#chapter51partone

A quiet Addy peaked up at her boyfriend with a smile. “What?”

“Thank you for taking me on this trip, Henry.” Addy leaned in and placed her lips softly against the prince’s that lingered.

“You two get a room already!” Tom yelled from across the aisle making Harry and Addy break apart to turn and stare at him.

“Oh shut up, Tom. You and Mel were going at it like monkeys earlier.” Addy stifled her laughter seeing Tom’s surprised reaction. “Yeah, weren’t as subtle as you thought.” Harry muttered with a light giggle.

Adalyn peered out the window of the vehicle while holding tightly onto Harry’s hand. She had not let go of it since the moment the plane had landed. Harry had not disclosed the full details of their vacation to Adalyn, only the fact that they were going to Croatia for a few days and advised her on a few things to pack. Little did she know, she was in for a big surprise, as were all of his friends and their significant others.

Their range rover pulled up to a harbor coming to a rolling stop. A confused Addy turned to lock eyes with Harry questioningly. “Where are we going?”

A simple shake of the head gave Addy her reply. Harry was still not going to tell her. The prince hopped out of the vehicle and grabbed both of their bags. “I can carry mine.” Addy grabbed the handle, but was quickly scolded by the prince.

“No way!” Harry gently pushed Addy’s hand away. “I am not letting my girl carry her bag when I am perfectly capable of doing so.” Addy smiled adoring up at Harry while she rubbed up and down his back that signalled her appreciation.  

“Thank you.” She pecked him on the cheek as she watched his smile spread wider.

Melanie came up behind Addy and grabbed her arm. “Come on! Let’s go!” She pulled Addy away from the prince. “I cannot believe we allowed these guys to plan a trip…” Mel leaned in and whispered to Addy. “I swear to god I will kill them all if we are going on a stupid fishing trip with them.”

Addy glanced back over her shoulder to make sure that Harry was right behind her. “I don’t think they are that stupid… or are they?”

Mel’s eyes darted towards Addy’s, locking in their gaze. “Ok… maybe it’s possible.” They both dissolved into a fit of giggles as they walked along the wooden path and turned the corner. Melanie nearly squealed deafening Addy’s ear when she saw a yacht waiting for them as they rounded the corner.

“Is that for us!?” She ran back to Tom practically dancing around him. While Addy had stopped dead in her tracks making Harry catch up to her. Taking in the view of the magnificent yacht, she felt extremely uncomfortable knowing how much this would have costed for Harry.

“Is it not big enough?” Harry could sense the uneasiness evaporating from within his girlfriend as he tried to make light of the situation.

“It’s too much, Harry.” Addy crossed her arms defensively without an ounce of laughter.

“It’s not really that much.” He tried to convince Adalyn that it was no nig deal at all. Harry had already anticipated this reaction from Addy.

“I can’t let you pay for all of this.” Addy shook her head slowly as she absentmindedly played with the necklace that Harry had given her. The rest of the group had walked off ahead of them nearly running onto the yacht. Dropping the bags down, Harry released a deep sigh.

“I’m not like them Harry…” Addy confessed. “Like your ex’s.” She turned to stare deeply into his blue eyes. “I can’t pay for these lavish holidays or expensive clothes and jewelry or –”

“Stop it!” Harry reached out and placed his hands on either side of Adalyn. “I am not asking you to be like that, nor have I ever.” His deep blue eyes were sincere.

“But, I can’t let you pay for all of it either.” Her voice cracked as she turned her head away feeling ashamed. “And I can’t keep affording it, and when I can’t, you pay and that is not fair to you, Henry…” She stared off into his blue eyes.

The prince released a deep sigh. He understood where Addy was coming from, but that was why he offered to foot the bill. “I did not take you here to make you more stressed out. You have been off work for nearly three months now and I know things are getting tougher for you.” Harry stepped closer to Adalyn. “I wanted this to be about us and our friends. We need this…. we need this getaway.” He sighed. “All I want in return is to see a smile on that pretty little face. To me that is worth more than anything on this trip. To see that gorgeous smile of yours that I rarely get to see now.”

Addy angled her head staring up at him sweetly. The wrinkles that had formed across her forehead had softened. “Ok… fine.” Addy closed in the distance between them and wrapped her hands around Harry’s neck. “But one day, I am going to take you somewhere, deal?”

“Deal.” Harry bent his head down and pressed his lips against Addy’s forehead.

“Now let’s get going before they think they can steal our room.” Harry was quick to grab their bags and lead Addy aboard the yacht.

“How’s the view?” Addy had escaped outside to the balcony that led from their suite to take in the fresh ocean breeze as they sailed along the water. Her eyes were glued ahead as she watched the city they embarked from slowly fading in the distant horizon as a sea of blue created more distance between.

Addy glanced back over her shoulder and smiled. “It’s beautiful.” She beamed as her head swiveled back out towards the ocean. Hearing a pair of footsteps behind her, Addy felt Harry wrap his arms around her tightly.

“Mmm, you are right. It is beautiful.” Harry released a deep chuckle. Addy’s hand slid down Harry’s arms resting her hands on top of his giving them a squeeze as silence flooded between them.

“What are you thinking right now?” Harry’s soft voice broke through her thoughts.

“You.” Addy confessed.

“Me?” Harry questioned.

“Just thinking of that night we met…” A smile crept up on Addy’s lips.

“I remember.” Harry spoke. “You were wearing a burgundy dress and your hair was down.” Addy listened in silence as the memory that had been playing in her mind was coming to light with every passing word of Harry’s. “I ran into you and nearly sent you to the floor.”

“But you caught me.” Addy interjected and turned her body around to face him still within the confines of his arms. A pair of blue eyes were staring back into her green orbs intensely. “Harry?”

“Yes, love?” Harry could see a fire burning in her eyes.

“Do you regret any of it?” Addy’s green eyes averted away from his stare.

“Regret you?” Harry asked with confusion until a slight nod of his girlfriend’s head nearly punched him in the gut. “Not for a second.” He watched as Addy remained silent. “Do you? Where is this all coming from?” Harry gently grabbed her chin and turned Addy’s head to make her look at him.

“It’s been what…  eight months since we have been together and so much has already happened.” Her voice was quiet. “Some days I wonder what life would be like if I hadn’t met you.” Addy winced at the mere thought of it. “But, looking back now after everything… I wouldn’t want a day to go by without being with you. I would go through it all again if it meant I got to have you in my life.”

“Is this about me going back to Suffolk?” Harry cupped Addy’s cheeks tenderly.

“You going back… me going back to work… being on my own.” Addy shook her head with tightly closed eyes.

“I thought that was what you wanted, Adalyn?” A confused Harry massaged his thumb into the warm flesh of her cheek.

A set of green eyes opened staring right into the depths of him. “What I want is to be normal again.” Addy breathed in deeply. “I don’t want people tiptoeing around me. I don’t want you or my family always worried about every little thing I do like I am going to vanish or something.”

Harry held his tongue. But, I almost did lose you Addy. You almost vanished from my life. He thought to himself.

“I want to have fun again, Harry.” Addy rested her forehead against Harry’s. “Like that day we spent on the farm together….”

“Mmmm that was fun.” Harry smirked crookedly.

“I am just tired of bad things happening to us and want to focus on the good things. Like this trip and us!” Addy slowly tossed her head back while holding onto Harry’s hips.

“Well it is almost a new year. We can start fresh. Leave all the bad shit that has happened in the past.” He smiled down lovingly at Adalyn. “Except for meeting you. That was the best day of my life.”

“Ooh stop it.” Addy blushed at his words.

“It’s true.” Harry whispered across her lips as he leant down to place a kiss on top of them. “Don’t ever forget that.”

“I won’t.” Addy stood up and pressed her lips one more time to Harry’s. “We should go find our friends, shouldn’t we?”

“I guess so…” Harry growled and pulled his lips reluctantly off of Addy’s.

The yacht’s captain and crew were introduced to their group and were made aware of the schedule of stops for the next few days. The excitement of the group was palpable as if they all needed this mini vacation and getaway from the pressures of their daily lives.

The guys were diving into their beers as the girls got changed into their swimsuits. Today would be spent on the yacht with a chance to use the water sport toys as they continued onto their next destination.

Melanie and Adrianna were the first to appear as they headed straight to the bar for a drink. Tom could not keep his eyes off of Mel, checking her out in her bikini.

“Damn, I am a lucky man.” He stood up and went directly over to his girlfriend leaving the guys behind.

“He’s starting to sound whipped like you Harry.” Skippy stuck out his tongue at Harry seeing the glare in his eyes.

“I am not whipped, Skippy.” Harry took a swig of his beer. “Not even remotely.”

“I am.” Guy tossed his head back in laughter at his own confession while his friends joined in with his laughter.

“We all knew that, Guy.” Harry spoke out the obvious.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Adalyn walking down the stairs and did a double take. His mouth nearly dropped to the floor in surprise at how sexy his girlfriend was standing there in a green bikini that accentuated all of her curves in just the right areas.

“Holy hell.” Harry whispered under his breath, but he swore Addy heard him as she locked eyes with him in that very second. She shyly looked away from him seeing how he was devouring her with his eyes.

Addy was leaning up against the bar waiting to place her drink order when she felt a hand pressed on the small of her back. Knowing by the immediate touch it was her man, she leaned into him.

“You look so sexy.” Harry whispered into Addy’s ear as he gently rubbed over the exposed skin on her back.

“Thank you, love.” Addy looked up at her boyfriend. “Why don’t you get me a drink then and I will meet you by the hot tub.” Without another word she left Harry behind in a daze knowing that his eyes watched her backside as she walked away from him.

Walking by Skippy and Guy she quickly leaned in and said. “Harry is whipped whether he thinks so or not.” Skippy was nearly keeled over roaring with laughter that gained Harry’s attention as he caught Adalyn walking away from his friends.

“I cannot wait for the water fall hike! It is going to be so amazing!” Mel gushed as she stumbled and nearly spilled her drink over everyone in the hot tub. The yacht was sailing by the picturesque coastal town of Baska, attracting everyone’s eyes as the clear blue water along the old buildings captivated them.

Addy was mesmerized by the view that was in front of her. She felt Harry come up beside her as he kissed her shoulder gently. “Why don’t you go get dressed so we can explore a little bit?” His words caused Addy to turn her attention to him.

“We get to go there?” Addy beamed with excitement.

“Yeah! Let’s hurry so we don’t waste any time!” Harry grabbed her hand and helped his girlfriend climb out of the hot tub.

Harry could barely take his eyes off of Addy in the summery dress that she had put on as they embarked off the yacht. A pastel colored floral skirt was perfectly matched with a white off the shoulder top that hinted at her breasts. Her brunette hair was loosely pulled back into a classy bun, but what caught his eyes the most was the necklace he had given her that Addy kept on nearly everywhere she went. He would often find her playing with it when she thought he wasn’t looking.

“Hey!” Harry turned to look back over his shoulder to look behind at the group. “We have dinner reservations at 730pm. Don’t be late!”

“Are we going to split up or stay together?” Mel asked the group as they continued to walk along the harbour front boardwalk.

“What do you wanna do?” Addy whispered to Harry as they locked in each other’s eyes.

“I want you to myself for a little while.” Harry lifted his arm and wrapped it around his girlfriend’s shoulders as they broke apart from the rest of the group finding their own adventure in the small Croatian town.

“Hey! Where are you two heading off to?!” Tom yelled after them.

“Nowhere!” Harry snickered before grabbing Addy’s hand and nearly running off with her, laughing away as they ditched the rest of the group.

The couple walked around the small town of Baska and entered little shops along their way. People kept pulling them into their shop and taught them what life was like in the town as they showed them what they had made to sell in their sea-side shops.

Harry spotted Addy eying a painting that she kept going back to look at. It was of a couple sitting together on the beach looking across over the ocean done in a watercolour base. Something in it was drawing Addy to it, but each time she went back to it, she did not pick it up.

“See anything you like?” Harry approached Addy as ran her hands through the soft material of a hand made scarf.

She simply shook her head. “No…” But her eyes trailed back towards the painting for a few seconds before fully answering. “Not exactly.” Addy looked up at Harry. “I heard there is a market a few streets down. Do you want to go there?”

“Yeah, wherever you want to go.” Harry nodded while pulling out his wallet. “You thirsty? It’s so hot out here. Why don’t you grab us a few drinks before we go? I think I saw a stand just outside the door. I want to ask this owner something.”

“I could use a drink!” Addy took a few bills from Harry. “Coke or water, love?”

“Water is fine. I will see you out there.” Harry internally smiled as his plan to distract Addy worked as he watched her leave the little store. He quickly approached the shop owner. “Do you paint these by yourself?”

“I do, sir.” He nodded happily.

“Could you paint one for me?” Harry took a few steps back and grabbed the painting Addy had her eyes on to show him. “Like this?” He showed him.

“Yes!” He nodded again. “I can paint for you and your wife. She has an eye for art!”

Harry smiled at the thought of the shop owner calling Addy his wife. “Maybe one day she will be.” He joked with the owner. “Can you do it tonight? We are leaving back to the yacht later tonight. I will make it worth your while.”

“Give me three hours? Pick it up here?” The owner smiled at the prince.

“That would be great! I can come back or have someone get it.” Harry was smiling from ear to ear hoping that Addy would like it.

“Water colour? Same exact picture but you two?” The owner confirmed with the prince through broken English.

Harry nodded and pulled out his phone to show him a picture of a selfie the two of them took earlier that afternoon. “Yes, like this.”

Harry looked towards the exit and knew he had to get going before Addy became suspicious. “How much?” He gave the man more that what he had asked for and headed out the door to find Addy walking back with two cold waters in her hand.

“Ready to go? I asked around and I think the market is around the corner over there.” Adalyn pointed out ahead of them while handing her boyfriend some water.

“Let’s go there?” Harry took a big drink as the cool water trailed down his throat.

“I feel like we have been doing what I want today though… what do you want to do?” A hint of concern was laced in Addy’s voice as she found Harry’s hand and started to walk towards the direction of the market.

“I am good with whatever as long as I get to do it with you.” Harry picked up her hand and kissed it softly. “I got my fun earlier with the jet ski!”

The couple had found the market and was amazed at all the unique little souvenirs and Croatian things the people from Baska had made to sell. They were simply having fun picking out little gifts for one another, the sillier the better.

Addy was nearly in tears after laughing so hard at Harry as he modelled an apparent traditional dress that men in Baska wore to ceremonies. He popped out his hip with a pouty lip making Addy dissolve into endless giggles.

“I will take it!” She dug through her purse despite protests from the prince not to, saying he would never wear it. “It’s not for you!” Addy leaned into him. “I personally think it would look great on Will!” A mischievous smile formed on her lips.

“I agree with you, love.” Harry pulled it off over his head and eyed it again while holding it up. “I think William will love it too!” The prince winked at Addy as she paid for it and put it into a small bag.

“We should get Kate something too!” Addy continued to walk along the vendors eying custom jewelry when she heard their names being called out.

Harry looked up and scanned the crowd becoming on guard as he did not recognize the voice that called their names. His eyes searched hard and landed on what he saw were paparazzi practically running towards them with their cameras in hand. How the hell did they find them here? The prince had told no one he did not trust about this vacation he had planned.

“Addy, let’s go.” Harry gripped her hand and started to lead her through the market as quickly as he could. His eyes fell back on the protection officer that had re-joined them after keeping a substantial distance between them as per Harry’s request.

Addy heard her name being called out as she looked back to see why Harry was in such a hurry to leave. A group of paps were hot on their heals as they weaved through the market stands. Her body became tense as she quickened her pace in order to keep up with Harry’s long strides.

“How did they find us?” Addy looked towards Harry who was wearing an angry expression with his brow furrowed and jaw clenched tightly.

“I don’t know. They are ruthless like I have always told you, Addy.” He spoke through pursed lips. His hand was still gripping Adalyn’s hard as his eyes scanned for the best way to get them out of there.

“HARRY! ADDY! COME ON SHOW US A LITTLE SOMETHING!”

“Harry you are going too fast, I can’t keep up.” Harry was nearly running, but Addy’s sandals were not exactly the practical type.

“You have too, love. Please try.” Harry’s voice was begging her to.

She gripped his hand tighter and gained his blue eyes turning back to check on her. A playful glint in Addy’s green eyes caused him to not look away. “Lose them, Henry.” The corner of her lips turned into a lighthearted grin.

“My pleasure.” Harry squeezed her hand tight, ensuring he had a good grip on it.

“Extra points if you lose your RPO too.” Addy giggled as the thrill of the run coursed through her.

“Extra points?” Harry’s eyebrow rose suggestively as his determination to please Adalyn turned the pursuit higher. He suddenly turned back on his heel and weaved them back through the same vendors they had just passed through after he noticed the paps having taken another route.

The prince travelled back towards the harbour front with Addy right by his side as they tried to ditch the paparazzi and his RPO. Addy glanced back over her shoulder seeing that the paps had were somehow gaining ground on them as their continual shouts of their name echoed from behind closer and closer. “Harry, they are getting closer!”

His eyes searched around, trying to find an escape route.  A devilish grin appeared on his lips once he spotted it. “Do you trust me?” Harry locked eyes with his girlfriend’s that held a mix of fear of the unknown and adventure from the chase circling in them.

“Always.” Their gaze lingered for a second longer.

“Don’t let go of me.” He tugged on her hand gently as they took often down towards the docks. Running through dock after dock of boats lining them, the prince spotted an older man preparing his boat to leave. Their footsteps echoed against the old wood that swayed over top of the water as their pace quickened.

Addy looked up to see exactly where Harry was taking her as adrenaline coursed through her to run faster along side him. “A boat?”

“Yes!” Harry smiled proudly of his plan. “Sir?!” He waved his free arm to gain attention of the man. “Start your boat, we will pay you well!”

The elderly man looked around and spotted the couple eagerly running down the dock being chased by people with cameras. He waved his arm to join them before he ran towards the controls as the engine of the boat roared to life. Harry glanced back over his shoulder. There may be enough distance between them and his RPO that he may actually lose everyone like Addy had asked him too.

Harry helped Addy get on the boat safely first as she stepped across a short wooden plank, letting go of his hand for the first time since the chase had started. The elderly man directed Harry in quickly untying the ropes that secured the boat onto the dock while making sure his girlfriend was safely seated at the front.

His girlfriend looked down the long row of the dock and saw them gaining ground as their voices became clearer. “Harry come on!” Addy stood up and walked towards the boat. “Get on!” She warned him and stuck out her hand for him to grasp.

The prince gave the boat a hard push to create some space between the boat and the dock in a last ditch effort to ensure no one would jump on. He grabbed Addy’s hand as she pulled him onto the boat with all the strength she had within her. His body crashed into her, making her nearly lose her footing with a light gasp.

Harry’s arm wrapped around her to secure Addy in place as her green eyes peaked up at him fondly. “You did it!” A set of green eyes were proudly smiling up at Harry.

“I did it for you, love.” He wanted to get lost in the depths of those green eyes again, but their names being shouted alerted him back to the reality of the situation at hand. The couple could hear the snaps of the cameras left in their wake as the boat successfully left the harbour.

Addy blindly searched for his hand, turning around to see the elderly man grinning at them ear to ear. “Hello!” She could not help but dissolve into a fit of breathless giggles as she tried to regain her breath from the long run.

“Thank you, sir. For helping us out.” Harry greeted the elderly man and introduced themselves. “This is my girlfriend, Addy.” He shook the man’s hand. “I’m Harry.”

“Welcome aboard my boat! The beautiful Josephine!” The man graciously welcomed them and offered them to sit and relax as he took them on a tour after they politely refused not to further waste his time.

“Please. I insist.” The man sat them down and gave each of them a traditional Croatian fruity drink. “I want to show you my beautiful country!”

Addy looked up at Harry to see if he wanted to stay on the boat and get a private tour from a local. “Do you want too? I think it will be fun.” She searched his blue eyes for an answer.

“I am in!” Harry smiled happily and lifted his arm for Addy to snuggle in closer. “I am happy I got my extra points.” The prince cheekily smiled down at Addy. “When do I get my reward?”

Addy tossed her head back with laughter and then breathed out a sigh. “Tonight…” She peaked up at Harry and bit down on her bottom lip, silently telling her boyfriend what his reward would be.

“Mmmm… in the hot tub?” Harry questioned with a suggestive eyebrow.

Addy simply nodded at the idea before turning her attention back to the elderly man who was telling them about the history of the town as they sailed along the coastal line.

Harry and Addy were all smiles only having eyes for one another as they walked hand in hand into Gallo, the restaurant they were to meet the rest of their group at after an afternoon of exploring. No member of the group missed seeing their gleeful smiles as they took the last few empty seats at the end of the table. The couple were a few minutes late having gotten back from their little private tour along by the local man who aided in their escape.

“What did you two get up to this afternoon?” Adriana leaned in towards Addy as Harry sat down beside Guy.

Addy glanced towards Harry unsure of what to say exactly so he stepped in and answered. “Well, we were exploring the little shops and markets when paps starting chasing us.” The whole table was now listening as they all formed shocked expressions.

“Seriously? All the way in Croatia?” Melissa’s expression softened as she looked across the table to see Addy’s smile fade and become quiet. She felt for Adalyn deeply. To have someone always wanting to photograph you and the lengths that they would go to just to get that one picture would certainly take its toll on her. Especially when she was meant to be on a stress free vacation that she desperately needed.

“Why?” Tom asked his friend.

“They only have one reason Tom.” Harry simply shrugged his reply before seeing Adalyn’s smile no longer there. All of his life he had hated the press for intruding on his personal life. All he was trying to do was to take his girlfriend on a vacation and he couldn’t even do that without them following them.

The prince nudged her leg gently underneath the table to subtly get Addy’s attention. Her green eyes lifted, locking in his gaze as he silently asked with his eyes if she was alright. A light nod with an attempted smile gave Harry his answer.

“But, then we escaped from them and got on a boat.” Addy’s smile re-appeared. “We got a tour from a local fishermen and he showed us around. He took us to a little hidden cove and it was amazing!”

“No way!” Mel wanted to hear more about it all.

“Some total James Bond shit.” Guy patted Harry on the back. “Wait… you even ditched your RPO?!”

Harry bit down on his bottom lip as a naughty glint appeared in his blue eyes. He was waiting for a phone call from his grandmother or father knowing he would get in shit for doing so. But, it was all worth it to spend some alone time with Addy on that little boat. “Yeah, waiting for the backlash as we speak.”

What Addy did not tell the group was the local man, Leo, actually took them back to his home on the coastal town where they met his wife, Josephine; the women whom he named his boat after. They had a lovely chat and were offered an assortment of traditional Croatian baking and a large selection of teas. There was something that Josephine told Harry as they were leaving their home to meet their friends. She told him something that he simply could not ignore as it felt like a foreseeable warning to him. “The eyes always tell their own story you know. They are the entry to the soul. She has a lot of fear behind her eyes that girl does. She hides that fear from you.”

“Harry?” Addy’s voice brought him back from the memory. “Want to share something with me?” He picked up the menu and quickly scanned through it.

“Yeah we could order two plates and share, love.” Harry winked at Addy. “You choose what you would like, I am good with whatever.”

“Are you sure?” Addy angled her head at Harry.

“Positive.” His gentle eyes reassured her.

The smile that grew on her lips was a sight he simply could not look away from. It was a smile that Harry rarely got to see since after the incident with Jake. He planned this trip with Guy all because he wanted Adalyn to remember what it was like to have a little fun and to relax without the pressure building up around her from all aspects of her life.

The press were at an ultimate high with their inquisitive nature about Adalyn as news of the kidnapping and desire to know how ‘Prince Harry’s girlfriend’ was coping with the aftermath. They even were getting braver asking about Addy during his official engagements to which he never gave a reply to validate anything. This caused Adalyn to want to close her self off from the outside world simply because she could not handle how the paparazzi shouted question after question about it to her.

Adalyn’s curator job at the Imperial War Museum were continually breathing down her neck about starting back up as projects sat uncompleted and were threatening to give all of her hard work she had done onto someone else. She confided in the prince shortly after his surprise visit to her grandparents farm that she was worried if she did not go back, that she would have no job to go back too. Adalyn questioned herself if she was ready too, but in the end that question did not matter as she could not give up her job. The plan was for Addy to start back up in the new year part time for the first month and then back to regular hours once she settled back in.

But, for the time being he would take that smile she was giving Harry knowing what was awaiting for him later in the hot tub that night.