Entangled with the Prince - Elizabeth Lennox Page 0,9

that sense, Savannah was relieved that she’d somehow gotten to the front of the line. She wasn’t convinced that she needed to be here though.

For a long moment, she debated getting into the limousine. But in the end, there were two reasons she acquiesced and got into the car. The first was that she didn’t want to spend her money on a taxi back to her apartment. That would be at least fifty dollars that she couldn’t really afford, even after this guy’s two hundred dollar tip. Having to miss two shifts and the tips from those shifts was going to hurt. Nor did she have much faith in that Benson…or Branson or whatever…guy covering her wages for those shifts. For too long, Savannah had been on her own and knew that life didn’t hand anyone a fair deal. It was up to her to create her own luck.

But the main reason she got into the limousine was simply because she doubted Gaelen would allow her to call a taxi. So far, he’d been adamant about taking care of her. She didn’t think he’d let her just stand up and walk away.

Boy, was she right!

“I can…”

“Hush,” he whispered in that same, harsh voice that somehow sounded very gentle. “You’ve been on your feet for too long. Let me take care of you.”

With those words, he lifted her out of the wheelchair and deposited her in the limousine, following her a moment later. The driver quickly closed the door and, moments later, they were driving away.

“Thank you,” she whispered, shifting awkwardly in the plush, leather seat. “I can walk, you know.”

“I know. But it’s safer if you just let me take care of you. And besides, I don’t think anyone has taken care of you for a long time, have they?”

Gaelen saw her swallow, and turn away, staring out into the darkness. She looked so vulnerable. And yet, she’d been tough, strong, and defiant in the face of danger earlier. He’d watched the scene unfold, had been seconds away from her when she’d exited the building, but he hadn’t been able to get to her in time. When he’d watched her turn the tables on the ass who had attacked her, he’d admired her strength and character. But now he wanted to take care of her, pamper her, and smooth the way so that she didn’t have to work so hard.

He doubted she would allow him to spoil her as much as he’d like, but this…ensuring that she was safe tonight, he could do that. He’d insist on it.

For a moment, he thought she was ignoring him. But when his eyes moved over her chest, he noticed her slow, steady breathing. She’d fallen asleep? That was a first! No woman had ever fallen asleep on him like that and he almost laughed at the irony. He’d finally found a woman that intrigued him on many levels, and she fell asleep! Damn, his brothers would laugh at him if they ever heard about this.

Gaelen leaned his head back against the seat cushions. It had been a long, difficult night. And tomorrow, he had to face Santo. The bastard was going to be an impressive challenge, but Gaelen was ready for him. And if things didn’t work out at the negotiating table, Gaelen was fully prepared to bring up the idea of armed battle with their neighbor. He was sick of these ridiculous skirmishes that never helped anyone. Every time Izara thought that they’d come up with a strong military deterrent, Padar would counter with a weapon bigger and stronger. It had been a constant state of one-upmanship over the past two decades and it had to end.

Chapter 2

Savannah turned her head and…gasped at the sudden pain. The pain seemed to be coming from all sides at once and she tensed. When that only increased the pain, she forced her muscles to slowly relax. Eventually, the pain subsided and she was able to think.

Soft mattress. Too soft.

Warmth? Her apartment wasn’t this comfortable.

It was fine, but this air felt…better? Could the air in some areas be better than the air in others?

Stupid question, she admonished herself. Of course air could be better, or perhaps cleaner was the right word, in some places than others. Anyone who walked along the streets of any city in the world knew that the air along busy streets was filled with particulates that shouldn’t be breathed in, while the air in big parks was better, nicer, and free of