Читать книгу The Prince's Texas Bride / The Reluctant Princess - Leanne Banks - Страница 11

After consuming a gourmet meal, Eve and the Deveraux clan engaged in a death match of Chicken Scratch. They cajoled her into playing more than two games and each of them won once, but Eve won most overall, much to the siblings’ dismay. Stefan had been forced to leave early to take a call.

Jacques bared his teeth playfully. “You’re in our targets now even more than ever. Don’t get used to winning.”

“I’ll try not to,” Eve drawled, “but since most of my experience is with winning … “ She gave a mock shrug.

Phillipa giggled. “She pummeled us even after all our practice.”

Eve smiled. “You have to remember that I’ve been playing this game practically since the cradle.”

“That’s okay,” Bridget said, putting her nose in the air. “We’re just getting started. We will conquer Chicken Scratch and you.”

“Well, you’ll have to do it without me for a while since I’m returning to university,” Jacques said.

Bridget rose and gave her brother a big hug around his neck, which seemed to surprise him. “I’ll miss you. Just be careful with the girls. You know how Stefan is about living down the Deveraux playboy image.”

“I’m careful, but I’ll never lock myself away from the women the way Stefan does.”

“Yes, well, that may be part of the reason he’s always in a bad mood. I may put together a plan to change things in that area,” Bridget said, her eyes glinting with a diabolical gleam.

Eve almost felt sorry for Stefan. “Time for me to go. Thank you again for the wonderful dinner and company. Good luck at university, Jacques.”

“Thank you,” Jacques said, rising. “I’ll look forward to a rematch when I return on break.”

“My pleasure, Your Highness,” she said, then looked at Bridget and Phillipa. “Sweet dreams.”

“And to you,” Phillipa said, smiling.

Eve left the palace and headed for the staff quarters, when she overheard a muttered string of oaths followed by a succession of what she suspected were more expletives in a language she didn’t understand coming from behind a tall hedge. What she did understand was that Stefan was the one voicing the litany. For a millisecond, she considered continuing down her path away from him, but some part of her wouldn’t allow it.

Turning around, she took in a breath of the night air filled with the scent of flowers, and then peeked through a large hedge. Stefan stood with his back to her, hands on hips, still hissing in frustration. “I hope it’s not the landscaping that has you so upset,” she said. “If that’s true, then your groundskeepers better grab a canoe and get off the island.”

Silence followed, then a heavy sigh. He turned toward her voice and his gaze found her immediately. “Join me,” he said. “If you dare.”

For a moment, she wondered if she really did dare. Then she shook off the silly thought. Sure he was a prince, but he was still just a man. She walked through the maze of hedging to step inside the small courtyard. “Needed some fresh air, eh?” she asked. “What’s got you so pissed off this time?”

“This time,” he said, lifting a dark brow of disapproval. “The way you say that suggests I’m pissed off most of the time.”

“If the shoe fits,” she said. “You stayed upset with Tina for a long time.”

“She abandoned ship with zero notice,” he pointed out.

“True, but pregnancy trumps charity teas,” she countered. “And when are you not frustrated with Bridget?”

“Tell me the truth,” he said, dipping his head close to hers. “Would you want her for your employee?”

He made an excellent point, but she didn’t want to contribute to the strife-ridden relationship between the two of them. “I don’t think Bridget is the reason you were swearing at the shrubbery a few moments ago.”

He held her gaze for a long moment and sighed. “That’s correct,” he said, then turned away, shoving his hands into his pockets.

“Just curious,” she said. “What language were you using?”

“Italian, French and Greek,” he said with a shrug.

“Must be something big to require swearing in four languages,” she said.

He stood with his back to her for a long moment and she wondered if it might be best if she left. She didn’t appear to be helping.

“For some time, I’ve been trying to recruit a new medical specialist for Chantaine’s health care. Our current chief of health and medicine is retiring soon and we need to bring in a younger M.D. for this position. I’d all but sealed the deal when the doctor of choice announced he’d chosen another position.”

Surprise rushed through her. “Wow, you have your finger in a lot of pies. I didn’t know you were involved in health care. I figured someone else was in charge of that.”

“There have been other people in charge of Chantaine’s health care, but I’m taking a more active role than my predecessors. It’s not acceptable to me to coast when my family has received such an enormous benefit from our birthright. It’s time for us to give in return. Some in the government welcome my input and some do not.”

The passion in his voice emanated throughout the space they shared. “I don’t know what the position of ruling prince entails, but I had thought it was more about decorum than governing.”

“I’ve been extensively educated in matters of government, world economics, health care policy and infrastructure design. I’m not going to let all that go to waste by sitting on a yacht in the Aegean Sea and showing up for photo ops every couple of months.”

“Okay,” she said warily. It was obvious this was a touchy subject. “I wasn’t suggesting you spend your life on yacht, although it may not be a bad idea for a vacation every now and then. You seem pretty wound up. Maybe you should take a little vacation.”

He met her gaze and his lips twitched. “How many vacations have you taken?”

“I wasn’t born into your world. My family was very poor,” she said. “I worked as a matter of survival, through high school, then paid for most of my own college education. As soon as I finished, I worked that job until I came here. There’s been no time for vacation.”

“But even if there were, I suspect you wouldn’t take it. You had to be forced to spend a day at the beach today. You and I are alike. We don’t want to take a break until the job is done.”

“Yes, but your job will never be done,” she said. “If you don’t pace yourself, you’re going to burn out everyone around you, including yourself.”

“You sound almost as if you care,” he said.

His response took her off guard. “Maybe I shouldn’t, but I guess I do,” she said, surprised at how much she was beginning to care for the whole Devereaux family, including Stefan. Unnerved, she decided to leave. “Well, since I don’t think I’m helping you get to your royal Zen state, I’ll head to my room—”

He reached out to wrap his hand around her wrist. “Au contraire, you underestimate yourself.”

Her heart jumped at the sensation of his thumb skimming the underside of her wrist. “I have enormous confidence,” she said more breathlessly than she’d intended, “that I have very little effect on you except to irritate you.”

His eyes darkened with a hint of challenge that made her a little nervous. “Again,” he said, tugging her closer. “You underestimate yourself. You make me curious.”

He lifted one of his fingers to her lips, and she felt a buzzing sensation that started at her mouth and seemed to travel down every nerve ending in her body. “No need to be curious,” she said, wondering why her lungs weren’t functioning properly. “I’m boring.”

He gave a low laugh and shook his head. “No chance. I think you may be a little curious about me.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but the lie stuck in her throat. The truth was she found Stefan much more fascinating than she’d expected. He leaned closer and closer, and she held her breath in a mix of expectation and—strangely—fear. She would have to figure out the latter. Why on earth should she be afraid of—

His mouth took hers and every thought except him left her. His lips felt smooth and sensual. There was a reason she should hold back, but she couldn’t quite muster it from her cloudy mind. His tongue teased the seam of her lips and she instinctively opened, wanting more. Something inside her cut loose and she arched against him, craving the sensation of his hard chest against her breasts.

She lifted her hands, sinking her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck. It was surprisingly soft while the rest of him was oh, so hard. In an instant, the tenor of the kiss changed from exploring to hot and aching. She felt his hand slide to the back of her hips, pulling her against him intimately.

Her heart hammered in her chest, her blood roared through her veins like wildfire. She felt an indelible connection that seemed to go deeper than her cells. Crazy, some part of her said, but it was faint compared to the desire, need or whatever it was that filled her to bursting.

He gave a low groan that vibrated deliciously through her. The need inside her grew exponentially.

“I must have you,” he muttered against her mouth. He swore. “I want you here, now,” he said and took her mouth in another, more passionate, less controlled kiss.

She craved more of his passion, less of his control. Some part of her trusted him like she’d never trusted any other man.

Groaning again, he pulled his mouth from hers and tucked her head beneath his chin. The sound of their breaths mingled with a bird calling in the distance. Eve’s mind spun like a water spout. Even though she knew she would drown, she didn’t want it to stop.

“I’ll figure this out,” he said in a low voice. “We’ll have an arrangement. We can meet in secret. I’ll call you and give you a key to—”

“Arrangement,” she echoed, her mind starting to function again. “Secret?” She looked up at him. “What are you talking about?”

“Surely, you don’t expect a public relationship with me.”

She blinked, not sure what she’d expected.

He gently squeezed her shoulders. “Eve, neither you nor I want to carry out an affair in public.”

Affair. It just sounded dirty. Icky.

“Do you really want the press investigating every bit of your past? Every bit of your family’s past? Do you want to endure the speculation of being a prospective princess of Chantaine?”

“Princess?” she finally was able to say. “I have never, nor will I ever be, a princess in any sense of the word.”

“Exactly,” he said and chuckled. Then he turned serious and laced his fingers through hers. “Does that mean you and I should deprive ourselves?”

His touch almost short-circuited her brain function. She frowned as she tried to concentrate. She closed her eyes and tried to think. His scent slid past her self-defenses. She frowned. “I don’t know about this. I’m going to have to think about it.”

Silence followed. “Excuse me. You’re going to have to think about it?”

Eve opened her eyes and nodded. “Yes. You’re not just my boss, you’re a prince, for Pete’s sake. This could turn into one big, hot mess.”

“You’re refusing my suggestion because I’m a prince?” he said more than asked, and he didn’t sound particularly pleased.

She shrugged. “Well, yes. It’s not as if a relationship between you and me could go anywhere. Obviously, you agree it’s a dead-end adventure. And if you fell in love with me, it would be terribly messy.”

He stared at her in amazement. “If I fell in love with you?”

She nodded. “It has happened before.”

“I suppose it didn’t occur to you that you could fall in love with me,” he said in a lethally sexy voice.

She swallowed over a knot of denial. “It’s not likely,” she said.

He tilted his head to one side. “Why is that, chérie?”

Her nerve endings were still leap-frogging over themselves, but she refused to give in to the situation. “Because I’ve never fallen in love before. Why on earth would I start with you?”

He blinked as if he hadn’t heard her correctly.

“Well, other than the fact that you’re sexy, intelligent and probably loaded,” she said and felt as if she were digging herself deeper into a hole. She didn’t like the quicksand sensation at all. Eve preferred staying in control and that was what she would do right now. “I think we should just forget this ever happened.”

He laughed, which infuriated her. “Do you think you can do that? Do you think it will be that easy?”

“We’re both adults,” she said, pushing aside her doubts. “I’ve had to exercise mind over matter many times during my life. I’m sure you have, too. There,” she said, extending her hand. “Let’s shake on it.”

He took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he shook his head. Then he lifted her hand and turned it so her wrist was open and vulnerable. He pressed his mouth against her skin, and she felt her pulse jump. “Sorry, Eve, I don’t make promises I don’t intend to keep.”

Eve successfully avoided Stefan for the next three days. She told herself that if she created some distance between herself and the kiss that had somehow turned into an event, then she would gain the proper perspective, which was that it had been just a kiss and the reason she’d experienced all those feelings was because she’d been tired. Most important, she felt more in control when she wasn’t around Stefan.

The day before the parade, she was checking off the items on her countdown list. She couldn’t deny a bit of nerves in anticipation of the event, but was satisfied she’d done as much preparation as possible during the time she’d been in Chantaine. She’d touched base with all the riders except for Count Christo. The man had completely ignored her calls. He was the one who liked to wield a whip, and she was determined to find a way to extract it from him before he mounted one of her darlings.

She picked up the phone to call the groomer, when she heard a knock on her door. Glancing up, she found Phillipa in the doorway. “Well, hello, Your Highness. What brings you here?”

Plastering a smile on her face, Phillipa laced her fingers together, then unlaced them. “Please call me Phillipa. This is just a little visit. I know the big day is tomorrow and I wanted to see how you’re doing.”

Eve noticed that the bookish princess shifted from one foot to the other. “Is something wrong?”

“Oh, what could be wrong?” Phillipa asked, walking into the small office. “Have you been here all day? Did you go out for lunch?”

Confused, Eve wondered what was behind Phillipa’s discomfort. “We’ve been grooming today, so I’ve been here since 6:00 a.m. I ate a sandwich at my desk for lunch. Are you sure there’s nothing bothering you? Are you concerned about the parade tomorrow?”

Phillipa waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, no. People don’t focus on me. I know how to keep a low profile.”

“Okay,” Eve said, still confused by the visit. “Is there something I can do for you?”

Phillipa shrugged and smiled again a bit too brightly. “Not a thing. Stefan and Bridget both have events today, so they asked me to stop in and visit you.”

“That was nice,” Eve said, torn between the royals’ compassion and her desire for them to have complete confidence in her. “I’ve hammered out all the details.”

Phillipa clasped her hands together. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

“Double check my to-do list for tomorrow, give the beauties a little extra attention, then hit the sack,” she said. “Why?”

“Just curious. I can have chef deliver a light dinner to your quarters,” she said.

“Not necessary. I won’t be eating much anyway.”

“Oh, I insist,” Phillipa said. “All of us are very pleased with the job you’re doing. We’re very happy that you’re here in Chantaine.”

“Thank you,” she said, wishing she could feel more pleased, but something just didn’t ring right about this situation. Although Phillipa had been warm and friendly to Eve, she’d never visited her in the stables. Eve had been told the youngest princess was working a grueling schedule to complete her advanced degree as quickly as possible.

“You’re welcome. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow,” Phillipa said and turned away.

Eve frowned for a moment. Something was going on, but she wasn’t sure what it was. She groaned in frustration. Maybe she was just being paranoid.

After a restless night, Eve arose when it was dark and dressed in a formal riding outfit. She much preferred to stay in the background but had been told that the press might ask her a few questions. After eating a protein bar and drinking a cup of coffee, she went to the stables and supervised the rest of the grooming. The parade was scheduled for two o’clock and would depart from the Palace Square.

One of her missions was to separate Count Christo from his famed whip. The elderly man strutted around his assigned horse. Eve had assigned the man Pilar, a lovely older mare. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” Eve said to the count. “Pardon me, I’m Eve Jackson, the royal stable master. I’ve heard of you. Aren’t you the famous Count Christo?”

The count lifted his shoulders and chin in a show of pride. “Yes, I am, and yes, this is a lovely mare. Are you sure she’ll be able to keep up with me? I’m quite the horseman, you know,” he said, pulling out his whip and tapping it against his hand.

Eve’s stomach dipped at the sight of the whip. “Pilar has one of the best pedigrees in the prince’s stable. She has spirit and she responds well to a gentle lead. I’m sure you’ve encountered that kind of mount before.”

“Of course,” he said, still tapping his hand with the whip.

“Would you mind if I looked at your whip? I’ve never seen one quite like that before,” she said.

“It’s been passed down through generations of my family. Napoleon gave it to one of my great-uncles,” he said as he handed it to her.

“It looks as if it’s barely been used at all,” she said, sliding her fingers over the leather.

“Oh, of course not,” the count said. “It’s mostly for show. A true horseman only uses a whip in the direst circumstance.”

A sliver of relief slid through her and she smiled. “You’re a wise man.”

“You were worried I would whip the horse,” he mused, surprising her with his perception.

“It’s my job to be protective of them and anyone who rides them,” she said.

His lips lifted in a half smile. “Don’t worry. The whip shall remain sheathed.”

She sighed and dipped her head. “Thank you very much, Count Christo.”

“My pleasure,” the count said. “It’s nice to see the prince’s new stable master so conscientious. A refreshing change.”

“Thank you again,” she said, this time unable to resist a smile, then left to check on the other riders and horses. She came upon Bridget on one of the geldings.

“Everything okay?” Eve asked, automatically checking the security of the saddle and stirrups.

“Peachy, as you Yanks would say,” Bridget said. “The good news is that Stefan found a way to take care of those pesky protesters.”

Eve blinked. “Protesters?” she echoed in confusion.

Bridget grimaced. “Oh, no. Stefan’s assistant didn’t call you? We thought he would be the best one to explain the problem.”

“What problem?” Eve demanded, her mind whirling at all the problems protesters could cause. What if they decided to throw rocks at the riders or horses? She shuddered at the thought.

“There was an article in the newspaper yesterday. Stefan and I were busy, so we sent Phillipa around to check on you until Stefan’s assistant got in touch with you. I can’t believe he didn’t do that,” Bridget said with a frown. “I assure you Stefan will be furious. But he’s fixed it. The royal guard will march alongside the parade to protect us.”

Eve frowned. This was supposed to be a joyous occasion. A celebration of Chantaine’s beautiful horses. “Why the protest?” she asked.

Bridget sighed. “The citizens think Stefan is spending too much money on the horses … and his new horse master. To them, the horses don’t earn their keep.”

“Well, that would be easily fixed,” Eve said.

“How?” Bridget asked.

“Put Black out to stud. The payment for his sperm could feed a third-world country. Sounds like it’s time to spread it around,” she said.

Bridget snickered. “Can’t wait to see you convince Stefan of that.”

Furious that he hadn’t discussed this with her, she balled her fists, but hid them behind her back. “No time like the present. Later, Your Highness.”

Eve searched the crowd for His Highness and immediately spotted him. He stood tall and confident, resplendent in his dress riding clothes next to Black. She marched toward him.

“Your Royal Highness,” she said and bent her knees. As a curtsy, it sucked big-time, but it was better than nothing.

“Ms. Jackson. Good to see you. All the horses are in good form,” he said.

She moved closer. “I just hope they remain in good form. The protest I never heard about could cause problems.”

“I’ve taken care of it,” he said.

“I should have been informed. It will look ridiculous to have an army of soldiers escorting the horses. This is supposed to a celebration of pride in the heritage of the royal stables of Chantaine.”

“Unfortunately, not all the citizens see it that way,” he said.

“There’s an easy solution to the money problem,” she said.

“What’s that?” he asked, glancing around the crowd.

“Release Black’s seed,” she said.

His head whipped around as he focused on her. “Pardon me?”

“You know what I’m saying. You need to let Black provide stud service. You’ll make tons of money.”

“I’ve been waiting—”

“For what? The perfect filly?” she asked.

His eyebrows knitted in disapproval. “Who are you to tell me when I should send my stallion out for stud?”

“I am the royal stable master. You hired me for this very purpose,” she said, lifting her chin.

A trumpet sounded. “We’ll discuss this later.”

“Darn right, we will,” she said. “And you better cut the number of guards for this party in half or you’re going to look like you’re headed into war.”