From someone else, from anyone else, the comment would have made her laugh. Meeting Alexander’s eyes, she didn’t feel like laughing. “It appears you’re warning me I might get burned again. It wasn’t necessary this afternoon, and it isn’t necessary now.” Her voice was slow and sultry, but somehow managed to take on the sheen of ice. “You might have observed, Your Highness, that American women insist on taking care of themselves and making their own choices.”

“I have no desire to take care of you.” There was a sting in his voice that might have made her shrivel if she hadn’t been so angry.

“We can all be grateful for that.”

“If you’re in love with my brother—”

“What right do you have to ask me that?” Eve demanded. She didn’t know why the temper had come or why it was so fierce, but with every word it grew. “My feelings for your brother are my feelings and have nothing to do with you.”

The words twisted inside him hatefully. “He is my brother.”

“You don’t rule Bennett and you certainly don’t rule me. My feelings for your brother, or for anyone, are my business.”

“What happens in my home, in my family, is mine.”

“Alex.” Brie came to the door, her voice subdued to indicate theirs weren’t. “The ambassador’s waiting.”

Without a word he dropped his hand and strode inside.

“Your brother’s an idiot,” Eve said under her breath.

“In a great many ways.” Sympathetic, Brie took Eve’s hand. “Take a deep breath and come in and speak to the ambassador and his wife a moment. Then you can go up to your room and kick something. That’s what I always do.”

Eve set her teeth. “Thanks. I believe I will.”

Chapter 3

PRINCE BENNETT COURTS AMERICAN HEIRESS

Eve read the headline with her morning coffee and nearly choked. Once she managed to swallow and take a second look, she began to giggle. Poor Ben, she thought, all he had to do was look at a woman and there was a romance. Ignoring her croissant, Eve read the text:

Eve Hamilton, daughter of millionaire T. G. Hamilton, is the guest of the royal family during her visit to Cordina. The long and intimate connection between Prince Bennett and Miss Hamilton began seven years ago …

The article went on to describe the events that took place in the palace resulting in the abortive kidnapping of the princess and Bennett’s subsequent injuries. She couldn’t help but smile when her own part was played up heroically. Amused, she read that she and Bennett had enjoyed periodic rendezvous over the years.