Page 40 of Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire

A light went off in Michele’s brain.That makes sense. I love my parents completely, as I do my siblings. I love Alex more than anyone, except Erin, who l love with my whole heart, but I love Alex with my whole heart, too. But differently…with a different heart!“Thank you, Reina. Thank you so much. I do love Alex completely, but I also love Erin completely. Your explanation helps me immensely.”

She smiled. “Good. Now, what would you like your wedding to look like? Do you want lots of flowers? Bows? Candles?” She took a sip of her tea.

Thinking about the wedding made her stomach jump and turn. She thought she’d burst with happiness. “I’d like as small a ceremony as possible, but I know with Alex being King of Batrovia, that’s not likely. But can we keep it to only the people we absolutely have to invite, besides family? Except Nicolai, of course.”

Reina’s entire face tightened. Her eyes narrowed, and her mouth formed a snarl. “I will not have him anywhere near my children.”

“Nor I mine.” Michele fisted her hands. “He’s a dangerous man, lack of evidence notwithstanding. We both know he’s responsible for your husband’s murder. Alex believes it implicitly, and I trust Alex.”

The queen’s expression eased, and her shoulders slumped. Tears formed in her eyes.

Michele sat next to the queen, who was now just a wife who’d lost her husband. “Is it okay if I touch you? I know there is some sort of protocol about touching royals.”

“I don’t hold with that old-fashioned idea. I would be grateful for a hug from you.”

She put an arm around Reina’s shoulders and squeezed. “It’s all right. You don’t have to put on a mask for me. You are allowed to grieve.”

Reina turned toward Michele and wrapped her arms around her. “I miss him. He was more than just my husband and my mate. He was also my best friend.”

“I know. I understand.”

The bereaved woman cried a little longer and then sat straight again. “I mustn’t be crying when the dressmaker comes, which should be at any moment. Madame Lucille is always on time.”

A knock sounded at the door.

“I’ll get it. You sit here for a moment longer.” Michele stood and crossed to the door, expecting to see the dressmaker. “Oh! Alex. I didn’t know you were coming here.”

He strode inside, his brows slashes above his cold emerald eyes. “Why would you let Erin go riding without you?”

Michele’s heart pounded and her stomach roiled. “What are you talking about? Where is my daughter?”

Suddenly, his expression softened, and his eyes widened. “You did not give permission for Sergei to take Erin riding this afternoon?”

“No. Never. She will go with me or not at all. Sergei knows this. He—I left Erin with him to come here. He’s the head of your security. He’s supposed to be the best.” Michele tore past him and sprinted down the hall toward her rooms. She had to see for herself that Erin was gone.

Alex was on her heels. “Michele! Wait!”

She didn’t slow. She threw open the door. “Erin! Erin!”

“Michele.” Alex grabbed her by both arms. “My darling, she’s not here. Nor is Sergei. He left a note that he was taking Erin riding.”

She gasped. “Sergei kidnapped her.”

“I trust Sergei. There is another explanation. I will find her. Please trust me.”

Her throat ached and her eyes burned. Michele turned to him. “Ihavetrusted you, and look what happened. As soon as you get Erin back, we’re going home. Batrovia is too dangerous to raise my daughter.”

From the look on his face, she might as well have slapped him, but she didn’t care. Erin was his responsibility—as well as hers. She sat on the couch and cried.

Alex sat beside her and gathered her in his arms. “It’s all right, sweetheart. I’ll find her. I will leave no stone unturned until I do.”

Someone knocked on the open door. “Sire, a missive has come for you.”

Alex held out his hand, palm up. He never released Michele.

The servant entered, placed the envelope in Alex’s hand and then bowed and left.

Alex finally released her and opened the envelope.