7/28/2019 lemee

1/54

al role in his life. He closed the report with a snap. Id n t r ht h o e k. an t ia e a eo kdl eHe s d t t w s l i w t weak like his father. Raul had learned the hway that beauty could lie. Emotions played a man for a fool. Raul ruled his life, like his kingdom, with his head. Luisa Hardwicke was the key to safeguardinghis kingdom. She could be ugly as sin and it would make no difference. Damn! Thecow shifted, almost knocking Luisa over. Wearily she struggled to regain her footing in the bog at the edge of the creek. It had been a long, troubling morningwith early milking, generator problems and an unexpected cl f m ebn ngr He ni ea o t ak maae. met nd a lr h d o property inspection that sounded ominously likea first step to foreclosure. S esu drd hy uh n ep h d ee. e f gt ol gt ke ho the small farming co-operative going through do gti es n o d rl e akcu n ruh,l sadf o . ue t n l n l S y h b l odt shut them down now. Not when they had a che to turn things around. Overhead came the rhythmic thunder of a helicopter. Thecow shifted uneasily.

7/28/2019 lemee

2/54

ANNIE WEST

10

gt es a so t .Orhv o en S hs r m ue aey ube i e ?S h d h i me e- e d r n d? d g o w l e fe h ws!T e n e e nwwt a muh I i h l o s h e i t t c h o y e h ak. u a o c idi nyw r e n sL i s mahc l a t b s st oe n familiar twist of Time was fast running out for the co-op. Inevitably her mind turned to that other world se n w o bil eemo e a o h k o n s r f .Whr ny w sn d ey object. Where s taken for granted. I se oe ecu eteen w c f h c sns l b r o , r h dh h owith not a financial worry in the world. If se t el fr v di ery ad o h p a h en t i ,n l d uw tb o l a n g t s d hr o l a dv bra . e u i t t ei gi s h Just the thought of it made her ill. S e rte e hr n h d ai h a r b ee i te mu h cg bankruptcy with the people she loved than be as wealthy as Croesus, if it meant giving up her soul. ed , a u afre eslt csS e R ay m? L i cdhr fof u. h S p thrso l rt e cw o !S w n u e h u e t o . w l ad d o h N o s ay t d. e Finallem, they got the animal unstuck and moving in the right direction. ra u apne.Jsalt r n G et i at ut temoead ,L s d il Her words were obliterated as a whiter appeared over the rise. The cow shied, knocking Luisa. She swayed, arms flailing. Then her momentum propelled her

7/28/2019 lemee

3/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

11

forwards into the boggy mess. Wet mud plastered her from face to feet. u a r o ? c ,b s i L i ! A ey u OK He nl l sh s e e m, sounded more concerned than amused. Shefted her head and saw the cow, udder swaying, heave onto firm ground and plod away without a backward glance. Gingerly Luisa found purchase in the sodden groundand crawled to her knees, then her feet. ef t h i d sme f m e hes Pr cS e wp l k. e. e i r d p oe ego rtecmp x n Mu s p sdt b o df su o o h o li , eo u z d mid s tt e mremy ae n l . n ?S meS g a s e S efce o o f da a.Mab y ew lk l mu should bottle this stuff and try selling it as a skin tn . o i c o lg,i.t gto a D n uh g l h meo ht ta r mi c t t . I Ten minutes later, her ovven her face stiff with drying mud, Luisa left Sam and trudged u e o s. r n a ntimg pt hr ue He dw s s ri o h mi o h ns phone call. Their finances looked frightegly bleak. She rolled stiff shoulders. At least a shower was only minutes away.A wash, a quick cup of tea and She slowed as she topped the hill and saw a helicopter on the grass behind the house. Gleaming metal and glass glinted in the sun. It was high-tech ad x es e n epni a o le o t s o h v cmp t cnr t t te e a

7/28/2019 lemee

4/54

ANNIE WEST

12

weathered boards of the house and the ancient leaning shed that barely shelteredthe tractor and her rusty old sedan. Fear settled, a cold hard weight in her stomach. Could this be the inspection the banker had mentioned? So soon? It took afew moments before logic asserted ie.T e bn o l w s ny o t l h ak w u n aa sf dt e helicopter. A figure appeared from behind the chopper and Luisa stumbled to a halt. The sun silhouetted a man who was long, lean and elegant. The epitome of urbane masculinity. She could make out dark hair, a suit that probably cost more than her car and tractor put together, plus a formidable pair of shoulders. Then he turned and walked a few paces, speaking to someone behind the helicopter. His rangy body moved with an easy grace that bespoke lithe power. A powerthat belied his suave tailored magnificence. L i p l i ee u f h tm. u a u e lkrdo ts s s fc or Definitely not a banker. Not with that athletic body. He was in pro

file now. High forehead, long aristocratic nose, chiselled mouth and firm chin.Luisa read determination in that solid jaw, and in his decisive gestures. Determination and something completely, defiantly masculine.

7/28/2019 lemee

5/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

13

Heat snaked through her. Awareness. L i ce atdbet. h ee u as kdi as re ra e t l hS d before experienced such an instant spark of attraction. Had wondered if she ever would. She cu n p rs a i lo s ri at n o l s pes g e f iub g eco . d g d t n r i D si i e gn ohsti ma o e ep eh eat l e s nl kd t sl ct h o daisa huffed out a choked laugh. Dangerous? He rbb i egt do i mi o po al f n ih oy a tf mu s r polished shoes. Behind the house, worn jeans, frayed shirts and thick socks flapped on the clothes line. Her mouth twitched. Mr stepped-from-a-glossy-magazine cu n r u aeS eocdhr lt o l b moe t f l . h re es fo d te o op c h. Who on earth was he? He must have sensed movement for he turned. a e o ? rv i h C n Ihl y u p He o ew sh sy e c S assured herself that had nothing to do with theimpact of his dark, enigmatic stare. l . si ld n l Heo sie s e l l tt i aShe faltered. He was gorgeous. If you were impressed by impossibly handsome ina tough, masculine sort of way. Or gleaming, hooded eyes that intrigued, givingnothing away. Or the tiniest hint of a sexy cleft in his chin. She swallowed carefully and plastered on a

7/28/2019 lemee

6/54

ANNIE WEST

14

smile. r o s u as p e w pcs w y A e ul t i o pdaf ae a. y o ?L s t e a She hr chin up to look him in the eye. o o s s r pde o ecr dwt N , tot i epv i l s c ue h j ta h to n acn.v o e u i fa cet I ecmet seMs s n o Had i eI aeh? k h t r h p c Luisa frowned, perplexed. It was a rhetorical question. From hisassured tone to his easy stance, as if he owned the farm and she was the interloper, this man radiated confidence. With a nonchalant wave of his hand he stoppedthe approach of a burly figure rounding the corner of the house. Already his gaze turned back to the homestead, as if expecting someone else. o th gt l e Y u e oi a . v g t r hp c She looked from the figure at the rear of the house whose wary stance screamed bodyguard, to the chopper where the pilot did an equipment check. Another man in a suit stood talking on a phone. Yet all three were focusedon her. Alert. Who were these people? Why were they here? A shaft of disquiet pierced her. For the first time ever her home seemed dangerously isolated. o v s esee ro e hree. Y u ae ui s hr?He n apnd h b n t s Isntadte t nea f o nt c rh s a s io c n , sf ai used to minions scurrying to obey, told her this

7/28/2019 lemee

7/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

15

man was in a league far beyond the local bank manager. An uneasy sensation, likeice water trickling down her spine, made her stiffen. e, ed t eMsHad i e see Y s ne s rwc . Hi ys o e k fce e gi e w y o y u k o lkd t hraa t n a a.i r hr c n h ? Ia f d e Something in that single look at her face, not once droppinto her filthy clothes, made her burningly self-conscious. Not just of the mud,but te atht vnc a di e et uf e h c ta e ena hr so tth f e l n n b is d feelssed. L i ri t e. o u d e. u a t g e d u eo n r s sa h n v f Y h This timelly looked. The intensity of that stare warmed her till she flushed all over. His eyes widened beneath thick dark lashes and she saw they were green. The deep,hard green of emeralds. Luisa read shock in his expression. And, she could havesworn, dismay. Scn sa r e se ie t n dh eo d t makdh i s n i le h d s mo o a ion was unreadable. Only a slight bunching o ek l k ybo s i e an p y fl a erw sh p . se b c e h t h w ta Ms Luisa rwce Had i ? k He pronounced her name the waer mother had, with a soft s and a lilt that turned the mundane into something pretty. Premonition clamped a chill hand at the back of

7/28/2019 lemee

8/54

ANNIE WEST

16

her neck. The accent had to be a coincidence. That other world was beyond her reach now. Luisa wiped the worst of the dirt off her hand and stepped forward, armoutstretched. It was time t k ag isut n n u r? o ae hre fh ta o . d o e t A y a He hesitated for a moment, then her fingers were engulfed in his. He bowed, almost as if to kiss her hand. The gesture was charming and outlandish. It sent a squiggle of reaction through her, making her breath falter. Especially as his warm, powerful hand still held hers. Heat scalded her face and she was actually grateful for the smearing of dirt that concealed it. He straightened and she had to arch her neck to meet his glittering scrutiny. From this angle he seemed all imposing, austere lines that spoke of unyielding strength. Luisa blinked anddrew a shaky breath, trying to ignore the butterflies swirling in her stomach and think sensibly. a R u o rz i is l b t i I m al f i.He a mp t Ma t s dassurance she could almost imagine a blare of t mptaf en h cgo n . r c al r ef a eakru d i e u u n r it b n R . P Raul watched her stiffen and felt the ripple of hock jolt through her. She yanked her hand free and took a step back, arms crossing protectively over her chest. His mind clicked up a gear as interest sparked.

7/28/2019 lemee

9/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

17

Not the welcome he usually received. Fawning excitement was more common. yae o eeh me h ra g Wh uhr? T it e hot e e ry si t t yd t e od an rf d e ohrsu d t .t vulnerable and feminine. Fmi n! d rasd h a w ma! e n eHe an le e s te i s w a From her husky voice to her muddy boots, square overalls and battered hat that shadowed her grimy face, she had as much feminine appeal as a cb aeSe tl an mo e e a n a abg. h i hd r vdt tA dt t sl te hh. h walk! Stiff as n. He froze, imagining her in Maritzian society where protocol and exquisite manners were prized. T iw s os a f rd A d hr a h a r t n e ae. n ee s o s w eh hway out. Not if he was to claim his throne and safeguard his country. He clenched his teeth, silently berating the archaic legalities that bound him in this catch-22. Whn e a n ee me hne. e s i t r b s ags h w k gh d e o c akd w a oe hty u ed i n my l d o r n a mistaking the animosity in her tone. More and mointriguing. My p l i . uo tay e mid ao g s A tma cl h s l , o e i l e smoothing his lapse. It was no excuse that the sok o ei e irc d h ae h c fse g hr d t t i e m. We i ot t t r t sus mp r n t so i s a ma e d c .

7/28/2019 lemee

10/54

ANNIE WEST

18

He waited for her answering smile. For a relaxation of her rigid stance. There was none. aen ti i us eet emu Wehv oh gt d cs na t d n o s .B hh her neat chp. She was giving him the brush-off? It was absurd! eete s t e N vr l sisr . h e ,u t He waited for her to invite him in. She stood unmoving, staring up balefully

. Impatience stirred. And more, a wave of distaste at the fate that decreed he had to take this woman under his wing. T r iu po s g t i t un h rmin e ai o ts n ir l n d i u o ev. I e o ae l y t l k Raul stiffened in indignation. At the me curiosity intensified. He wished he could see her without that mask of mud. v aee o myh me n uo et I et vldf m o l di E rp r l r a n o sek i u pa t y . whoa smp s b , l u I ae o i i eIe h n y r rm e gi os l maetetpfr F o bi s b , dh r o ta l p roe al rw h e padto ht o up s.R u e i lu k se d ms f n o a pacetting his superior height send a silent message. When he spoke again it was ina tn a ro e oo p si .I n tev g o et t o kdn p oio o ai h b t n m l n u t e e oi nl e r ui s l vc u o b n . w L i s maht ie n t adhr evs u a o c s di k ost n n stretched to breaking point as she hurried through te o s akt e ead hr e fe c t rn aw ee h lt e h b oh v s d e

7/28/2019 lemee

11/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

19

visitor. T e co n pi e o rz e te h rw r c f Mai,hr mohr n t s homeland, herehouse! T i o l b h cu n e s dt good. S e i n i a a, un hrbc h te t s d h d y r e ak t rather than face anyone from that place. The memories were too poisonous.B t e enfgt i l u be i e n yi vb . nl hd r h n g mmo al s g eA i e l k a a t lts e j t d hr se w u n o h ey a o dt succeed. Besides, she needed to know why he was here. Now, armoured as best she could manage by scouring hot water and clean clothes, she tried to stifle rising panic. What did he want? He filled up herveranda with his larger than life presence, making her feel small and insignificant. His spare features reminded her of pictures of the o i i y uh mp s b ado ik gi h o ti os l hn smewt d n n s iy h his high cut cheekbones and proud bearing.From his top notch tailoring to his air of command, this man was someone. Y to ay i j t o s. eryl d t sp p n o it t d n it v i u Disquiet shivered throA shadow of the stormy past. He turned to her. Instantly she felt at a disadvantage. With those chiselled aristocratic

7/28/2019 lemee

12/54

ANNIE WEST

20

features and that uncompromising air of maleness h a u n g ep ehrw r es ha ew si .D si e ai s et t n t n , ricocheted through her abdomen. Hi ee arw d u a er etps ysnr e. i hat a a ee o L ss b t out of kilter and her mouth dried. With a jolt of shock she realised it was the man himself, as much as his identity that disturbed her. Luisa laced her fingers rather than straighten her loose shirt, her only clean one after weeks of rain. She wished she could meet him on equal terms, desdt en e. u e u gt i rnt rs t i s B t r de d t u e oh n h b d n o new clothhairdryer. She smoothed damp locks from her face and pushed back her shoulders,ignoring the way her stomach somersaulted. She refused to be intimidated in herown home. w s d r gy u i ,h i t vl I a min o r e es d l e a i v w a .Iso . yd Luisa cast her eyes over the familiar rolling hills. She appreciated the natural beauty, but it had been ao g i ne h fu d i j . n me i e n meo n y tt te o i o e omo ts g f r er f I y u s nit nh oa e as f d e tw a t y o doe ruh u u n e en o mpes . h y w d ta b s i e S drew a deep breath, fighting down

the sick certainty that this man was trouble. Her skin crawled with nervous tension but she refused to let h se n u o ? i e. m Wo y men to c i She moved todoor but with a long

7/28/2019 lemee

13/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

21

stride he beat her to it, gesturing for her to precede him. L i an sdt ai o r pndfraw s ue hv gd oso ee s t o n o her. That was why she flushed. She inhaled a subtle, exotic scent that went straight to her head. Luisa bit her lip as tingles shot to her toes. None of the men she knew looked, sounded or smelled as good as Raul of Maritz. l s,aeasa h etrdj k yt e Pe e t t egs e ri t a k e .S u e l ohhd hdacac cu bdk ce b . i an a ne t a eL s t h to move the buckets and tarpaulinm the l nero hr e ae f tel k o g m,w eet y s vd of h as u o h d t e from thwnpour. B s e, h n g an a r tca c ei s se l gaol rtt t iort d do e h as i birthmeasure of worth. He could sit where her friends and business partners met. us.He u e u a dsn t Of o r ldo t c ia ki o c e p l ah rn a n it with as much f it were a plushly padded throne. His presence filled the room. She lifted thekettle, her movements jerky as she stifled hostility. She needed to hear him out. u u i f e re? Wo l y e of a d o l c eo t k o tak o . sae a raal N ,hn

y f w u Hi e L i u ese sseme i n l k g u a p l pd a h th u b n i ss s s i nctantly she slid into a chair opposite him, forcing herself into stillness. , or gns a cn r o ? S u h esWhta d f u o Y Hi . I oo y

7/28/2019 lemee

14/54

ANNIE WEST

22

For a moment longer he regarded her, then he l ndfr adaf co .Isn t ht o n e e wr at n t o a uc a o r i w y a d r me s v i a ep l w n o f . Hi o e w c, holding a promise to which she i t cvl so dddsi e ai s h n i t e r p n e ep e res i sn i y e t h w n .T s iao t ht n o o u s b u a I a r o . w c d f y Bewngers promising gifts. The little voice inside sent a tremor of disquiet skidding through her. Y as bfr se rci d rmi s o er e e h ee e po s f o d v e wonderfuls. The future had seemed a magical, glittering land. Yet it had all been a hollow sham. S e andd t ste adw y o ne u h l re ir th r an t c t de su h o b twice.se o n ad R ay rae e i u dihr l f fttf n h f t to swallow. Hen d e.F s I edt o dd i t e c fm o r n oo r r h only child of Thomas Bevan Hardwicke and Mt Had i e rai i r t rwc . tL s C o a k Luisa froze, alarm stirring. He sounded lke a lawyer about to break bad news. The voice of warning in her head grew morestrident. Surely her ties with Maritz had been completely severed years ago. ht gtto g cn e T a s i ,h uh s r h I a te asob r. e eendbc Ipy e ueT lmebut his eyes never wavered from hers o muh d o n w b u o nr? h w c o y uk o ao

7/28/2019 lemee

15/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

23

A o ttgvrmet n a s b u s o en n d t e? i a st Luisa fought to remain calm as painfuemories surged. This meeting had a nightmare quality. She wanted to scream at him to get to the point before her stretched nerves gave way. But that glitteringgz a l al oti h a. h aew s mp cb . dd s i w y e i a e He h s S d known men re. She gritted her teeth. n uh E o g.More than she wanted. t p e a a i Is n om. A democracy with a parliament and a kg i. n He o dd te e i i cnl d e.Mydr et . n a t k g e e yI wl e rw e f nh. i b o nd n wmo ts l c iae m or d I sr f o r l s u a mumue, y o o, s struggling to make sense of this. Why was hehere, interrogating her? The question beat at her brain. hn u ue. n ri i T ap sd d d s ? y He a A A sa L i f gr c nhd s h fuh ua s s i es l ce a se oatience. She shot him a challenging look. He was like a charming bulldozer, withthat polite smile barely cloaking his determination to get his own way. rv c fi, wt i w Is a po i e o rz i t o n t n t h s hereditary prince who owes loyalty tthe King of Mai. He uh t ie. te a rz rmo t s d t w t My mohrcme from there, ae o o . I u y k She shivered, cold sweeping up from her toes and wrapping aroundher heart as bitter memories claimed her.

7/28/2019 lemee

16/54

ANNIE WEST

24

o , r r uso .S ep ne e N w t nf q et n h l t hr my u o a i a d palms on theaned forward, fixing him wt s r. y r u ee i a t e e o r? h a Wh a y h Luisa er heart thudding hectically, watching him survey her beneath lowered brows. Heshifted in his seat. Suddenly she wondered if he were uncomfortable too. cmet n o .Hi epes nmaehr I a f dy u s x rs o d e oi i heartbeat speed to a pounding y Wh ? h r c f ri i ida. hr l T ePi eo d s ed m eet tl n A sa s I oe y u oi i o u e ihi s r cs L i d s . y r h r , n s o A sa

7/28/2019 lemee

17/54

CHAPTER TWORAUL watched her pale beneath her tan. Her eyes rounded and she swayed in her seat. Was she going to faint? Great. A highly strung female! He thrust aside the fact that anyone would be overcome. That his anger at this diabolical situation made him unreasonable. S ew s teo l n h s f a en h an n o ew oelehd be th y i ts head! For years Raul had steered his own course, making every decision. Beingfettered like this was outrageous. B tte a ent e o tr i ak o i u lra vt n h bc nu s s po l n te le t w i h dv t ep ad h i o h h e e f c d eoe d h ew s nh kb . ms f u n e r u l i t A e o l g ? y a h r o r .He n a apb t e ys Of us rth h were dazed.

7/28/2019 lemee

18/54

ANNIE WEST

26

They were surprisingly fine eyes, seen without that shadowing hat. Blue-grey a moment ago, now they sparkled brilliant azure. Like a clear summer sky in the Maritzian Alps. The sort of eyes a man could lose himself in. She blinked and shifted her gaze and Raul was astonished to feel a pang of disappointment. He watchedher gnaw her lip. When she looked up and flushed to find him watching, he noticed the ripe contours of her mouth. With the grime washed away, her features werepleasant, regular and fairly attractive. If you liked the artless, scrubbed bare style. Raul preferred his women sophisticated and well groomed. Whtot f o nd n

k ei y a sro ma d t eh meos l w i ta t t t t e her hair? Pale and damply cface, it even l kd o s e. n o eesie rh o e pi d A y n s ft f i o l d l t d o ! h o n e a s I cn b i hi S e su dd l t t s r mo accusing. Hi bo s oe A e at s. s f w s pei s i r ih d e o t here on a whim! eee , t e B lv sr . i mei uinked and he had the sense there was more going on behind her azure eyes than simple surprise.

7/28/2019 lemee

19/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

27

wiip s b ?S e o n e e p k Ho os l h u dda is o e st i e s sfh s to hersebics u a a Hee alo ee r f eL kshd h ea bo gt r y u rn f hr i n o r ruh.He

s g t s l f lt e a yr . mi e He l ndfrh ce r, u a,ot e p n e i s rt y kse a L a hrtruhti u e hne i mi e e o g s B t cagdh n t h h. hd s dh moment Hardwicke and how unprepared she was for this role. Better do this himself. Thefewer who dealt with her at this early stage the better. Raul suppressed a grimace. What had begun as a delicate mission now had unlimited potential for disaster. Imagine the headlines if the press saw her a h a!He w u n l w e Maii s se w s ao t rz n dt l h ta crown to be the focus of rabid media gossip again. Especially at this difficult time. He strode round the table and spread the papers before her. She shifted in her seat as if his presence contaminated her. Raul stiffened. Women were usually eager to get close. r y u te. Hemo u t i tn Hee o rmohr e h e s ad so rasr g .A o e e, o r rn f hrteat es i l b v ry u ada e,h s u n yl pi e r c. n She lifted her head from examining the family tree. Again the impact of that bright gaze hit him. He er ee e mb n h s e i s a lil r l g coiti a u i e n d h k

7/28/2019 lemee

20/54

ANNIE WEST

28

chest. yi myu c hri ?Or ui Wh n nl i ein c s , st en tg my o n Mai a r ra l Y u eh so u mi . rt l y f y He rw ukrd h s aebe o rbo p cee. emuthv eu o n. ht fl a . e.T eac et a ai at f i. Y s h ci n sat g w s o f d w r the succession. S eso khrha.B tI n tpr fte h o e ed u m o ato h h family! My nherited when she fell in love with an Australian and refused to marry the ma rae oe n e t r h s. h fh c She knew about that? Did that explain her animosity? o r ada e l t e b t h ee Y u rn f hr b s rd u e nvr t ue disinherited her. We onlyscovered that recently w e s i w s ed h r c ri ihd hn iwl a a. e i e f d s h lA sa a T been an irascible tartar but he had too much pride in his bloodline tocut off a direct descendant. o f il eg lt hr. Y u e en e ib i ei r d i ty li Ho c s ri o l b e ee wmuh ai e u is rn ! e e l w d efh w f t I teew r oA d n fhr een ri i r cs o l sa n h dt be in this appalling situation. tl o ad I e uis mp s b !S el ndf w r, ly t ie e o her brow pleating as she scanned te papers. The scent of lavender wafted to him. Raul inhaled, intrigued. He was used to the perfectly

7/28/2019 lemee

21/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

29

balanced notes of the most expensive perfumes. Yet this simple fragrance was strangely appealing. a e r h. h p k gi He I cn b i t S e so e aa . t t g n o ! in re t . r l s s h t meo w t d o Startled, he looked down to find her eyazing up at him. Her chin was angled in the air and for the first time there wascolour in her cheeks. S eo kd pe y I sp ii t a. h o e rt .n n no h ta d y l te w A d h nw r hn e epc d n se k e moe ta h x et . d e Fascinating. ep e ht os D si a uw r d y u e s e es tw y o , rh r . Y u i ei h r n n ep ni li . He ot ead rso s i e n t sou bi s t smmo e n ecuai mi.v o u nd a no rg gs l cmee o me a uo . ky h me L i h t t e et h hi Ho ? u a so o hr f , te ca s eT i i myh me ceci cost o r h o ! n h l ss I bl g ee e etrdt e oy ihnse e no h g u oh c kc S hd known all her life. She fought a sense of unreality. This had to be an appalling mistake. Fo temo n e ni e ri i n rm met met ndA d s ad h hMaritz bitter recollection had cramped her belly and clouded her brain. It had taken a superhuman effort to hear him out. o n r.A rs esrb e b e N t ymoe costl h a h c ae smiled. He really was unbelievably good-looking.

7/28/2019 lemee

22/54

ANNIE WEST

30

Until you looked into those cool eyes. Had he to gt e ou a ae on te is l d n h uhr o nw r oi s mi i h t t ch e d t reach his eyes? o t e f aedo o . o r ou r vg a i y Y w d wlcag ree.Hi s l lrd ea i hnef vr s mi a ee, cme l o e t e intimate, and to her surprise Luisa felt a trickle of unfamiliar warmth spreadthrough her body. How had that happened? o aew a h oio , rsgtebs Y u l v el , si h et lh t p tn p i o vrti .Y u ll ealeo x r,a feeyh g o v f fl uy sa n li i u piprincess. T e od vrea di u a u . asa h rs eebrt L i s l N ue w r e n s sk l ronse er oe a od.t a t i e hadt s me rsIhd st hd h s w be k ra cmet e Wht i u. a r w u n r gl dt be excited to discover a royal bloodline and a doting grandf

ather promising a life of excitement and privilege? L i hatc t e sserme ee e u a ec da mbrd hr ss uh h e mother, pale but bravely smiling, seated at this table, telling her she had to make up her own mind ao t e tr. ai a o g e re b u r uuet tt uhs t nd h f n h ,h hdu hrbc nta f a u a o eise e ako ti,t sL i c i h wanted to discover her birthright. And, like the innocent she was, Luisa had gone. Lured by the fairy tale fantasy of a picture book

7/28/2019 lemee

23/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

31

kingdom. Reality had been brutally different. By the time se e c d w a e rn f hrof e h rj t hthrgada e f rd ad d ee t e maehro n w y h me h en o l o d e w a o ,sefl e an u ll eet r s ik . rt u d p b c p sne h s i e h h t iy r d e a h n get ui e ht kp rac iee us d r ghr hd h ot n o a o ei . l e oet a l nw p bt yk e r i p o On l mi se vrbe mpe y teo n l h ee en t t b l ma f s d e dses of a joyful family reunion. S e e t o r. h b n a e u e d e n v b n mo Nonew too much about the ugly reality of that aristocratic society, where birth and connections mattered more than love and common dcny e rn f hr co shd be eec. f ra e at n an en Ih t s i t eo g,se o l a ea e ma h n uh h n hd t rcl t n se w h hme d c h uh e l e. s do Ho e s e dt s ue dc oe her when he realised her secdentity. All because of his ambition. L i tmah hae n h ece u ua s s s o c evd ado t blindly for the table, shaking her head to clear the nightmarish recollections. d n ato e i es I o w n p n s t tb a r c . S ec. l l e und Pi e al or c u s o dd l o ht n R h eyes were wide, impatience obliterated by shock. o n,h i nl , i v i Y uc b i s es df ay s o e a t eo a i l h c thickening with thatg accent. eee , a vr r . B lv w s ee e o i meI n mo s

7/28/2019 lemee

24/54

ANNIE WEST

32

Revulsion filled Luisa as she remembered her gada e. v e e i i s e rn f hr He ijn h t dnt oo m h o could groom her into the sort of princess he wanted. To do his bidding without question. To be the sort his daughter had failed to be. At first Luisa had been blind to the fact he merely wanted a pawn to manipulate, nota granddaughter to love. He o nh u l r hnnw r e s w it e o us e e s r vd dh si o e te r nli es e sd fhr mohr t mi l s He rf e se a l . d u n L i t r ldsed u a af , eprt p a r un s a sse u e e oe I e h se nu i tmta ebekof l e i udaht h ra f a s l contact with her parents or give up her new life. As frL i bgi ar e d a o u a eg gt th df t rmei l ss n h u uh c t a n, e al e r at gt n r hr o sn me e me d n e t f w i i o te o n h tre r ak n iw r . h ma o nd e c h b o h d That heartless betrayal, so blatant, so overwhelming, still sickened Luisa to the core. That was who she was heir to! A cruel, ruthless trn.N o dr se oe o ae yat o w n e h v w d n t t hv d o anything to do with her bigoted, blue-blfamily. She recalled her grandfather bellowing his displeasure at her ingratitude. At her inability to be what he wanted, play the part. A hand on her arm tugged her from her thoughts. She looked up into a searing gaze. Black eerw ldi V dR us otlf rda ybo sie a a al s i ae tt n n n rsl s

7/28/2019 lemee

25/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

33

if scenting fear. This close he was arresting. Her stomach plunged in free-fallas she stared back. Tingling sensation spread from his touch. Luisa swallowed and his eyes followed the movement. The intensity of his regard scared her. The beat of her blood was like thunder in her ears. She felt unprotected beneath a gaze that had lost its distance and now seemed to flare with unexpected heat. a ?Wht r

i i ? G n a Whtst a e ut n n o e s ii a y hkg w the smooth tone. His words werccato sharp. Luisa drew a shaky breath, disoriented by the arcing heat that snapped and shimmered in the air between them. By the hazy sense of familiarity shefelt with this handsome stranger. m i i u h u t . I t n n y o l l g h k go Immediately he stepped back, his hand dropping. ri . o mo n u o kd a t F g e rt o o e i . o v meF a y l fn S en d e. h l q es. ht x lnd h o dd e ft uay a e ae her unsteadiness. It had nothing to do with his touch. The electricity sparking between them was imaginary. He thrust a hand through his immaculately combed hair as if, for an instant, he too felt that

7/28/2019 lemee

26/54

ANNIE WEST

34

disturbing sensation. But then his dark locks fell back into perfect position and he was again cool, clear-eyed and commanding. Swiftly Luisa turned to grab a glass. She gulped down cold water, hoping to restore a semblance of n r ly h la e eu gi i omat. eft sis be rn s e i S e f h d nd out. Finally she willed her scrambed thoughts into odr I d n e a esne r c al re.t i hl t t h sdPi eR u s d t p hskewer her like an insect on a pin. Setting her jaw, she turned. He leaned against the dresser, arms folded and one ankle casually resting on the other. He looked unattainably sexy and a little scary. His brow was furrowed as if somethingperplexed him, but that only emphasised the strength of his features. e o a met enw , Whn y u ehd t asr e s v i o h y u le i rzsh ni eh g o se o g o l g nlti . tit s b n hn o ,b t I e a ed bobd te T ak y u u l ay asre v r h nw a o in e e s i ehv n e o pt n i h d r sg sounded? Annoyance sizzled in her blmo e u ib o yw s ol gr d t v t s i b d a ne d n b h g n o relaxed. His foltheir bunched muscles drew her eyes. Suddenly he looked predatory rather than suavely elegant. Her skin prickled. h ny d en mp o ? smo t T e mo e os t ty uHi

7/28/2019 lemee

27/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

35

compressed. Obviously he thought money outweighed everything else. Just like hergrandfather and his cronies. Luisa opened her mouth, then snapped it shut as her dazed brain cells finally revved into action. Money! I e ok ta an vn rg t e.S e n hs c thd ee ie d h h h t e sr to gt o h o n et ea s te h uh f te l mi dbsr d p s o e, a so ta d mi i ci n ot nd m udt l n mah ead p S e kg n her own rarap car. The list was endless. w muhmo e? S e at oh go e Ho c ny h ne n ti fhhigh society position. But the cash. The prince unfolded his arms and named a sum that made her head spin. She braced herself against the table. e oI e i r o e a t ywt Whnd gtt i s ca h i ? He v c w s c h shock. Did she imagine a flash ofaction in those dark green eyes? o i es hte uueh t r o. Y u e r cs w e r o s e

h y t tlo n N ti na e a asd u eeae oh gc t t t pue.B thr n a lr h .He on inheriting your wealth. You must sten rz n k u yl b gt n. e li Mai d ae p o rao la o s t ta t u y r i i L i so l r u e. a esget u a u ess mpd t gs d su e w si os l h j t a ol rhr a s b . e r e e t t r f e mp i e S d e c d h w d ity. Accepting would be a betrayal of herself and all she held dear.

7/28/2019 lemee

28/54

ANNIE WEST

36

cn . I a t us u a. maeh rne ns Ofo r y n Il k e r gmet c e o c l t aet l D n o s n i r pd t b s t ie L s p h ae o hr e o e hd n t o g i a adt b a m g n e n h cl re oiy w u i e.h o ,culsc t o l k lhr i i my d e d le ee o . os r r. r h He shook his head, straightening to stand tall and imposiThe room shrank and despite her anger she felt his formidable magnetism tug ather. o aeros nMai o a aey u Y uhv t i rzt . o t o Wht v o h got here but hard verty? In my cu t o ae r igdle mi n e o nr y u l v pi l e f x gi t y lh a v motle i l . setc c s i r e How he sounded like her snobbish grandfather. pe r h rl e k l e I rf e i e I xi i ie i hr e t cc s n r s rd n bl t i cn ecni .T e eya s o dses n h ep l r l h o e v hr. ee He cwe. n o s p l e d o t at c s a involuntarily, Luisa retreated a pace before the fierce light in hiseyes. o my r n sA d tebohr n s N , i d. n f hr te d i fe my a s r a h o l r i.Sm n r, mot gnrt no e e a a i d ta L i aet a be l e d t g hn u a prnsss , k n grandparents through her sunny childhood and the dret asS e o l l v e e gad aksdy. h u n ae hm, gi w d te t a n n in debt, for a glamorous, empty life faway. T e sap yd ma e r e i l k h hr- e n bf e hr d n o e o dto

7/28/2019 lemee

29/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

37

impressed. Had her grandfather once looked like Prince Raul? Proud, determined,good-looking and boy, d n o ! i h k wi d te n t Standing there, radiating impatiece, Raul e o i eyh g h l re si . mb d d vrti e and o ep e ee n s de td s Deterion surged anew. hn ufr o n lmenpr n e T aky mi t tl s .S o oc g o e i rself up, level with his proud chin, and folded his papers with quick, precise movements. u o aet n men s hr. B t u l v f ds o ee et i ei y lh oi o l on to t h et d ep l e u u. b h d l y o I R u s uh i t e e h p e t . al t g e n a t c l d f Thrilled! Luisa Hardwicke had been anything b t Js sw l h l e n b u e e e t d hro l ao thr l d o y inheritance, not the more challenging aspects of hernw l h ens ii a i rt e r e S e be s ts i w sws o. d o k th t e o break th. He ee t r u b r o n h nvr moe tb onw ma. e d me a s S d all but thrown him ation danced in his veins and tightened his fists. S me i t a d hrta ed n n w o t nmoi t e th i k o hg ve h dt about. He needed to discover what it was. More, he hato discover the trigger that would make her change her mind. F ra s n ak teeh en t o n i t tbc r e be mpe na h d e d

7/28/2019 lemee

30/54

ANNIE WEST

38

simply to kidnap her. The blood of generations of warriors and robber barons aswell as monarchs flowed in his veins. It would have been easy to scoop her up inhis arms and sequester her till she saw reason. So satisfying. An image of Luisa Hardwicke filled his mind. She stared defiantly up with flashing cerulean eyes. Raul recalled her shirt lifting when she reached for a glass, revealing her lusciously curved bottom in snug jeans. The feminine shape outlined by her shirt when she moved. A shape at odds with his original impression. F e t ae ruh al l . ir kd ho g u s ey rse t R b l Perhaps there would be compensations after all. LuisaHardwicke had a wholesome prettiness ta pa df r a uh. d ht p el r e hnio gta mo t t d i his business these last eight years to surround himself only withglamorous, sophisticated women who understood his needs. He grimaced, facing a truth he rarely ak o l gd htf e ne a w ans cn we e. a o c da ek est d T ih d h for the sort of forthright honesty and fresh openness she projected. T e ot e clvd n h rh o e eee . s d n bi i Sordid reality had cured him of any such frailty. et being with her was like hearing an echo of his ps me ei amet o ra e ne atr mbr gns f ems o c ,e n r d hd held. Dreams now shattered beyond repair by

7/28/2019 lemee

31/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

39

deceit and betrayal. And, despite his indignation, he responded to her pride, her pluck. It was an inconvenience that complicated his plans. Yet perversely he admired the challenge she represented. What a change from the compliant, egr o ne nw hr i u t cs e ae me e !no e r ms ne w hk I t cc a hd applaud her stance, he saw now, a spineless nonentity would never have been suitable for what wasto come. Or so surprisingly appealing. Raul tugged his mind back to business. Heneeded a lever to ensure she saw sense. Failure w sa t n hn int n eedd n i an o ie s a o pn e m. tn p o w h i d oh u a, o i teami - b? L ksy u a

f g o p sn e e rhai . a zd t i rn i . Y s i v y o I mae sl u n g s , e l s m oked back at the tiny speck that was her h meAsvr fert i cdh at o . i ge p rene le o r e m. d d to avoid coercion but she left him no choice. u edbs I d ty ste B y t et h . mmei e . w n td al I t el tdy o a. T era f ecpe ruh u a ed gt i ha o a i r L ss up. I o l b.After rejecting her inheritance tcu n e dt yesteray there was no reason for her path and Pi eR u st osaa . e ew sda n r c al c s gi

a rw n o r nY s i x rb e i o .to l b tt a. n oal t t n w u n b s e u iw

7/28/2019 lemee

32/54

ANNIE WEST

40

Pi e al ee r c u n R hr! T u a n yne hr er pt rdf t oL i a o ac, e at a ee s rt ae as she watched his long, powerful frame vault from the chopper. Twenty-fou

r hours had given her time to assure hr l e w s er s i oi s se es f h an nal a mp s g a h n remembered. S e e rn. h b n o g de w Luisa had searched him on the webyesterday, learning his reputation for hard work and wealth. The reports also referred to discreet liaisons with gorgeous women. Yet no photos did justice to his impact in the flesh. Her breath caught as he loped up the steps. Good thing she was immune. u a to e r e,wd h u es L i . He s d bf e hr i so l r s o o e d fiopen doorway, his voice smooth like dark chocolate with a hint of spice as he lingered on her name. A tremor rippled through her as she responded to the exoticsound of her name on his tongue. It maddened her that she should react so. Shepulled herself together, fiercely quelling a riot of unfamiliar emotions. o rHi ns S egi e ed o ad Y u g es h r pd t o rhr. h . p h y ae y u hr? We f i e u hd o rb s es is n ys ra. S rl ehd V P e el t et dy ue h a Ist s , a e y o e, women to seduce.

7/28/2019 lemee

33/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

41

He bent over her hand in another courtly almost-kiss that knotted her stomach. She had to remind herself not to be impressed by surface charm. Been there, donethat. Yet her gaze riveted on his austerely handsome face as he straightened. The flash of green fire in his eyes sent tendrils of heat curling through her. Hisfingers squeezed and her pulse accelerated. a al C l R u l me . It went against thgrain but to refuse would be churlish. al a ayb t h u l s t t R u t sc z u e .I w r s o d mo s his name in her mouth, like a rich, full-bodied wine. rn o o gv emei edr A e y ugi i i ? ak t n ont n On eyebrow rose lazily as if her obsamused him. She bit down on a rude response. He must have good reason to return.The sooner she heard ite o nr e . th o e g s hdo l s, o .S e e e a e on h dt yt t u g a i l h w o h l room, ignoring the jitter of nerves in her stomInstead of making himself comfortable, he took up a position in front of the window. A commanding position, she noticed uneasily as premonition skittered acrossher nape. S e d n k e gn i y r h h i l e t l ti h ee o i dti h i n s s widce, as if claiming her territory for his own. She stood facing him, refusing tobe

7/28/2019 lemee

34/54

ANNIE WEST

42

dominated. o vn agd o r n ? Y u aec ne u d h th y mi S elt e h at n o t f h ah ie n r i it cme i r g t hd o s t s i s t ce. w h tn a a D sea ssew sfh o l eprt a a ny ecu n e h o s dt agree. S e et et dya en o nu i e h sln hr dp y e t o tg solicitor. There must be a way to access some of the money she was in line to inherit without giving u e f hr. h i t s R u nwt phri ee S e d ama i le d n u , h his own agenda, to be straight with her on that. It was too son to know, but the possibility she could negotiate enough funds to give the co-op the b ott eddhdg e e bt r i t ep o sinee a vnhr e e g s e i a t n hsl ta he hd i ae.I u yd hr n w d n strengthening her confidence. a pr aey ut cni r s uh Ces d o r o s e? t u oe d Hi mo turned up in the barest hint of a smile, yet evehat should have come with a health warning. Her breath sawed in her throat and her pulse quickened. Luisa thought of the enquiries being made on her behalf. S eeafo i i peot o s h b l og ei t h rp s ru d o t v no s e sget n bo tyn t.A sl e o.T evr uh i ul h o accepting made her ill. ht notntHe pue o l g hra . u e asd s n e o

7/28/2019 lemee

35/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

43

nre t t e at ey u fr nt He evs s e hd t . r not a . rc u V u e looked grim. F oh ce p ce nta i l e ece t ij kt okt t nl r n sa .I h cs,hs eo u aetee r r rd u a acpe e ppr o e i ee,L i cet t aes u d s d h .Y w n g a hrac? yi ei ne h s n me o i w n t di nothing without legal advice. Heso kh ed aey u me i ha.T k o rt . e h s i T r slep ntr. e- l a y fx a o Confused, she skimmed the

pers. Unlike ys ra eew rn c acmet T e et dy , hs ee r h prh n. hy e st ti looe like the loan documents that were the bane of her life. Luisa forced herself to concentrate. Hard to do with his stare on her. When finally she began to understand, the world spun around her. o o gth - dbs i eei , Y u eb uh ec o s et so p .D b i n se sufd te ppr ys ggl g l o h h fe aes ee ogn. l f l h , i A ta.E c ae a et dy n o edy ah pprhd ys ra n e s date. Was it even possible? Bewild

he looked up. The gravity of his expression convinced her more than the typed words. Luisa sank abruptly onto the arm of a chair, her knees too wobbly to take her weight, her breath

7/28/2019 lemee

36/54

ANNIE WEST

44

choppy. What strings had he pulled to manage that in a s g a? u a o l cne e fuhp wr i ldy i u n ci c o e. ne L s c d to v o s Yet, staring up at the man beforeshe realised he wielded authority as easily as she managed a milking machine. The realisation dried her mouth. y r o e a h as s. Wh ?He i s r r p v c w a oced closer, looming between her and the lh o tewn o .Ontedyy us nte i trm i w f h d h i h d cmet acpi o r n ei ne Il k ou ns cet gy u hrac, ea n i t lma gn i te i o o f t i e u a p hm t ne i fo t Y c r n c t. Relief poured throug

so suddenly she shook. Hew ss bt a ! i i acp e a o snt sld n cet r o i e He tection. No doubt he thought it embarrassing that the heir to a royal title was neck-deep in debt. Iw s nru s r. e h cmpna t a g eo s et eOn e ae g u s d o efor if she found a way to access the funds. u m t o gI s y g ee B t n i . t i rn m a n h o o Y u n. w t Had anyone ever denied him what he wanted? Impatient radiated off him. And that ci h nvr en r t mi d ae h se e e moe e r n c. n def Luisa stood. She needed to assert herself and end this nonsense. It was time he accepted she knew hr n . t o l so ev. e d v g a ae mi e o n p n t l

7/28/2019 lemee

37/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

45

He held her gaze as the seconds stretched out. Hi x rs o i cag u i o f s epes e b ta fs n o i dt rs anxiety skipped up her back, like a spider dancing on hervertebrae. n wn o cmmie y u r o h K o i h w o t d o ae t te g t w l e g o o rf l n- i fy u mi ad fe s ue l n b a y r n m y u lcag o rmi . Hi o e hl t l o hne ye l d c d e bna e de e e fco . l sy u eet t ep vl ti l t n e o h h v n e i Un eyh g athm l e vrti . t oo e n He spoke so matter-of-factly it took a moment to register the threat. L i f erz da apcuh s e s e u a c oe n gs gtni r s sa f a roat closed convulsively. Blackmail? She opened her mouth but no sound emerged.Paper cascaded to the floor from her trembling hands. o cn r u! Y u ab s i s o S wy h h o i ed ee r o l l e so k h ha. vr moe s, o s N Li. ua s o clme htyh i hr me t a t !T w sd n with the same lilting accent her mother had used, waslike a travesty of a familiar endearment. r cs L i ,hn Pi es u ate. n s She tooka furious step forward, her hands c nh gnf s a o .T ihso e k. u l ci ut t n h n i r r i s a t b ao B n u u h w d o i t n f trs o o h mo rso e n h s r a e

7/28/2019 lemee

38/54

ANNIE WEST

46

cn rc s! o et ytel eh o f af el e u ds o vl o do to o Y d r h i i a d znf lse mi .A dhr a r ra t h a i e fh s Wh s had worked for most of her life. At e te, f r h r undh met n r hr hr es d e o e mo Luisa had never found time to go backand finish sh o s a e ae nt e e te, co lI t ds s ydo hl hr a r .n e h d t ol cvrdf m el so i h nvrf l r o ee o t s f s d uy e r h o h wife. h eio o i y us Y ucns et m,f sn s . a h i te a c u lm. hy men s h s o a a mu a y c int it! The grim determination in his granite-set jaw was nothing to the resolution in his glittering eyes. u w y u aso khrha,ri Bt h ? i o e ed y gt Ls h w r re py uv .Y ucn i s ol t ndt s- ry o n e i du o t a f daohr e ,o o e e i men o t i dt l n n h rs w d eh l o i e v tei o f r g o o e ap v p h f y t g e le r o en h oi u hr su r te r hs h rmi d n t e o lf i e e po s .m o o i! r cs ma r l n e a The gleam in his eyes suggested he agreed. hr no one else, uisa. You are the T ee is pi es r cs n . o n ia tr!L i l t e Y uc d t emyfhr at ct u s a d hands on her hips, letting defiance mask her sd e a.Wh r o e i u dnf r yaey ugtn s pr ay e tg o o l i o e? n l d vv When her grandfather had made contact it had be ruhe s r s Hehd cmet e. ent o g s i . an h mi a e t o h

7/28/2019 lemee

39/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

47

Yet Raul as crown prince was far more important than her grandfather. He took her hand before she could snatch it away. Heat engulfed her, radiating from his touch and searing her skin even as his intentions chilled her marrow. hv s k u tr, erd I ae aen o ruue mue. a t iy f mu h A tma cl ej kdu e i el ? uo tays rh e h .R l The word emerged defiantly. vr esnls k. Hi r r d l A ey pr a t e sgi p i l except for his thumb, which stroked gently across her palm, sending little judders of awareness truh hr o n r o e A d s n ho g e. to l ae y u t ri i N s u e et e eno rz e esy sndt b Que Mai.He r ,o r d i o e f t paused, eyth hers. ht h m ee T k o aka T a s yI hr. ot ey ubc s w a my bi . re d

7/28/2019 lemee

40/54

CHAPTER THREELUISA a hdh r l s hp e od i w t e ifm p ae h r r e c si i s t w bd . Her heade was no laughter in his eyes. No wildness hinting at insanity. Just a steady certainty that locked the protest in her mouth. Her lungs cramped from lack of oxygen as her breath escaped in a whoosh. She lurched forward, dragging in air. Hegrasped her hand tight and reached for her shoulder as if to support her. Violently she wrenched away, breaking his grip and retreating to stand, panting, beside the window. o tuh ! D n c to me His eyes narrowed to slits of green fire and sensed that behind his calm exterior lurked a man of volatile passions. x ln o !sesi hnse uh e E p i N w h dw e c gt r a. a hd a h breath.

7/28/2019 lemee

41/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

49

ehp u t r i Pras o b t t y d e e s. S ecu w r vr e?N ,hn o !I oh l t e e t pe ro t d vn f e g ll e nejl rf a . e rese st l . ets n E ih l fti u ye e rne A uws yd is n k at y h d to i hg d her a special favour in her own hoHe had royal condescension down to an art form. o eegi x ln w y y u ne Y u w r ep i h o ed t n o a o mar. F rte leo e,L i o l sy r o f fhr u a cu n a y . Hil k o r e i mi e mi i . so l h d t s t s o o t d e h d n sh o s nsb r e.A r T cn rn mut e r d t e a ht I ma i h s r ni e. t d a ,i d o w me sr a h c n s n ll a I te a bo e yl nae n n rkn o al eg. u r i A tremthrough her at the idea of sr g h yl nae e ui e o al eg n nt r i . With him. It rh w ado ew s S e t i ma e o hn smeh a. h d t t d learnt looks could hide a rt. It was the i e n ta o ne. rm htse e, n rma tcu t o w a s n n h dF hd e Rs proud, opinionated and selfish as her detested grandfather. The way he lookedwhen she challenged h i a gt n e ah g l h e prs mj t h de sl i a i ak, w i a y a c t s was warning enough. L i er etp u dd s ad se hd u a hat a o n e o hr h a suble hearing his next words. t d i a e rw r c k r e Is r io t th o npi e ae bic n t a d

7/28/2019 lemee

42/54

ANNIE WEST

50

f m n f rz r c atsWhnw ee r o e ipi i li . e e r o o Ma ts n p ie w in our teeract was drawn up for my marriage to your cousin, Marissa, Princess of A d s . ur s e o t . ri i t i a i s n f r s aB Ma s d d o a e m r ,L i i uf . h aceg fy es rhdh o y s a r l S e s f trs fr rge u o l ra n ti . e ue ertb tcu n dt n D d h e i t e f lsomething rh acew o n e f i f n h o si d died? Shlips. Obviously the heartless arranged marriage was still alive and thriving inMaritz! f rta a oh r emye At t w si n ur t t sl i e h I n yoi fn marriagfather died recently it was t n ohr r e i t f d n te i . meo i a bd y u o l isi rd S o o cu d n r. u a h ee, h t s v remembering that world where marriages were ynastic contracts, devoid of love. She crossed her arms protectively. How couldhe be so sanguine about it? My l s ee ut l p n w r cr id hn o r a ae w e y u gads edadw i o ee o rn f hr i a a e s vrdy u t s l r n dc w u hr. e r e, i nw a eet n v ht s d d n tB o h g e hd a about disowning your mother, your branch of thef l d n a r r o s ea o s a y i f t en u ni rt n. mi d te u i o c d i He madeound like tiresome complications in his grand design! Indignation rose anew. a ah i o o o i y u Wht hs te wl gt t d wt o r l h

7/28/2019 lemee

43/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

51

mar g? r ae i h nrc i b d g L i .Hel me r T ec t ts i i , u a o df o a n n close. Her lungs constricted, making her breathing choppy. u o ? u apcda a, ret ed g t w i ae w y gnl nei h Ls u y n sae r s pc. f i as Ma s i I vro e nl i teu n h gna g t ad c d g os l yr lvdy u ada el e o l d a esb i e r rn f hr u o g t si w d i n with him. The news he had a granddaughter who hd be in eid w sab mbhl an en d i re a o se. He t sh t l d n o sitenw a l sdh o i l kfh e m.Y should be thankful we were able to find you before temei o es r.Y u aehd pes h d gtt t y o hv a rs a h o d cmpd ee ru d h ok a e r o n e l . h a t ccl Y u eo eda ti . L i hn scr d r in s s e t h ssefre o ngo i ai o i t cdd t g a h o g c v n ti i u ed g oh g o o t y r d i . n td w h o w n On ak yboe e dr eerw i d p ad. h g at ut y fh nrc as b u d ni a ds l o ec t t n m o me I t r e r cs f ri i asd i omar t i es d s .Hepue, s yh Pn o A sa h mouth pure displeasure. ovrse Wh ee h i s . o u fy u n ! L i e et Y u eo to o rmr d s r e frantic step, her stomach a churning mess. This truly was i t r. ee y a n hmae I nvr s nd n g g cnrc ot t a! osma e. h ou n gl s I d en t r T e

i e .Hi l s ws d h et n si ecu t n i ie.T ebs mi t nr c pt t d nh o

7/28/2019 lemee

44/54

ANNIE WEST

52

f d a t ft i w y u . na o o i She shook her head, her hair falling across her f ep aa s ewn o . N a ss akd u gi tt i w o c h n h d w y oma e ht o r o t csy

a y u nr tasy u a N t w c a c t t e c ee s a b k hr k me a t a r eew rsdo pd i o eh i d T n n silence. Luisa heard them repeat over and over in her numbed brain, like a never-ending ripple spreading in a still, icy pool. eee ; dht cs r a my B lv l ow a s ees yt c i i meIl n a o lm trn.Hici f drgl , k gc

lt ay i er a n ie e l ma n l w h an u od:ta ed n i ehd p ti w rs thrry someone so far beneath him. Someone so unappealing. Why was he so desperate?Did power mean so much? Luisa choked on rising anger. Twenty-four years o dse ci dt omar g f r oh l a r e e r aeof s d n hd e v w i e b t from ambitious men ww her as nothing but a men q i o e! ycu n e e a asoa u e w rWh l s t t c rp me cr g h nsma h v e r esl e ai , o et nw o l e ro r f S n d o h f h e? h fd cheap. o pc i pmyleadmar Y ue et t g eu f n r x me o v i y y u t rnet a s agr s o a eo i ? a o lt n Whtcnuy hd h rp e u f o a etr a e do pd o ta d o sne a i t ut nes. ln a q e n His look grazed like shards of ice on bare skin. y e ni a d u mut r . Ima t ut t smar t ba q eb I y

7/28/2019 lemee

45/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

53

S eut r h . r men s! h t d e i r s o e l j e h c n y o Ma ee Something dangerark flashed in his eyes. But when he spoke his words were measured. She sensed he hung onto his control by a thread. cu w u . f o an ie ri I I o l I o l u

d d Iy txt f y u raymar d e o t c w u e o o a ed r e,h nr t o l b i dl iad u o s ohr r e n c l c oe n te i . Io d h a bd As if choosing a wife took a um of time and effort! Though in his case it might. With his looks, sx a ges ad wa h tee el so eulmantm n el r b t f i t h d o women eager to overlook the factied themselves to a power hungry egotist! His deep voice sent a tremor ripplingthrough hro ew o gt o y hr n r met e vr ruh d .T ee omoet b s i o find a way to be married within the cntui at t r n hr. o stt nli l c i ei i o mei o I yso l cr? L i b e e ad p Wh u I ae u a u bdhr n s h d sr h u ci d ams t i , r n t r t ew r h o l e y g o e o I t ee o u vn n wy . k o A d hth d n wse se i k o d ti . w d h d n k He shrugged and unwillingly Luisa saw how the fluidvement drew attention to those powerful shoulders. The sort of shoulders that belonged on a surf lifesaver or an outback farmer, not a privileged aristocrat. m ebs esn frte k gh .S me I t etpr i si o h o o h n p

7/28/2019 lemee

46/54

ANNIE WEST

54

w u y teo l i b n.I et i d a o l s n s t l o e v a e d a h y ua e rn lemeof i hr cu an Otes o l l r. de He so k h ed o o .N ti me h o i ha. tn w onetntel t er f te hr a rs i s yas f hr u h a o my a s ri . ht rwn. rn s o gk gi w a e g T gA t n s t cu t es o nr n d. ye The sizzle in his eyes stoppd her breath. htevs n e pi . T a l e l o t n a o y n o o She was his only optin ae o lg s rs d aa s e I o cr! C o l spes gi thr t a e n back as he took a s her and she s p e ak e e co nsmen s. t pdbc.L thm w o ee e I e t r o l m n te l gt . o s rial rh a he a a fi a f t su r His lips curled in a knowing smile thahould have repelled her. Yet her heart hammered as she watched his eyes light with a gleam that warmed her from tip to toe. o ti mar g o o l b Y u h k r ae t mi d e a hrsi sv i rp e w ihta adh ? o edo pdt al p c t p Hi c o o t h feasultry breeze across her suddenly f se i ht o k o h w l s l hds n a d n n .T I t o e w ma? o n Luisa swallowed hard, using her hands to anchor herself tothe windowsill behind her rather than be drawn towards the glittering green gazethat seemed now to promise unspoken delights.

7/28/2019 lemee

47/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

55

He a r r neo shn h rasd sa e agru a e le. w f mo d t s dei e s rd u a ta o uwlf dp auen a u L s y li e i o r n n Y u ae od n t u i . o v w r . u o h myt of power, of heat, pulsed between them and she knew how an animal felt, mesmerised by a predator. h s e i o e h prdh asl T e nw rs tl ,s i ee or y a isln h wed at the need to force down a betraying weakness that made her respond to his sensual promise. Why did her dormant hormones suddenly jangle into life around him? For a long moment they stood, adversaries in a silent battle of wills. hn d , oaeme oco e h r T e,al ul v i .T efe s yy e n h c i in his eyes was doused as

d never been. A flicker of what might have been regret shadowed h ae te i p erd utrme e a i gz n d apae. s e mbrt t s h s J h dc i ,n e ucmeae ni l y us eio d h t o o ,r te r e ry o . Already he turned away. Only her hand on his elbow stoppedhim. a oy umen erw sasu n Wht o a? a a rt gi d F o a n her mouth. He i trr d tun hv s esof as f e d n b n i i bo Iev. o r soe f aeS meamso i gd u a nest hee k ai sre.L i f gr gt d l e a c ss i i n i claw on the fine wool s suit. She stepped round to look up into his stern face.

7/28/2019 lemee

48/54

ANNIE WEST

56

o cn oel e hy ae o e Y u a frc s! T e hvn d n t o t ayh g o o . n ti u n tinioned her. He shook off her hand. h i e en y u e t e n I a co e bt e o rrl n c w av cu t eein net cndh ed o nr t r oc t .Hei l e iha. yh s o s ni s ob eL i . sm r dmo eewlb ap i i I s eMae i l i ehp ywt t s u sl l hh nws l ls r railmoe h . s t eA i e h e l e t t c cY Luisa dragged herself from her troubled reverie and met the eyes of the young Frenchwoman in the mirror. Clearly the stylist was excited at being smmo e t te Pi e xl i aia u nd o h r c ec s e P r uv sn rs ec. l etenit h ia h ae ei ne Un k a cn i w o brl d i h le c n d y rsnorting her displeasure when Luisa had rfsd f s as k o i e ee ng e e l ni, n wnnvrmaae u a e l g hd te ehuhycuui h knhr hm. t agt tr rw o t e e Or h o e ents with barely concealed contempt for L i c te. u a ohs s sl T e hi tlthd be aneh a s i an en du t a r ys t d h prospect of working on someone as ordinary as Luis. Perhaps she liked a challenge. m r i el e .A ohrt u a I s eiwlb vl n te meL is would have been thrilled, having her hair done by someone with such flair andenthusiasm. But not tdy s o r f r R u s pi t thd o a,j th us a e al r a j a u tched down in Paris. It had all happened too fast. Even her goodbyes

7/28/2019 lemee

49/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

57

to Sam and a tearful Mary, crying over the happy news that Luisa was taking up her long lost inheritance. How she wished she were with them now. Back in the world she knew, where she belonged. Luisa gritted her teeth, remembering how Raul had taken the initiative from her even in her farewells. Whnse o et ra enw a ee siw st hd o h t o f dh enteefs rf l n i d i e be r r . mi adfe s n d h i

re already agog with the story of Luisa finally t i e i t l l e a r cs n i a n hr a s pi es A dwt kg g u p c a n . h news their debts were to be cancelled. Yet Luisa had at least asserted herself in demanding Raul install a capable farm manager in her place to get the co-op on its feet. She refused to leave her friends short-handed. In the face of their pleasure, Luisa had felt almost selfish, longing to stay, when so much good cmeo t f e eatr. e e f pr o a u rdpr e Y t h lt at

s d e herself behind. Her family and friends would have been d t uh, n wn h ee o l ir gtk o i w ys f hyw u n sa g h e. dt hv uhdte r cmo e e nw te ae yk e t h Pn s fh h t t.B tse cu n o ta e h r h u h o l d tt t m.S e u dt te fr e i . o l r n hm r r e d tu oh pd Or her deep-seated fear of what awaited in Maritz.

7/28/2019 lemee

50/54

ANNIE WEST

58

S e h ee hn h o gt fnei al h i rd e eh uh t n R u s sv w s t oe r g world. Beiman who should repel her, yet wo hhs yr i mp meth w l ese T eeaes lc l n ea n,e t j i A d k il e ies ro ng. n eh vl h r ai ae ma t so y a e t ma Luvaguely. n , o i ri y g t vno A d uwlf g emes i , u e n y lo v an c e b t doh i i u e e, e? s e s ty b t Luisa looked up, catching a sparkle in the other wma ee Het epdu drhrsi sse o n . a ee n e e na sy s k h remembered her previous t. She tilted her chin. i dw nst eo a desr S e Myfe at obcmeahi rs . h rn r e sd n i o me r nt c eego , u eeeui He snt w r o d th ct n i i s b t x o Thade one last judicious snip, te epd w y o a Wht o o i ? hn t e a. i! a d u h k

l V y tn For the first time Luisa really focused. She kept staring as the stylist used a mirror to reveal her new look from all sides. Iw sa e o .t a nww ma! t an wl k Iw s o n t o a e Her overgrown hair was now a gleaming silky fall that dand slid around her neck as she turned, yet always fell sleekly back into place. It was shorter, barely reaching her shoulders, but shaped now to the contoursof her face. Dull dark blonde had been transformed into a burnished yet

7/28/2019 lemee

51/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

59

natural light gold. a d u o Wht i y ? d o d L i i rcgi e o ni e r r u ad nr . s d te st w n h mi o A woman whose eyes looked larger, her face a s su t dq

i arsn. h re l t cl e a u e mo p d n t et g S e und r i t her head, watchinlanting sunlight catch the seemingly artless fall of hair. T e Fecw ma srge. cul f h rnh o n hugd A o p o e highlights to accentuate your natural golden tones ad Y u p rv? n g d u. o po e ao c a Luisa nodded, unable to find words to describe wat she felt. She remembered those last months nursing her mother, poring with her over fashion and beauty magazines borrowed from the local library. Her mother,with her unerring eye for style, would point out the cut that would be perfectfor Luisa. And Luisa would play along, pretending ta hnse nl d e o e h it ht e h i e v i w h di l h c cs d s a salon and have her hair styled just so. As if she had time or money to spare for anything other ta e te cr n ecnt t e n s hnhr hr t s n mad mo s a h o a d of the farm. s n n uh t u p fr fr l Is j tl g eo g o o o ocs n. cai s o L i s mahb t me eto gt fh u a o c ot da t uh e ss t r locs n h c hn te ece oma cai sse f ew e y rahd o d a h Maritz. T i cu n era . h l b lI c l b apn g s o d t e .t o d t n

7/28/2019 lemee

52/54

ANNIE WEST

60

How could she have agreed? Suddenly she needed to escape. Needed to draw fresh air into her lungs, far from the confines of this gilt-edged mansion with its period furniture and discreet servants. It hit her that, from the moment Raul had dl ee iu i tm,h o ena n. s evrdh lma e n t e o e Hi i s t u s d b l security men on duty that final night se l ta o .Po al k g sr h h s p th me rbb mai uese d e y ni t l! f rta ee en i d d g i t t hr be dt n h ft A e h t d stewards, butlerrs. And Raul himself, invading her personal space even when he stood as far fromher as possible. The stylist had barely slid the protective cape off L i so l r hnse a nhretflo u a u es e s e e l f s sh d w hw o f ,u thanks for the marveland turning towards the door. Her thoughts froze as the Frenchwoman looked a smei e u a o l rhn ak no to t n o r i s u e e n t h g v L s sh d t s i a curti l. o n hd h A , i , dmo eeY u ei se?T e L s s l v f i deep voice curled acrossenses like smoke on the air. She reminded herself it was distaste that made her shiver. e. n hd tf i e i , h Y s We ef i e.Sie n hrs n e v is fn g p es ar afternoon light spilled across the parquet floor and highlighted Raul where he stood just

7/28/2019 lemee

53/54

PRINCE OF SCANDAL

61

inside the doorway. Once again his splendour hit her full force. Not just the elegance of hand-stitched shoes and a beautifully crafted suit that clung to his broad shoulders. The impact of his strong personality was stamped on his austerefeatures. Even knowing his ruthlessness, it was hard not to gawk in appreciation. Luisa saw the stylist surreptitiously primping. A n yne i l .t an shrHe a i n oac z e sj t e. d h s z d Iw t h t s u effect on other women. l ey u e o .Rw s Ii o r w l k al d e e a k n o s mi like warm honey. The flare of appreciats eyes even looked genuine. She told herself she d n r. i c e d ta hn u ro e a ak o . n s tf y t w sf He Y tL i u e rcd h u o n t e u a p l ae.S e p ti d ike. How dared he come here with his gracious smile and his fluent French, charming her companion as if he were a kind benefactor! Finally, after a long exchange of compliments, the stylist headed to the door. Luisa followed. S e h u v o n to l b s. h o l h e n w u n s e y A s da k iw d t e o a firm hand grasped has she walked past Raul. ee r u o g Whr e o i ? a y gn t h o e o t l th sd p i e y a i r t i n o nd s ern g hand.

7/28/2019 lemee

54/54

ANNIE WEST

62

ht T a s i os l mp s b . Y u hv ie o ae aohr n te ap i met p o t n. n T es h i rs mmei uy se bte fr dy n d td spiked. el ? w s ag. o rclmai y R ay rneI n a kd te l na ap i met h a e e ed en i p o t n. S e ri d hrha,met g h n s i s regar

. Letting her anger show. E e ne h net i i ihd vr i e c sne t g wt h t a scs h m been the same. Exquisite politeness from him and deference from his staff. Yet every decision had been made for her. A r h en i t e o h c,to tfs se be a s t a o stunned to do more than be swept along by the fre f al i u e d nt nhdgo n oc uB t rn i a o a w o R w l . h i g i r wt c o r Epc l hnse entl i e hh u. seil w