Page 26 of Claimed By the Crown Prince

Dax moved around behind her and Laia fumbled with the eggs on the pan, cursing herself silently. She managed to make two fluffy omelettes, in spite of her jitters, and carried them over to the table on two plates.

Dax had poured two coffees and brought over orange juice, bread and pastries.

Laia had only just got used to spending time with Maddi, her half-sister, in the last year. Until she’d met Maddi, she’d had quite a lonely existence, surrounded by people all the time but never in an intimate space.

That was what had made her even more determined not to marry King Aristedes. He would be as important and as busy as her. He’d been so dismissive of her all along that she could envisage a marriage where they lived parallel lives, only coming together for the necessary conjugal relations.

‘Another beautiful day for a prisoner in paradise.’ Dax lifted his glass of orange juice in a little mocking salute.

Laia said, ‘Another week at the most and you’ll have your freedom back.’

She thought of him going back out into the world and resuming his carefree existence. Being photographed with beautiful women at the opening of every glitzy event. Could she really do this and deal withthat?

Yes, because then she’d be able to move on.

Wasn’t that how it worked? That was how men said it worked—once you’d had what you wanted you were sated.

Laia sat back and cradled her coffee cup in her hand. Curiosity got the better of her. ‘So what’s your story? You don’t have the same pressure as Aristedes to settle down and have heirs...but will you marry?’

He looked at her. ‘I hope that’s not a proposal, because you’re already engaged.’

Laia scowled at him. ‘You know that’s not what I meant.’

He wiped his mouth and put down his fork. ‘That’s a very personal question.’

‘Well, seeing as how you’re so determined for me to become your sister-in-law, maybe we should get better acquainted.’ He couldn’t argue against that.

His eyes narrowed, but she just smiled sweetly. His gaze dropped to her mouth and lingered. Laia’s smile faded. He looked up, blinked. Her pulse tripped and settled on a faster rhythm. Warmth filled her lower body.

Then the charged moment was gone. He sat back. ‘I have no intention of settling down. That’s my brother’s domain.’

So far exactly what she’d surmised herself.

Laia took a sip of coffee. ‘What do you have against it?’

‘Nothing. It’s just not for me. It’s not something I’ve ever envisaged.’

‘I guess I’m not surprised to hear you say that.’

‘And why would that be?’ he asked, civilly enough.

But she heard the thread of steel underneath. She felt as if she was skirting round the edges of something potentially fiery.

‘Your...er...way of life seems to back up what you say. You don’t seem inclined to sacrifice your independence any time soon. Although there are questions in the media as to why you haven’t been seen for some time...’

‘You’ve been looking me up online?’

‘It doesn’t take much for headlines about Prince Dax to appear at the top of any search feed.’

‘Not that it’s any business of—anyone’s.’

He said this with a definite edge, which made Laia wonder who had said something to him—perhaps Aristedes?

He continued, ‘I’ve been busy. With work.’

Laia tapped a nail against the side of her cup as something occurred to her. She watched his reaction as she said, ‘I’m not sure if I’m the only one who likes to hide behind a certain...persona.’

Dax went very still. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

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