Page 15 of Revelations of A Secret Princess

Still she shivered.

‘You can let go. I’m not going to fall.’

She wondered if he heard her, though his gaze was anchored to her face.

‘Even so. I’ll get whatever you need. I’d rather you didn’t take a tumble.’

His voice was brisk, his movements quick as he lifted her off the stool. Yet when he’d swung her to the floor he took his time releasing her. Caro was inordinately conscious of the weight and size of those hands. Of his tall frame, close enough to lean into. Of the tendril of beckoning male scent in her nostrils.

She stepped back smartly and he dropped his hold.

Belatedly she looked at Ariane, who’d turned back to the puzzle on the floor. Was it just Caro who felt the air thicken and clog when Jake Maynard was around? It must only have been seconds since he strode into the room yet it felt as if time had spun out far longer.

Panic whispered through her but she conquered it. She was stronger than this. No man would derail her plans.

‘Thank you, Mr Maynard.’ She pointed to the top shelf. ‘There’s a puzzle we wanted to try. If you could reach that one I’d be grateful.’

Of course he grabbed it easily, as she would have if he hadn’t taken her by surprise.

‘You like puzzles, Ariane?’ Instead of handing it to Caro he crouched next to his niece. Caro registered the tautness in his folded frame as he waited for Ariane’s response, and the ease of tension when she nodded and whispered that yes, she liked puzzles.

That was when Caro guessed some of his diamond-bright hardness might be down to something other than a demanding nature and a short temper.

Was he worried about Ariane? His movements as he settled himself beside the little girl were ostensibly easy, yet Caro saw how carefully he moved, as if not wanting to spook her. And though Ariane didn’t move away, nor did she lean against his big frame. She didn’t burrow close for reassurance as would be natural if she relished the comfort of a beloved uncle.

What was Jake Maynard’s relationship with his niece?

As Caro put away the footstool and tidied a few toys, she observed them. Both were wary, treating each other with the politeness of strangers.

Caro huffed out a relieved breath. At least Ariane wasn’t afraid of her uncle. If she had been... Well, she didn’t know what she’d have done but she wouldn’t have been able to watch without taking action.

The urge to declare herself and her relationship with Ariane was almost overwhelming.

Caro imagined announcing the truth, at which point little Ariane would fling herself into her waiting arms and it would be as if they’d never been apart.

Then what? Jake Maynard would simply relinquish his niece to her care?

She didn’t even have to look at the obstinate angle of his jaw to know that wouldn’t happen.

It was a nice fantasy but it would never be that easy. Announcing the truth would be complicated, especially since she had no intention of letting Ariane be taken from her again.

If she declared herself now she’d upset Ariane, who wouldn’t understand why a strange woman claimed to be her mum. Plus she’d infuriate Jake Maynard who’d chuck her out of his castle before she could draw a second breath.

He’d think her mad.

Even if he didn’t, if by some miracle she managed to convince him, he wouldn’t let her stay. She’d seen his distrust and his protectiveness of his niece. If he had an inkling of the truth, she doubted she’d see Ariane again till they’d been through the mill of lawyers and courts. That could take years.

Caro pinched the bridge of her nose, tasting the rust tang of blood where she’d bitten her cheek.

She should have made a plan before coming here. A sensible plan with actions ready for every contingency. Instead, when she got this opportunity she’d sped here, needing to see Ariane.

Though it went against every instinct, Caro had to be patient. To wait, gain Ariane’s trust and her uncle’s. To work out how best to approach this.

Even if Jake Maynard didn’t have a close relationship with Ariane, he cared for her. Caro guessed she was only here now because she and Ariane had connected. Not, she sternly told herself, because of their blood ties, but because they shared a common language.

It was ridiculous to think Ariane sensed their link though to Caro it was so blatant, so strong, she almost expected a fanfare and bright lights, as if a contestant on a TV show had won a fortune.

Abruptly the enormity of the situation hit her in slicing blows to her knees and stomach. She pressed her palm to her belly. There was a searing sensation inside, as if her baby had been ripped from her womb.

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