a sharp circle, spinning out the back end.

  Nico almost lost his seat, but he held onto Jo and sat down, squeezing her to him. “Oh no, you don’t.” He scooted as close to her as he could and she had a difficult time even seeing
where they were going, being so aware of every part of her that touched him.

  Sierra shouted into the sky. Julian drove their vehicle. She waved over to Jo with such a look of happiness while Jo ached with her own sadness tinged moments of fun.

  Their guide pulled to a stop. They gathered closer and he told them to stay by him at slow speeds and they would likely see schools of dolphins in this area.

  Nico took over driving so she could be on the lookout. He was so considerate of her all the time, and she appreciated, yet again, how she would never find anyone his equal.

  They stopped and cut their engines because a school of dolphins was leaping out of the water approaching them from the front. She leaned over to see around Nico’s big frame and stood up. “This is incredible.” The grey fins approached until Jo could see the spray of the water as they crested out and arced back in the blue depth. And then she was surrounded. The dolphins swam right in between the vehicles and on all sides, arcing and jumping and spraying water all around them. A bump to their craft made Jo look down. “Oh look.” She whispered and grabbed Nico’s arm.

  He held her. “Would you look at that.”

  A baby bumped their boat again with her nose. She wiggled it at them as if to say, “Join us.” Then turned and dove back into the water after the group.

  Jo sat in wonder for a moment. When she turned to Nico, his eyes were watching her, drinking her in with a beautiful intensity. It was intoxicating to be the center of someone’s attention in such a way. He said. “That was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. Dolphins are special creatures.”

  She was about to respond when their wave runners dipped and rose to a huge upheaval in the water. Something huge had just swam beneath them. She looked down to discover what it could be, and then a whale rose up and broke the surface in front of them.

  “Wha—” She almost screamed. That thing was huge. And majestic. She felt small and insignificant next to such a glorious creature.