UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE
HarperCollins Publishers
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She turned her head to look.
Wham!
A bike ran into her at full speed, hitting her first with the tire and then the handlebars slammed into her stomach.
Becca and the bicyclist crashed to the cobblestones.
She lay still. Stunned. The bright blue sky shown above. With the rider and his bike on top of her, she fought to catch her breath.
Her legs felt tangled in the wreckage. Suddenly, the pressure eased as the biker climbed off of her and spoke rapidly in a foreign tongue.
People appeared, staring down at her and asking questions she couldn’t immediately register.
Someone lifted the bike away, and she sucked in a deep breath.
“Miss? Are you hurt?” a balding man asked.
She started to move. Was she hurt? Crap. She better not be.
Nikolai’s glorious face appeared and the rest faded away. “Becca, are you okay?” He sounded so worried.
She nodded and whispered, “How’s this for a nice view?”
He took her hand in his. “I like the idea of a girl falling at my feet, but this wasn’t what I had in mind.”
“Rebecca, are you all right?” Her father appeared on her other side and kneeled. Vicky hovered above.
Becca stole a quick glance at Nikolai. “Yeah, I think I am.” She released his hand and sat up.
Her dad glared at the biker, who tried to straighten his bike. “That imbecile should know better than to ride through a congested area as if he’s in the Tour de France.”
She wiped her hands off and noticed a heavy scrape on each of her palms from sliding across the rough, gritty stones. “I wasn’t looking where I was going. It was my fault.”
“No, it wasn’t. There is no reason to be riding that fast. I have a mind to have him ticketed.”
Becca tried to stand.
“Here, let me help you.” Nikolai held out his hand and gently guided her to her feet, concern etching his face.
“Thanks.” She brushed dirt off her shorts. The others gave her a little breathing room. The side of her right leg had a long, red scrape from her impact with the road. She shook out each leg. Her hip hurt where she landed on it. She felt sore, but okay.
“Perhaps we should get you to hospital and have you checked out,” Lena said, assessing Becca’s injuries.
“No! Seriously, I’m fine.”
No way was she going to a hospital. She’d be forced away from Nikolai, and that was not going to happen. She stepped back, stretched her limbs, and shook off the stiffness. “See? Totally fine.”
“Becca, you’re bleeding,” Vicky said.
“Huh? Where?” Becca looked down and other than some bad scrapes, saw nothing.
Vicky pointed to a trickle of blood on her arm. “Here, on your elbow.”
“It’s nothing bad. See, it’s already stopped. I’m good to go.”
“Well, she certainly can’t continue the day like this,” Vicky insisted.
“You’re absolutely right. We’ll have to get her back to the ship,” her father said, which was about the most concern she’d ever heard out of him other than keeping her grades up and finding a respectable internship.
Then the lightbulb turned on and she saw her chance.
“I would hate for you to miss the day here. You’ve both been so excited about it. I can get back on my own.” She looked at them expectantly and avoided looking at Nikolai, who watched from two steps away.
“What kind of parents would we be if we didn’t take you back and make sure you’re okay?” Vicky asked.
Becca swallowed back her retort that Vicky wasn’t her parent. “Dylan’s there. If I need anything, he can help. It’ll actually be fun. I should probably relax and lay low anyway. He and I can watch some movies together.”
Her father seemed to weigh the options. “Vicky’s right, we can’t just set you off on your own in this condition.”
“Excuse me, sir?” Nikolai stepped forward. “I’d be happy to take your daughter back to the boat. I really don’t mind.”
Her dad looked at Nikolai as if he’d just sprouted from the ground.
Holy crud. So much for keeping the friendship on the down low. Nikolai angled his body so Vicky couldn’t get a good look at him.
“I’m also on the Bolero, so it would be no trouble.” Nikolai acted the concerned young man out to do a good deed rather than a lovesick teenager wanting to sneak off with the man’s daughter.
Becca fought to keep a grin off her face.
Her father studied Nikolai as if he were an ax murderer. “Is that so? I don’t recall seeing you. I think it best I escort her.”
“Oh my God, Dad! Are you serious? He was at the table across from us at breakfast this morning!”
“He was? I didn’t realize.” Her father’s stance relaxed. Apparently now more at ease with the idea.
“Dad. It’s not that big of a deal. We’re only like a couple of blocks from the boat. I can see it from here. Plus, Dylan will be there.”
Vicky touched her father’s arm and nodded consent.
“Well, if you both think it’s all right, that will be okay.”
“I’m glad to help.” Nikolai unleashed his charming smile.
Becca turned to Nikolai. “Hi, I’m Becca.” She smirked.
“Nice to meet you, Becca. I’m Nick.” He coughed down a laugh.
“Well then, that settles it,” her dad said.
They said their good-byes and walked away from the tour group, waiting to speak until they were out of earshot.
“Oh my God! Can you believe it? They practically gave us their blessing to hang out together!”
“Are you sure you’re okay? That bike plowed into you pretty hard.”
Becca glanced back to see the group move on to their next attraction. She and Nikolai took the steps down to the waterfront. He led her to the brick wall, and held her face with both hands.
“Seriously, Becca. Are you feeling okay?”
With a guy like Nikolai around she’d never felt better. “I’m great. How soon can we get out of here?”
“Do you want to go back to the boat and clean up?” He looked at her scraped legs and the blood on her arm.
“I don’t want to go back. What if something happens that stops us? Vicky could call ahead and say they changed their mind and they’re taking me to the hospital or something insane. I want to leave now while we can.”
Nikolai grinned. “Then let’s go!” He kissed her quick on the lips, laced his fingers with hers, and led her to his motorcycle.
Becca clung to Nikolai’s waist as they cruised down a peaceful country road, the wind whipping through her hair. He reached down and patted her leg. She rested her head against his back and enjoyed the feel of his lean, taut stomach.
At first she felt self-conscious as she climbed up and sat with her body pressed against his, but after a few terrifying minutes of Nikolai weaving through busy, traffic-laden streets of Regensburg, she relaxed and reveled in this new connection.
After several miles, he turned down a gravel road, driving through woods to a small parking area, and parked the bike in the shade.
Nikolai twisted around in his seat to see her. He removed his shades and hooked them over the neck of his T-shirt. Their bodies brushed together, their faces only inches apart. His eyes danced with joy. He seemed as happy to be free from the rest of the world as she was.
“Oh my gosh, that was amazing. Terrifying, but amazing.”
He laughed. “I’m glad you liked it.”
“I was so scared at first, because I’ve never been on the back of a motorcycle, but, I loved it!”
“You can step down, but be careful.”
She held on to his shoulders as she stood and swung off. He stepped off and locked up the bike.
“So where are we?” Becca looked around. She liked how the dense trees secluded them from the rest of the world.
Nikolai unstrapped his pack from the cycle. “Well, if the guy from the bar, who drove me back last night, is correct, we’re at a little known part of Crystal Lake. Apparently, this is where the locals come when they want to skinny-dip and have sex.”
Becca froze. Oh crap. “Uh, what?”
He laughed. “I’m kidding. Relax, you’re an easy mark.”
She let out her breath. She should have known he was messing with her, but part of her found the idea very sexy.
He slung the pack over his shoulder, kissed her on the cheek, and guided them through a narrow path in the woods.
“How was I supposed to know you’re kidding? Think about it. I’m an American girl in a foreign country, who took off with a guy I’ve known for barely two minutes. For all I know, you’ve kidnapped me and are going to sell me into slavery.”
Nikolai raised an eyebrow. “You watch too much television. I’ve seen that movie. Don’t worry. If I were going to sell you into slavery, I would have done it that first day when you got lost in Vienna.”
“I wasn’t lost. I was just a little turned around.” She tripped on a tree root.
Nikolai caught her by the arm and held her steady. “Of course you were.” He turned his head but she caught his smirk. “And do you know how to get back to Regensburg and the Bolero?”
She nibbled on her lip. Of course, she had no idea.
“That’s what I thought. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of you.” He gave her a quick squeeze.
The shaded trail opened up to a wide sandy beach. The sun shone down on a crystal-blue lake, its waves lapped at the shoreline. A large outcropping of rocks lined each side, creating a secluded alcove.
“This is beautiful.” She ran onto the sand. “I’ve been on the river for days, but never been able to actually touch the water.” She kicked off her sandals, ran to the edge, and stepped into the clear lake.
“How’s the water?” Nikolai asked, setting his pack near her sandals. He toed off his shoes and joined her.
“It’s cool, but nice,” she said, as he stepped in.
A light breeze made the warm day comfortable. They waded out until the water was knee-high. The waves had created ridges on the sandy lake bottom.
Nikolai faced her and brushed a lock of hair from her face.
“How are you feeling?” He grasped her hand, lifting her arm to inspect her injured elbow. “You took a really bad fall.”
“Well, my hip and elbow are pretty sore, but otherwise, I’m fine. Other than the tread marks and the bike grease on my legs.”
“We’ll get that washed off.” He lifted her hand to his lips, sending butterflies flitting in her stomach.
She sighed. “I’ve never been better.”
“Me either.” He leaned down and kissed her, and then pulled away. “Hungry? Want something to eat?”
“Um, sure.” She’d rather stand in the lake and make out all day, but food was good, too.
“I hope you like what I brought.”
“I can’t believe you thought to bring food. When did you have time?”
They swished their way to shore, the water felt like silk against her legs.
“I didn’t have much. I talked a guy at a local pub into giving me a ride back to my motorbike last night. I slept next to it, under a tree.”
She bet not too many people would believe the Prince of Mondovia slept outside like a homeless person. “You should have stayed on board ship with me.”
“And sleep where?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Up on deck. Under the stars,” she offered.
“Well, I slept under the stars all right. Some bleating sheep woke me at dawn. I rode to Regensburg right away so I’d know where the dock was when you arrived. Then I found some breakfast and some markets.”
“You barely slept.”
“I don’t mind. How about we take our lunch up onto that flat rock so sand stays out of everything. I don’t have a towel or a blanket.”
“Okay.” They climbed over a few boulders and reached a large flat rock that had been warmed by the hot summer sun. She sat and peeked over the edge down to the shimmering water.
“I can’t get over how gorgeous this place is. This is what we should be seeing on our tours, not more old cities with stories about people who have been dead for centuries.”
Nikolai laughed and unpacked his bag. “We have bread, some cheese, strawberries, a couple of bottles of water, and a Diet Pepsi.”
“Where did you get that?” She snatched the soda bottle and held it like a treasure.
“At the store, why?”
“Do you know how hard it is to find a Diet Pepsi in Europe?” She popped it open and took a long drink.
“Yes, actually, I do. I had to hit four different places before I found it.”
“How did you know I like it?”
He unwrapped the bread, smoothing the paper to serve as a sort of tablecloth. “I heard you mention it in Budapest.”
“Thank you.” Could this guy get any more perfect?
“You’re welcome.” Nikolai set out the strawberries and unwrapped the cheeses.
“You have no idea how nice you are, do you?”
“I’m not nearly as nice as you think. Trust me.”
She didn’t know why he thought that, but she didn’t believe he could be anything but kind. “This looks great.”
“It’s not much, but I thought it would do the trick. I’ve got a knife somewhere.” He fished around in his backpack and pulled out a small knife.
“What all have you got in there?”
“Not much actually. A change of clothes, a toothbrush, and a rain jacket.”
“That’s all you brought? How long were you planning to be gone?”
He tried to slice the bread, but squished it.
“Here, let me do it.” She took the knife from his hands and deftly cut into the fresh, crusty bread.
Nikolai leaned back on his hands. “I wasn’t thinking very far ahead. Things kind of came to a head and I decided to take a stand. Let’s just say my people aren’t very happy with me right now.”
“Oh? And who are your people? You mean the citizens of Mondovia?”
He chuckled. “No. I don’t think the general public cares all that much. I mean my parents, their staff and advisors, my personal secretary, the security detail.”
“You have a secretary?” She pictured a sexy young woman in a tight skirt.
“Yes, but not the kind you’re thinking of. Dmitri handles all my personal affairs, schedule, and appearances. I’m afraid I’ve put him in a bad position. My parents expected him to stop me or at least tell my security team where I was going.”
“Oh.” Becca laid out the bread and then went to work slicing the cheese. Her mouth watered at the sweet aroma. She tried to get her head around the idea of a team of people surrounding Nikolai’s every move. “Are they looking for you now?”
“I’ve kind of created a mess. I didn’t intend to. I just needed to escape the insanity for a while. I can’t live my life the way they want me to. They are so wrapped up in hundred-year-old traditions that they can’t see the present.”
He popped a strawberry into his mouth. “I called my little sister, Alexi, the other day. Poor kid. She had wanted me to bring her with.”
“How old is she?” Becca knew what it was like to idolize a big brother. Dylan, while often bossy and difficult, was always there when she needed him.
“Fifteen. She asked me to check in while I was gone. Of course, the second she answered her phone, they traced the call to Melk. I didn’t realize a cell phone could be traced like that.”
“Come on, you’re Jason Bourne, you should know that.” She placed a slice of cheese on the bread and took a bite. Combined with the beautiful lake setting and great company, the food tasted like paradise.
“Alexi said that everyone’s having a fit about all my missed appearances, not to mention the security breach. Which is ridiculous. It’s not exactly like there’s someone out there trying to shoot me.”
“Are you sure?” She looked around at their secluded location. A sharpshooter could easily hide in the thick foliage. Were these the kinds of things he really had to worry about?
“Relax. I’m sure. I’m more likely to be shot by a long-lens camera than a gun-toting madman. And that was part of my holdup in Melk. Someone spotted me there and tipped off the press. Between my impounded motorbike and the paparazzi, I had trouble getting out. So you can blame them that I missed our rendezvous in Passau.”
“I may have to write them a strongly worded letter.” She handed Nikolai a slice of bread with cheese.
“Thanks. I didn’t think I’d have much press trouble. I just wanted to send my parents the message that I’m not going to be the perfect, obedient son anymore doing everything they expect. I’m not going to be another generation that soaks our people of tax dollars so I can live a pampered life of decadence disguised under the purpose of community service. It’s a travesty.”
“So you’re going to change history?”
He picked at his piece of bread. “I don’t know. I talk big, but I don’t know what I can possibly do to make them change. I have a few ideas on ways to give back to the people and lessen their tax burden, but my father never listens to me. My parents are stuck in the Dark Ages. All I know is that the longer I’m away, the more I don’t want to go back.”
“Are you saying that you don’t want to be king?”
He paused thoughtfully. “I don’t know.”
They snacked on the small feast Nikolai provided. The flavors of the juicy strawberries popped in her mouth while the creamy cheese seemed to melt on her tongue. “I think this is the best food I’ve tasted the whole trip.”
“Sure hits the spot,” he said.
The hot sun burned down; Becca ran her hand over her leg, marred by a long scrape from the bike accident. “The lake is so clear I can see all the way to the bottom. I’d like to wash some of this road burn off. I wish I wore my swimsuit.”
“You could . . . you know,” he said suggestively, looking at her shirt.
“I am not skinny-dipping, so you can wipe that idea from your mind right now.”
“Look who’s jumping to conclusions. I wasn’t suggesting you skinny-dip.” He delivered a sly grin. “What I was about to say is that you could swim in your underwear.”
“Oh, but—”
“Ut.” He held up a finger. “Let me finish. Your underwear probably covers you more than your bathing suit anyway.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but then changed her mind. She knew he was secretly laughing at her.
“What? It’s a great idea.” He smiled devilishly.
“So, you’re saying you’d strip down to your undies, right here, in broad daylight.”
Nikolai stood and reached between his shoulders, pulled his T-shirt over his head, and dropped it at her feet. “You Americans are so uptight about your bodies.”
Becca stared at his strong arms, lean physique, and flat stomach. He began to unbutton his shorts.
Her jaw opened. She wanted to tell him to stop, but even more, she wanted to see if he’d actually drop trou in front of her.
He did.