The Prince's Housekeeper Bride Read Online Free PDF Page B

“You have never even met her.”
    â€œShe reminds me of someone.” Benito gave a dismissive shrug. “So what is your response. Do you accept my offer?”
    â€œI assume I am to spend the night with you afterward?”
    â€œOf course.” Again he shrugged. “I deserve some compensation.”
    â€œSo do I.” The disgust in her eyes mirrored how Benito felt, so rather than face her, he turned away as she upped the terms of his offer. “You will pay for Bella’s surgery, too.”
    â€œYou are in no position to make demands on me!” He stared at her now. Just who the hell did this little woman think she was?
    â€œOh, I mightn’t be in the best position now…” Slowly she walked toward him, hating him, loathing him, not for what he was, but for what he refused to be—the man she was sure was there beneath the pomp and title. Standing on tiptoe, she pressed her lips against his rigid ones, took his hand and guided it toward her, his fingers taut as they attempted to resist, his breath ragged on her cheek as he tried to appear unmoved, but the steel of his erection told her otherwise as she wiggled against him provocatively.
    â€œAs you know, I’m not very experienced with these things. I guess you’ll have to show me the position you want me in after the ball!” Her voice was a throaty whisper as boldly she stroked him, toying with his zipper for a moment, then, with a surly shrug of her own, dropping her hands, breaking all contact. Only her glittering eyes staring up at his as she reiterated her demands. If her actions were shameless she didn’t care—Alisa knew she had something Prince Benito wanted badly, and she intended to use her power wisely.
    Use it for the people she loved.
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    Not even limitless funds could ensure a booking at the Niroli Day Spa on the day of the ball.
    Anyone who was invited was someone , which meant the appointment book had been filled months in advance and read like the rich list of Europe. But when it was Prince Benito himself making the booking, insisting in his royal voice that every expertise and treatment was to be made available for his date, after first dropping the receiver in surprise, the booking clerk made a very smart decision and promptly assured him there would be no problem fitting in Alisa Moretti.
    And though not one of the staff who tended to her that day dared voice their misgivings, as she discarded her clothes and wrapped herself in a dusky pink gown, as her body was wrapped in Niroli volcanic mud, as her skin was buffed and oiled and her hair cut and tamed, as every feature was beautifully accentuated under skillful hands, Alisa could see the question in their eyes. The same question that had been in the eyes of the personal shoppers yesterday, the same question that had been loudly voiced by Maria when she had found out what was going on.
    â€œYou?” Her red face was appalled. “Why would he take you?”
    â€œHe just is.” Through white lips Alisa had attempted to explain the impossible. “He just said that he wanted to take me on Saturday, that I am to dress up for him.”
    â€œDress up for him behind closed doors then!” Maria shouted as Alisa gave a shocked gasp. “You think I am blind? I have worked in the palace for forty years—you think I don’t know what goes on?”
    â€œYou don’t understand,” Alisa started, but when Maria burst into tears—Maria, who had always screamed at her, always taunted and shouted at her—and actually came over and wrapped her in her arms, Alisa was stunned.
    â€œI understand that it happens, but you have to be discreet, Alisa. After the ball he will be gone, and you will not be able to work here anymore. Even if a decent man was to want you after this, he could never publicly admit it.”
    â€œI already have a child,” Alisa sobbed. “I don’t see the men queuing up