Page 15 of Forbidden Noble
Chapter 6
Astorre fixed his blue tie and suit jacket as the ship’s steward took their belongings from the suite to the waiting limo. He texted an extra tip for the service.
His innocent wife stood from the couch now that they were actually ready and joined him by the door. Clara clasped his hand like she enjoyed being near him, and he held her tight.
Unlike every other woman in his past after sex, Clara was now much closer to him, and since they were married he couldn't push her away. Somehow he needed to ensure that she never saw the real monster inside him.
They walked to the lobby for check-out and she dawdled around the huge yellow painting of flowers surrounded on all sides by gilded gold frame bolted into the ship while he headed to the desk. As he neared the attendant, she called over her shoulder as gawked at the crystal chandelier hung for patrons dining below them turned to the check out counter when she said, “Thank you, this hotel was gorgeous.”
She joined them at the counter and signed the receipt so there'd be proof that they'd both stayed the night in the same room, completing the marriage laws of Gibraltar which stated that there must be a ceremony, and a hotel bill.
He pocketed it to send to the palace. “Do you want to go back to the Rock today? We might actually see Africa this time, since the day is clear.”
She twisted her nose like this was a hard question and then said, “Can we come back another time, but soon? I’m more excited to see Avce.”
It was best for both of them to go to Avce, deal with the paperwork, and decide where they’d go next. Looking into her eyes, he said, “Let’s make it a date and book the room for thirty days from now.”
She gently pressed her elbow into his on the counter. “Sounds great.”
The clerk confirmed their return date for them and wished them a good day.
As they left the counter to get off the ship, he steered Clara at the last second from running right into Max Fionalli, who was way too close to her.
Clara instantly stood next to him as Max said to her, “I was sorry that you didn’t take me up on my offer, Your Grace.”
His skin boiled. He’d missed something. He held Clara tighter as he asked, “Max, what offer?”
Max waved like Astorre wasn’t there at all. “I wasn’t talking to you.”
Clara kept her arm in his and he said, “So long, Max.” Astorre guided his wife toward the exit. Pride meant he wouldn't question Clara in front of Max, and his chest was tight despite their steps away from the fortune hunter. In silence, they headed down the gangplank and once they were back on solid ground, he asked, “What did he mean?”
Clara turned pale. “When I was with the dressmaker and hair and makeup yesterday, Max came to my room to warn me not to marry you.”
His heart thundered and part of him wanted to go back and punch the man in the face. He massaged his scalp so that he wouldn't be violent.
He wasn’t evil like his father. He couldn’t be now that he was married to Clara. He swallowed and walked beside her as he said curtly, “You should have told me.”
She smoothed her hand down the side of her black dress. “I didn’t think it was important.”
He reached for her hand. “Honesty is always important.”
“True.” She patted him on the chest like she wanted him to relax. “I forgot about him the second I walked down the aisle and saw you.”
If he was completely truthful, the moment she'd stepped toward him out of the mist, it was like he’d seen an angel appear in the darkness. They trekked together to his limo. “What did he say?”
She rolled her eyes as they stopped and the driver held the door for her. “That you broke up your sister's and histrue love.”
Her tone was mocking. Somehow he relaxed his shoulders and followed her inside the limo. “Nonsense.”
The driver closed the door and she ensured their arms touched. “I know. He also said that you’re not good for me.”
Well, Max Fionalli would never get to Clara or Olivia again, but he had to give the man credit. “He’s right on that account.” He raised his voice for the driver. “Let’s get going.”
The quick ride to the airport was nice as Clara pressed against him instead of sitting three feet away with her legs crossed like when they’d started traveling together. For once in his life, he had a purpose and a goal.
He’d protect Clara and keep her for himself without ever revealing the ugliness inside him.
They arrived at the airport and the driver stopped on the tarmac near Astorre's private jet. He ushered her out and toward the metal stairs leading up. Clara stared at it, shaking her head like she realized this was now her life forever as she climbed.
