Page 33 of Second Chance Prince
Like me, thought Niki. Was it possible he might have been brought up differently, in the sort of household he had seen a moment ago? Too late now, of course, but what of his own children? Could he break through the rigid rules that had hemmed him in as a boy and make things better for them?
“But I am sure Gabriel will do what’s best for Austin,” Roberta was chattering on. “He is not concerned about social mores.”
“I will be happy if I produce one heir to the throne. I think that is all that can be expected of me. One was enough for my father and my grandfather. Once they were free of that obligation, they could go their merry ways.” He realized too late that this probably wasn’t a conversation to be having with the girl he was pretending to be engaged to. A girl he was pretending to plan to marry and spend his life with.
“‘Their merry ways’?” she asked curiously, a little frown between her brows. They had reached a pretty area where there was a pond, with dappled sunlight on the mossy green water.
“It’s nothing. I misspoke.”
“No, you didn’t. You meant to say something and then you thought better of it. Are you afraid my ears are too delicate for the truth? I assure you they are not. I understand that not all marriages are happy, and some are very unhappy indeed.”
“You do not believe in the ridiculous notion of marrying for love then?” He wasn’t sure why he said it in that scornful waywhen they were pretending that was exactly what their match was. Or perhaps he did. Love matches in his world were virtually nonexistent, and many he did know about had ended in misery once the gloss had worn off.
Roberta did not seem to mind his bluntness. “I do know such outcomes are rare, but my sisters are some of the lucky ones. As for myself, I have both feet planted firmly on the ground.” She stamped them, as if to prove it was true, and a startled bird flew up from the reeds on the far side of the pond. “I will tellyousomething, and then you can return the favor. Grandmama came to stay after my father died, and she realized my mother was neglecting us. It just so happened we were here, swimming, when she arrived. And we were naked. She was horrified, and that was when she decided we needed to learn ladylike skills. Edwina still talks about this place longingly, but never in my grandmother’s hearing.”
Niki wasn’t sure laughter was appropriate. He could picture it, the six girls laughing and splashing like slippery eels, enjoying themselves hugely, and then suddenly the dowager appearing, spluttering with outrage. Yes, itwasfunny, and suddenly hewaslaughing.
Roberta grinned back at him, and he could see she was pleased he had enjoyed her story. It occurred to him that she did this quite often: told him something to make him smile or laugh. Lightened his day. As if pleasing him pleased her.
“Now you,” she said determinedly. “What were you thinking about before and decided not to tell me?”
It was only fair he divulge the truth to her, even though he’d prefer not to. He pulled a face. “I was going to say that ifI followed in my father and grandfather’s footsteps, then once I had an heir, I would be free to share my favors elsewhere. I do not expect to remain with the woman I marry. She is sure to be very tedious and will probably be as glad to see the back of me as I will her. My family have never had happy marriages. My grandfather married a woman approved by the Holtswig council, but he did not love her, and my father and mother…” He hesitated but it had to be said, and she deserved the truth. “They ended up hating each other, and you know how far and wide my father spread his favors. My mother too, after I was born. They considered they had done their duty, and it was time to enjoy themselves.”
She stared down into the water, as if she was intent on a ray of sunlight changing color the deeper it went, but he knew she was considering his words. “I’m surprised that your people are happy about our engagement then, if they want you to marry someone ‘suitable’ from home.”
Had he hurt her feelings? She didn’t sound hurt, just curious.
“Actually,” he said, “I’ve been told my people have been very supportive of our engagement. The common people, I mean, not the aristocracy or the councillors. They will always prefer to keep things as they are, and it is they who support my rule. But the everyday men and women are delighting in the fairy tale we have created for them, Roberta.”
She smiled, and seemed pleased by that, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m glad our fairy tale helps with your popularity, sir. When I agreed to it, I was more concerned with the possibility of you being killed.”
“Call me Niki,” he said sharply. “I like it when you call me Niki.”
“Niki then,” she said softly. “If you insist.”
“I do insist. I am adamant about it. In fact, it is a royal decree.”
Her soft lips twisted into a half smile. “Oh? What else do you decree? Should I curtsy like Edwina every time I see you?”
He heard himself say it, the yearning words spoken before he could force them back down. “I decree that you kiss me.”
Her eyes widened. She hadn’t expected that, but then her expression changed to something teasing, and he did not think she was averse. She leaned in, her palm pressed to his chest, and her mouth was suddenly very close. He could smell her, a combination of rose-scented soap and woman. “Like this?” she whispered, warm breath brushing his skin. Her lips pressed lightly to his, barely touching.
“You need to put more feeling into it,” he said, his voice gone husky. His hands twitched with the need to grab her and pull her close.
“More feeling?” she whispered, and this time her mouth was firm on his, and the tip of her tongue slid along his own.
“Better,” he said, but she wasn’t fooled. He felt her smile, and then he clasped her in his arms and pulled her against him. His mouth plundered hers, as if he was starving for her. As if all of his life, he had wanted nothing more than to kiss this woman.
Roberta did not seem to mind. In fact, she clung to his neck, her fingers tugging at his hair, and when he dived in again, she made little sounds of pleasure and need, as if she didn’t want him to stop.Hecertainly didn’t want to stop. He could have stayed by the pond and kissed her forever.
It wasn’t until she pulled away, eyes startled, and turned to look at the path they had so recently traveled that he realized theywere no longer alone. A childish giggle sounded, and through his swimming senses, he realized it wasn’t the first one.
One of Roberta’s sisters stood there with an unpleasant smirk on her face.
“Georgia!” Roberta burst out, rather breathlessly. “What are you doing here? Are you spying on us? I will tell Grandmama, and then you’ll be sorry.”
Georgia sniffed. Niki was right in his assessment of her; she was an unpleasant sort of girl. “Why should I care?” she said. “You don’t frighten me. I will tell whoever I like.”
