Page 67 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

Julian stalked to the window, staring out of it with his back to her. “Oh, yes. Involve Daddy. That will solve all yourproblems. Tell me, what will you do when he insists the Kingsley return home empty handed?”

“I have no idea what you are babbling about.”

He twisted to face her. “Don’t you? Hmm, let’s consider this carefully, shall we?”

Julian paced around the room, a smirk on his sharp features. “You run to Daddy dearest and tell him you suspect I am carrying on an illicit affair with the recently married Mrs. Chloe Kingsley. Your father then decides that the Kingsleys are not the sort of people we should associate with and asks them to leave. Your beau is sent packing right along with the rest of the lot. And you…you are heartbroken.”

Elena narrowed her eyes at him. “It is far more likely he will lecture you on your behavior and ask the newly married couple to leave, not the entire family.”

“Are you willing to take that chance?” Julian asked.

“Are you? Why are you carrying on with her? Does she mean something to you?”

“I never admitted I was,” he shot back.

Elena rolled her eyes. “You were seen together kissing after emerging from your bedroom. Just admit it.”

“What does it matter to you?” Julian asked.

“It does. Tell me the truth and…I will…owe you a favor.”

“Favor?” Julian’s eyebrows flicked up as he sent his gaze into mid space. “What sort of favor?”

“I will…see that you are on the top of the list for the next ambassadorship.”

“Really? That’s quite a promise. Though meaningless since your father makes those decisions.”

“Not of late, he doesn’t. I make the recommendations, he merely signs them. Part of my royal training.”

Julian glanced down at his feet, clasping his hands behind him. “I see. And you are assuring me of this role if I tell you the true nature of my relationship withMrs. Kingsley?”

“Yes,” Elena answered.

Julian sniffed in a sharp breath. “Well, then, consider my life an open book, dear cousin. Yes, I have engaged in an affair with the woman. We met on several occasions after their arrival.”

Elena clicked her tongue as she shook her head. “Why?”

“Why not?” he answered. “She’s…attractive, and more than willing to please.”

“Do you love her?”

The laugh that burst from Julian answered her question, but he added a verbal response, too. “Certainly not. She’s merely a bit of fun. Really, Elena. You should know me better than that. I’d never marry a commoner.” His features grew sheepish. “Apologies for how insulting that sounds given your…situation.”

“I haven’t a situation, and it is not an insult. Commoners, as you put it, are people, too.”

“Yes, they are, though they are hardly suitable to be our spouses. No, I am not looking to steal Mrs. Kingsley away from her husband. Merely to pass the time with a bit of fun.”

“You really are a snake, Julian. She is married to another man.”

“She doesn’t seem to mind.”

“Well, I’m certainhedoes.”

Julian frowned as he lifted a shoulder. “Too bad for him. Perhaps he ought to keep her on a shorter leash. She practically mauled me at the dinner table. I’m a victim here.”

Elena crossed her arms as she bobbed her head in fake agreement. “Oh, I’ll bet you are. Stay away from her from now on, Julian, or I will forget our deal.”

Julian’s features turned stony as she stepped toward the door.

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