“Eve doesn’t expect flattery from me, Father.” He drew out his lighter and flicked it at the end of his father’s cigarette. “She’s more prepared to dodge a blow.”

“Well, when you’ve been doing it for seven years, it gets to be—” She caught herself, bit her tongue smartly, then turned back to the prince. “I beg your pardon, Your Highness.”

“There’s no need. I’m used to squabbling children. Here’s our tea. Will you pour, Eve?”

“Yes, of course.”

Allowing himself the luxury of relaxing, Armand sat back as the tray was set beside Eve. “Alexander tells me you’ve chosen four interesting plays. The first is a rather passionate and—what is the word you used, Alex?”

“Steamy,” he said, and smiled at Eve’s quick look.

“Yes, a steamy story set in your American South. It deals with a family?”

“Yes, Your Highness.” She handed him his tea. “A power struggle within a family, both for money and for love. A rich, dominating father, two brothers, one the black sheep, the other a weakling, and their manipulative wives. It’s really a story of needs and disillusionment as much as passion.”

“A story that holds true in any culture.”

“I’m counting on it.” She handed Alexander his tea but avoided looking at him. “The plays I’ve chosen all lean heavily on emotion, though the two comedies accent the lighter side. My troupe’s looking forward to working here. I want to thank you for giving us the opportunity.”

“It was Alex who did the work and dealt with the board of directors for the center. From some of his comments, I take it they were not as open-minded as he would have liked.”

Alexander’s strong fingers curled around the delicate china handle. “They simply needed some persuasion.”

She couldn’t imagine Alexander going to bat for her. At the first flutter of pleasure, Eve pulled herself back. He’d done it for himself—more accurately, for Cordina. “However it was arranged, I’m grateful. We won’t disappoint you.”

“I’m sure you won’t. I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of your company this evening.”

Understanding this to be a gentle dismissal, Eve rose. “If you’ll excuse me, then, I’d better get unpacked.” Because her nature demanded it, she kissed Armand’s cheek again. “It really is good to be back.”

* * *

Though her bags weren’t yet delivered, Eve’s room was ready, scented with fresh flowers, windows open to the sea. Slipping out of her shoes, then her jacket, she pushed the billowing curtains aside.