The Prince's Mistress

by Day Leclaire

  Im sure you dont intend to leave without dancing with me, Joc stated. Not giving her a chance to protest, he swung her onto the dance floor. So, tell meWhats a nice girl like you doing in a palace like this?

  Oh, ha-ha. The more interesting question is, what are you doing here? Juliana retorted in a furious undertone.

  Visiting you, of course.

  Blithe and casual. Typical of him. But she wasnt buying it for a minute. She knew that beneath that good-ol-boy routine hid the soul of a brilliant, hard-as-nails businessman. Whatever reason Joc had for being here, it was neither blithe nor casual. You came all the way to Verdonia just to visit me? Try again, big brother.

  Maybe I should ask what youre doing with Prince Lander.

  As usual, hed turned the tables on her with annoying ease. She focused on the dance for a full minute before replying. I didnt know he was a prince.

  Or youd never have been with him?

  She hated the gentle concern in Jocs voice almost as much as she hated the question. Not a chance.

  His breath escaped in a sigh. Just as well. I wouldnt want any sister of mine mixed up with a Montgomery.

  Her head jerked up at that. Why not?

  We have ahistory.

  What sort of history? she pressed.

  Thats not important.

  Impatience lined Jocs face, warning her to drop the subject. It was a striking face, lean and golden, with the blood of their Comanche ancestors contributing to the impressive bone structure. Black eyes, black hair and what some would call a black heart completed the package, though she knew better. Joc was the kindest, most generous man alive. Unless crossed.

  Explain something to me, Ana

  Juliana, she corrected. I dont use my nickname, anymore.

  And why is that? he demanded. Why dont you want him to know who you are? What does it matter if I tell him youre Juliana Rose Arnaud, my sister, rather than Juliana Rose, charity worker? You wont be seeing him again. He waited a beat before pushing. Will you?

  No. But how she wanted to.

  Deep grooves formed on either side of his mouth. Its because youre my sister, isnt it? Thats why you only use your first and middle names these days. Because youre afraid of the attention youll receive if anyone finds out youre Ana Arnaud, sister to the infamous Joc Arnaud.

  Tears filled her eyes and she blinked them back before lifting her gaze to his, praying that he wouldnt be able to tell how close to the edge hed pushed her. She lifted a hand to his cheek. Its not that. You know I love you. Im proud to be your sister.

  Then what stopped you from telling Montgomery the truth?

  She shivered at the coldness of the questionand the underlying hurt. I havent told anyone. I want the focus to be on the charity, not on me. Now that I know Lander is a prince, its even more imperative that I remain silent. Hes in the public eye. If the media gets a whiff of our involvement, theyll be all over us. I cant handle that. Not again. Not ever again. Dont you see? Its not just what will happen to me. Its not fair to throw Prince Lander to the wolves without any warning.

  Is that the only reason? Because if it is, I can take care of the media.

  The hard look in Jocs eyes worried her. There was another reason she couldnt be with Prince Lander, but she didnt dare mention it. It would only anger her brother. I came to Verdonia to escape scandal, not stir up more. Besides, it isnt like Im seriously interested in Prince Lander.

  Liar. He hesitated, no doubt torn between whatever history stood between the two men and his love for her. I may not care much for your choice, but if youre serious about him, I can fix things, he offered grudgingly. Though to be honest, Id rather you kept your distance. I dont trust the man. Not with you.

  What you saw in the garden, it was just a bit of harmless fun. Nothing consequential. And its not like Ill be in Verdonia for very much longer. A few more weeks at most. Could Joc hear the desperation in her voice? Probably. Her brother was as skilled at reading people as he was at making money. In fact, she doubted hed have amassed his current fortune if he hadnt possessed both abilities. Tomorrow Ill be back at work and tonight will have been nothing more than a sweet dream. Just a meaningless interlude.

  And Montgomery?

  She took a deep breath. Since you dont want me to see him again, I wont be seeing him. For some reason the realization caused a stab of pain.

  Montgomerys a powerful man. If he wants you, hell find you.

  She shook her head. He wont waste time trying. After all, it was only one dance.

  And one kiss, Joc added. No big deal.

  She flinched. Exactly. She deliberately changed the subject. I guess I have you to thank for the ticket to the ball, as well as the dress.

  Considering how hard youve been working, you deserve it, he answered, accepting the new topic with good grace. It only seemed appropriate to send a suitable dress and shoes. Im willing to bet you didnt bring anything with you.

  Good guess. Maybe thats because Im here to work, not play.

  Speaking of which, the reports Ive received have been glowing.

  Thank you. His acknowledgment of her accomplishments delighted her. Although Joc wasnt stingy with his praise, he also didnt offer it gratuitously. And thank you for tonight. Its been Amazing. Incredible. A dream come true. Very nice.

  He leaned forward and kissed her brow. Youre welcome. I dont suppose youre ready to come home now?

  Home? It took her a minute to catch his drift. Oh, you mean to the States?

  Of course I mean to the States. Amusement competed with impatience. Honey, as wonderful a job as youre doing here, I need you back in Dallas. Youre my best executive accountant.

  Was, she stressed. I was your best executive accountant. Now I head up your European branch of Arnauds Angels.

  He waved that aside. A total waste of your talent.

  Her mouth tightened. I dont happen to agree. The children need me.

  You meanyou need the children.

  Sometimes it didnt pay to be subtle with her brother. Im not returning to Dallas.

  It doesnt have to be Dallas, if youd rather not. His instant willingness to compromise warned of his seriousness. You can work out of whichever city suits you.

  What suits me is the job Im currently doing. Considering how much work there is for me in Europe, I may never return home. Her hand tightened on his shoulder. I need you to back off, Joc, and let me live my life my way. Either I continue with Angels or I offer my services to some other charitable organization. I guarantee theyll snatch me up in a heartbeat.

  To her surprise, he let it go. Fine, fine. If thats what you want, stay in Verdonia. Hell, stay wherever in Europe you want. A frown touched his brow. So long as its away from Montgomery, I can live with it.

  Lander stood on the sidelines, watching Joc and Juliana dance with an ease that spoke of long intimacy. Damn it all! It might have been a replay of their years at Harvard. For some reason, theyd constantly found themselves in competition. On the playing field. In the classroom. And in their most contentious battles, over women. After the first few years where theyd taken loutish delight in poaching, their attitudes had changed. Lander hadnt wanted any of the women Arnaud had been with, anymore than Joc had wanted Landers.

  But that changed the moment Lander had met Juliana. Now only one question remainedwas Juliana fair game? And what did he do if she wasnt?

  The dance ended. But Joc didnt release his hold on his partner. Rather, they spoke quietly for a moment before he bent forward and gave her a second kiss, this one on the cheek. It took every ounce of self-control for Lander to keep his shoulder glued to the wall instead of striding across the room and planting his fist in Arnauds nose. If that kiss had landed any closer to Julianas mouth he might have, regardless of the consequences.

  The couple reluctantly partedat least, it appeared reluctant to Landerand the crowd chose that inopportune moment to surge forward, blocking his view. When next he could see, only Joc remained, who offered a nod of acknowledgment and he
aded toward Lander, joining him on the sidelines.

  I think its time we spoke, dont you? Joc asked.

  Screw that. Where is she?

  Gone.

  Is she yours? Lander demanded with single-minded intensity.

  Anger flared in Jocs gaze. Thats a hell of a thing to ask. Juliana doesnt belong to any man. Not me. And for damn sure not you. Not now. Not ever.

  Not ever? Hed see about that. If shes not yours, I want to know where I can reach her.

  Did you hear what I said?

  I heard. Are you telling me shes off-limits?

  A silent battle of wills ensued with Joc blinking first. Is she that important to you?

  Yes.

  Joc shrugged his concession, but Lander could see the wheels turning. Ever the businessman, he was no doubt trying to figure out how to turn the situation to his financial advantage. Fine. But dont you have more important issues to deal with than some woman you only met tonight? Isnt that why you called me?

  It shouldnt have taken Lander a full minute to switch his focus from Juliana to affairs of state. But it did. Aw, hell. He scrubbed a hand across his face. He had it bad. Without another word, Lander led the way to his private office. It was a large room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered an unparalleled view of each days sunrise. The room also overlooked the front of the palace, and Lander made a point of crossing to the window just in time to see a distinctive flash of silver silk disappear into the back of a cab.

  Deliberately forcing himself to redirect his focus to the current problems plaguing his country, he turned to face Joc Arnaud. His nemesis stood in front of a map of Verdonia, his hands clasped behind his back.

  So when will you be crowned king?

  Either in two months Lander shrugged or never.

  Never? Joc swiveled, his brows climbing. I dont understand. Wasnt your father king? I assumed when he died that the crown would fall to you. Isnt that how those things work?

  Lander inclined his head. In a true monarchy that would be correct. But in Verdonia its a little different. We have a popular vote among the eligible royals.

  Joc frowned. You and your brother have to compete for the throne?

  As a second son Merricks not in the running. No, the eldest royals from each principality are the only ones eligible.

  Well, hell. Who are you up against? Joc leaned in and tapped the southernmost principality. I gather you represent Verdon.

  Lander joined Arnaud in front of the map and indicated the principality farthest north. Prince Brandt von Folke is the eligible royal from Avernos.

  Joc traced the principality snuggled between north and south. And this one in the middle? Celestia, is it?

  There arent any eligible royals. You have to be twenty-five to rule Verdonia and Princess Alyssa wont turn twenty-five until after the election. Shes my brother, Merricks, wife. They married just a few days ago.

  A political affair?

  Lander nodded. It started out that way. She was going to marry Brandt until Merrick intervened.

  Why would Merrick inter Joc broke off, his brow furrowed. Oh, I get it. If Alyssa and this Brandt fellow had married, it would have united the royal families of Avernos and Celestia. Wouldnt that have ensured Prince Brandt the popular vote?

  Astute as always, Lander commented. Jocs talent at grasping the salient points and analyzing how they affected the big picture had alwaysreluctantlyimpressed the hell out of him. Yes, Brandt would have won the election if Merrick hadnt interfered. He abducted Alyssa and married her himself.

  Joc barked out an incredulous laugh. Gutsy.

  Would have been if he hadnt fallen in love with her.

  I dont know. Jocs expression turned dubious. You certain he wasnt ensuring you the win by uniting the Montgomerys with her people? Sounds damn convenient if you ask me.

  Lander fought back a stab of anger. I think hed have claimed it was quite inconvenient. But if you saw them together he shrugged they appear disgustingly happy.

  Joc glanced across the room and brightened. Crossing to Landers desk, he helped himself to a Havana Corona from the humidor. Okay, so now that youve caught me up on the political situation, why dont you explain what Im doing here. Making himself at home, he clipped the cigar and passed it to Lander before repeating the process for himself. I gather theres a serious reason or you wouldnt have imposed on ourfriendship.

  Lander didnt bother couching his words. I need your help. He took his time lighting his cigar, before lifting his gaze to stare at Arnaud through the haze of pungent smoke. Verdonias in trouble.

  I assume you mean financial difficulties. I suppose you expect me to bail you out just because I owe you over a half-forgotten college debt?

  If it were half-forgotten, you wouldnt be here. He allowed his comment to hang, before adding, And Ill only accept your help if you can do it aboveboard.

  Joc bit down on his cigar, fury burning in his gaze. You have a hell of a nerve. A hint of rawness ripped through his voice. My father may have walked the wrong side of the line. At least, thats what the feds claimed. And he may have fathered a pair of bastard children on my mother and then refused to give them his name. But Im not, and never have been, my father. I only deal aboveboard and if youve had me investigated, as Im sure you have, you damn well know that.

  Lander inclined his head. Thats the only reason were talking. Tell me something, Arnaud. How many failing businesses have you turned around?

  Too many to count.

  Right now Verdonia is a failing business. I need your skilland maybe a few Arnaud business interests relocating hereto get my country turned around.

  Joc worked on his cigar before slowly nodding. If theres money to be made helping, Ill help. But Ill want an airtight contract before I let go of one thin dime.

  Perfect. First well talk money. Lander opened a decanter and splashed a couple fingers of single malt into a crystal tumbler. He held it out. And then well talk women.

  Three

  J uliana cuddled Harver in her arms as she spoke quietly to the babys mother. Born with a cleft palate, the little boy would be another of Arnauds Angels. At least, he would if Juliana had her way. She had doctors standing by once she received approval from Harvers parents for the operation.

  The mother was understandably fearful, while the father appeared suspicious of the offer of such an expensive procedure for free, despite her having explained everything with meticulous care. It helped that the surgeon was Verdonian, his calm voice of reason allaying most concerns. At long last the parents signed the consent forms and Harver was carried off for the necessary testing in preparation for his surgery.

  After wishing the parents well, and receiving a fierce hug from Harvers mother, Juliana gathered up her paperwork and filed the various forms and folders in her briefcase. As always, an irrepressible excitement bubbled through her now that her task was completed, now that she knew another baby would receive the life-altering procedure. How could Joc think an accounting job, no matter how lofty the position, could compare to this?

  She exited the hospital, her high spirits giving a swing to her step as she headed toward a nearby cab stand. A light breeze tugged at her hair, loosening a few of the curls that shed secured at the nape of her neck with a clip. She hadnt gone more than a dozen paces when a black stretch limo pulled up beside her. She sensed who it was even before the door swung open to reveal Prince Lander.

  Dismay filled her. So hed found her. She shouldnt be surprised. It was bound to happen. Her grip tightened on her briefcase as she inclined her head. Your Highness.

  Please, get in, Ms. Rose, he said. We need to talk.

  Just because he was a prince didnt mean she had to go with him. Shed made enough of a fool of herself the previous evening without making it worse in the harsh light of day. No, thank you. I think we said everything we needed to last night.

  Perhaps. He paused a telling moment. But we didnt do everything we planned, did we?

  She fought to control th
e flush that heated her cheeks. Fortunately. Now if youll excuse me

  Im not going anywhere. And neither are you. Determination settled into the hard lines of his face. She recognized that expression. She should. Joc wore it often enough and it always signaled an unwillingness to budge from his position. Now are you going to get in, or do I continue to draw attention to us by following you?

  He couldnt have found a more effective way of convincing her to join him. Caving to the inevitable, she slid in beside him, placing her briefcase between them. Let him read whatever he wished into that small, pointless gesture.

  Okay, speak. She closed her eyes, drawing on every ounce of self-control. Please excuse me, Your Highness. I apologize if that sounded rude. How can Arnauds Angels be of assistance to you?

  Im not interested in your charitable work, he bit out. Im interested in you, as you damn well know.

  Yes, sir. I believe you explained that last night. Perhaps we didnt have an opportunity to finish that conversation, after all. So allow me to finish it now.

  She forced herself to turn and offer her coldest stare. It was a major mistake. Shed mapped out precisely what shed intended to say, worked it almost like a mathematical equationthe words, the intonation, the expression shed use. But in the space of the two heartbeats it took for her to fall into his intense gaze, every last thought vanished from her head. She could only stare at him in complete and utter bewilderment.

  Fine, he prompted. Finish it.

  Finish it. She moistened her lips. Right. Ill do that right now.

  Held by those brilliant hazel eyes, she racked her brain, struggling to remember what she was supposed to finish. Something. Something aboutfinishing. Her confusion must have shown because his mouth twitched. And then a chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. Hell, woman. We do have a bizarre effect on each other, dont we?

  She couldnt help it; his laughter proved too contagious. Shaking her head, she gave in to her amusement. What am I going to do about you, Your Highness?