your brother’s debts paid and perhaps occasionally you might think of Jack Whatsisname, that rough Australian fisherman, with whom you had a bit of a fling.”
“That’s not true. Why are you behaving like this?”
She flinched as his hand cupped her cheek, his eyes on her mouth. “Princess, I told you I always get what I want and the fact you don’t want me doesn’t matter. I have come from a meeting with your parents and Carl and this time the negotiations are final, all signed and sealed.”
Lara’s stomach churned at the contemptuous look on his face. She waited for him to continue.
“They agreed to accept one billion dollars for you Lara, and all things considered, I think we both got ourselves a bargain.”
Nine
Lara placed a hand to her throat, her eyes wide as she tried to take in what he’d said.
He was willing to pay one billion dollars to marry her? She opened her mouth to rebuke him and then decided against it.
“You can always refuse to marry me seeing it goes against your esteemed values and the fact that I don’t have royal blood in my veins.” Jack’s tone was challenging.
“I’m not refusing,” she replied quietly.
“No. Of course, you’re not. How could you refuse and let your beloved brother down? So, you and your parents have skillfully manipulated Michael and me. Like two fools, we fell under your spell. Only you had counted on marrying Michael and keeping your royal bloodline untainted. You hadn’t anticipated I would make an offer too good for your parents to refuse.”
“Why did you offer if you hate me so much?”
He hesitated and Lara’s heart gave a huge leap. Surely it must be that he cared for her, perhaps loved her? She held her breath waiting for his reply.
“Of course, I don’t hate you, Lara, but I resent anyone trying to trick me. You knew your brother was in trouble, didn’t you?”
“Yes, but…”
“Yet you refused my proposal and accepted Michael’s. As far as I’m concerned, that says it all. Don’t get me wrong. I understand this isn’t your fault and thanks to your brother, your parents have placed you in an unenviable position. I pity you because I know you don’t have a choice in deciding your own future.” He paused and then continued. “So, I’ve decided it for you. I told you a while ago, Lara, that I always win, no matter what. So, this time I have won myself a bride.”
Her head shot up as a wave of anger threatened to engulf her. How dare this man judge her? He wasn’t even aware it was only tonight she had been told about Carl’s gambling debts and yet he hadn’t giving her a chance to explain.
“You are obnoxious,” she hissed. “I certainly misread you when I climbed aboard your boat in Port Margaret. You’re nothing but a ruthless predator who believes his filthy money can buy anything.”
“I’ve proved it can.” His smile was arrogant as he ran a sensual finger down the line of her throat stopping where the robe covered and protected her breasts.
Pushing his hand away, she stood and moved to the center of the room. She tried to control her breathing as she faced him, faced the mockery written clearly within his blue eyes. “You might have bought a princess and a title and a place in my family but I warn you, Jack, you’ll regret what you have done.”
“Why? Overall, I consider I’ve made a good investment. We’ll quietly clear Carl’s debts out of the way and the rest of my money will correct Challoner’s economy. In time I expect to receive a good return.”
She clenched her fists. “I can’t believe we are standing here in the middle of the night discussing a return on your damned investment,” she burst out.
Stepping closer, he grinned and for one moment, she saw her other Jack, the relaxed fisherman without a care in the world, not this ruthless business tycoon who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. Then the moment was gone but to her horror, her skin burned as if it was on fire at the look of desire in his eyes. She trembled, wanting his arms around her.
“Don’t forget the most important return, Lara. I will have you as my loving wife and together we will make beautiful babies.”
“I may be obliged to marry you but I don’t need to accept you willingly as my lover. I despise you for treating me like some sort of slave