The Bachelor Prince

by Jane Beckenham

“Don’t be so melodramatic.”

  But he didn’t listen and strode the last of the pathway and up the wide flagstone steps to the lodge.

  “You can put me down now.” Don’t make me want you more.

  “Not yet.” Lucas elbowed the door open.

  Soon, please. Pretty please.

  With each step he took up the staircase, Cassie held her breath. Which room? His? Or hers—the one she hadn’t actually slept in yet. She knew which one she hoped for.

  At the top of the stairs, he turned right.

  Not his.

  A soft sigh wrenched from her, and she buried her head in his chest, grateful her hair fell across her face, not wanting him to witness her disappointment. She tried to speak, but a chill seeped through her veins and her teeth began to chatter as shivers took hold. She cuddled into his chest and savored his warmth. That, at least, she could take comfort from.

  It didn’t last, unfortunately, as he placed her on the side of the bed and she reluctantly released her hold on him. “You need to strip out of those clothes and get warm.”

  Cassie tried to unzip her jacket, but the zipper slipped from her shaking fingers.

  “Here, let me.” Lucas took over, unzipping the jacket and tossing it aside. The fact that it was an action so like last evening’s when he’d tossed their clothes aside didn’t go amiss. But he said nothing, and neither did she.

  He wrapped her in a toweling robe and left her for a moment as he headed to the bathroom. From the other side of the door, she heard the taps being turned on and the bath filling. It gave her a moment to acquaint herself with her room.

  Decorated in shades of blue and cream, there was a definite feminine touch.

  Lucas had carried her from the mountainside, refusing to let her walk. He cared, and Cassie couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like forever. Thoughts ran wild, thinking of the life they could have together. A family. A…

  A soft sigh fluttered from her chest. If only.

  Then he was back at her side, kneeling at her feet as he unlaced her boots and slipped each off. She winced as he removed her socks.

  “Shit!”

  Cassie gazed down at her foot. Her skin had already turned a mottled purple-gray, and her ankle was swelling.

  “I should have listened to you.” Self-chastisement tainted Lucas’s tone.

  “Really? Prince Lucas actually listening to a mere mortal?”

  “It was a dumb idea.”

  She reached out, hesitant to touch him. “It’s a bruise, that’s all. An accident.”

  He trailed his fingers softly over the damage. “That should not have happened.” Spinning away from her, he strode into the bathroom, turned the taps off, then, returning, barely looked at her as he helped her strip.

  He lifted her into his arms.

  “Stop, what are you doing?”

  “You need to get warm,” he said and carried her, naked, to the bath.

  Heat, strident and potent, raced through her. But Lucas’s actions were mechanical, nothing sensual, a cloak of detachment taking over, his remoteness firmly back in place as he lowered her into the bath.

  Cassie frowned as she reached for the soap and sea sponge. “You don’t need to do this,” she said, wishing he would leave her alone. This Lucas she wasn’t sure she could handle.

  “I know, but…”

  “I need to be alone, Lucas. Please go.”

  Hesitation darkened his gaze, and her heart broke at the intense blame in his expression. “It’s just one of those things. Falls happen. You know that.”

  Her accident seemed to have affected him deeply, though he didn’t argue about staying, thankfully, and as the door closed behind him, she at last breathed a sigh of relief.

  Left on her own with thoughts she didn’t particularly wish to visit, Cassie lay in the scented water, relishing the warmth as it seeped from the tips of her toes and all the way up. She had definitely crossed the line now. Once had morphed into wanting more.

  One month, Cassie.

  One month to erase Lucas from her heart, then she would leave and not come back.

  Chapter Nine

  Lucas stood in the doorway to Cassie’s bedroom, chafed by guilt. Her injury was his fault and all because he couldn’t keep his hands off her.

  Because you can’t commit.

  What was wrong with him that whenever emotions got in the way, he headed for the hills?

  After their disastrous mountain slide, he’d helped her strip, all the while steeling his resolve to not touch her. Hell would have had to freeze over before he gave in, though God help him, he wanted to—desperately. Now, hours later, she slept with one arm resting beneath her head, the other shielding her eyes. The coverlet had shifted down, exposing her creamy décolletage, rebirthing the memory of his caresses, the glide of his fingertips across her skin, and the taste of it.

  Cassie’s eyelids fluttered open, and the sleepy just-made-love-to look tested his resolve dearly.

  He schooled his expression and walked over to the bedside, imploring his subconscious not to allow his gaze one inch lower than her shoulders. He proffered the tray he’d brought up from the kitchen. “I brought you up some soup. It’s been hours since you ate.”

  “Put it over there.” She threw the covers completely back and stood.

  He eyed her deliciously long, bare legs, and his body sizzled.

  Hell! He was in big trouble.

  She took a step and immediately winced, face bleaching of color.

  “What the hell are you doing?” he asked.

  “Trying to walk.”

  “Get back into bed before you fall over.”

  “No, I’m fine. I need to get up.”

  Lucas placed the tray on a small bedside table and reached for her. Hands on her shoulders, he turned her toward the bed.

  Bad move. Touching Cassie and thinking about beds at the same time was definitely out of bounds. Trouble was, neither his brain nor his body thought that. They were definitely fired up, his arousal throbbing with an unabated need.

  Biting down on the pain, she gingerly put weight on her foot.

  “You need to do as you’re told.”

  “You’re enjoying bossing me around, aren’t you?” She sank down on the bed nevertheless.

  “Of course. It’s not often I get the opportunity, Ms. Masters. Now, do as you’re told.” He reached down and lifted her legs up to the bed, pulling the covers up in double-quick time. A naked Cassie was far too tempting right now.

  “What’s with the nurse routine?”

  “Ah, now there’s an idea.” He laid the tray of soup and toast across her lap. “Doctors and nurses. I’m sure that has great potential as a game.”

  “You are incorrigible.”

  “I try hard.”

  “Obviously.” Cassie, however, didn’t persist, but spooned her soup, sipping at it. She lifted her gaze to him. “Very impressive. You’re a nursemaid, a prince, and you can cook soup.”

  He offered a half smile. “Well, open a tin and heat it up.” Cassie smiled right back, and something twisted in his chest. “And don’t forget the toast.” He pointed to the buttered toast fingers accompanying the soup.

  “A man of many talents.”

  “Of course.”

  She dipped a piece of toast into the creamy tomato soup. “Don’t get a swollen head, Your Highness.”

  “Unlikely, because you, Ms. Masters, will always bring me crashing back to reality.” The reality was that this was a charade. Nothing more. Nor would he allow it to be. But suddenly Lucas wasn’t certain he liked that reality.

  Cassie chewed on the last bit of toast. “You’re dressed.”

  Lucas fingered the silk tie at his throat.

  “Though I’m not certain your version of an apron would be a f
ashion hit.” Cassie giggled.

  Lucas glanced down at the large tea towel tucked into his belt. He flipped it with his right hand. “This old thing. Just something I threw on.”

  “Not really charging-up-the-mountain sort of clothes. You look like you’re ready for a day at the office.” Cassie’s smile evaporated, and again something tugged deep inside him. “So I guess playtime is over.”

  “I need to get back to the city, Cassie. Duty calls.” Even to his ears, his words were an apology. He didn’t want to go back. Damn it. He wanted to stay here, with Cassie. In bed with her. Holding her. Kissing her. Making love.

  But last night’s mountain escapade had highlighted one thing. He was on the precipice of caring too much, and he couldn’t allow that to happen. Caring, he considered, was a far too dangerous occupation. It made him vulnerable. Best to follow his usual path. Enjoy, then walk away.

  “Did you sleep well?” he asked as she finished her soup.

  “Fine.” Her tone was clipped.

  “And your ankle?”

  “Fine.”

  “Cassie…”

  “Don’t.” She held up a silencing hand. “Don’t say anything you’ll regret later, Lucas.”

  “How do you know what I was going to say?”

  “Last night was…what do they call it?” She waved a hand in front of him. “Oh yes, a one-night stand.”

  His gut churned. “I never said that.”

  “Perhaps not. However, your history goes before you, Your Highness. But don’t worry, I am well aware this is a game we’re playing. I’m not some clingy woman who fantasizes about catching a prince. I’ll get dressed.”

  “No rush.”

  She shot him a disbelieving glance. “Really? You can’t fool me.”

  She was correct—unfortunately. He was coiled tight as any spring. Last night was a mistake. He’d thought racing to the top of the hill would clear his brain of wayward thoughts, and temper his libido in the process. Trouble was, in the clear light of day nothing had abated in his brain or body.

  It was time to get the hell back to the city. And what? They still had this bloody charade. What a fool he’d been to suggest it. He’d thought it would give him time. And then what?

  Carrying the tray, Lucas headed out of the bedroom. He stalled at the doorway. “I took the liberty of hunting out some clothes for you.”

  “More of your sisters’ leftovers?” she countered sharply, then contrition sprinted across her sapphire eyes, and her expression softened. “I’m sorry. Thank you for thinking of me.”

  Thinking? He hadn’t stopped thinking of her, and that was the problem.

  Downstairs, as he waited for Cassie, his cell phone rang. A quick glance at the display panel made Lucas’s eyes roll. “Hello, Marina.”

  “You walked out again. I thought you were trying to convince Father you’re ready for responsibility?”

  “Are you keeping tabs on me?”

  “Someone has to.”

  “I’m a big boy and can handle my own life.”

  “So have you and Cassie set the date?”

  “We’ve barely gotten engaged.”

  “The media are already laying odds of an early wedding. What’s the delay? The talk is that you’re all show.”

  Suspicion stirred in his chest. “What do you mean?”

  “I know you, brother. You won’t be pushed.”

  “You’re right. I won’t, but Cassie and I are engaged to be married. Isn’t that good enough?”

  “Barely, but I’m warning you. Father and Larissa have set the date. Don’t do anything to jeopardize their happiness. They’re getting married in a month.” And with that, his sister disconnected their call.

  Yes! He’d done it. He’d committed to the charade to appease his father’s concerns, and it had worked. But if there was one thing Lucas knew about the media, talk escalated whether true or not. His sister’s call changed his plans. It was time to make this charade more believable. Just for a while, remember.

  Then, when Cassie broke up with him publicly, he would be the heartbroken lover, unable to commit for a time.

  Perfect!

  But something in his brain whirred. A niggle that wouldn’t go away.

  As Cassie headed back downstairs, praying the painkillers she’d taken for her foot would douse the growing ache in her heart too, she spied Lucas, mouth grim, waiting for her at the door. He stepped toward her as she reached the bottom step.

  “Cassie…I—”

  She didn’t want to hear what she knew he was about to say. “We really must go,” she said, cutting him off. Head held high, eyes directed straight ahead, she walked right past him out the door and seated herself in the car.

  Thankfully, Lucas followed without a word, and the moment he fired the ignition, she switched on the car stereo. Anything other than listening to Lucas make excuses or hear him say I’m sorry again.

  Anything but listen to her heart.

  Thankfully he took the hint and she survived in silence, her heart breaking as they drove toward the city, a journey so different from the heightened expectation of the one they’d made less than twenty-four hours earlier.

  It was late afternoon when they exited the mountain tunnel. Lucas headed toward Avenue Charlotte. Named after his mother, it bisected the historical district from the newer developments. Lined with the sweeping drape of flowering cherries in first bloom, the avenue was a stunning sight.

  “Where are you going? My home is in the La Salle district.”

  “You’re coming home with me.”

  Hope, strange and unchartered, flowered in her chest, overridden in a single breath by a surge of panic. “What for?”

  “I had a phone call from Marina. Father and Larissa have set a date.”

  Cassie’s breathing stalled. It was over. Finished. She could leave. “That’s…that’s wonderful.” Her brow creased as she recognized the gates to the palace ahead. “So why are we here?”

  Lucas tightened his hands on the steering wheel. “That’s just it. We need to keep the charade going a bit longer. Marina said the news hounds are sniffing, and…”

  “And what, Lucas?”

  “You need to move in with me.”

  “You’re joking?”

  He switched his attention from the traffic to her. “Sorry, but no. The media are in an uproar.”

  A groan slipped from Cassie’s lips. How could she resist temptation when he would be so close? Especially after last night.

  “Father and Larissa believe me settled.”

  “So surely that means we don’t need to lie anymore.”

  “No.” Lucas’s tone mimicked what she had heard so many times at the board table—her prince would not take no for an answer. “Just a bit longer.”

  “You said until your father believed you. He does, so that’s it.”

  “And you agreed to a month. Father’s wedding is at the end of the month.”

  “So soon.”

  “Neither of them wants a big affair. It will be small, just family.”

  “Fine. You don’t need me.”

  “Ah, but you’re wrong. I do. Besides, we’re supposedly engaged.”

  “Supposedly,” she mimicked.

  But he ignored her taunt. “You need to be present at the wedding. It will be expected.”

  “And if I say no?”

  For a moment, he said nothing, just looked at her. “Please, Cassie.”

  Oh God. Don’t plead.

  “I need you to stay, so the best thing is for you to move in and we play…lovers for a while longer. Then, when you dump me, I’ll play the heartbroken lover. Simple, really.”

  This whole charade reminded her of a board game, and she was the dice being tossed around. “I get the feeling this is all about what you wan
t—again.”

  Lucas’s attention shifted sharply from the road ahead, eyes hooded, a sudden wash of disappointment obvious. “If it’s payment you want, keep the ring.” He nodded toward the heavy solitaire on her finger, and automatically, the fingers on Cassie’s left hand curled up tight.

  “I’ve already told you I don’t want your money. I won’t take anything from you, except my salary.” Bile thickened in her throat at the reality of her situation. Once the charade ended, she had no job, and there was Tina to take care of. She needed money because it could be a while before she managed to get settled and find employment, though she’d already had some positive responses from employment agencies in Auckland.

  But take anything from Lucas? No, she wouldn’t do that.

  “Why move me here? Surely we can ‘play’ the game just the way it was. I can stay at my own home, and still come to work.” She needed to do that—keep some distance, and return to the status quo.

  “But it doesn’t show how serious we are.” Lucas’s voice was full of surety. It seeped beneath her skin, and Cassie gritted her teeth, struggling to ignore the sensual tease of it.

  “We aren’t serious.”

  “They don’t know that.”

  The traffic signal changed, and Lucas drove through the security gates bordering the palace. “Marina has already arranged for your things to be moved.”

  Already. Things were moving too fast. “There is no need, as you said this is only temporary.”

  There was a determined line to his mouth and a stubborn thrust to his jaw as he stared down his imperious regal nose at her. “I don’t think my sisters’ castoffs are quite right for being on show, do you?”

  Turning away from his inspection, she gazed bleakly out at the city. Secluded by the vehicle’s tinted windows, she was in a private world, and no one could see in. Once she stepped out with Lucas at her side, however, she’d be on view to the public. Exposed. She had walked into her worst nightmare, but she knew Lucas. He wouldn’t back down anytime soon.

  Last night had been the point of no return. She hadn’t expected to make love with him, but she had, and it was an action that made everything worse, because resist had taken on a capital “R”.

  Her head said she could just walk away. Simple as that. One step, then another, and another. Yet her heart said see it through.