The anger that had been brewing since the phone calls bubbled over. ‘You must be used to having servants scurrying to do everything.’
Her face changed even more, shutters coming down behind her eyes, making her unapproachable. No wonder he’d likened her to that Russian ballerina. Both could project regal hauteur fit for a queen.
But no blue-blooded princess would play a part for public entertainment like a dancer. How much had her role-playing been for personal entertainment? Had she laughed at how easily she’d fooled him?
A knife twisted in his chest.
‘You’re wrong, Alexei. I have no servants.’
Maybe it was the way she said his name, her voice husky and low, reminding him of her throaty purrs as she climaxed, that fuelled his ire to spilling point. More probably it was the unblinking gaze that revealed the barriers she erected between herself and the hoi polloi.
After all, despite his wealth, Alexei had spent most of his early years living in slums. Whereas she was descended from generations of royalty.
Thiswas the woman he’d wanted in his bed, his home, his life. She’d laugh if she knew exactly how much of a fool she’d made him.
* * *
‘Quit lying, Princess. The pretence is over.’
He spoke like a stranger. A looming, ice-cold stranger. Shock made Mina shuffle back a step.
If there was ever a time to call on those early lessons in self-control, this was it. This furious stranger wasn’t her lover. She knew without question this man wouldn’t respond to appeals for mercy or reason. He had no softer side.
Mina had known there’d be trouble when the truth emerged. But lately she’d convinced herself it wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe she and Alexei might even laugh it off.
Only sheer willpower stifled the hysterical laughter bubbling inside. Again she’d been naive.
Desperately she wrapped herself tighter in that cloak of composure she’d learned to wear since childhood. The cloak she’d worn when facing her father’s beetling regard, or the curious stares of the public. Both had been more concerned with the appearance of royalty than the real girl behind the façade.
‘You’re right.’ She breathed deep. ‘It’s time for the truth.’ With every hour she’d sunk deeper into that hazy world of self-deception, where Alexei cared for her as much as she did him.
‘Past time.’ He spoke through gritted teeth. ‘YouarePrincess Mina of Jeirut, aren’t you?’ He said it as if it were a mark of shame rather than honour.
Wearily Mina nodded. ‘I am.’ She searched for what to say next, then surprised herself by blurting out, ‘But it’s true. I don’t have servants. I look after myself.’
Why she insisted on telling him, she didn’t know. His expression showed he wasn’t interested. Yet it seemed important he understand she was an ordinary person despite her lineage.
‘Is that a ploy for sympathy?’ His eyebrows rose mockingly. ‘Did you do this scam for money? Because you’ve spent your inheritance?’ His words bit so deep it was a wonder they didn’t leave marks. ‘Are you looking for someone to fund your lifestyle?’
The insult wasn’t camouflaged. Even someone as inexperienced as she could read the curl of his lip and the dismissive gaze flicking her from face to feet.
Something inside Mina shrivelled, like a delicate bloom blasted by the desert sun. The ache inside became a tearing pain but she wouldn’t let it show. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. I—’
‘Ridiculous?’ He straightened from the doorjamb and prowled towards her, arms still crossed. He didn’t stop till he was right in front of her, toe to toe.
Mina blinked and widened her stance, grounding herself rather than stepping back. He intimidated her. If she weren’t shell-shocked by his reaction she’d probably be scared. But pride refused to let her reveal that.
‘Of course it’s ridiculous. I’m not after financial support.’ How could he believe that? Did he think everyone was out for what they could get from him?
‘Then what was this past week? Some social experiment for a cosseted princess to see how the other half lives? Was royal life so tame you wanted to spice it up with someone who grew up on the other side of the tracks?’
Horror stole her voice for precious seconds. ‘You can’t believe that!’ It was a scratchy whisper.
‘Why not?’ He leaned close and Mina read nothing but contempt in his eyes.
‘I’d hardly call a man with your power and finances anyone’s idea of a bit of rough.’ How dared he attackher? Yes, she was culpable. She’d lied and she hadn’t been comfortable with it but she’d had good reason. ‘Secondly, you need to take responsibility for what happened.’
‘Me?’ He had the nerve to look outraged.