Читать книгу The Princess and the Playboy - Valerie Parv, Valerie Parv - Страница 8

CHAPTER THREE

IT WAS easier than she had anticipated for the simple reason that Jase declined her offer to prepare a meal for them and went out for the evening. Royal or not Talay was perfectly able to cook, having been taught at boarding school. The king himself was an enthusiastic cook and had taught Talay some of his favourite recipes.

So she felt more than a little piqued when Jase announced he was attending a business dinner that evening. He seemed almost eager to escape the villa, and she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was part of the reason.

Had he somehow guessed her identity? She didn’t think so and she had looked forward to the evening to provide her best chance to impress upon him the uniqueness of Crystal Bay. Now she would have to wait until he took her to visit the site to spend more time with him.

Frustration gnawed at her. As a princess, she could have requested his company at dinner and he would have felt bound by protocol to accept, no matter what other engagements pressed him. However, as Allie Martine she had no such influence.

‘I’d invite you to join me but it’s mainly business,’ he explained.

She pretended indifference. ‘Please don’t concern yourself. I’m looking forward to a restful evening at home.’

‘After your long journey,’ he said.

Her blank look almost betrayed her until she remembered the trip she was supposed to have taken. ‘It’s a three-hour drive from the capital. No wonder I’m all in.’

His eyes narrowed speculatively. ‘Which reminds me. I’m surprised Michael let you drive back alone. Didn’t he insist you have a driver?’ He looked around as if seeking evidence of one. But the longest ‘journey’ Talay had taken was to the Martine villa from her residence, a mere twenty minutes’ drive away, where her bodyguard had returned with the car after dropping her here.

‘Michael is a husband, not a keeper,’ she said tartly, aware that her ill humour had a lot to do with Jase deserting her for the evening. She pushed the feeling away. ‘He doesn’t let his wife do anything. She makes up her own mind. I’m well able to drive myself wherever I wish to go.’ She winced inwardly as a betrayingly regal note crept into her tone.

He didn’t appear to notice because his attention was fixed on something else. ‘Is it a peculiarly Sapphan custom to talk about yourself in the third person?’

‘Sometimes,’ she said warily. It wasn’t, but it enabled her to stick to the truth as much as possible.

‘I see.’ He straightened his tie and the simple act drew her gaze upwards, back to the hawk-like planes of his face. Stripped off to swim, he had looked awesome. It was hard to believe he could look even more prepossessing in a maroon tuxedo with a blindingly white dress shirt which showed off his Australian tan to perfection. ‘I’d better get going. It’s a shame the guest villa isn’t available. I don’t want to wake you if I return late.’

The message was clear—don’t wait up. She felt a quick flaring of anger but controlled it. What he did was no concern of hers, except as it affected her beloved province. ‘I’m not your keeper, either, Jase. Return as late as you wish. My bedroom suite is sufficiently far from the front door that you’re unlikely to wake me.’ Unlikely because he had disturbed her so much she was sure she would have trouble sleeping at all tonight.

‘Then I’ll wish you a good evening. If Michael rings give him my thanks and best regards.’

She inclined her head. ‘Of course.’

Then he was gone and the villa echoed with emptiness. Having spent many nights at her uncle’s vast Pearl Palace at Andaman, she wasn’t troubled by the emptiness. But she had never been so conscious of it before, as if some vital force had been drained from the rooms.

She started to pace then checked the action. She wasn’t bothered by Jase’s unexpected departure, only that it had robbed her of the chance to discuss his plans with him, she told herself. Nothing else explained the sensation that she would explode if she didn’t move.

The feeling almost drove her back to the swimming pool, but Jase had stamped his presence on it too indelibly. It wouldn’t help to be reminded of what a narrow band of Lycra could do for the male physique, in his case at least.

She resisted the vision, knowing the link between them was more than physical. Some of her more spiritual friends would say they had known each other in a previous life. She had certainly known him somewhere but more probably in this life. But where and when? Men like Jase Clendon were not easily forgotten. It would come to her in time.

In the meantime, she had told Allie that she wanted to use the villa to work on some new jewellery designs for her collection so that was precisely what she would do. Beyond his involvement with Crystal Bay, Jase meant nothing to her. She wouldn’t even miss him this evening.

As she rounded up her drawing materials she wondered why she found herself remembering Allie’s favourite English phrase about pigs flying.

Jase’s fingers drummed impatiently on the armrest as his driver negotiated the busy streets of Alohan, capital of Pearl Province. Traffic here was nowhere near as bad as in Andaman but it was bad enough.

He wished fervently that he had elected to drive himself, instead of letting his associates send a limousine for him. The traffic would have served as a distraction from thoughts he had no business thinking, such as how exotically beautiful Allie Martine was. No wonder Michael had fallen headlong for her, giving up his Australian citizenship to live permanently in Sapphan. For a woman like Allie, it wouldn’t be a sacrifice, Jase thought.

His stomach muscles tightened as he remembered how she had looked in a swimsuit. It was modest enough, covering far more of her body than the garments Australian women wore back home on Bondi Beach. But, in Allie’s case, the sensuous fabric hinted at secrets which practically invited exploration.

Lord, it was hot in here, he thought, reaching to turn up the air conditioning in the passenger compartment. The collar of his dress shirt felt tight suddenly and he hooked a finger into it, knowing the collar had fitted perfectly well when he had left the villa.

It came to him that Allie hadn’t been pleased to hear he was going out for the evening. The thought of spending the evening alone with her in the villa as the sun set and darkness gathered around them had him tugging at the collar once more. He hadn’t actually planned this business dinner until he had met her but it was the only sensible option. If he had stayed with her tonight...

He slammed one fist into the other palm so hard that pain vibrated all the way to his shoulders, shattering the image before it could take form. Allie was married, for goodness’ sake. She knew what could happen when a man and a woman struck sparks off each other the way they did. She should be grateful he had taken the initiative and removed himself from temptation.

Another thought occurred to him. She was married, but she wasn’t wearing a ring. Odd. He tried to remember if couples exchanged rings in Sapphan. They had some unusual customs, such as declaring two people legally married as soon as they formally agreed to the union. There was no concept of an engagement, simply, ‘Do you? I do.’ Any ceremony came later but it was purely a formality. The marriage existed from the time they agreed to be married. So rings were probably optional. All the same, Michael was Australian-born. Surely he would have wanted to give Allie a wedding ring, even if local custom didn’t demand it?

Jase frowned at his own thoughts. What business was it of his whether the Martines had exchanged rings or not? Ring or no ring, he was well aware of her status and it screamed ‘hands off at him. No trappings were needed, only a good deal of self-restraint, enough to leave him feeling shaken.

‘Did you sleep well last night, Allie?’ Jase enquired politely when he joined her for breakfast next morning. She had set out a traditional local repast of fresh papaya, pineapple and mango slices, croissants and an assortment of sliced cold meats. He was glad to see there was coffee. Tea was more common in Sapphan but it wouldn’t help his head this morning.

She smiled but he saw a hint of censure in her eyes. ‘Better than you, from the look of you.’

He massaged his forehead. ‘It was a heavy night. Lots of business to discuss.’

‘Naturally.’

He didn’t add that his business could have been concluded at the restaurant. He had had no need to continue to a nightclub where the music had pounded at him and the drinks had been at stellar prices. He didn’t normally drink to excess but last night he had needed the distraction for some reason. Unfortunately he was paying for it now.

The drink she offered him was a vile orange colour, and she persisted even after he shook his head, a shudder taking him. ‘It’s a local remedy for late nights and heavy business discussions,’ she said, with the merest trace of sarcasm.

He took a cautious swallow then another. After the first bitter taste it was curiously refreshing. ‘What is this stuff?’

‘Mostly tropical juices with herbs and a dash of pepper,’ she explained. ‘What you would call “hair of the pup”.’

‘Dog,’ he corrected. At her puzzled look, he added, ‘It’s called “hair of the dog” but this doesn’t qualify. The complete phrase is “hair of the dog that bit you” so, strictly speaking, it should be alcoholic.’

She started to rise but he stayed her with a hand on her arm. ‘This is fine, thanks.’

The effect of the contact was instant and electrifying. He felt it all the way to the soles of his shoes. She felt it too, from the way her pupils enlarged and she trembled ever so slightly under his hand. He hastily withdrew it and finished the juice.

‘Are you still coming with me to Crystal Bay?’ Even as he said it he knew he should have withdrawn the invitation, giving some excuse to go alone. Instead, he held his breath as he waited for her answer.

‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world,’ she assured him. ‘After you’ve shown me the site of your resort, I want to show you a Crystal Bay which outsiders seldom see.’

He felt a frown etch his brow. ‘Carting me around some picturesque village won’t make me change my plans, if that’s what you’re hoping.’ It didn’t take a genius to work out that she didn’t favour the resort, which was strange, given her husband’s involvement with tourism.

Her look was mild but her hands wove together in her lap, he noted. ‘Somehow I doubt if anyone makes you do anything, Jase.’

She didn’t exactly say, ‘So who am I to try?’ And she didn’t bat her eyelids. But both were implied. He got a sense of performance in her behaviour today, as if she were acting a part. Probably the submissive Sapphan woman, he decided. Feminism wasn’t exactly rampant here but neither were the women especially submissive. They owned property, ran businesses, held government office, exactly as they did in his own country. Maybe she had some notion of using feminine wiles to influence his plans. ‘Why didn’t you go with Michael to Europe?’ he asked, suddenly suspicious.

She shrugged. ‘He didn’t ask me to.’ It was the absolute truth.

‘You didn’t remain behind precisely so we could have the discussion we’re having now?’

She drew herself up. Regal was the only word which fitted her bearing, as if she wasn’t accustomed to having her word doubted. ‘What are you implying, Jase?’

He folded his arms across his chest. ‘You don’t like the idea of a resort at Crystal Bay.’ It wasn’t a question. Her behaviour had already given him the answer.

‘I make no secret of it,’ she confirmed. ‘Today I mean to show you my reasons.’

Honesty at last. He nodded slowly. ‘This should prove fascinating.’

The road to the resort site at Crystal Bay was a winding dirt track, littered with fist-sized stones. Jase kept the car windows wound up against the gritty dust blowing against the glass. ‘This road is the first thing I plan to upgrade,’ he said through clenched teeth.

The daunting road also deterred outsiders from intruding on the villagers’ way of life, but Talay kept the thought to herself, reluctant to invite another lecture about the dangers of stagnation.

Another jolt threw her sideways against Jase and she was forced to cling to him until she could lever herself upright. About the only benefit she could see in a smooth road was to save her the indignity of constantly being thrown into contact with him, she thought, feeling her face flame. In the driving mirror she glimpsed amusement dancing in his eyes. The wretched man was enjoying this.

Fortunately, he blamed the jolting ride rather than the intimacy of the contact for her discomfiture. She would die before admitting that every move, every touch between them, sent her senses haywire. She had never experienced anything remotely like his effect on her, and it took her breath away. Keeping her mind on her mission was becoming more and more of a challenge.

‘I gather you’re a jewellery designer,’ he surprised her by saying.

Her startled look flitted to him. ‘How did you know?’

‘This morning I saw some sketches you left lying on the coffee-table. From the look of them, you have a lot of talent. I’m surprised Michael never mentioned it.’

Her thoughts raced. ‘It’s something I studied as a single woman.’

Jase nodded, his lean hands flexed around the steering-wheel as he controlled the powerful car over the tortuous road. ‘And now you’ve decided to go back to it.’ He shot her a sidelong look. ‘Are you and Michael having some trouble?’

Her eyebrows lifted involuntarily. ‘Why do you ask?’

‘I can add up. He didn’t ask you to go with him to Europe. You’re reviving an interest in a former career. And you obviously don’t see eye to eye on the resort plans.’ Without warning he stopped the car and turned to her. ‘What are you playing at?’

Confusion ripped through her. His instincts had warned him she wasn’t being honest with him but he had reached a totally unexpected—and wrong—conclusion. ‘What do you mean?’ she hedged.

‘Michael didn’t sign the message inviting me to use the villa in his absence. Did you send it, Allie?’

‘What makes you think—?’

He seized her wrist and turned her to face him. ‘First things first. Did you send the message?’

White-hot anger seared her veins. ‘You forget with whom you’re dealing.’ In dismay she realised her imperious tone belonged more to Princess Talay than Allie Martine.

His hold didn’t slacken but thankfully he misunderstood the source of her rage. ‘It’s a bit late to remind me of your married status now, isn’t it? You should have remembered it before arranging for us to be alone.’

‘I have no idea what you mean.’ In truth, she didn’t.

His hard gaze bored into her. ‘Don’t you? You may think you know what kind of man I am—but think again. In spite of my reputation, I have no interest in providing a fling for a woman whose marriage has gone stale.’

Horror gripped Talay. She had never dreamed he would misinterpret her actions so completely. She couldn’t let him believe Allie would do such a thing. ‘You’re wrong,’ she stated emphatically. ‘There’s nothing amiss with the marriage.’

His eyebrows climbed. ‘The marriage, Allie? It’s a peculiar way to describe a love match, surely? What about, “I still love Michael”? Say it and I’ll admit I’m out of line.’

The silence in the car became deafening. Lies argued against Talay’s nature. Already she wished with all her heart that she had never pretended to be Allie. She couldn’t bring herself to compound her crimes by telling Jase she loved Michael.

An impatient breath whistled past Jase’s lips. ‘I rest my case. So there’s only one thing left to prove.’

Something in his tone set her senses on full alert. ‘What do you—?’

Before she could finish the question he slid an arm around her neck and pulled her towards him, the suddenness of the movement driving the air out of her lungs. His mouth crashed down on hers and she was enveloped in a sensation like drowning.

It was drowning of the most sensuous sort and the protest she tried to make forced her lips apart, exactly the way he wanted them she found out when his tongue sought hers in a sinuous dance. She had been kissed before, but never so compellingly that she could hardly think.

Then, somewhere between her attempted cry of protest and his invasion of her mouth, something changed. All the pent-up emotion of the last few hours forced its way into her response until she found herself returning his kiss with all the passion in her soul.

Her arms came up and wound around his neck, her fingers threading through his wonderful long hair which felt like silk. The firmness of his scalp was another source of sensory wonder and she explored it with fingertips as sensitised as a surgeon’s. She felt hungry for something beyond food, thirsty for something beyond water. Blackness fringed the edges of her vision and she wondered fleetingly if you could pass out from an overload of sensual pleasure.

She never found out. As abruptly as he had begun the kiss, he ended it by drawing away from her, imposing a yawning chasm of space between them as he folded his arms and stared grimly out of the window.

As the sensual heat subsided Talay’s muscles ached, as if from a mile-long run. ‘What is it?’ she asked. Why had he stopped before they had barely begun?

He heard the question, without her having to say it aloud. ‘There’s no need to go on. I’ve proved my point. If you want more you’ll have to find some other man to provide it. Michael is my friend.’

Fighting a crushing sense of disappointment, she decided to tell him the truth. She couldn’t let him go on thinking Allie would ever seek an affair outside her marriage. Not only were she and Michael blissfully happy, they were planning for the arrival of their first child at this very moment.

‘This isn’t what you think,’ she began. ‘I’m not—’

‘Save it, I’m not interested in a litany of Michael’s shortcomings as a husband,’ he cut across her savagely. In spite of her turmoil, Talay was mesmerised by the way his breathing came and went, came and went, as if he, too, had been affected by the kiss. But his voice was steady as he said, ‘If I had a choice I’d turn this car around and take you home right now, but my foreman expects me at Crystal Bay in a few minutes so I have to show up. Once we get there I’ll have someone else drive you back. Until then I don’t want to hear another word out of you.’

As a princess she should have found the injunction shocking. No one spoke to her in such a demeaning way. But in her present guise she understood and even admired his loyalty to his friend. But he had to let her tell him the truth. ‘Please let me—’

With the swiftness of a king cobra, he moved to clamp a hand over her mouth, silencing her. ‘Not a word, understand?’

Over the warm pressure of his fingers she saw the determined glint firing his eyes, and she had no choice but to nod. His palm tasted salty against her lips which felt swollen from his kiss. It came to her that he would be stunned when he found out how he’d treated a member of the royal family. It was a pity Sapphan no longer imposed the death penalty for lese-majesty, she raged inwardly. She would take great pleasure in making Jase pay for his callous treatment. At her nod he slowly removed his hand.

Trying to explain would only invite more punishment so she sat in mutinous silence while he restarted the car and drove the remaining distance to Crystal Bay. When they arrived she was too stunned by the scene which met her eyes to say anything.

He noticed her stillness. ‘It looks worse than it is,’ he assured her calmly. ‘We have a complete reafforestation plan in place to ensure that every tree removed and more are put back before we’re done. I have thousands of baobabs, coconut palms, tamarinds, frangipani and flame trees on standby for this area alone.’

‘Big of you,’ she muttered. She was still smarting from the physical way he had ensured her silence.

He gave her a searching look. ‘Sulking, Allie? Or simply annoyed because I wasn’t taken in by your devious scheme?’

She forced herself to meet his eyes unflinchingly, wishing fervently that looks could kill. ‘It must be a terrible burden, always having to be right.’

‘Then you admit I am right about you?’

‘I admit nothing of the sort.’ During her enforced silence she had decided he would find out soon enough whom he had mistreated. The longer it took the sweeter would be her revenge when it came. In the meantime, since he wasn’t prepared to listen to her explanation, she would maintain a dignified aloofness.

‘I’ll say this for you, you don’t lack courage.’ His tone was grudgingly admiring. ‘And you’re sufficiently beautiful and sexy to make me wish you weren’t married. But you are, and to a man I like and respect too much to indulge you. I’ll arrange for someone to drive you home before I deal with my business here.’

‘Afraid, Jase?’ She deliberately used his own words against him.

‘Afraid of what? You? I thought I demonstrated my resistance to your charms rather effectively on the way here.’

At the reminder of his forceful kiss her insides clenched but she managed to remain outwardly calm, blessing years of royal training which enabled her to disguise her inner turmoil. ‘I was referring to your obvious fear of learning anything that might not fit your preconceptions about this place,’ she said, pleased that her voice hardly shook at all.

He gave a grunt of annoyance. ‘You’re still determined to show me the error of my ways.’

‘You did a good job of pointing out mine. I only wish to return the favour.’

His eyes glinted ferally. ‘Touché. Very well, I’ll deal with my business here then you can show me around. But if your behaviour is less than exemplary I’ll return you home so quickly your head will spin.’

It was already spinning but she bit her tongue. She was determined not to give him the satisfaction of revealing how strongly he affected her. Even if he knew he would probably assume it was a new ploy on Allie’s part to seduce her husband’s friend.

Silently Talay asked for Allie’s forgiveness. Now she had come this far she had to continue playing the part long enough to convince Jase to change his plans. Afterwards she would take great pleasure in setting the record straight for Allie and herself while she watched Jase choke on his ugly suspicions.