Page 46 of Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire

Sergei stood just outside their suite.

“Sergei, thank you for protecting Erin. I can never show you my gratitude. And, again, I’m so sorry for hitting you. I don’t know what came over me. I’m not usually a violent person. I have skills, but I’ve never used them against another person before.”

“What came over you was fear for your daughter. You were full of a mother’s vengeance. I understand completely and I would have done the same.”

“I’m going to talk to Alex. I don’t expect to be gone long, but one never knows.”

“Of course. I will be at my post.”

“Thank you.” She walked down the hall to Alex’s suite. She worried the ring on her finger, turning it back and forth. As she walked around the corner toward his rooms, she came upon him headed toward her suite.

“Michele, my darling. I was coming to see you.”

“And I you. Can we go somewhere and talk?”

He waved his arm toward his suite. “Of course. Come to my sitting room.”

They walked to the sitting room in silence.

Alex held the door for her, closed and locked it behind him. “I don’t want us to be disturbed.”

“Thank you. I don’t want to say this more than once.”

“Of course, but before you do, I need you to know something. I love you, Michele…you and Erin…with all my heart.” He took her hands in his and led her to one of the sofas where they sat. “What do you need to say?”

Michele looked down at their clasped hands and then back up at him. “I love you, too. But I can’t live here. I don’t want to bring up Erin in a palace and today scared me. Will she always be a target? Will she be able to have friends, to go to slumber parties and have play dates?”

He furrowed his brows. “No, I have to admit, most of those things will not be possible. I am sorry.”

“I was afraid so. As much as I love you, I must put Erin and her needs first.” She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Alex, but…I…I…want to return home. Would you arrange for the plane to take us?”

He squeezed her hands, his lips turned down, his eyebrows raised in the middle. He looked sad. “I do not want you to go…but I understand why you must. Today was unusual. This is not how life here is normally.”

She pulled her hand back. “I’m sorry, Alex, more than you’ll ever know.” She pulled off his grandmother’s ring and gave it back to him. She felt like a part of her heart left with the ring.

“I will give you whatever you wish, my love. When do you want to leave?”

“As soon as possible. Erin can sleep on the plane. The day was very trying for her and I want her to be rested when we arrive home. And I don’t want to be driving from the airport in the dark.” Michele looked down and closed her eyes for a moment. Tears filled her eyes, and she was afraid to let them fall. Then she turned her gaze up toward Alex. “Kiss me, Alex. Kiss me and hold me until we have to leave.”

“Of course. It will be reminiscent of our first date.” He angled his body toward her.

She chuckled. “Yes, it will, without Ed to terrorize me.”

“It seems there are people to fear wherever we live. Do I need to send Sergei home with you to protect you from Ed. The R.O. doesn’t seem to work very well.”

Michele thought he would smile, but he was serious. “I don’t think that’s necessary, but thank you for the offer.”

“I will miss you, but I cannot go with you.”

She lifted a hand to his jaw. “I know. You have a country, a kingdom, to preside over. I’d never ask you to give that up.”

He closed his eyes and leaned into her hand. “I love you.” He leaned over, took her in his arms, and kissed her deeply. Then he broke away, suddenly. “I will get the plane prepared. I am afraid I cannot stay with you now. I have much to do if you are to leave in a few hours.” He kissed her again and then was up and striding toward the door.

Will I ever see him again after I go home? He’s right, there are bad people in Montana, too. Am I making a dreadful mistake?

* * *

When the timecame to leave, Sergei greeted them outside her suite and carried their luggage to the plane. The limousine was waiting for her and Erin when she emerged from the palace. She’d thought…hoped…Alex would be there to see her off. She guessed wrong.