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“See, you are still angry with me,” he said, pointing a taunting finger at her. “And you’re inferring I didn’t want to be a part of his life.”
Yes, she’d been hurt by his rejection, but that was five years ago. Granted, it still rankled her, but had she turned her son against his father without meaning to? Uncertainty put her on the defensive.
“You don’t know me at all if you think that.” The man was an insufferable egotist. “And may I point out that simply by your absence you’ve become alienated from Marc.”
“Did you ever try to contact me?” Christian persisted. “To let me know you were pregnant?”
“To what end? You made it pretty clear you were finished with me.” She shook her head, throat contracting in remembered pain. “And if I had, what would you have done? When would you have found time between work and play to be a father?” She was warming to her argument now. “Marc deserves someone who will be there for him all the time not when it fits into his schedule.”
“Someone like Coomb?” Christian grabbed her bare right hand and held it up. “Where’s your engagement ring, Noelle?”
His strong touch sent a burst of heat through her. She hesitated too long before attempting to tug free. “Geoff and I talked. Given the circumstances, he thinks it would be less confusing for Marc if he stepped out of the picture and gave you and Marc a chance to bond.” Chest heaving, she stopped trying to make Christian let her go and stood glaring at him.
“It wasn’t much of an engagement if he gave you up so easily.” Soft and measured, Christian’s remark cut her deep.
“He’s concerned for Marc.” Geoff had been right about her scheme being a bad idea. It had backfired mightily, and once again Christian perceived her as mundane and unable to inspire a man’s passion. “My son loves Geoff. You should appreciate that he was willing to step aside and not complicate an already tricky situation.”
Terrified that Christian would see the tears scalding her eyes, she spun away from him and took several steps toward the French doors and the safety of the garden. But she wasn’t fast enough and he caught her before she could slip outside.
“I was ready to battle him for you,” he murmured, fingers grazing the wet streak on her cheek. “To demonstrate how committed I am to being your ardent husband and a zealous father to Marc.”
Such beautiful words from such a challenging and unpredictable man. Noelle couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. She was still debating when Christian cupped her face in his hands and brought his lips to hers.
The delicious pressure of his kiss held her immobile with shock. She was transported back in time to their first kiss. It had started very differently than this one, in merriment not bitterness. They’d been laughing at something silly, a bit of urban slang she’d used wrong.
In the beginning of their unlikely friendship, Christian had come to her apartment when he was feeling low and out of sorts. He claimed she had a knack for chasing away his shadows, and she was flattered that a charismatic prince, one whose favor was sought by everyone, saw her as special.
Noelle tunneled impatient fingers into Christian’s hair and pushed her greedy body hard against his. She was starving for physical affection. Being hugged by her son was wonderful, but sometimes she just craved a man’s hands on her. To feel a little helpless as he tore off her clothes and had his way with her. And Christian had a knack for this sort of thing. His firm, masterful touch reduced her to quivering need.
His fingers bit into her hip as she rocked against him, the ache between her thighs building. She rubbed her breasts against his chest to ease her yearning, but the friction only caused her to burn hotter.
Men’s voices, coming from the direction of the garden, awoke Noelle to the insanity of what she was doing. She broke off the kiss, but hadn’t the strength to escape Christian’s embrace. Had she lost all sense? Any second they could be discovered by the palace’s staff, Christian’s family. Her son.
Christian took advantage of her unsteadiness and buried his face in her neck. His lips glided over her skin, leaving a tingling sensation in his wake. “I knew you’d come around.”
An icy chill swept through her at his words. Noelle clenched her teeth and cursed her impulsiveness. She tensed and twisted away.
“I haven’t come around to anything.”
“Ten seconds ago you were melted butter in my arms.” He crossed said arms across his formidable chest and lobbed a wolfish grin in her direction. “I’d say that’s a pretty good indication that you agree it’s better for all of us if we marry.”
