Nights Like This

Chapter 19

Marco drove down Pitt Street, turned down a side street and stopped in front of Madison's apartment. She was outside, waiting for him. He opened the passenger door and she got in. Neither said a word.

He drove to Lockwood Boulevard, eyeing her from time to time. His cell played a tune. He glanced at it. "Cousin Ava. I need to take it."

Madison shrugged, looking out her window.

"Marco here, Ava. What's up?"

"Marco, I have to take Adam to emergency care."

"Is he very sick?"

"No, he fell and hurt his ankle. Sprained, hopefully. Broken, maybe. What's that noise? Are you driving? Are you on the cell phone driving?"

"Yes. There's no traffic."

"Tío Sebastian would be furious. Please pull over."

Marco pulled into a No Parking zone.

"I can't stop here long."

"Alexei is with Consul Valente and won't be home till late. Dolores is here alone. When you come in, if we're not back, please let Dolores know you're home, so she'll know who it is. Text me to let me know you're there, please.

"I'll text you and Dolores when I'm on my way home. I hope Adam is not badly hurt."

"Thanks. Gotta go. Bye." Ava hung up.

Marco put his cell down and drove back on the street. "I can't stay long."

"Another woman?"

"No, Ava's husband sprained his ankle. Dolores is home alone."

"Isn't Alexei there?"

"He went out.

"You're in jeans and a t-shirt. I guess we're going someplace casual. Where we can talk. Where are we going?"

"Market Street."

The restaurant was nearly empty. Marco and Madison sat on the upstairs patio. The server brought their drinks and appetizer. Marco ate buffalo wings while Madison sipped a diet soda.

"You might have gotten me wine."

"You're 20. I won't have trouble over buying a minor liquor." He looked at her, then finished his wing.

"I don't want to cause you any trouble. I love you."

Marco didn't look up. Madison's eyes narrowed. She left her face soften and her eyes grew moist. "I want you all to myself." She put her hand on his arm. He stroked her hand. Satisfied, she placed her other hand over his.

"Madison, I have to answer to my family, my people."

"Aren't I a beautiful answer?"

He looked into her eyes, lost for a moment. He removed his hand and sipped his beer. "Very beautiful."

"What is the question?"

"The women I am seen with, the women I date, are all considered as a future consort. It is an important decision. For me, for my family, for my country. For my wife."

She stroked his forearm with one finger and said nothing, and lowered her head, not letting him see the hard glint in her eyes.

"She is picked over, analyzed, scrutinized. Not just by my family, but the Cortés must approve the marriage for her to become Princess." Madison started slightly, but kept stroking Marco's arm. "Press and paparazzi will use every method to get information on us."

She looked up at that. She sighed softly, gazing tenderly into his eyes, her lips moving. He leaned forward as though he would kiss her. She sat back slightly.

"I must confess to you that I got into trouble with women before I came here. I promised Don Sebastian I would behave with complete propriety. Or he will call me home. I would never see you again.

"Are you breaking up with me?"

"Madison. I want you. To see you. You know that. I must not be seen to be attached to one woman here. Please understand."

"It's difficult for me. I want only you." She looked at him under her eyelashes. Frustration struggled with desire on his face. She was annoyed. She sobbed once, softly. Her eyes moistened. "It's too soon for us to be seen as a couple, is that what you're saying?

"Yes," he whispered. This explanation was better than his.

"You will still see me often? No serious other women."

"You're the important one." Until I return to Almurias and settle the betrothal with Drusila. Then Popi will let me return to Almurias, and I won't have to deal with Madgirl.

"I accept. Let's go."

He looked puzzled and wary. "You want to go home?"

"My roommates are out. We have the place to ourselves."

*

Alexei stirred and woke up when he heard Marco trying to move quietly about their bedroom. He looked at the clock radio.

"Marco, it's four in the morning."

Marco put on pajamas. "Has Ava asked for me?"

"She's not happy you didn't come home early or call. Where have you been?"

"With Madison."

"All night? I thought you weren't going to see her again."

"She understands that I will—must see other girls. I promised Popi that I would make him proud."

"Do you believe Popi will be proud you left your lover's apartment so early in the morning?"

"Her roommates came home while we were in the bedroom. I had to wait till they slept so they wouldn't see me leave."

Alexei snorted. "They saw your car parked out front."

"Damn! You're right."

"I hope Madison has some explanation for it."

Marco got in bed, muttering curses in Spanish and English under his breath.

"I'd like to go back to sleep."

"Do you think Popi will call me home?"

"Don't know. He's almost certain to get a report from your security about tonight. After all, it's not like paparazzi follow you here in Charleston."

"Pray God Popi doesn't hear about tonight." Marco yawned loudly. "I'm tired too. Good night, Alexei." Marco snored lightly. Alexei yawned and went back to sleep.