I'd maintained strict professionalism during those sessions, but each night I dreamed of her—of her skin under my hands, her breath against my neck, her body yielding to mine as it had that night in Bellavista. I'd wake hard and throbbinging, my resolve crumbling, only to rebuild my walls by morning.
When I returned to the penthouse, Evangeline was just ending her video call. I caught a glimpse of the Queen on the screen—still elegant and composed despite the circles under her eyes—before Evangeline closed her laptop.
"Everything alright?" I asked, keeping my voice neutral.
She nodded, though her reddened eyes told a different story. "She looks tired, but she's handling it with her usual grace. Says I'm not to worry, that the royal physicians are the best in Europe."
A small, sad smile etched across her lips.. "When I was little, I thought she was invincible. I suppose we all think that about our parents."
I thought of my mother—vibrant, relentlessly optimistic, formidable in her own way. "It's a hard illusion to lose."
She looked surprised at the personal response, then nodded gratefully. "Yes, it is." She straightened her shoulders, royal mask slipping back into place. "We should go. We don't want to miss our flight."
The journey to Sicily was uneventful—private jet to avoid security complications, minimal staff aware of our travel plans, additional security measures at both departure and arrival points. Evangeline spent most of the flight reading medical journals about MS, making notes in a small leather book, occasionally asking my opinion on security logistics for our stay.
We landed in Palermo in the early afternoon, warm Mediterranean air greeting us as we descended the steps to the tarmac. A black SUV waited, driven by Marco—a local security professional I'd worked with on previous assignments and trusted implicitly.
"Welcome to Sicily, Mr. Banks," he said, shaking my hand firmly before turning to Evangeline with a respectful bow. "Your Highness, it's an honor and a privilege."
"Thank you, Marco," she responded with a warm smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "James speaks highly of your capabilities."
As Marco loaded our luggage, I did a quick perimeter check of the vehicle and surroundings. The protocols were second nature after years in the field, but I felt an added urgency now. With Queen Sophia's diagnosis and the lingering threat from the Kozlovs, Evangeline's safety felt more critical than ever.
"All clear," I said, opening the door for her. "The house is about thirty minutes from here, overlooking a private section of coastline. Complete security system, limited access points, additional personnel stationed discreetly on the grounds."
She nodded, sliding into the backseat. "And the veterinary practice?"
"Twenty minutes inland. You start on Monday, giving us the weekend to secure all routes and locations." I joined her in the back while Marco took the driver's seat. "Dr. Vitale knows the security requirements, but someone instructed him to treat you like any other intern."
"Good." She response coated with distraction, as she looked out the window as we drove, taking in the vibrant landscape of Sicily in spring—wildflowers dotting green hillsides, ancient olive trees standing sentinel along winding roads, the deep blue of the Mediterranean appearing and disappearing between hills.
"It's beautiful," she breathed, her breath caught in her throat. "I can see why your grandfather stayed."
The mention of my grandfather caught me off guard. "He loves it here. Says the rhythm of farm life keeps him young."
"Will you visit him while we're here?"
I hesitated, caught between personal desire and professional obligation. "Perhaps. If security arrangements allow."
She turned from the window to look at me directly. "I'd like to meet him if possible. The man who taught you to love animals must be someone special."
The request unsettled me, blurring the lines I'd been so careful to maintain. My grandfather was part of my personal life, a world separate from my professional duties. Bringing Evangeline into that sphere would be another kind of intimacy entirely.
"We'll see," I replied noncommittally, turning the conversation back to security matters for the remainder of the drive.
The house exceeded even my expectations. Located on a rocky promontory overlooking a small private cove, the whitewashed villa gleamed in the afternoon sun. Bougainvillea cascaded over stone walls, and cypress trees stood like dark sentinels along the winding drive. The villa offered seclusion without isolation, and luxury without ostentation.
"This is stunning," Evangeline said as we pulled up to the entrance. "When you said 'house on the beach,' I wasn't expecting something quite so..."
"Italian?" I was supplied with a rare half-smile.
"Romantic," she corrected, her eyes meeting mine briefly before she looked away.
Inside, the villa continued to impress—high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, cool tile floors, elegant but comfortablefurnishings. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the sea, framing views that belonged in a painting.
"The security team did a thorough sweep this morning," I informed her as we toured the space. "Additional personnel stationed discreetly around the perimeter, two guards on rotation at the main access points, full surveillance system, panic buttons in each room." I pointed out a discreet panel near the main bedroom door. "This will alert me immediately if you press it, no matter where I am on the property."
She nodded, running her fingers lightly over the panel. "And where will you be staying?"
