AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘I suppose your love of the sea led to your support of the Clean Sea campaign to rid the oceans of plastic waste.’
She nodded. ‘I always knew I wanted a career that involved the sea and I have a degree in ocean science and marine conservation. I was employed for a year on a local project that involved underwater clean-ups, mainly plastic litter, and discarded fishing equipment. But the money for the project ran out.’
She sighed. ‘Marine conservation is underfunded and there is a lack of job opportunities in Cornwall. I started making products from unrecyclable plastic waste and I belong to a collective, trading under the name Plastic-Free Sea. Fifty per cent of our profits go towards marine conservation projects. Obviously, there are production costs to consider.’ She gave a rueful smile. ‘I’ll never be rich. The work of PFS and similar organisations barely touches the mountain of plastic waste in the oceans, but it’s better than nothing.’
Eirik found himself captivated by Arielle’s enthusiasm for her work. Would she exhibit the same fire and passion in bed? he wondered. He swore silently, irritated by his apparently one-track mind.
‘Have you thought about looking for a job in marine conservation further afield? Fjernland is an island, and a healthy ocean environment is important to all Fjernlanders. But, unfortunately, the focus on marine issues has, until recently, lagged behind other countries.’
One hundred years ago, the principality had changed from an absolute monarchy and adopted a constitution, but the Sovereign Prince was also Head of State and still retained much of the governing power, although there were some judicial and legislative branches of government. Eirik had often felt frustrated by his father’s lack of foresight in a rapidly changing world. Niels had understood the ecological problems that Fjernland faced and had supported Eirik’s efforts to promote the principality as a leader in conservation.
‘Five years ago, my brother and I established the Fjernland Marine Research Institute. The organisation employs people with a range of knowledge and expertise. I am sure there must be opportunities around the world for someone with your qualifications and enthusiasm.’
‘You’re right,’ Arielle said in a low voice. ‘I have seen advertisements for marine conservation jobs abroad. I even began the application process for a couple of positions, but I always came up with an excuse to withdraw my CV.’
She stood up and walked over to the balcony rail, standing with her back towards Eirik as she stared at the moonlit sea. He admired her derrière where her dress clung to her shapely curves. She was a mystery that he wanted to solve.
He strolled over to stand beside her. ‘Why didn’t you apply for jobs in other parts of the world? Is there a reason you are reluctant to leave your village? A boyfriend perhaps?’ He’d noted that she wasn’t wearing a wedding ring, but she might have a long-term partner. It was an oddly unpalatable thought.
‘No.’ She gave him a wry look. ‘Many of the people I was at school with have paired off and some have started families. The dating pool in Penash is very small, and anyway none of the local guys are interested in me.’
‘I find that hard to believe.’ He stared into her eyes that were sea green pools deep enough to drown in. As for her mouth, so lush and inviting. It was all Eirik could do to restrain himself from slanting his lips over hers and tasting her.
‘It’s true. No one wants to get involved with me because... I have crazy hair.’ She ran her fingers through her riot of red curls and laughed, but it sounded strained, and he was sure she had been going to say something else.
‘Your hair is incredible,’ he murmured. Unable to resist, he lifted his hand and wound a silky curl around his finger. ‘You are beautiful and intelligent. Courageous.’ Eirik remembered the reason he had invited Arielle to meet him. One of the reasons, he mocked himself, conscious of the taut ache in his groin. ‘Come inside,’ he said softly. ‘I have something for you.’
CHAPTER THREE
‘IT’SVERYKINDof you, but I can’t accept this,’ Arielle said firmly. For a second when she’d opened the slim box Eirik had handed her, and seen the sparkle of diamonds, her heart had missed a beat. The bracelet was exquisite. Even though she did not know much about proper jewellery—as opposed to the eco-friendly trinkets that she made—she could tell the bracelet was valuable.
‘If you don’t like the style, I will ask Gustav to arrange for an alternative to be sent to you. Perhaps you would prefer a necklace or diamond earrings?’ He frowned when she shook her head. ‘You risked your life to save mine, and the least I can do is gift you a small token to show my gratitude.’
‘It’s unnecessary.’ Arielle’s throat felt tight. ‘I didn’t know you were a prince when I realised that you were in trouble in the sea. I would have helped anyone, and I certainly did not expect to be rewarded.’
She replaced the lid on the box. The bracelet must have cost a fortune, but she felt cheapened that Eirik had turned her act of compassion into a commodity. Even worse, she felt a fool. He had flirted with her all evening, and when they had been on the balcony she’d thought for a heart-stopping moment that he was going to kiss her. She had wanted him to, she admitted. But the bracelet was a timely reminder that he wasn’t interested in her, and his dinner invitation had simply been a polite gesture so that he could thank her for rescuing him.
He was a prince, and an inveterate womaniser by all accounts. No doubt he made every woman he met feel as though they’d stepped into the pages of a fairy tale. Arielle was annoyed with herself for being seduced by Eirik’s charismatic personality. The truth was that she’d never met another man with his rampant sex appeal. Not even Jack, who she’d believed she was in love with, had made her feel so aware of her femininity.
But it was time for a reality check. She held out the box with the bracelet to Eirik. When he did not take it, she put it down on the table and said huskily, ‘I should be going. It’s late.’
Ten o’clock was hardly late, but she was impatient for the evening to be over. When she got home, she would hang her new dress in her wardrobe and look at it occasionally to remind herself that she had outgrown silly daydreams about handsome princes.
His frown deepened. ‘I apologise if I have offended you. It was certainly not my intention.’
‘You haven’t,’ she assured him in a too-bright voice. Her pulse quickened when he strolled towards her.
‘Stay a little longer,’ he said softly. ‘I have enjoyed talking to you.’
There was temptation in the spicy scent of his aftershave mixed with something subtle but intrinsically male that made her stomach muscles clench. ‘I really do have to leave. I’ve been working flat out to complete an order of recycled plastic jewellery for a London department store. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase my products and publicise the Clean Sea campaign. I need to finish packing up the order tonight before it’s collected by the courier tomorrow morning.’
‘Your work is obviously important to you.’ Was there a hint of pique in his cool voice? He probably did not get turned down by a woman very often, Arielle thought ruefully. Somehow it made her feel a bit better about her reaction to him. He was unfairly gorgeous, and she was not the first woman to be bowled over by him, nor would she be the last.
He picked up her shawl from the back of the chair and draped it around her shoulders. She felt the whisper of his warm breath on the side of her neck and her heart slammed against her ribcage.
‘If I can’t persuade you to change your mind I’ll walk you down to the car,’ he drawled.
Perversely she wished she hadn’t decided to leave, but Eirik was striding over to the door and Arielle followed him out to the corridor. While the lift whisked them down to the lobby she avoided his curious gaze, but she was conscious of the prickling tension that filled the small space.
