Read Online Captured and Crowned by Janette Kenny - Free Book Online

pulled her hand back as if she’d been burned.
    â€œI’m glad you finally understand that designers will clamor for your attention.”
    She hiked her chin up, cheeks flushed and lips thinned. “Then I’ll make certain I’m seen wearing my partner’s creations.”
    He bit back a grim smile. No doubt her own ideas would find their way into those garments as well. Fine! If that appeased her, then so be it.
    But it was clear her choice went beyond simple likes and dislikes. Her favoritism would certainly boost her partner’s career.
    Again, there was nothing wrong in that.
    Her loyalty to her partner was admirable. Pity she hadn’t held been that faithful to the Crown Prince!
    He strode to the liquor cart. “Would you like a drink?”
    â€œChablis would be nice,” she said. “Where are your servants and bodyguards?”
    â€œThe servants will deliver the food in due time. As for guards—there is no need for them to dog my steps inside the palace.”
    He poured a glass of wine for her, and chose tsipouro over ice for himself. This was the first time he’d been totally alone with her since that day on the beach.
    Unlike then, there was nothing welcoming in the cool gaze she fixed on him. There was no wonder at watching nature unfold reflected in her eyes that were the color of mocha, at finding pleasure in each other’s arms.
    No, there was only a keen sense of wariness that bubbled between them.
    He didn’t trust her. She clearly didn’t like him.
    It was not the way to start a marriage.
    But then theirs wasn’t a union based on emotion or attraction. Duty forced them together. Forced him to be bound to his brother’s betrothed—a woman who hadn’t hesitated to betray Gregor.
    No, all they had in common was smoldering desire. To his annoyance that had only grown stronger. But would it abate once they finally sated this driving need?
    Would they then become like his own parents? Two people who had rarely spoken to each other, who for the most part had lived separate lives?
    â€œI didn’t realize we’d be alone,” she said, her soft voice holding a quaver of uncertainty now.
    He pressed the glass into her hand, noting the increased pulse in her slender neck. “Does being with me sans guests make you nervous?”
    â€œOf course not!”
    â€œYou are not a good liar.”
    She set her glass aside without touching a drop of the vintage wine. “Very well. I’m uncomfortable being around someone who thinks so ill of me.”
    â€œHow can you expect me to do anything but? You were unfaithful to my brother! You broke your betrothal vows.”
    â€œWith you!”
    A cynical snort ripped from him. “Ah, so now I am to blame for your lapse of morals?”
    She crossed her arms over her chest, looking hurt and proud at the same time. “I refuse to discuss this, for you’ve already made up your narrow mind to paint me as a floozy when you were the one who seduced me.”
    He paused, for in truth he had done just that. He’d seen a beautiful woman and gone after her.
    She’d seen him as a man—not a prince, not a rich man who could better her life. She’d seemed fascinated by the work he was doing, and that was the most potent turn-on he’d ever experienced.
    â€œYou could have said no,” he said, but guilt had served to strip his tone of its caustic bite.
    She shook her head, looking shamed. Miserable. Guilty. “I tried, but simply couldn’t.”
    At least she was honest about the powerful magnetic pull of desire that had yet to lose its strength for either of them. “What is done is done. There is no sense rehashing it.”
    She walked to the railing, her back straight and her shoulders held tight. “There’s just one thing I must know. Why didn’t you tell Gregor about us?”
    Such a simple question, and yet so damned hard to answer.