Read Online When We Meet Again by Victoria Alexander - Free Book Online Page A

Highness," the count said in a low voice. "It is the right of your birth. Who you are."
    Alexei considered the count thoughtfully. Her heart twisted for him. He was a man made to rule. How could he leave his heritage behind him? Indeed, how could he go on at all?
    "Your Highness, I understand your desire to put the past behind you," Aunt Millicent said quickly. "But I for one would be most uncomfortable referring to you as anything other than Your Highness, and I daresay others would feel a similar discomfort."
    Alexei smiled wryly. "Do you really think so, my lady? I am a prince without a country after all."
    "To my mind, it scarcely matters." Aunt Millicent nodded firmly. "You have always been a prince, and regardless of the political state of the world, you remain so. I think your behavior and that of others in regard to you should continue to reflect that position."
    "I appreciate your sentiment, but the very world itself has changed and so, too, should I." Alexei shrugged. "Regardless, it is not a question to be decided now."
    "What are you doing here?" Pamela said without thinking.
    Alexei's brow rose. "You are indeed outspoken. Very well, Miss Effington, the answer is quite simple. I am living here."
    "We have leased this house," Stefanovich said firmly.
    Pamela huffed. "I am well aware of that. I meant what are you doing in England?"
    "I have nowhere else to go." Alexei chuckled. "It is a depressing state to find oneself exiled to a country that has never held a great deal of appeal. I do have relations residing in England though, and they appear fairly content with their lot. I have no intention of living in London for the rest of my days, however; I propose to purchase an estate in the country. That plan has now been delayed so, for the moment, this house is my residence, the residence of my staff and of my cousin. Our home, as it were." He met Pamela's gaze, and a distinct challenge glimmered in his eyes. "And I have no intention of leaving." She stared at him, ignoring the unsettled feeling churning in the pit of her stomach, and raised her chin.
    "And I have no intention of allowing you to stay. This is my house now, soon to be my home, and I want you and the count and anyone else you may have with you to vacate the premises immediately."
    "Pamela!" Aunt Millicent's voice rang with shock. Aunt Millicent had always been overly fond of princes or royalty of any kind. She could count among her friends members of most of the royal houses of Europe. Indeed, she collected royalty as one might collect precious gems.
    "That's not at all gracious of you," Clarissa said under her breath, and laid her hand on her cousin's arm.
    "Surely there is somewhere else we could stay in London until their lease expires?"
    "Where would you suggest?" Pamela's words were addressed to Clarissa, but her gaze stayed locked with Alexei's. "Neither you nor Aunt Millicent has property here. It is the start of the season, and I suspect there is not another acceptable residence available in all of London."
    "There are hotels," Aunt Millicent offered.
    "Ladies do not stay in hotels." Pamela narrowed her eyes and ignored the amusement that now shone in the prince's eyes. The blasted man was enjoying this. "I have a perfectly acceptable house right here, and I have no intention of living anywhere else."
    "We could always stay with your family," Clarissa said hopefully. "Your parents or perhaps even the duke and duchess would no doubt be more than happy—"
    "No." Pamela's voice was sharp, and she jerked her gaze to her cousin. "That will not do." Clarissa and Aunt Millicent traded resigned looks. Pamela had no intention of explaining to these gentlemen why she had no desire to return to the homes she had spent the better part of her life in. She loved her family and had no doubt of their love for her. But she had become a competent, independent woman in the years since she'd left London. She had the most unreasonable fear that all she'd gained would