The Prince’s Bride Read Online Free PDF Page A

the other,” she carefully replied.
    “Well, that is as good as a yes.” Nicholas was quiet for a moment; then he scratched
     a finger against the door, which made her draw back in surprise.
    “What if I promise not to leave?” he softly said. “What if I give you my word as a
     gentleman that I will remain here inside the house until Tuesday?”
    His voice was soothing, and she found herself listening to his request, considering
     whether or not she could trust him. Then she struggled to knock some sense into herself.
     “I cannot take that chance.”
    “Why? Do you not trust my word? Do you believe I would endanger you? All I ask is
     to be treated like a guest, not a prisoner.”
    “You just threw a desk out the window, sir. That is hardly the behavior of a proper
     guest.”
    He paused. “I was at my wit’s end. I needed to do something to get your attention.”
    There was a spark of flirtation in his tone, which filled her with mistrust. Véronique
     knew that he wanted something from her—namely his freedom—and he would likely say
     anything to get it.
    “I am sorry,” she firmly said. “You must be patient and wait until Tuesday. Is there
     anything else I can do for you? More books perhaps? Do you have a set of playing cards
     in there?”
    She heard the sound of something going plunk against the door. His forehead?
    Oh, she was not enjoying this. She didn’t want to keep him locked up. She wanted to
     open the door and see him. Talk to him. Apologize for flirting with him, and slipping
     laudanum into his champagne glass.
    “Please, Véronique,” he said. “I am begging you. If you unlock the door, I promise
     I will behave.”
    Her heart squeezed painfully in her chest, and again she had to remember that he was
     a seductive genius. He knew how to play women like musical instruments.
    “Try to think of this as a holiday … some much-needed time to yourself to do nothing
     but lie around and daydream. Surely a man in your position rarely enjoys such a luxury.”
    She heard his finger scratch the door again and moved closer to press her ear up against
     it. She could hear him breathing.
    “I wish you would trust me,” he whispered, so close, only an inch away, as if he knew
     exactly where her ear was resting.
    Her body grew warm. It felt as if he were close enough to touch. She could almost
     feel his breath on her neck.
    “What does he hold over you?” Nicholas asked. “Tell me. I can help you. You and your
     sister.”
    She forced herself to back away. “No, I don’t think you can.”
    But that wasn’t entirely true. He was a prince. He could do anything. She simply wasn’t
     sure that she could trust him to follow through on such a promise. Not after what
     she had done to him.
    “Please do not make this more difficult than it already is,” she said. “Just wait
     for the marquis.”
    “Fine,” he replied. “If that’s the way it must be. But I will ask something of you
     in return.”
    “Yes?”
    A few seconds passed. Did he even know what he wanted to ask?
    “I promise not to destroy any more furniture,” he said, “or throw anything out the
     window—myself included—if you will come again and talk to me, to help pass the time.
     Perhaps bring a chair and stay awhile.”
    Véronique wasn’t sure if he genuinely desired her company, or if this was a clever
     scheme to trick her into eventually opening the door for him.
    It didn’t matter, she supposed, because she wasn’t going to break. She had come this
     far. The hard part was over. She’d be a fool to throw it all away now.
    “Fine,” she said, “I will return in a short while after I am dressed.”
    “You’re not dressed?” he inquired, almost playfully. “You are truly bent upon torturing
     me, aren’t you?”
    Véronique couldn’t help but chuckle at the flattery, even while she suspected it was
     another form of trickery.
    “You’re wasting your time if you think you’ll be able to charm me