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Passing shaky hands over her dark peach floor-length gown, she headed for the door, a half-smile plastered on her face. The smile dissolved to nothing when she opened the door to find her elusive Prince framed in the doorway.
No.
He wasn’t her elusive Prince. He was simply the elusive man who’d treated her like a pariah since taking her virginity. No, that wasn’t wholly accurate either, her inner voice mocked. She’d been a willing participant in the act, urging him on when he’d attempted to put the brakes on their passion.
While she wasn’t one to dwell on might-have-beens, Violet needed to face reality. And she needed to face it head on. With that in mind she angled her head to meet his gaze, even summoning that elusive smile to counter his mocking one.
‘Hello, Zak.’
‘For someone who’s been feverishly chasing me, you don’t seem particularly happy to see me,’ he drawled, his lazy tone belying the fiery intensity in the gaze that raked her from head to toe and back again.
Her heart dropped. ‘So you knew I was looking for you? And you didn’t bother to return my emails or get in touch?’
His arrogant, dismissive shrug sent an arrow of hurt deep into her chest.
‘The reports you sent regarding your projects were adequate enough not to require further discussion. Beyond that, I fail to see what you’d have to discuss with me. But seeing as you’re making personal demands, I thought I should double check.’
She barely managed to stop her fist from clenching. ‘I’ve been in Montegova for two days and at this wedding going on four hours,’ she said, not bothering to hide her caustic tone. ‘Are you making some sort of point by avoiding me?’
His gaze blatantly raked her again, lingering at the pulse racing at her throat before rising to meet hers once more. That intensity had risen, giving him an almost dangerous look. ‘You look stunning, Violet.’
Flames lit through her blood. She attempted to ignore it. ‘Don’t change the subject.’
His jaw tightened. ‘As I’ve said, your reports came in regularly and since nothing demanded my immediate attention, I drew my own conclusions as to why you were clamouring to see me.’
She refused to acknowledge the wild lurching of her heart. ‘Which were?’
‘That this demand is extremely personal. And since we discussed in detail how we wouldn’t make personal demands of each other in the aftermath of our...coming together, I thought it wise to give you a chance to rethink this meeting. Obviously, you have no intention of doing so, so let’s get this over with, shall we?’ he drawled, his tone extremely bored.
‘Wait, you think I’m gagging for more of the same?’
His eyes narrowed at her caustic tone. Then he caught her by the elbow.
Anyone who saw them would’ve believed he was escorting her but his firm hold told her otherwise. ‘Where are you taking me?’
‘Where the scene you seem to be intent on having will have minimal impact.’
Violet couldn’t help herself, she laughed. ‘You really are full of yourself, aren’t you?’
He didn’t respond, simply led her towards a set of double doors flanked by two uniformed sentries. With smooth precision, they opened the doors as Zak walked her through, and then closed them.
Despite having primed herself for this meeting, Violet was unprepared for the full impact of finding herself alone with Zak in a room that look like a smaller version of the one holding the wedding reception.
He hadn’t changed much. There was a tautness about his jaw and his hair seemed a little bit longer, lending him an edgier aura of danger.
‘I love a good appreciative scrutiny, but your timing leaves a lot to be desired,’ he drawled.
‘What are you talking about?’
‘Maman has admonished me not to attract attention or gossip at my brother’s wedding. Being locked in a room with an attractive woman isn’t the best way to avoid it.’
Violet felt heat wash up her cheeks and devou
r her face. He wanted nothing to do with her. Wished no hint of their association to be broadcast. For a moment, she contemplated just turning around and walking out. Let him discover the news that his indiscretion had borne fruit in a little over seven months.
But even as she contemplated doing so, she remained rooted to the spot. She’d barely been able to sleep in the last few weeks. There was no way she could do this to herself any longer.
‘Violet?’ Her name was a terse command from his lips.
