cheek with a gentle finger, his smile was so tender her insides just about melted. “Is there somewhere private we can go and discuss that eventful lunch?” he asked, lifting one dark eyebrow.
“We’ll go to my suite. No one will disturb us there.”
She led the way up the marble staircase and through a maze of corridors until she unlocked the doors to her apartment.
“This is some place,” he said, looking around at the large study they were in.
“Yes, it’s nice. There’s a dining room and two bedrooms with a restroom and also a kitchen.” She crossed to the bar in the corner of the study and poured two mineral waters, handing one to Jack.
“At least your brother’s comment opened things up a bit.” He took the glass and leaning against the large sofa, loosened his tie with his other hand.
She stood a few feet away and took a swallow of water. “I was so embarrassed I wanted to hide under the table.” She gave a rueful grin.
“Does Carl normally drink to that extent?”
“I’m not aware of it, but I haven’t been home since the summer, and Carl was away in the States for most of the time I was here.”
She studied him beneath her lashes. He looked casual and raffish and as she watched, he placed his glass on a nearby table and removed his jacket. She could see the ripples of his muscles beneath the pale blue material as he once again turned to face her.
“Why do you suppose the king wants to have a drink with me this evening?” His manner was suddenly intent, his eyes very blue in the reflected light from the huge windows behind her. “You’d better fill me in, Lara. I don’t like surprises.”
“Neither of my parents has spoken about you since my phone call with my mother. If I were to take a guess, I think my father will offer you money to get you out of my life.”
“Charming.”
“But, it will be done in the most diplomatic way so you don’t feel inclined to inform the media.” She knew she sounded disloyal to her parents, but he deserved to know the likely outcome of his meeting with the king.
Jack sighed and she wondered what he was thinking. Surely, he would take the money. He must need it and he would know there was no future for them. But then, who was she kidding. He didn’t want to be with her and was only here because he had been threatened with prison on a trumped up charge of kidnapping if he’d refused to accompany her to Challoner. It was a wonder he didn’t hate her, and her family.
“So, you’re saying the king is going to buy me off?” He took the few steps to bring him closer. “What if I don’t want to be bought?”
She studied the buttons on his shirt and the strong column of his neck with the hollow at the base of his throat. When they had made love on the island, she’d pressed her lips against that golden hollow, caressing the warm texture of his skin. Even now she could almost taste the slight saltiness as his hands had aroused her, working their special kind of magic on her innocent body making her cry out for his possession.
“That’s up to you.” Her voice was breathless and she trembled as he lifted his hands to cup her face.
“No amount of money could pay for what you and I shared,” he said softly. “Besides, your parents still have to address the problem of your potential pregnancy.”
“They could try and persuade me to have an abortion.” Even as she made the blunt statement, she knew she should have kept quiet. Jack’s expression changed from sensual longing to one of shock as he dropped his hands to his sides.
“Your parents would ask you to have an abortion? I can’t believe it.” He turned and picking up a cushion from the sofa punched it with his fist in a furious gesture.
“Jack, I have no idea.” She floundered, not knowing what her parents might suggest. “I’m probably doing them an injustice,” she stumbled on. “Besides, if I was pregnant, I would never have an abortion. Never. But, they could insist I marry Michael, as my mother indicated.”
“Ah, yes. His Royal Highness, Prince Michael, who is besotted with you, so I’m led to believe.” His face hardened and his mouth tightened into a thin, uncompromising line. “Do you love this man?”
“I have known him since I was