won’t see your strength as a reflection of his masculinity. He’ll stand beside you and applaud your triumphs and bask in the light you share with him. That is when you know you have a man worthy of you.”
“You’re right. Thank you, and I’ll hold out for that man.”
“Make sure you do. My daughter let the man she loved go because she felt he wasn’t worthy of her position and she regrets it, but he’s happier now than he’s ever been. I’m glad for him but sad for my child.”
“That’s sad.”
“It is, and I do hope what happens in the safe room stays in the safe room.”
“Of course.”
A knock followed, and Astrid stood putting herself between the Queen and the door. “Who is it?”
“It’s Jack.”
“I need to be sure. What colour bikini was I wearing on the beach?” She grinned at the chuckle from behind her.
“Green, like an emerald.”
Astrid opened the door and saw Jack standing with Gunner and Blake. “Is everything secure now?”
“Yes.” He turned to the Queen. “Ma’am, it seems an overeager member of the paparazzi tried to climb the fence that links the beach. He’s been arrested, and we’ll secure more guards to that area of the site.”
“Thank you, Jack.”
The Queen was standing beside Astrid now, and her posture was straight and tall and perfectly regal.
“Blake will lead you back to your rooms where he and Gunner will remain on duty throughout the night.”
She curtsied as the Queen faced her. “I’ll see you in the morning, Astrid.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She stayed still as Blake and Gunner led the Queen away, reflecting on her candid glimpse into the life of the woman who had the most powerful job in the world yet still managed to maintain a seemingly happy marriage. Maybe there was a man out there who would appreciate her strength, but much as she wanted it to be Jack, she knew it wasn’t to be.
Taking a deep breath, she faced him. “I’m sorry I overreacted.”
Chapter Five
He’d been on his way to apologise to Astrid when Reid had called to say they’d had a breach near the beach. His brain had instantly summoned up the worst-case scenario and imagined his father was behind it. It ended up being a pap who just wanted a money shot of the Queen, but that didn’t quell the anxiety he felt.
Until his father was caught, the possibility of an attack hung over his head like a noose. An attack could come from anywhere—he knew that and had dealt with enough threats for it not to be the problem. It was the fact his father could be the man he had to face down and take out that kept him awake at night.
Now he was facing the woman who had him thinking things he shouldn’t be. Once again, instead of thinking about the threats and his father, all he could do was fight the urge to see if her lips were really as soft as he remembered.
“I’m sorry I overreacted.”
He blinked, not expecting that from her. Astrid was usually stubborn and full of inappropriate comments. He was half expecting her to snarl at him and say something provocative, but he had a feeling he’d got this beautiful woman all wrong. He hadn’t seen it before now, but part of her defence mechanism was her attitude. He didn’t think it was all fake. She definitely had a mouth on her, one he found he liked. Especially now when she was almost timid. But she had more to her than what she let the world see.
Stepping closer, he could smell the scent of lemon balm on her skin. “No, you didn’t. I never meant to kiss you, and I shouldn’t have,” he held up a finger and placed it over her lips to stop her speaking, “but the reasons why I regret it probably aren’t what you’re thinking.”
He saw heat slash across the high cheek bones, felt the plump lips under his touch, and wanted to drag her into the safe room and find out if she tasted and felt as good everywhere. He settled for moving closer until her breasts brushed against his chest. Her nipples were beaded and needy, making his dick harden. “I knew you were dangerous, Astrid. That you could fell a man with a look or a word and most definitely with your body, and much as I didn’t want to want you, I did. I do. My regret isn’t kissing you because I don’t want you in that way. It’s