Читать книгу By Request Collection Part 3 - Майя Бэнкс, Robyn Donald - Страница 27

LUISA walked across the tarmac towards the crowd. It was daunting. So huge, so excited. For an insane moment she wished she were back in his arms. To her consternation she’d felt … safe there.

Her knees shook with every step. His arm around her waist was both a torment and a support.

She swallowed hard, nervous at what she faced. And furious.

‘Don’t faint on me now, Luisa.’

‘No chance of that,’ she managed through gritted teeth as instinctively she tried to respond to the broad smiles on so many faces. ‘I’m not going to swoon in your arms. Even for the sake of your audience.’

‘Our audience.’

A barrage of flashes set up around them. He raised one hand in acknowledgement and the crowd cheered harder.

The information she’d found on the web mentioned his dedication to his country but she hadn’t realised how popular he was. Cynically she did a quick survey of the crowd and noticed women outnumbered men three to one. That explained some of the excitement.

It would be easy to fall for Raul if you didn’t know the man behind the gorgeous exterior.

He swept her towards a gleaming limousine. No lengthy wait for passport and customs checks for him.

They’d almost reached the car when Luisa saw what had provoked such interest. Someone held up a page from a newspaper, with a blown up photo of a couple embracing so passionately it felt voyeuristic to look at them.

It took a moment for the truth to slam into her. The man staring so intently down at the woman he held possessively was Raul. His face was harsh with stark sexual hunger. Or intense calculation.

And the woman with her kiss-swollen lips, apparently swooning in his arms, was her!

Luisa’s skin crawled in horror. Bile rose in her throat and she swallowed frantically. She felt … violated at the knowledge anyone else had seen that moment. Had viewed her vulnerability. Bad enough Raul knew her appalling weakness, but to have others witness it, splash it in newsprint.

She gasped, her breath sawing painfully in cramped lungs.

‘Come, Luisa.’ Raul urged her forwards. ‘Don’t stop here in front of the cameras.’

The mention of cameras moved her on till she found herself seated, shivering, in a limo. Her brain seemed to have seized up and her teeth were chattering.

‘Luisa?’ Warm hands chafed her icy ones. Dazedly she heard a muttered imprecation, then her knees were swathed in warmth as Raul tucked his jacket around her legs.

‘I don’t need it. I’m fine.’ Her voice sounded overloud in the thick silence now the privacy screen had been raised. But a chance glance out of the window to the people milling about, watching their vehicle, made her shrink back into the soft leather.

‘You’ve had a shock. I apologise. I should have warned you.’ Luisa could almost believe that was genuine regret in his deep voice.

But her brain was branded with the memory of his expression in that photo. She wasn’t stupid enough to believe he’d been overcome by passion. He’d recovered too fast and too completely. He’d probably been calculating how successful his seduction had been. Assessing how compliant she’d be in future.

Fury pierced the fog of shock.

‘You did that!’ She rounded on him, too angry to feel more than a tremor of surprise at how close he sat, his thigh warm against hers. ‘You set me up for that photo.’ How could she have forgotten her suspicion last night when he’d suggested taking her out? She should have guessed he was up to something.

Hauteur iced his features.

‘I don’t do deals with the paparazzi.’

Luisa shook her head. ‘Someone did! They were there, waiting for us. You can’t tell me—’

‘I do tell you, Luisa.’ His voice held a note of steel that silenced her. ‘I have nothing but contempt for the media outlets and the photographers who spend their time beating up such stories.’ His jaw tightened and Luisa found herself sinking back into her seat.

Gullible she might be, but everything from the set of his taut shoulders to the glitter in his dark eyes convinced her he was telling the truth.

‘The press are always on the watch for photo opportunities. They follow constantly, though given my security detail, usually at a distance. It’s part of being royal. A fact of life.’

‘I don’t think much of being royal then.’ Her stomach was painfully tight after the sudden welling nausea.

To her surprise, Raul’s mouth lifted in a rare smile that made something inside her soften. ‘I don’t either. Not that part of it.’

His hand enfolded hers and for an instant she knew a bizarre urge to smile back, sharing a moment of intimacy.

Except it was a mirage. There was no intimacy.

‘I regret the photo, Luisa. If I’d realised we were visible …’ He shrugged.

To her amazement she found herself wanting to believe him. ‘But even if the press had reported our—’ she swallowed, her mouth dry as she remembered his kiss ‘—our trip on the river, I don’t see why the crowd would be excited about my arrival. Surely they don’t turn out to see all your … girlfriends.’

His smile faded and his grip tightened. Clearly he didn’t like explaining himself.

Tough!

Luisa dragged her hand from his, refusing to notice the loss of warmth.

‘I told you. I instructed my staff to explain who you are if asked.’

‘But my name wouldn’t mean anything!’

Silently he surveyed her as if waiting for her to catch up. ‘Your title does. Princess Luisa of Ardissia.’

Luisa froze as the implications sank in. ‘I’m not princess yet. I haven’t signed—’

‘But you will.’ His voice was a rich, creamy purr. ‘That’s why you came, isn’t it?’

She nodded, feeling again that hated sense of being cornered. Suspicion flared.

‘That’s not all they said, is it?’ Urgently she leaned towards him, thrusting his jacket off her legs, uncaring she was close enough to see the individual long lashes fringing his eyes, or the hint of a nick on his smoothly shaven jaw. To inhale the warm scent of his skin.

‘They just happened to mention the marriage contract, didn’t they?’

Raul held her gaze unblinkingly and for one crazy moment she felt an echo of last night’s emotions when he’d hauled her close and introduced her to bliss.

Heat scorched her cheeks and throat.

‘Didn’t they?’

‘It’s not a secret, Luisa, though the details weren’t widely known.’

She sat back, her heart pounding.

‘You don’t give up, do you?’ It shouldn’t come as a surprise. Not after he’d manoeuvred her into coming here. ‘What did you hope to achieve? Pressure me into agreeing?’

It was as if he’d known she still held out hope of avoiding marriage. Wearily she raised a hand to her forehead, smoothing the beginning of an ache there.

‘I won’t be forced into marriage because your precious public expects it. If I pull out the story would be all about you. How you were jilted. Not about me.’

In an instant his face whitened to the colour of scoured bone. His nostrils flared and the flesh seemed to draw back, leaving his clear cut features spare and prominent. Almost she could believe she’d scored some unseen injury.

Energy radiated from him. A sense of barely controlled power. Of danger.

This time she did retreat.

‘There will be no jilting.’ Fascinated, Luisa saw the tic of Raul’s pulse at his jaw.

‘I will not leave my people to the chaos that would come if I gave up the throne.’ He paused. ‘Remember why you agreed to come here.’

Blazing eyes meshed with hers and any hope she’d harboured that he wouldn’t follow through on his threat vanished. This man would do whatever it took to get what he wanted. How had she let last night’s fake tenderness blind her to that? Or his solicitude here in the car?

Luisa pulled her jacket close and turned to face the window. She couldn’t face him with her emotions so raw.

They’d left the highway for the old part of the city. Cobblestones rumbled under the wheels as they crossed a wide square of pastel-coloured baroque buildings that housed expensive shops.

The car turned and before them appeared a steep incline, almost a cliff. Above that, seeming to grow from the living rock, towered the royal castle. Dark grey stone with round towers and forest green roofs just visible behind the massive battlement.

Guidebooks said the castle was a superb example of medieval construction, updated with spectacular eighteenth century salons and modern amenities. That it commanded extraordinary views to the Alps and down the wide river valley. That its treasure house was unrivalled in central Europe and its ballroom an architectural gem.

But what stuck in Luisa’s mind was that in almost a millennium of use no one had ever escaped the castle’s dungeons once locked up by order of the king.

Her suite of rooms was airy, light and sumptuous. Not at all like a dank prison cell. Yet Luisa barely took in the silk and gilt loveliness.

She stood before the wide windows, staring to distant snowcapped mountains. That was where Ardissia lay. The place that tied her to wealth and position and a life of empty gloss instead of emotional warmth and security. Tied her to Raul. A man whose ambition repelled, yet who made her tremble with glorious, dreadful excitement.

Luisa trailed her fingers appreciatively over the antique desk. It wasn’t that she didn’t like beautiful things, or the designer clothes wealth could buy. It was that she knew they weren’t any substitute for happiness. For warmth and caring and love. She’d grown up with love and her one disastrous foray into romance had taught her she couldn’t accept anything else.

On impulse she snatched up the phone. A dialling tone buzzed in her ear and her heart leapt at the idea of calling home. She looked at her watch, calculating the time difference. With the help of the phone book she found the international code and rang home.

‘Oh, pet! It’s so good to hear your voice.’ Mary’s excited chatter eased some of the tension drawn tight in Luisa’s stomach. She sank back onto a silk upholstered chair in front of the desk.

‘We’ve been wondering how you are and what you’re doing. Are you well? How was the trip? Did that lovely Prince Raul look after you?’

Luisa bit her lip at the memory of how well Raul had looked after her. He’d played on her vulnerability and used his own compelling attraction to lay bare naïve longings she hadn’t even realised she harboured.

‘The trip was fine, Mary. I even had my own bed on the plane. And then we stopped in Paris—’

‘Paris? Really?’

Soon Luisa was swept along by Mary’s demands for details, peppered with her aunt’s exclamations and observations. Eventually the talk turned to home.

‘We’ve been missing you, love. It seems strange with that new bloke and his son in your house. But I can’t deny they’ve made a good start. He’s a decent manager, by the look of it. And he reckons the changes you and your dad began to modernise the co-op were spot on. Well, I could have told him that! And between you and me, it’s such a relief knowing that debt’s going to be settled. Sam is like a new man without that weighing on him. And Josie’s all agog about moving into town to take up an apprenticeship, now we’ll be able to afford to help her with rent. And little Julia Todd is looking so much better these days. I was worried about her being so wan. It turns out the poor thing is pregnant again and was worried about how they’d afford another child. But now she’s positively radiant …’

Luisa leaned forward to put her elbow on the desk, letting her head sink onto her hand.

Mary’s voice tugged at something deep inside. The part of her that longed for everything familiar and dear.

Yet with each new breathless revelation it became clear Luisa couldn’t go back. Her past, the life she’d loved, were closed to her.

The last vestige of hope had been torn away today when she looked into fathomless emerald eyes and a stern, beautiful face. Raul would do whatever it took to get the crown he coveted.

Already the people she loved were moving on, anticipating the cancellation of the co-op’s debts. Luisa had understood that, but not till this moment had the devastating reality of it all hit her fully.

Luisa had no choice.

She lifted her head and looked around the delicately lovely room. A room for a princess.

She shuddered at the enormity of what faced her.

But her parents’ example was vivid in her mind. No matter what life threw at them, they’d battled on, making the most of life without complaint.

Luisa set her jaw. It was time she faced her future.

‘Raul.’

He looked up from the papers he and Lukas were discussing—disturbing reports of more unrest.

Luisa stood in the doorway. A dart of heat shot through him as he took in her loveliness and remembered the taste of her lips beneath his.

There was something different about her. Gone was the distressed woman of mere hours ago. And the woman endearingly unsure of herself in high heels. This was Luisa as he’d first seen her—confident and in control, yet with no hint of the farmyard about her.

She looked … magnificent.

He shoved back his chair and stood. ‘We’ll continue later, Lukas.’ His assistant hastily packed up the reports and bowed himself from the study, closing the door.

‘Please take a seat.’

She crossed the room to halt before his desk. ‘This won’t take long.’ She paused, her slightly stunned gaze taking in his state-of-the-art computer equipment and the large document storage area behind him. As if surprised to discover he actually worked.

Raul paced around the desk. ‘What can I do for you, Luisa?’ It was the first time she’d sought him out.

Clear blue eyes met his and he felt that now-familiar frisson of anticipation.

‘I’ve come to tell you I’ll do it. I’ll marry you.’

Raul breathed deep as the knot of tension that had screwed his belly tight for so long loosened.

He’d manipulated her into coming here. He’d overseen a new look for her, introduced her to his people in such a way she’d be cornered by their expectations, and still he hadn’t been sure he could go through with it. Force her into marriage.

Despite his determination and his desperation, doubts had preyed on him.

‘What made you change your mind?’

She shrugged. ‘Does it matter?’

Raul opened his mouth. Part of him believed it did. The part that wanted to know Luisa better, her thoughts and feelings. The part of him, he supposed, that had made him emotionally susceptible all those years ago. The part he’d thought he’d erased from his being.

He shook his head. What mattered was her agreement.

‘I thought not.’ Her eyes blazed with what might have been anger. Then, in a moment, the look was gone.

He took her hand in his. She didn’t resist.

‘I promise you, Luisa, I will do everything in my power to ensure you never regret this.’ His skin grew tight over tense muscles as he thought of the enormity of her decision. Of all it meant for him and his people.

He lifted her hand to his lips.

‘You will have my gratitude and my loyalty.’ Her flesh was cool, her expression shuttered and yet he felt the trembling pulse at her wrist. He inhaled her delicate scent. Something far stronger than gratitude stirred in his belly.

‘You owe me more.’

Startled, he raised his head. She slipped her hand free and clasped it in her other palm as if it pained her.

‘What do you want?’

She’d almost convinced him she didn’t care for wealth and glamour. Now suspicion rose. He should have known better. Hadn’t Ana taught him anything? What was her price?

‘I want …’ She paused and gestured abruptly with one hand. ‘I don’t want to be treated as some brainless doll. As far as possible, I want to make my own decisions. Don’t expect to dictate to me.’

Raul took in the defiant glimmer in her eyes, the determined jut of her chin and felt the tension leach away.

No unreasonable demands? No tantrums or tears?

Pride stirred, and respect for this remarkable woman.

Perhaps after all Luisa was as unique as she seemed.

His lips curved in a smile of genuine pleasure. ‘I wouldn’t expect anything less.’

Raul saw Luisa led past the royal councillors, across the vast reception room. The soon-to-be-Princess of Ardissia was quietly elegant in shades of caramel and cream. Her back was straight and her chin up as if unfazed by the presence of so many august people. Yet she was pale and there was a brittle quality to her composure that made his brow knot.

Guilt pinched. A few days ago she’d been leading a completely different life. Had he been right to move so fast to cement this arrangement?

Raul stiffened, refusing to follow that line of thought. This was for the best. For the good of the nation. The alternative would plunge the country into chaos.

The sooner this was done the better.

He strode across the room, silently berating himself for getting sidetracked by urgent negotiations. He’d meant to support her as she entered the room.

He’d nearly reached her at the ornate desk when she saw him and started. Disappointment flared. This wasn’t the first time she’d reacted as if his touch contaminated.

It took a moment to realise that in flinging out an arm involuntarily Luisa had knocked over the baccarat crystal inkwell. Black liquid sprayed across the hand woven heirloom carpet and his suit.

The room inhaled a collective gasp. In a moment Luisa had ripped blotting paper from the embossed blotter on the desk and dropped to her knees, soaking up the stain.

Servants rushed to assist but she didn’t notice. ‘We need something to soak this up.’

Raul dragged a pristine handkerchief from his pocket and hunkered beside her. ‘Will this help?’

‘Not much.’ Her words were crisp. ‘But it’s better than nothing.’ The snowy cloth joined the dark pulpy mass on the carpet.

‘Excuse me, ma’am. Ma’am?’ One of the senior staff appeared with materials to clear the worst of the mess.

‘Luisa.’ Raul took her elbow, gripping tight enough to make her look up. ‘The staff will deal with this.’

She opened her mouth as if to protest, then looked over his shoulder, eyes widening. As if she’d only just remembered every member of the High Court, the royal advisors and sundry VIPs here to witness the formalities.

Heat flooded her face and she looked away. Gently he drew her to her feet.

She felt surprisingly fragile beneath his touch. Not like the woman who’d seduced him witless with just a kiss, or the proud woman who’d agreed to marry him.

‘I’m sorry.’ She watched the staff deal with a stain that was probably immovable, worrying at her lower lip.

‘It’s all right,’ he murmured, leading her away to the other side of the desk.

‘But the carpet! It’s old and valuable, surely?’ Her hands clenched tight.

‘No such thing. It’s amazing how well they make reproductions these days.’

He heard his butler’s breath hiss at the blithe lie. In Raul’s father’s day, damaging an heirloom like this would have resulted in severe punishment. But, seeing Luisa’s distress, feeling her arm tremble beneath his hold, Raul didn’t give a damn about anything but allaying her guilt.

‘Come,’ he said. ‘Here’s a seat for you.’

She sank into the chair and Raul swept the blotter aside, motioning for the accession document to be brought forward. Reaching in his jacket, he withdrew his own pen.

Maritz needed to move with the times. There was absolutely no need to continue the tradition of signing and witnessing important documents with old-fashioned ink pens.

Lukas presented the document which, when signed, would confirm Luisa as Princess of Ardissia, inheritor of her grandfather’s wealth. And Raul’s wife-to-be.

It was spread wide on the desk and the witnesses stepped forward. Raul handed her the pen.

And waited.

For Luisa didn’t sign. Instead, she read the English translation, slowly and methodically. Her finger marked a difficult clause and she lifted her head, turning to Lukas who hovered helpfully on her other side.

‘Would you mind explaining this reference?’ she murmured softly.

‘Of course, ma’am.’ After a quick look at Raul, Lukas bent over the parchment, explaining the clause. Then after a few moments, another.

The audience grew restless. Raul noticed one or two raised brows among some of the more old-fashioned advisers. He could imagine what they whispered. That the woman should gratefully accept what was offered, without question.

Luisa was aware of the buzz of comment. Her cheeks grew brighter and he saw her neck stiffen. Yet still she read each line.

It should have annoyed him, this delay to his plans. Even now, on the edge of achieving what was so necessary, ripples of anxiety spread through his belly. He couldn’t be completely happy till this was settled.

Yet his impatience was tempered by admiration. Luisa was naturally cautious.

Like him. He’d never sign anything without careful consideration either.

Raul recalled the advice he’d recently received. That on investigation Luisa’s farming co-op was found to be surprisingly well run. That the financial difficulties were due to the economic downturn, a massive drought and a series of unfortunate health problems, including the death of her father last year.

According to the accountants, the business was poised to become very successful, once money was freed up for new equipment. Luisa had done an excellent job.

Once more curiosity rose. She wasn’t like other women. He’d been so intent on achieving his ends he’d initially thought of her as a convenient bride, not a real woman. Now he pondered exactly what sort of woman he would wed.

He looked at her bent head, how she bit her lush bottom lip in concentration. Fire arced through his gut.

She fascinated him, he admitted now. Her obstinacy, pragmatism and quiet pride. Her unassuming ways and her disquieting sensuality. How long since a woman had intrigued him so? Since a kiss had made him lose his head?

Finally, with a swift movement, Luisa picked up his pen and signed. Only Raul, close beside her, saw the way her hand shook. It pained him to see what this cost her.

Yet relief swamped him. It was almost done. Soon the crown would be his. His destiny was within his grasp. His country would be safe.

He picked up the pen, still warm from her fingers, and with a flourish added his signature as first witness. ‘Thank you, Luisa,’ he murmured.

At his words she tilted her head and their gazes meshed. Heat ricocheted through his belly and groin, the reverberations spreading even as she looked away, letting her lashes veil her eyes.

Now she was bound to him, this intriguing woman so lacking in sophistication yet with an innate grace and integrity he couldn’t ignore.

Theirs would be a convenient marriage. A marriage of state for the well-being of the nation.

Yet, to his astonishment, Raul registered a purely personal satisfaction at the prospect.