The Royal Affair (The Palmera Royals) Read Online Free

secret places.
    Oh, dear God, she was lost.
    She dug her own fingers into her palms, forcing herself to snap out of such dangerous thoughts, refusing to let the sensual memory gain further traction. Time to focus on the moment, not on the past. Hadn’t Jonas reminded her of this fact earlier? “The road is closed and there’s no way back to the city.”
    “So I heard. No problem. Stay with me. I’ve got plenty of room.”
    Shock stilled her voice for several heartbeats. “I…I can’t.”
    “Seems to me you don’t have any choice. I heard your bodyguard say there were no hotels available. The All Blacks versus Argentina are playing in Hamilton as part of a multination tournament.”
    Marina frowned, having lost track of what Jonas was talking about.
    “Rugby,” he said, as if that explained everything. “It’s our national game,” he added for clarity. “So since there’s nowhere else to go, and I brought you down here, you’re my responsibility.”
    “No, it’s fine. I can sort something out.” She couldn’t stay with him. No way.
    “It’s no problem. I’ve already sorted it out with Charlie. You’ll be perfectly safe with me, Your Highness. I’m not about to haul you into my bedroom and ravish you.”
    “I didn’t think you would.” Even though she wanted him to.
    “Interesting thought, though, but I guess I’d have a hard time getting past the beefcakes.” He nodded toward Jacques and Pierre, standing sentinel a few feet behind her. “So how about it? Camping in your SUV, or my place?”
    Her fantasy evaporated. Okay, so he didn’t want to ravish her. Marina swallowed back the sudden spark of disappointment.
    “Camping with your beefcakes could be a bit cramped, I reckon,” he continued. “Those guys have got to be six foot six apiece.”
    “Jacques and Pierre have been with me for years.”
    “Yeah, I remember them playing gooseberry when all I wanted was to get you alone.”
    “Yes, well, Jacques does have a penchant for garlic over everything, and I think a night cooped up with him would be um… rather challenging.”
    “So I guess that’s a yes.”
    She forced Ms. Princess back in place. “Yes, thank you.” The role of playing princess was far easier than being his ex-lover. “But what about my bodyguards?”
    “Don’t worry about them, there’s a sleepout ready and waiting for them.” He held the door open for her, but Marina spied Charlie saying good-bye to other guests.
    “Just a moment.” She walked over to her host and rested a hand on his forearm. “Sorry to interrupt, but have you considered my proposal?”
    Charlie’s smile broadened. “Sure have.” He held a hand out to her. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Your Highness.”
    Marina cheered secretly. This was exactly what it was all about, making deals that would push her business to the top of its field, being in control of her destiny. She took Charlie’s handshake but gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. The rough-and-ready man with a heart of gold blushed beneath his sun-toughened leathery complexion.
    She didn’t offer any explanation as she rejoined Jonas, and within minutes, they were on the road. His home was less than half a kilometer away, and with each second of the journey, her nerves shot into overdrive as she struggled to keep her well-practiced facade in place.
    Outside his front door, he cut the engine and shifted in his seat to face her. He hooked an arm over the steering wheel. “So what was that tête-à-tête you had with Charlie about?”
    “I closed on the deal for Babushka. I succeeded, Wilder.” Witnessing his disbelief, she couldn’t help but laugh. “And not a head butt in sight. The man’s a pussycat, really.” Pushing down on the door handle, she exited the vehicle, then stilled. “I told you I would. You offered me a challenge I couldn’t refuse.” Closing the door on a dumbstruck Jonas was something she enjoyed immensely.
    On the doorstep, while Jonas fumbled with