Page 106 of Raul

“Gracias.”Telling the story had brought back the ache of Erica’s absence. Raul took another gulp of Scotch.

“It sounds as thoughSeñoritaOrtiz was a key player in your escapade. How exactly did she get involved?” his father asked.

He should have known his father would zero in on that.

“You recall that she was my guide for my expedition into the mountains,” Raul said. “I learned that she flew not only jets but helicopters. Since she was at the reception when al-Buya left, I enlisted her aid for the sake of speed. As it turned out, she played two roles—pilot and girlfriend—so she was a good choice.”

“She seems to be a very capable young woman,” Luis said. “Wasn’t her father killed while saving the lives of some U.S. Navy sailors trapped in a sinking boat?”

“That’s correct.” Raul kept it short.

“Then she comes by her heroism naturally.” Luis sipped his drink. “Gabriel says she’s an excellent pilot.”

“She did an impressive job of landing on a moving yacht,” Raul agreed.

“Talk to me,hijo. I know she is more than just your camping guide,” his father said. “Or handy helicopter pilot.”

Hostia!His father was too observant by far. But he didn’t usually interfere in Raul’s personal life, other than to occasionally introduce him to an eligible young noblewoman.

“Erica and I have been enjoying each other’s company since the camping trip,” Raul said stiffly. “She is an extraordinary woman.”

“So it seems.” His father’s gaze rested on Raul’s face. “Now she has gone off to the Caribbean for almost two weeks.”

“Which has brought our relationship to a natural end.” Raul was unable to keep a touch of bitterness out of his voice. “You need not worry.”

“Worry?” His father’s voice held surprise.

“I know she’s not…appropriate for a serious relationship,” Raul said.

“What do you mean?” Luis asked. “Does she have a skeleton in her closet worse than Quinn’s?”

“Dios,no! You know who her father was, a decorated hero. And Erica is the most trustworthy, straightforward person I’ve ever met,” Raul said. He wanted to tell his father about Erica’s insight into handling Odette but remembered Mikel’s advice. No need to add to his father’s concerns.

“Why then do you believe she is notappropriate?” His father seemed puzzled.

“I know my duty as the crown prince,” Raul said, drawing himself up straight in his chair. “My wife will be the queen someday, so she must be of noble birth.”

His father frowned at him. “Why would you think that?”

Astonishment made Raul mute for a moment.

“Because you’ve made that clear,” he blurted.

Luis sat back in his chair, his expression troubled. “I don’t recall ever saying that you should marry a noblewoman.”

“My mother was the daughter of a duke, a choice your father approved, so you married within the nobility,” Raul pointed out.

His father sighed. “I married Sofia because the woman I loved had chosen another man, and my father was dying. I was under tremendous pressure to marry quickly, and I felt as though it didn’t matter who my wife was since my heart was already broken.” His mouth twisted. “I was young and dramatic.”

Now he leaned forward. “I cannot regret my marriage, because you came from it, and you have brought me such profound joy. However, neither your mother nor I were happyin our union.” Luis locked his blue eyes on Raul. “I would never wish that for you.”

Raul had known that about his parents’ relationship, but it was still hard to hear from his father.

His father’s face softened as he continued. “You might have noticed that I am now married to a woman with no title. Even worse, she’s an American.”

His eyes were lit with love and indulgence, a sharp contrast to the emotions evoked by the memories of his first marriage.

“Eve is your second wife and not the mother of the heir to the crown,” Raul said, thrown off-balance. “You had more latitude to follow your heart.”