A prince was kissing her?
Was she dreaming? Perhaps she was still standing at the sink, her hands in soapy water while she watched his press conference and fantasized about him. But she was no Cinderella.
And this was no dream.
His lips were warm and real and surprisingly silky given the hard look of his mouth and the firmness of his jaw. He deepened the kiss, and she willingly followed where he led her. She kissed him back.
She had never known such tenderness and couldnât believe that a man whoâd fought as hard as he had to protect her was capable of it. Maybe it was gratitude over his saving her that drew her to him.
He said he wouldnât hurt her and she wanted to believe him. But mostly she just wanted him.
But why would Sebastian want her? He was a prince. They had no future together even if someone wasnât determined to kill her.
Bestselling, award-winning author Lisa Childs writes paranormal and contemporary romance for Harlequin Books. She lives on thirty acres in west Michigan with her husband, two daughters, a talkative Siamese and a long-haired Chihuahua who thinks sheâs a Rottweiler. Lisa loves hearing from readers, who can contact her through her website, www.lisachilds.com, or snail mail address, P.O. Box 139, Marne, MI 49435.
Prince Sebastian Cavanaugh âDesperate for information on his missing friend, this ruler and former military marksman offers a reward to bring the witness to him. He never imagines that the reward sheâll claim will be his heart and maybe his life.
Jessica Peters âThe single mother has kept quiet about what she witnessed in order to protect herself and others. But when Prince Sebastian draws her out, he also draws out feelings sheâd never thought sheâd feel again and danger they might not survive.
Samantha Peters âThe four-year-old has never known her father, but she wants to get to know the prince and find out if fairy tales can come true.
Helen Jeffries âThe ranch owner needs money; but does she need it desperately enough to betray her friend?
Prince Antoine Cavanaugh âCo-ruler with his twin brother, Sebastian, of the island nation of Barajas, the former military interrogator will do whatever necessary to protect his brother.
Brenner âThe chief of security for the corulers of Barajas may prove himself unworthy of their trust.
Dmitri âA hired gun who knows his mission in Wind River, Wyoming, will not end well for anyone.
Danny Harold âThe reporter knows too much and perhaps reveals too much, as well.
Evgeny Surinka âAll the man wants is his wife. And revengeâ¦
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
âMama, is he a real prince? Like in my stories, like the one who kissed Sleeping Beauty?â
Jessica glanced up from the sink of dishes to focus on the television on the counter nearest the farmhouse table. She had turned the channel to cartoons for Samantha to watch while the four-year-old ate her breakfast, but the screen displayed no animated figures. Just a tall man in a dark, tailored suit.
As a reporter announced that Prince Sebastian Cavanaugh had called this press conference at the sheriffâs office, a camera zoomed in on the royalâs face. It was all chiseled featuresârigid jaw, aristocratic cheekbones beneath intense, dark blue eyes and his nose was just slightly bent in an arrogant tilt. She doubted it could have once been broken. After all, he was a princeâprivileged and protected.
He was one of the five rulers of island nations in the Mediterranean, who had, along with their entourages, converged on Dumont, Wyoming, for a summit meeting two weeks ago. That meeting had yet to occur.
Jessica didnât need to listen to the press conference to learn why; she already knew. Too well. Every time she closed her eyes she saw why: the flames illuminating the night sky, rising up from the charred metal of the limousine sheâd been following from the Wind River Ranch and Resort. If only the fire was all sheâd seenâ¦
Her breath hitching, she blinked open her eyes and focused on the television again. And on the prince. She lost herself in the depths of those dark blue eyes as he stepped up to the mic at the podium set up in the sheriffâs office, which was located in the Wind River County Courthouse.
âMama?â Samantha asked, her voice soft with confusion.
Jessica never ignored her daughter, but she still couldnât tear her gaze from the screen.
âI am Prince Sebastian Cavanaugh, coruler with my brother, Antoine, of the island nation of Barajas.â
The little girlâs breath shuddered out with a gasp of awe. âHe is a real prince.â
âYes,â Jessica murmuredâfinallyâin acknowledgment.
âBarajas,â Cavanaugh continued, âis part of COIN, the Coalition of Island Nations consisting of Kyros, Nadar and Jamala, that came to your countryâand your particular countyâfor a special summit to discuss trade agreements that would benefit the United States as well as COIN.â