He was here to protect her, he thought ruefully as he closed the jar again, but who was going to protect him? As she sat in silence, he put down the jar and crossed to her.

“If you want to weigh the pros and cons, Brie, consider that you’ll be away from the palace and responsibility for a few hours.”

“With you.”

“Engaged couples are expected to spend some time together,” he said easily, then put a firm hand on her arm before she could jump up. “You agreed,” he said with the steel just below the calm tone. “Now you have to follow through.”

“Only in public.”

“A woman in your position has little private life. And,” he continued, moving his hand down to hers, “I’ve put mine under the microscope, as well.”

“You want gratitude? I find it difficult right at the moment.”

“Keep it.” Annoyed, he tightened his grip until her eyes met his. “Cooperation’s enough.”

Her chin was up, her eyes level. “Yours or mine?”

He inclined his head slightly. “The answer seems to be both again. Officially, we’re engaged. In love,” he added, testing the words.

The words worried her. “Officially,” she agreed. “It’s simply a trapping.”

“Trappings can be convenient. And since we’re on the subject …” Reaching into his pocket, Reeve brought out a small velvet box. With his thumb he flipped up the top. The sun shot down and seemed to explode within the white, square-cut diamond.

Brie felt her heart begin to thud in her breast, then her throat. “No.”

“Too traditional?” Reeve drew the ring out of the box and twisted it in the sunlight. The white stone was suddenly alive with color. “It suits you. Clean, cool, elegant. Ready to give off passion at the right touch.” He was no longer looking at the diamond, but at her. “Give me your hand, Gabriella.”

She didn’t move. Perhaps foolishly, she felt she didn’t have to. “I won’t wear your ring.”

He took her left wrist and felt the pulse thud under his fingers. The sun poured through the window, showering on her hair, into her eyes. The fury was there—he could feel it. And the passion. Hardly romantic, he thought as he pushed the ring onto her finger. But, then, romance wasn’t the order of the day.

“Yes, you will.” He closed his hand over hers, sealing the bond. He didn’t allow himself to think just yet of how difficult it might be to break.

“I’ll just take it off again,” she told him furiously.

He spoke in a tone she didn’t trust. “That wouldn’t be wise.”

“Still following my father’s orders?” she said between her teeth.

“It seems we both are. But the ring was my idea.” He cupped the back of her neck with his free hand. It was long and slender and smooth. “So’s this.”

When he kissed her he gave her no choice. She stiffened; he stroked. She shuddered; he soothed. The moment he felt her respond, he took her deep and fast.