‘It would be quite unbelievable,’ she countered acerbically. She couldn’t believe he was even continuing this conversation.
‘Why would it, though?’ he pondered. ‘You’ve been working for Fi for how long?’
‘Twelve months.’
‘But you knew her before that.’
‘For three months before, yes.’
Hester had been assigned as Princess Fiorella’s roommate when the Princess came to America to study. Hester was four years older and already into her graduate studies so it had been more of a study support role. It turned out that Fiorella was smart as, and hadn’t needed much tutoring, but it hadn’t been long before Hester had begun helping her with her mountains of correspondence, to the point that Fiorella had asked her to work for her on a formal basis. It had enabled Hester to reduce her other varsity tutoring, she’d finished her thesis and now focused on her voluntary work at the drop-in centre in the city.
She scheduled Fiorella’s diaries, replied to messages and emails and organised almost everything without leaving their on-campus apartment. It was perfect.
‘Then you’ve passed all our security checks and proven your ability to meet our family’s specific demands.’ Prince Alek took another step closer towards her.
Hester stared at him, unable to believe he was still going with this.
‘Furthermore it’s perfectly believable that we would know each other behind palace walls,’ he added. ‘No one knows what might have been going on within the privacy of the palace.’
‘Sorry to poke holes in your narrative, but I’ve never actually been to the palace,’ she pointed out tartly. She’d never been to Triscari. In fact, she’d never been out of the country at all. ‘In addition, we’ve been in the same airspace only once before.’
Prince Alek had escorted Fiorella to the university in lieu of the King all those months ago.
‘And this is the first time we’ve actually spoken,’ she finished, proving the impossibility of his proposal with a tilt of her chin.
‘I’m flattered you’ve kept count.’ His wolfish smile flashed. ‘No one else needs know that though. For all anyone else knows, the times I’ve called or visited Fi might’ve been a cover to see you.’ He nodded slowly and that thoughtful look deepened as he stepped closer still. ‘It could work very well.’
Hester’s low-burning anger lifted. How could he assume this would work so easily? Did he think she’d be instantly compliant? Or flattered even? He really was a prince—used to people bowing and scraping and catering to his every whim. Had he ever been told no? If not, his response was going to be interesting.
‘Well, thank you all the same, Your Highness.’ She cleared her throat. ‘But my answer is no. Why don’t I tell your sister you’ll be waiting for her at your usual hotel?’
She wished Princess Fiorella would hurry up and get home and take her insane brother away.
‘Because I’m not there, I’m here and you’re not getting rid of me...’ He suddenly frowned. ‘Forgive me, I’ve forgotten your name.’
Seriously? He’d just suggested they get married and he didn’t even know her name?
‘I don’t think you ever knew it,’ she said wryly. ‘Hester Moss.’
‘Hester.’ He repeated her name a couple more times softly, turning it over in his mouth as if taking the time to decide on the flavour and then savouring it. ‘That’s very good.’ Another smile curved his mouth. ‘I’m Alek.’
‘I’m aware of who you are, Your Highness.’ And she was not going to let him try to seduce her into complying with his crazy scheme.
Except deep inside her something flipped. A miniscule seed long crushed by the weight of loss and bullying now sparked into a tiny wistful ache for adventure.
Prince Alek was studying her as if he were assessing a new filly for his famous stables. That damned smile flickered around his mouth again and the dimples danced—all teasing temptation. ‘I think this could work very well, Hester.’
His soft emphasis of her name whispered over her skin. He was so used to getting his way—so handsome, so charming, he was utterly spoilt. Had he not actually heard her say the word no or did he just not believe it was possible that she meant it?
‘I think you like a joke,’ she said almost hoarsely. ‘But I don’t want to be a joke.’
His expression tightened. ‘You wouldn’t be. But this could be fun.’
‘I don’t need fun.’
‘Don’t you? Then what do you need?’ He glanced back into her bedroom. ‘You need money.’
‘Do I?’ she asked idly.
‘Everyone normal needs money.’
Everyone normal? Did he mean not royal? ‘I don’t, I have sufficient,’ she lied.
He watched her unwaveringly and she saw the scepticism clearly in his eyes.
‘Besides,’ she added shakily, ‘I have a job.’
‘Working for my sister.’
‘Yes.’ She cocked her head, perceiving danger in his silken tones. ‘Or are you going to have me fired if I keep saying no to you?’
His smile vanished. ‘First thing to learn—and there will be a lot to learn—I’m not a total jerk. Why not listen to my proposition in full before jumping to conclusions?’
‘It didn’t cross my mind you were really serious about this.’
‘I really am,’ he said slowly, as if he didn’t quite believe it of himself either. ‘I want you to marry me. I’ll be crowned King. You’ll live a life of luxury in the palace.’ He glanced toward her room before turning back to her. ‘You’ll want for nothing.’
Did he think her sparse little bedroom was miserable? How dared he assume what she might want? She wanted for nothing now—not people or things. Not for herself. Except that wasn’t quite true—and that little seed stirred again, growing bigger already.
‘You don’t want to stop and think things through?’ she asked.
‘I’ve already thought all the things. This is a good plan.’
‘For you, perhaps. But I don’t like being told what to do,’ she said calmly. And she didn’t like vapid promises of luxury, or the prospect of being
