His Arranged Marriage Read Online Free PDF

him?
    “Guess you’re not too crazy about being married to me,” he stated mildly.
    “I am positive I could say the same about you.”She gave him a frank look that plainly said she was being restrained.
    “I have to say you’re a relief,” Cade began, thinking to compliment the princess. “I was afraid you’d be…”
    “Ugly?” Serena supplied.
    He grinned. “Maybe on the unattractive side.”
    “I am glad you do not find me so. I, on the other hand, thought you’d be a white and pasty American. I, too, find you a relief.”
    Cade straightened. “You had to have known my family history. My father was Arab.”
    “You are still darker than I expected.” Her eyes followed a trail of bare skin at his neck, and then skipped the covering of the robe to examine his hands. “And not the spoiled good-for-nothing playboy I was expecting. You have the hands of a man who works hard.”
    “You watch too many American TV shows,” Cade said with a smile. The servant had moved the tea glass yet closer to his plate, and Cade pushed it away. “What other misconception can I clear up for you?”
    “I have to be honest with you, Prince Makin,” Serena said, startling Cade with the subject of honesty and reminding him that he had a little truth he needed to share with her as well. “I dreamed of choosing a prince of my own, an Arabian of royalbirth. I love it here in Balahar and would not wish to leave. I am far more Arab than I am American.”
    “I’m far more American than I am Arab.” He thought about that. There was no way Mac was going to live in Balahar: he wouldn’t be happy here at all. Cade thought palace life would try his patience after more than a few days. “I think you’re going to end up living in America again, Princess.”
    “I do not wish to leave my people.”
    “You married me,” he said bluntly. “What did you expect?”
    “Frankly, I expected you were marrying me to be in line for the throne.”
    “Nope.” He pushed the goblet away for a final time, looking up at the servant. “Take the tea away. I do not want it.”
    The servant jumped to remove the glass, his expression concerned. Cade couldn’t explain it, but something about the servant bothered him unreasonably. Maybe he was just tense from this princess problem. He turned his attention back full force to Serena. “I can tell you quite honestly that none of the Coleman males are interested in the Balahar throne.”
    “Why do you say it that way?” Delicate chestnut eyebrows lifted with surprise.
    “Just letting you know, Princess, in case you thought you’d married the wrong brother. We’re all the same on this subject.” It was the truth. Even ifhe weren’t masquerading as Mac, Cade would never be interested in this whole scenario.
    Except maybe for the princess. He eyed her covertly over the food they both ignored. She was gorgeous and sexy, a hottie in gauzy fabric. But he couldn’t see her with Mac.
    Uh-oh. I don’t even want to have this thought.
    “Listen, princess—”
    “Do you mind calling me by my name?” she asked. “Somehow, when you say princess, I’m pretty sure you’re not expressing a term of respect. I feel you could just as easily interchange babe, doll, or sweet cheeks for princess. And I don’t like it.”
    She glared at him.
    Caught by surprise, he hesitated before grinning widely.
    “It’s your attitude,” she told him. “And your tone. I prefer you address me as Serena when we are alone together.”
    “Anything else you want from me, Serena?”
    “All I ask is that you always be honest with me. I didn’t expect a love match, but I would appreciate honesty and respect.”
    “All right.” He tossed the napkin onto the table, unable to eat the strongly spiced food. “I did expect a pampered princess who would be mainly an ornament.”
    “So sorry to disappoint you.” Her eyes blazed at him.
    He drummed the table, causing the servant to jump to anticipate Cade’s needs. This put