Page 43 of Mistaken as His Royal Bride

‘We’re two consenting adults, Maddi. I’m not married yet.’

‘But you still intend to get married to Princess Laia...’

Did he? Those doubts he had took root. But Ari wasn’t about to reveal his inner vacillations to a woman bent on creating chaos wherever she went. Not least in his body.

He said, ‘We have an agreement. If she comes to her senses then, yes, of course I’ll marry her. However, if she won’t agree to the marriage then I’ll have to choose another bride of royal blood. I will be getting married, no matter what. I have to.’

‘You have to marry a bride of royal blood?’

Ari nodded. He really didn’t want to talk about this. That was all in the future. He was more interested in the present. Vastly more interested.

But his conscience compelled him to say, ‘You know nothing can come of this, Maddi. I will marry according to my duty and my responsibility and I will not betray my vows. This can only be temporary.’

The car was pulling to a stop in the main palace courtyard. Ari could see the staff waiting to jump into action.

Maddi pulled her hand back. He felt her distance herself. Physically and emotionally.

Ari signalled discreetly to the staff not to disturb them. Well-worn cynicism told him she was sensing an opportunity to bargain for something in return for agreeing to this affair. Now that he’d laid out in no uncertain terms that she would never become a favoured mistress.

He’d been through this with lovers before. Usually when he ended things.

She said, ‘I don’t know if it’s a good idea... There’s a lot of...stuff between us.’

Ari felt a sense of disappointment snake through him. He really had thought she was different. More fool him. The woman had been playing him since she’d arrived.

He leaned back. ‘What is it you want, Maddi?’

She looked at him. Blinked. Long lashes cast shadows on her cheeks. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘This game you’re playing now that you know the parameters of our relationship.’

She shook her head. Her face looked pale.

Ari ignored it.

She said, ‘Whatgame? I wouldn’t know how to play a game even if I was given a rule book.’

‘Says the woman who worked in a casino?’

Maddi’s eyes widened. Her mouth opened. ‘You know what? I’ve changed my mind. You’re the last man I would ever have an affair with. You’re a cynical, arrogant—’

Maddi’s door was opened unceremoniously and she almost fell out. An unwitting staff member obviously hadn’t seen the signal not to disturb them.

Ari cursed, the feeling of having made a mistake already curdling in his gut as he saw Maddi scramble inelegantly out of the car to get away from him.

Because he realised what he’d seen in her expression along with shock just now.Hurt.

By the time he had stepped out and caught up with her it was obvious she was steaming mad. Ari took her elbow. She was stiff as a board.

He said tersely, ‘Just keep walking and don’t cause a scene.’

Miraculously, she did as he asked. They reached his private rooms and he dismissed his valet for the night.

Once they were alone, Maddi pulled away from his hand and stalked into the reception room. She whirled around. ‘Howdareyou insinuate that I’m on the make for something?’ She hitched up her chin. ‘I grew up with just enough to get by once my education was paid for, and I’ve worked for every cent I ever earned. I still do. I don’t expect a handout from anyone.’

Ari’s gut clenched. Either she was an undiscovered award-winning actress or he’d read this very wrong. He ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t usually find himself apologising to anyone.

‘Look, I think I’ve misread the situation...’

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