I shake my head. “I’m not going to let you do this on your own. Who knows what Beckett might try?”
“Who knows if he’ll try anything at all?” Luca asks, shaking his head. “The more time goes on, the more this seems futile. He was a coward to try to poison me. Why would he make some brash attack against me again? He’s probably just wallowing somewhere, hating me from afar.”
“Maybe, but it’s like you said—the best way to get him out in the open is to taunt him.”
Luca sighs. “I don’t know if it’s enough. What set him off last time was my fake relationship with Margot, and then meeting Ivy. I think it made him remember Cara, and how he felt about her. Seeing me alone with you in public might not tempt him to try something stupid.”
“Let’s just go to the castle, and then reassess. You still want to stay in Farcliff?”
“This is Ivy’s home—and mine, too. I’ve been away from Argyle so long, I’m not sure it’s where I want to end up. There’s nothing for me there.”
I give him a sad smile.
I’m homesick. I’d like nothing more than to pick up and bring him, Ivy, and Margot back to Argyle. Farcliff is sandwiched between the United States and Canada, and it’s far too cold up here. I miss the Caribbean warmth of Argyle. The white, sandy beaches and the swaying palm trees. The azure waters, and the laid-back attitude.
I can’t even imagine what the real winter will be like here. I’ve only seen snow twice in my life.
Luca clears his throat, drawing me out of my own head. “You don’t have to stay,” he says, staring into my eyes.
I shake my head. “You’re wrong. I do.”
Margot looks absolutely stunning when we go to Farcliff Castle. Her long, blonde hair is curled in soft waves. Her makeup is flawless. Her body looks unreal. She’s wearing a demure, high-neck dress that makes me want to rip it off her gorgeous curves.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—that woman could wear absolutely anything, and she’d look like sex on legs.
She gives me a shy smile as a valet opens the car door for us. He helps her out of the car, and a stab of jealousy stings my heart when the valet’s hand touches Margot’s. I brush it off, knowing it’s ridiculous for me to feel that way.
I’ve known the woman two weeks, and I’m ready to tear the head off any man who looks at her. At this rate, I’ll be decapitating all of Farcliff.
The four of us are led inside the castle, and I take a deep breath.
I’ve spent my entire life surrounded by this kind of luxury. Ornate rooms, expensive paintings, flawless décor, and an army of staff to keep it all looking perfect.
In a way, it feels good to be in a castle again, but a part of me has enjoyed living at the LeBlanc house. It’s just as safe and private as the castle, but it’s not nearly as formal. There isn’t staff waiting around every corner.
Even though I’ve spent more time in public, I’ve felt like I have more privacy in the LeBlanc mansion than I did in Argyle.
Coming to Farcliff Castle makes me feel exposed and nostalgic at the same time.
The four of us stand when King Charlie and his Queen, Elle, walk into the room. I bow for the monarchs, straightening myself up to see King Charlie smiling wide. His three children trail behind, greeting us with bows and curtseys.
Queen Elle is as tall as I am. She puts her hand around her eldest’s shoulders, pulling him close. The movement is intimate, and not something I’m used to seeing from royalty. The affection between the kids and the parents is so obvious, it makes my heart squeeze.
I never thought I wanted kids, but seeing the King and Queen of Farcliff with their young ones, and seeing Luca excited over the twins makes me reconsider. Being a father seems like the best thing I could ever do with my life.
Stealing a glance at Margot, I feel my pulse quicken.
The King asks us to sit, and we fall into polite conversation.
Queen Elle looks at me, tilting her head. “I must admit, Prince Dante, I’d never even seen a photo of you before last week.”
“That’s by design,” I smile. “I’m a very private person.”
“You’re lucky.”
I nod. I have been lucky. To be able to be born into a life of