The Prince's Forbidden Lover (The Samara Royal Family #3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

something, but are holding back.  Feel free,” he encouraged, taking a sip of his coffee.
    Joline opened her mouth, more than ready to take him up on his offer.  But then she stopped herself.  This man was a prince!  He was a real live, genuine prince of a hugely powerful country!  She shouldn’t even be sitting next to him.  Not with her history! 
    “I’m fine,” she finally replied, waving her hand to dismiss his permission and feign disinterest.  She then turned and held onto her cup with both hands, afraid that if she didn’t hold on, she might just explode with questions. 
    He laughed softly, surprised by her reticence to ask him business questions.  Most people didn’t even hesitate, trying to trick him into revealing his investment strategies, future business plans or, for those who were a bit more crass, ask him how much he was truly worth. 
    “We’ll save that conversation for pillow talk then,” he announced and stood up.  “How about some breakfast?” he offered.  “The palace chef is excellent.”  He didn’t wait for her agreement, but took two plates and started filling them up from the silver chafing dishes.  “What do you like to eat for breakfast?” he asked, looking over her shoulder.
    Joline shook her head, trying to stop him but he had his back to her at the moment.  “I don’t usually have time for breakfast,” she told him. 
    “Nonsense.  It is the most important meal of the day.  Besides, you’ll need to learn to eat breakfast.  Our nights together are going to be very…” he looked over his shoulder at her again, “vigorous.  You’ll be famished in the morning.”
    Joline was trembling with the image that came into her head with his words.  “We’re not…I’m not…”
    He set a plate filled with eggs, fruit and several tiny muffins in front of her.  “Of course we are.”  He sat down beside her, turning slightly so that he could look down into her eyes.  “And it is going to be incredible,” he promised.
    Joline could barely breathe with that promise.  She wasn’t even sure how to deny his words.  His absolute conviction terrified her!
    “I can’t.”
    “We will,” he assured her quietly, but with equal conviction.  “An attraction this strong can only lead to one thing, Joline.  But it will be okay.  I’ll take care of you.”
    With that, he pulled back and picked up his fork.  “Now eat.  You look like you haven’t eaten for days.  You are a beautiful woman, but you’re tired, probably from lack of sleep and inadequate protein.”
    Joline blinked, not sure if she should laugh or be insulted.  “I’m fine,” she replied back. 
    The door opened at that moment, denying him a counter argument.  “Leave her alone, Rais,” Shantra commanded, stepping into the dining room with Keith right behind her.  “You’re being rude.”
    “Ah, my little sister to the rescue,” Rais teased.  “And what sorts of adventures are the three of you going to do today?”
    Joline couldn’t believe the man!  She pretended to eat for the next several moments while Keith and Shantra filled up their plates and came over to the table to join them. 
    “We’re going to be doing lots of secret stuff and you won’t know anything about our activities,” Shantra taunted him. 
    He shrugged even as he wiped his mouth with a starched, linen napkin and stood up.  “I’m sure you’ll behave,” he warned her.  Then glanced at Joline.  “Thank you for an enlightening conversation,” and he lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her fingertips and causing her stomach muscles to clench with that intense awareness once more.  She pulled her fingers away and hid her hand under the table, unable to hold his gaze. 
    She hadn’t won that round.  Not by anyone’s standard and it irked her that he chuckled softly to himself as he walked out of the dining room.
    After the door closed and the three of them were once again alone, Shantra put a