and Aunt Bertha.
He chalked the end of his cue as his mind went over the disastrous evening. Funnily enough, he had enjoyed the company of the aunts who were lively and very entertaining, but his attention had been constantly drawn to Lara and the creep next to her. Jack knew he was suffering from an enormous attack of jealously. The agony of it had twisted his insides at every look Lara gave Michael, every word she said to him.
But what had grated with him the most was the way Michael had been so familiar with Lara. Throughout the dinner, he had constantly touched her arm, kissed her hand and whispered to her. At any time it would have been rude, to say the least, but to Jack, it was like a red rag to a bull. Nobody remarked about Michael’s behavior, they were too polite for that, but he could see Lara was embarrassed.
His Lara. No one else’s, he thought savagely as he watched Michael prepare to take his turn at the billiard table. He had messed things up completely by springing his marriage proposal on her. He should have handled things differently. He had floundered hopelessly. No wonder she had refused him, assuming she was part of the business deal he had made. Unfortunately, as far as her parents were concerned, she was. But not to him. He wanted her as his wife because…because…
Jack frowned. Because he loved her? Or was it sheer pig-headedness because he hadn’t got his own way. He wasn’t sure. He did know he was trying to make up for his earlier crass mistake. They needed quality time together, time to get to know each other. She needed to be courted, for God’s sake. Who could blame her for acting this way? He could see she was still vulnerable to him. He had seen it when they were on the sleigh ride when she had opened up to his flirtatious remarks and blushed at his nearness. He would have done anything to have taken her in his arms tonight and protect her from that fool Michael.
“Jack, your turn.”
Wearily, he played a shot and missed the pocket giving Carl the opportunity to play and win the game.
“Johann, why don’t you and Carl play the next game? That will give my new friend and me the opportunity to chat,” Michael said, in his strong guttural accent.
Christ! That’s all I need—to sit and talk to you. At this point, Jack would much rather have disappeared somewhere and drown his sorrows in a bottle of whisky. However, he followed Michael and they sat in the armchairs either side of the roaring fire.
“I understand you are interested in marrying Lara?”
Jack was suddenly wide awake as the older man posed the question. “Yes, I am.” As if it’s any of your business, he wanted to add.
“I’m afraid you might be a little late, my dear man.”
“What do you mean?”
“As you may know, Lara and I are second cousins and it has always been understood that we would marry.”
“Then why haven’t you?”
Michael laughed unpleasantly. “Because I needed to wait until she was ready to accept the responsibility of becoming my wife. Oh, I’m aware she’s had a little dalliance with you and that’s fine. It gets it out of her system. But in the future when we are married, there will be no more affairs. Not for her, anyway.”
Jack stiffened and his jaw clenched as he placed his coffee cup on the table beside him. “What if she’s pregnant?” His words were as cold as ice but Michael didn’t seem to notice.
“C’est la vie, as they say. I will insist she has an abortion and afterward, I will make sure I impregnate her with my child, a child of royal blood who will be a fitting heir to the throne of Challoner. I have waited many years for Lara and when I have her, I intend to enjoy her, if you take my meaning.”
Jack waited knowing he had to continue to play Michael’s rotten little game and keep his cool or he was in danger of punching him right in the mouth.
“Are you going to pay any money for the privilege of acquiring Lara as your bride, Michael?”
“Heavens, yes. I’ve topped your offer, the difference being Lara was always going to say yes to me. It took a little negotiation with her parents. Besides, she would never let Carl down. She adores him.”
Jack raised an eyebrow. What the hell was this slime