An Heir For The Prince

“For me, too. I’ve been waiting ages to get you in my arms like this. If it’s in plain sight of our guests, so be it. You feel good to me, Dottie. So damn good you’re in danger of being carried off. Only my princely duty keeps me from doing what I feel like doing.”

Ah … Before Zoe’s revelations in the bedroom tonight, Dottie might have allowed herself to be carried away. The clamorings of her body had come to painful life and only he could assuage them.

“I understand. That’s why I’m going to say good-night after this dance. There are other female guests in the ballroom no doubt waiting for their turn around the floor with you. You’re a terrific dancer, by the way.”

“There’s only one woman I want to be with tonight and she’s right here within kissing distance. You could have no idea the willpower it’s taking not to taste that tempting mouth of yours.” He spoke with an intensity that made her legs go weak. “While we were out at the pool, I would have pulled you in if Zoe hadn’t been with us.”

“It’s a good thing you didn’t. Otherwise your daughter will be more confused than ever when she sees you ask Princess Genevieve to dance.”

His body stiffened. She’d hit a nerve, but he had no clue it had pierced her to the depths. “I know you well enough to realize you had a deliberate reason for bringing up her name. Why did you do it?”

Dottie’s heart died a little because the music had stopped, bringing those thrilling moments in his arms to an end. She lifted her head and looked at him for the first time since they’d entered the ballroom. “When you put Zoe to bed tonight, she’ll tell you. Thank you for an enchanting evening, Your Highness. I won’t forget. See you in the morning.”

She eased out of his arms and walked out of the ballroom. But the second she reached the staircase, she raced up the steps and ran the rest of the way to her room.

“Dot,” Zoe called to her the next morning as she and her father came into the classroom. “Look at this?” She held up a CD.

“What’s on it?”

“It’s a surprise. Put it in your laptop,” said Alex.

After giving him a curious glance, Dottie walked around to the end of the table and put it in. After a moment they could all see last night’s events at the party on the screen, complete with the music. There she was enclosed in Alex’s arms. Princess Genevieve would not have been happy.

Whoever had taken the video had caught everything, including what went on after Dottie had left the ballroom. Her throat swelled with emotion as she watched Alex dance with his daughter. If he’d asked Princess Genevieve to dance, that portion hadn’t been put on the CD.

She smiled at Zoe. “You’re so lucky to have a video of your first party. Did you love it?”

“Yes!” There weren’t any shadows in the little girl’s eyes. Whatever conversation had taken place between father and daughter at bedtime, she looked happy. “Uncle Stasi told me I could stand on his feet while he danced with me. He made me laugh.”

“The crown prince is a real character.” Her gaze swerved to Alex. “He made me laugh, as well. I’ve decided you and your brother must have given certain people some nervous moments when you were younger.”

Alex’s grin turned her heart right over. “Our parents particularly. My brother was upset you left the party before he could dance with you.”

“Maybe that was for the best. My high heels might have hurt the tops of his feet.”

At that remark both he and Zoe laughed. Dottie was enjoying this too much and suggested they get started on the morning lesson.

They worked in harmony until Alex said it was time for lunch by the pool. After they’d finished eating, Zoe ran into the cabana to get into her swimsuit. Dottie took advantage of the time they were alone to talk to him.

“I’m glad we’re by ourselves for a minute. I want to discuss Zoe’s preschool situation and wondered how you’d feel if I went with her to class in the morning. You know, just to prop up her confidence. We’ll come back here for lunch and enjoy our afternoon session with her out here. What do you think?”

He sipped his coffee. “That’s an excellent suggestion. Otherwise she’ll keep putting off wanting to go back.”

“Exactly.”

Alex released a sigh. “Since our talk about her friends, I’ve worried about her being away from the other children this long.”

Dottie was glad they were on her same wavelength. “Is there any particular child she’s close to at school?”

Their gazes held. “Not that she has mentioned. As you know, school hasn’t been her best experience.”

“Then tell me this. Who goes to the school?”

“Besides those who live in Hellenica, there are a few children of some younger diplomats who attend at the various elementary grade levels.”

“From where?”

“The U.K., France, Italy, Bosnia, Germany, the States.”

The States? “That’s interesting.” Dottie started to get excited, but she kept her ideas to herself and finished her coffee.

Alex didn’t say anything more, yet she felt a strange new tension growing between them. Her awareness of him was so powerful, she couldn’t sit there any longer. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go change into my bathing suit.”

“Not yet,” he countered. “There’s something I need to tell you before Zoe comes out.”

Her pulse picked up speed. “If it’s about her running to my room last eve—”

“It is,” he cut in on her. “After what Zoe told me while I was putting her to bed, I realize this matter needs to be cleared up.”

“Your marriage to Princess Genevieve is none of my business. As long as—”

“Dottie,” he interrupted her again, this time with an underlying trace of impatience. “There will be no marriage. Believe me when I tell you there was never any question of my marrying her. I impressed that on Zoe before she went to sleep.”

Dottie had to fight to prevent Alex from seeing her great relief and joy.

“Since Teresa’s death, it has been my grandmother’s ambition to join the House of Helvetia to our own. Zoe had the great misfortune of overhearing her tell Sofia about her plans. In her innocence, Zoe has expressed her love for you and has told Yiayia she wants you to be her new mommy.”

“I was afraid of that,” she whispered.

“Last night I spoke to my grandmother. She admitted that she arranged last night’s party for me, not Stasi. She hoped that by inviting Princess Genevieve, it would put an end to Zoe’s foolishness.”

“Oh, dear.”

“The queen has taken great pains to remind me once again what a wonderful mother Teresa was and that it is time I took another wife. Naturally she’s grateful you’ve identified Zoe’s problem, but now she wants you to go back to New York. I learned she’s already found another speech therapist to replace you.”

Dottie’s head reared. “Who?”

“I have no idea, but it’s not important. My grandmother is running true to form,” he said before Dottie could comment further. “She tried to use all her logic with me by reminding me Zoe will have to be taken care of by a nanny until maturity; therefore it won’t be good to allow her to get any more attached to you.”

“In that regard, she’s right.”

Anger rose inside him. “Nevertheless, the queen stepped way out of bounds last night. I told her that I had no plans to marry again. She would have to find another way to strengthen the ties with Helvetia because Zoe’s welfare was my only concern and you were staying put.”

His dark eyes pierced hers. “I’m sure my words have shocked you, but it’s necessary you know the truth so there won’t be any more misunderstandings.”

“Daddy?” They both turned to see Zoe trying to drag out her five-foot inflated whale from the cabana, but it was stuck. “I need help!”

Before he moved in her direction he said, “My grandmother may still be the ruler of Hellenica, but I rule over my own life and Zoe’s. My daughter knows she doesn’t have to worry about Princess Genevieve ever again, no matter what her yiayia might say.”

With that declaration, he took a few steps, then paused. “Just so you know, after I’ve put Zoe to bed tonight, I’m taking you to the old part of the city, so don’t plan on an early night.”

Alex stayed with Zoe and read stories to her until she fell asleep. Since she realized he wasn’t going to marry Princess Genevieve, his daughter actually seemed at peace for a change. With a nod to Sofia in the next room to keep an eye on her, he left for his own suite.

He showered and shaved before dressing in a sport shirt and trousers. On his way out of the room, he called for an unmarked car with smoked glass to be brought around to his private entrance. With Stasio in the palace, Alex didn’t need to worry about anything else tonight. He called security and asked them to escort Dottie to the entrance.

After she climbed in the back with him, he explained that they were driving to the city’s ancient amphitheater to see the famous sound and light show. “We’re going to visit the site of many archaeological ruins. As we walk around, you’ll see evidence of the Cycladic civilization and the Byzantium empire.”

Alex had seen the show many times before with visiting dignitaries, but tonight he was with Dottie and he’d never felt so alive. The balmy air caused him to forget everything but the exciting woman who sat next to him.

Throughout the program he could tell by her questions and remarks that she loved it. After it was over he lounged against a temple column while she explored. The tourists had started leaving, yet all he could see was her beautiful silhouette against the night sky. She’d put her hair back so her distinctive profile was revealed. She was dressed in another skirt and blouse, and he was reminded of the first time he’d seen her in his office.

“Dottie?” he called softly in the fragrant night air as he moved behind her. She let out a slight gasp and swung around.

He caught her to him swiftly and kissed her mouth to stop any other sound from escaping. Her lips were warm and tempting, but he didn’t deepen the kiss. “Forgive me for doing that,” he whispered against them, “but I didn’t want you to say Your Highness and draw attention. Come and get in the car. It’s late.”

He helped her into the backseat with him and shut the door. “I’m not going to apologize for what I did,” he murmured against her hot cheek. “If you want to slap me, you have my permission. But if I’m going to be punished for it, I’ll take my chances now and give you a proper reason.”

Alex’s compelling mouth closed over Dottie’s with a hunger that set her knees knocking. She’d sensed this moment was inevitable. Since her arrival in Hellenica, they’d been together early in the morning, late at night and most of the hours in between. He possessed a lethal sensuality for which she had no immunity.

Knowing he had no plans to marry Princess Genevieve, Dottie settled deeper into his arms and found herself giving him kiss for kiss. It was time she faced an ironic truth about herself. She wasn’t any different than the rest of the female population who found the prince so attractive, they’d give anything to be in her position.

Royal scandal might abound, but she’d just discovered there was a reason for it. Forbidden fruit with this gorgeous male made these moments of physical intimacy exquisite. When a man was as incredibly potent and exciting as Alex, you could blot out everything else, even the fact that the driver ferrying them back to the palace was aware of every sound of ecstasy pouring out of her.

She finally put her hands against his chest and tore her mouth from his so she could ease back enough to look at him. Still trying to catch her breath, she asked, “Do you know what we are, Your Highness?” Her voice sounded less than steady to her own ears. She hated her inability to control that part of her.

“Suppose you tell me,” he said in a husky voice.

“We’re both a cliché. The prince and the hired help, nipping out for a little pleasure. I’ve just confirmed everything I’ve ever read in books and have seen on the news about palace intrigue.”

“Who are you more angry at?” he murmured, kissing the tips of her fingers. “Me, for having taken unfair advantage? Or you, for having the right of refusal at any time which you didn’t exercise? I’m asking myself if I’m fighting your righteous indignation that served you too late, or the ghost of your dead husband.”

She squirmed because he’d hit the mark dead center. “Both,” she answered honestly.

“Tell me about your husband. Was it love at first sight with him?”

“I don’t know. It just seemed right from the beginning.”

“Give me a few details. I really want to know what it would be like to have that kind of freedom.”

Dottie stirred restlessly, sensing he meant what he said. “We met in Albany, New York, where I was raised. I went to the local pharmacy to pick up a prescription for my aunt. Neil had just been hired as a new pharmacist. It was late and there weren’t any other customers.

“He told me it would take a while to get it ready, so we began talking. The next day he phoned and asked me out with the excuse that he’d just moved there from New York City and didn’t know anyone. He was fun and kind and very smart.

“On our first date we went to a movie. After it was over, he told me he was going to marry me and there was nothing I could do about it. Four months later we got married and before we knew it, Cory was on the way. I was incredibly happy.”

Alex’s arm tightened around her. “I envy you for having those kinds of memories.”

“Surely you have some wonderful ones, too.”

A troubled sigh escaped his lips. “To quote you on several occasions, even if I am a prince, the one thing I’ve never had power over was my own personal happiness. Duty to my country came first. My marriage to Teresa was planned years before we got together, so any relationships I had before the wedding couldn’t be taken seriously.

“She was beautiful in her own way, very accomplished. Sweet. But it was never an affair of the heart or anything close to it. On his deathbed, my father commanded me to marry her. I couldn’t tell him I wouldn’t.”

Dottie shuddered. “Did you love him?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t comprehend being in your shoes, but I admire you for being so devoted to your father and your country. Did Teresa love you?”

He took a steadying breath. “Before she died, she told me she’d fallen in love with me. I told her the same thing, not wanting to hurt her. She told me I was a liar, but she said she loved me for it.”

“Oh, Alex … How hard for both of you.”

“I wanted to fall in love with her, but we both know you can’t force something that’s not there. Zoe was my one gift from the gods who brood over Mount Pelos.”

Her gaze lifted to his. “Not to be in love and have to marry—that’s anathema to me. No wonder you seek relief in the shadows with someone handy like me. I get it, Alex. I really do. And you didn’t take unfair advantage of me. It’s been so long since I’ve been around an attractive man, my hormones are out of kilter right now.”

“Is that what this tension is between us? Hormones?” he said with a twinge of bitterness she felt pierce her where it hurt most.

“I don’t have a better word for it.” She buried her face in her hands. “I loved Neil more than you can imagine. Thank heaven neither of us had a royal bone in our bodies to prevent us from knowing joy.”

He stroked the back of her neck in a way that sent fingers of delight down her spine. “How did you manage after they were killed?”

“My aunt. She reminded me not everyone had been as lucky as I’d been. Her boyfriend got killed when he was deployed overseas in the military, so she never married. In her inimitable way she told me to stop pitying myself and get on with something useful.

“Her advice prompted me to go to graduate school in New York City and become a speech therapist. After graduation I was hired on by the Stillman Institute. Little did I know that all the time I’d been helping Cory with his speech that last year, I was preparing for a lifetime career.”

“Is your aunt still alive?”

“No. She died fourteen months ago.”

“I’m sorry. I wish she were still living so I could thank her for her inspired advice. My Zoe is thriving because of you.” He pulled her closer. “What about your parents?”

“They died in a car crash when I was just a little girl.”

“It saddens me you’ve had to deal with so much grief.”

“It comes to us all. In my aunt’s case, it was good she passed away. With her chronic pneumonia, she could never recover and every illness made her worse.”

“My mother was like that. She had been so ill that Stasi and I were thankful once she took her last breath.”

“What about your father?”

“He developed an aggressive cancer of the thyroid. After he was gone, my grandmother took over to make sure we were raised according to her exacting Valleder standards. She was the power behind my grandfather’s throne.”

“She’s done a wonderful job. I’ll tell her that when I leave Hellenica.” Dottie took a deep breath and sat back in the seat. “And now, despite her disapproval that I haven’t left yet, here I am making out in an unmarked car with Prince Alexius Constantinides. How could you have given Zoe such an impossible last name? Nine consonants. Nine! And two of them are T‘s,” she half sobbed as the dam broke and she felt tears on her cheeks.

Alex reached over and smoothed the moisture from her face. He put his lips where his hand had been. “I’m glad there are nine. I won’t let you go until she can pronounce our last name perfectly. That’s going to take a long time.”

“You’ll have gone through at least half a dozen speech therapists by then.”

“Possibly, but you’ll be there in the background until she no longer needs your services.”

“We’ve been over this ground before.”

“We haven’t even started,” he declared as if announcing an edict. “Shall we get out of the car? We’ve been back at the palace for the past ten minutes. My driver probably wants to go to bed, which is where we should be.”

She didn’t think he meant that the way it came out, but with Alex you couldn’t be absolutely sure when his teasing side would suddenly show up. All she knew was that her face was suffused with heat. She flung the car door open and ran into the palace, leaving him in the proverbial royal dust.

The death of her husband had put an end to all fairy tales, and that was the only place a prince could stay. She refused to be in the background of his life. It was time to close the storybook for good.

CHAPTER SIX

AT ELEVEN-FORTY-FIVE the next morning, Alex did something unprecedented and drove to the preschool to pick up Zoe and Dottie himself. He’d decided he’d better wear something more formal for this public visit and chose his dove-grey suit with a white shirt and grey vest. He toned it with a darker grey tie that bore the royal crest of the monarchy in silver, wanting to look his best for the woman who’d already turned his world inside out.

The directress of the school accompanied him to the classroom, where he spotted his daughter sitting in front and Dottie seated in the back. As the woman announced the arrival of Prince Alexius Constantinides, Dottie’s blue eyes widened in shock. Her gaze clung to his for a moment.

He heard a collective sound of awe from the children, something he was used to in his capacity as prince. Children were always a delight. He was enjoying this immensely, but it was clear Dottie was stunned that he’d decided to come and get them. He knew in his gut her eyes wouldn’t have ignited like that if she hadn’t been happy to see him.

The teacher, Mrs. Pappas, urged the roomful of twelve children to stand and bow. Zoe stood up, but she turned and smiled at Dottie before saying good morning to His Royal Highness along with the others. Alex got a kick out of the whole thing as the children kept looking at Zoe, knowing he was her daddy.

He’d never seen his daughter this happy in his life, and he should have done this before now. It lit up her whole being. Dottie was transforming his life in whole new ways. Because of her influence, Alex wanted to give his struggling preschooler a needed boost this morning. But she wasn’t so struggling now that she had Dottie in her court.

He shook hands with everyone, then they returned to the palace. After changing into his swimming trunks, he joined them at the pool for lunch. With Zoe running around, he could finally talk to Dottie in private.

“How did my daughter do in class?”

“She participated without hanging back.”

“That’s because you’ve given her the confidence.”

“You know it’s been a team effort. While I’ve got you alone for a minute, let me tell you something else that happened this morning.”

Alex could tell she was excited. “Go ahead.”

“I arranged to talk with the directress about Zoe and was given permission to visit the other preschool class. One of the boys enrolled is an American from Pennsylvania named Mark Varney. He’s supposed to be in first grade, but his parents put him back in preschool because he has no knowledge of Greek and needs to start with the basics. The situation has made him unhappy and he’s turning into a loner.”

“And you’ve decided that two negatives could make a positive?”

“Maybe.” She half laughed. “It’s scary how well you read my mind. Here’s the thing—if you sanctioned it and Mark’s parents allowed him to come back to the palace after school next time, he and Zoe could have some one-on-one time here in the pool, or down on the beach. I’d help them with their lessons, but the rest of the time they could have fun together. A play date is what she needs.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

“Oh, good! The directress says he’s feeling inadequate. If his parents understood the circumstances and explained to him about Zoe’s speech problem, he might be willing to help her and they could become friends in the process. That would help his confidence level, too.”

Alex heard the appeal in Dottie’s voice. “I’ll ask Hector to handle it and we’ll see how the first play date goes.”

Light filled her blue eyes, dazzling him. “Thank you for being willing.”

“That’s rather ironic for you to be thanking me. I’m the one who should be down on my knees to you for thinking of it. She’s a different child already because of you.”

“You keep saying that, but you don’t give yourself enough credit, Alex. When she saw you walk into the schoolroom earlier today, her heart was in her eyes. I wish I’d had a camera on me so I could have taken a picture. Every father should have a daughter who loves him that much. The extra time you’ve spent with her lately is paying huge dividends. I know it’s taking time away from your duties, but if you can keep it up, you’ll never regret it.”

He rubbed his lower lip with the pad of his thumb, staring at her through shuttered eyes. “That’s why I sent for Stasi to come home. With you showing me the way, I’m well aware Zoe needs me and am doing everything in my power to free myself up.”

“I know.” She suddenly broke away from his gaze to look at Zoe. “She’s waiting for us. Today we’ll work on the letter C. Her preschool teacher brought her own cat to class. The children learned how to take care of one. Zoe got to pet it and couldn’t have been more thrilled.”

Dottie had inexplicably changed the subject and was talking faster than usual, a sign that something was going on inside her, making her uncomfortable. When she got up from the chair, he followed her over to the edge of the pool and listened as she engaged his daughter in a conversation that was really a teaching moment. She had a remarkable, unique way of communicating. Zoe ate it up. Why wouldn’t she? There was no one else like Dottie.

Dottie was more than a speech therapist for his daughter. She was her advocate. Her selfless efforts to help Zoe lead a normal life couldn’t be repaid with gifts or perks or money she’d already refused to accept. The woman wanted his daughter to succeed for the purest of reasons. She wanted it for a stranger’s child, too. That made Dottie Richards a person of interest to him in ways that went deep beneath the surface.