Page 55 of Forbidden Noble

Stephano had been the one with the most sinful parties. Before he could argue, his wife stood in front of him like she would defend him as she said, “Astorre is the best man I've ever met. I can’t believe he was ever anything but sweet.”

He tucked his arm around her waist to pull her back and said, “Clara…”

Stephano winked at him. “And he smiles. You are a miracle worker, Your Grace.”

Rossie shook her head and hugged her friend. “And you're both happy, which is all that matters.”

Piano music began from Clara's parents' favorite album that they’d chosen to dance to. He took her hand. “And that’s our cue.”

The guitar joined in as the lead singer of the band sang about a lonely girl which reminded him a bit of Clara in the lyrics. She massaged his arm as they took their places to her parents' wedding song. “This is sweet that you picked this, y’know.”

He guided her into a timeless waltz despite the hair-band rock and roll beat. “Time to dance. Then once we finish, we can eat, and finally we get to go home. So let’s get this started.”

She followed him perfectly as they flowed together--her smile intoxicating as she said, “Agreed, my love. Let’s get the party started.”

The royal photographer followed them as they both smiled for the camera to get the picture. Astorre kissed the best woman in the world’s cheek. He was the luckiest man in the world today.

Chapter 20

Clara stepped off the plane and the bright sun burned her skin.

Thankfully her husband had given her sunblock on their private jet and rubbed it carefully onto every exposed inch.

He stepped onto the tarmac with her and they headed to their limo.

This was her life now.

She was never going to be Clara the unfortunate again. She was titled, and married to the best man in the world.

Today she'd see where myths took place--hopefully the sun would stay out.

Last time they’d been here, she’d taken off to go see the historical rock while he'd gone to town.

Now she was happy to stay at his side, forever.

The limo headed to their stationary cruise ship hotel where they'd gotten married a month ago.

The ship's interior shone as they walked inside.

He led her to the counter. “We’re here to check in to our room.”

The clerk smiled at them and said, “Happy to have you both back.”

They’d been remembered. Wow. Astorre took the key and as they headed to the same suite number they’d departed a month ago. “Do we get a honeymoon every year?”

He led her to the door. “We can take short trips whenever you want though now we must go back to Montelino Bay.”

Their home. Maybe the rocks could wait. She held out her hands to hold him tight and said, “Then we have the best of both worlds, a home and the ability to visit the world.”

“We can do whatever you want, as always, Your Grace.” He claimed her lips in a searing kiss.

Myths and history could wait another day. Today they were alone and Astorre made her toes curl.