The Prince's Mistress Page 9

Her brow crinkled in a frown. Im not sure I always get the answer right, but thats not the purpose.

  Of course not, he muttered. Damn, woman, you never cease to amaze me. He gestured for her to continue, bringing them back on point. Okay, lets hear it. Whats the other scandal in your background? I dont suppose it has anything to do with a certain man named Stewart?

  Im afraid so.

  She started to lace her fingers together, but finding she still wore Soul Mate threw her off stride and she hesitated, not quite certain what to do with her hands. Lander settled the matter for her. He pulled her closer and twined her arms around his neck. It seemed easiest to submit rather than to protest. Hed release her soon enoughonce he heard all she had to say.

  Juliana rested her head on his shoulder. I used to be an accountant, she began.

  Too bad you didnt tell me when we first met. I might have offered you a job working for me. Our chief executive accountant, Lauren DeVida, left when my father died. His voice rumbled deep and soothing against her ear. I assume you worked for your brother as an accountant?

  Before heading Arnauds Angels, I was his CEA.

  See? I was right. Youd have been perfect as Laurens replacement. Id bet youd find keeping track of our amethyst exchange far more interesting than Jocs wheeling and dealing. He twined a rope of curls around his finger and gave it a playful tug. And Im sure youd be as devoted to me as Lauren was to my father.

  No, I wouldnt, she retorted. Because I no longer mix business and pleasure.

  Ah. Cue Stewarts entrance into your life, Lander guessed.

  Juliana nodded, her cheek rubbing against downy-soft Egyptian cotton. And then came Stewart. Its not a pretty story.

  Let me guess. Stewart worked in Arnauds corporate headquarters, and the instant he discovered you were Jocs little sister, he moved in. When she stared at him in astonishment, he shrugged. Its an old story, sweetheart.

  She grimaced. Then I guess this next part wont surprise you, either. He decided to steal from Joc and use me to do it. I was so madly in love with him She offered Lander an apologetic look. Or thought I was, that I didnt catch on to what he was doing until too late.

  I assume when it all came out, you were vilified right along beside him, despite being the innocent in the story?

  It took her a long moment before she could bring herself to speak. Thank you for believing in me. Not many people did, because of who my father was.

  And your brother.

  There was a harsh undercurrent to his voice that disturbed her. Joc may have gotten his start skating a slippery line. But as soon as he found his footing, he made sure all his dealings were dead honest. Its become a point of honor with him. Unfortunately, the press has a long memory and a suspicious nature. Theyve never forgotten those early days.

  Youre a loyal sister.

  I have reason to be. Hes always done everything in his power to protect me. She returned to the issue at hand with painful deliberation. As for my part in Stewarts scamThough I didnt help him, at least not directly, I wasnt innocent, either. I made it easy for him to pull it off. I was careless with passwords which allowed him access to computer documents he shouldnt have seen. I also let slip information that I should have kept confidential.

  Did he embezzle money?

  No, he was too slick to remove it directly from any of Jocs accounts. Instead, he used insider knowledge to line his own pockets. You see, Joc has hundreds of businesses under dozens of corporate umbrellas. Stewart was able to gain access to records on outstanding bids, and on proposed buyouts and sell-offs. He acquired client lists, employee records, profit-and-loss statements. She splayed her hands across Landers shoulders. Basically, he used his position for insider trading. In addition, he influenced clients, revealed bids to competitors. You name it. If he could profit from it, he did it.

  I assume you discovered what he was up to.

  Eventually. But not until it was too late to fix. The scandal broke within weeks of my figuring out what was going on. By then it couldnt be covered up.

  Your own brother fired you?

  No, I quit. I couldnt let Joc take the fall for my error in judgment. She removed Landers ring and held it out to him. You do understand why you have to call off the engagement? Why you have to tell the media it was all a huge misunderstanding? Even though Joc corroborated my side of things, theres always been a suspicion that I was more involved than anyone could prove. Especially since my last name is Arnaud, a fact that only added to the taint of suspicion.

  What I see is a young and naive woman taken advantage of by an experienced scam artist. You arent the first person to have that happen, and you sure as hell wont be the last. He took the ring as shed expected he would, then stunned her by saying, The engagement stands. And just so you know, in my world a marriage always follows an engagement. Always.

  Her eyes widened. He couldnt be serious. A fake engagement was one thing. But marriage? You cant

  Think about it, sweetheart. How would it look if five minutes after I announce our engagement, I claim it was all a mistake? They have photos of you wearing my mothers ring. He took her left hand in his and slid Soul Mate back into place. I wouldnt have given this ring to someone without due consideration, and the people of Verdonia know that.

  Her fingers trembled in his grasp. If you dont put a stop to this, youll lose the election.

  Then Ill lose the election, he retorted implacably. Better that than my honor.

  His tone warned that their discussion was at an end, something she recognized from a lifetimes experience dealing with Joc. She inclined her head in apparent agreement, but she couldnt bring herself to give voice to the lie. When he pulled her back into his embrace, she went willingly enough. But inside she wept for the loss to come.

  She told Lander about her relationship to Joc, expecting him to release her from their impromptu engagement. To distance himself from her. It was one thing to maintain an arms-length business dealing with someone, even a man suspected of amassing his fortune through dubious means; it was another to marry into the family. Once the people of Verdonia discovered she was Ana Arnaud, the stain on Landers reputation would be irreparable. Which left her with only one choice.

  If Landers honor prevented him from breaking their engagement, shed have to see to it personally.

  Seven

  Y ou cant do this, Ana.

  Yes, Joc, I can and I will. Juliana put the finishing touches on her makeup, then slipped a pair of plain pearl studs through the holes in her ears. If Lander refuses to stop this insanity, Ill do it for him. The press conference stands.

  Maybe Montgomery doesnt want to end your relationship. Maybe hes in love with you. Maybe he used the situation to force you into an engagement youd never have considered otherwise. Have you thought of that? Joc paced from one end of the bedroom to the other, before pausing behind her. Well? Have you?

  It took her an instant to control the wild surge of longing, the reckless hope that flared to life before she could tamp it down. Doubtful. Its a question of honor, not love.

  Joc seized her by the shoulders and spun her around. Why do you say that? Do you consider yourself unlovable?

  Stop it, Joc. She wriggled free of his hold. This isnt about love, and you know it. Lander feels responsible. He pursued me after I tried to end things between us, pushed us into an affairnot that I required much pushing. Its only natural that when the press found out about us, he felt honor bound to act. He practically told me as much.

  Bull.

  She drew herself up. Excuse me?

  You heard me. Do you think Id be so easily trapped into a marriage I didnt want? Hell, no. Nor would Lander. He could have found some other solution if hed wanted. A less extreme one than announcing your engagement. Joc planted his fists on his hips and lowered his head in thought. Didnt you tell me Lander had his mothers ring on him.

  Right. It was in his pocket. So?

  So Joc lifted his head and pinned her with a keen gaze. So, what was it doing
in his pocket?

  She stared blankly. II dont know. How had it ended up there? She struggled to recall. I handed it to him when we were at the museum. And I think he stuck it into his pocket instead of returning it to the display case.

  Wait a minute. Take me through this step-by-step. His mothers engagement ring was at a museum, the national one here in Mt. Roche?

  Yes. He was showing me the crown jewels after hours last night.

  Joc cocked an inquiring eyebrow. Just showing? If it was all just showing, how did the ring end up outside the case? There had to be a bit of touching going on for that to happen.

  Okay, fine, she responded defensively. Maybe I was also trying on some of the pieces.

  He grinned. Montgomery let you wear the crown jewels of Verdonia?

  He might have. Her cheeks warmed. No big deal.

  Yes, it is a big deal. Have you any idea how much expense and effort that would take to secure the premises so you two could play? Joc glanced at her finger, then frowned. Speaking of your engagement ring. Where is it?

  I sent it back.

  Damn it, Juliana!

  Thats enough, Joc. The subject isnt open for debate. In case youve forgotten, theres a pack of reporters gathering outside my apartment. It would look odd if I wore Landers engagement ring to a press conference announcing the end of our engagement.

  She turned her back on her brother and started to pull her hair into a sleek knot at the nape of her neck until a memory of Lander tossing her clip into the shrubbery intruded. She hesitated, combing her fingers through the strands and watching the curls riot around her face and shoulders. Maybe shed leave her hair loose. Just this once.

  Joc came to stand behind her. Okay, I wont debate the matter with you or try and explain why youre the biggest idiot I ever met. But Id think, at the very least, youd be curious to know why Lander stuck that ring in his pocket instead of returning it to the display case. Admit it. Arent you curious?

  No, Im not. She glared at her reflection. She was being ridiculous. The only reason she wanted to leave her hair loose was because Lander liked it that way. With ruthless intent, she scraped back every last curl, anchoring the weighty mass with a spare clip. He could have been stealing the ring, I suppose.

  Very funny. Joc leaned in, whispering close to her ear, Maybe he took it because hed been planning to propose all along.

  Hope flamed anew. Was it possible? It did explain his keeping the ring. The next instant pain subdued every last spark of hope. No, no, no. She didnt dare allow herself to think along those lines. Shed drive herself crazy wondering about the what-might-have-beens. What might have been if she didnt bear the Arnaud name. If she hadnt been illegitimate. If she hadnt fallen for a scam artist and ruined her reputation beyond repair. She shook her head, forcing herself to focus on her one and only goalprotecting Lander.

  I have to go. She turned to confront her brother. Stubborn determination had settled into the crevices of his face, warning he wouldnt easily give up the argument. She didnt understand it. Why was he pushing this? She released her breath in a sigh. What do you want, Joc? I mean, really.

  I want you to stay away from the press for a few days. Allow the situation time to settle down.

  You mean, do nothing? She couldnt believe he was suggesting such a thing. You always taught me that whenever a problem arose, you had to deal with it right away, before it had a chance to escalate. Thats what Im doing. Besides, if I dont act now, Lander will be the one paying the consequences. Theres not much more the press can do to me.

  You dont give your fiancé enough credit.

  My fiancé, she repeated. Her eyes narrowed. What are you up to? I would have thought youd do everything possible to help me straighten out this mess, instead of throwing up roadblocks to maintain the status quo.

  I just want you happy. And I think Lander will make you happy.

  Her expression softened. Thats sweet, especially considering your earlier opinion. She raised on tiptoe and planted a kiss on his cheek. Thank you for caring.

  You arent going to listen to me though, are you?

  I cant. Theres too much at stake. An entire country at risk.

  She checked the mirror a final time. Shed chosen to wear her most conservative dress, the unrelenting black of the raw silk relieved by a simple strand of pearls and matching earrings. Shed also kept her makeup to a minimum, just a hint of blush, a swipe of mascara and a touch of lip gloss. Satisfied, she collected her purse and turned to leave.

  Are you coming? she asked her brother. Or am I on my own?

  I wouldnt miss this for the world. If you need me, Ill be right behind you.

  Her mouth twisted wryly. Lurking in the shadows?

  He lifted a shoulder. I do my best work from there.

  Juliana took the elevator to the lobby, struggling with nerves. It didnt help that each blinking number mocked her descent, as though marking her fall from grace. She dreaded the next fifteen minutes with a passion that left her shaking. She couldnt think of anything worse than facing a horde of frenzied reporters. But shed do it. She didnt have any other choice.

  The doors parted, opening like the gates to hell. Here goes nothing, she murmured bleakly.

  She walked steadily across the lobby. The media circus milled just beyond the double glass doors with two uniformed apartment security guards all that kept them from storming the building. Sparing her brother a hunted look, she forced herself to push open the doors. Just as she stepped outside, she felt something tug at the back of her head, and the next instant her hair sprang free. Damn it! Somehow shed lost her clip, not that she could do anything about it now.

  A stray breeze kicked up as she stepped onto the landing outside the doorway, and fiery curls rioted about her face and shoulders. She shoved at the windswept barrage, then gave it up as a lost cause. Forcing herself to move forward, she paused at the head of the steps that led down into the sea of journalists. More than just journalists, she realized with a start. People from all walks of life swelled the press corps ranks. How had they known shed be here, giving a press conference? Someone must have tipped them off.

  A late-afternoon sun spotlighted her, shining into her eyes, which proved a blessing in disguise since it made it impossible to pick out individual faces. Questions pelted her from the moment she appeared, so many she couldnt single out one from another. She lifted a hand, and the clamor died to an unnerving silence, giving her an opportunity to speak.

  Thank you all for coming. She hesitated at the top of the steps, relieved to have at least that much space between her and the seething mob. Since her voice carried well from her position, she elected to remain where she was. Id like to make a statement, after which I will not be taking any questions.

  Steady. She could do this. She had to; there was no other choice. Im here to announce that Im formally breaking my engagement to Prince Lander. Id like to assure all of you that I am both honored and flattered by His Highnesss proposal and I wish To her horror her voice broke and it took her a heartbeat to gather up her control once again. She felt Joc edge closer and signaled him that she was okay and to stay back. And I wish circumstances could have been different. Unfortunately, I wasnt forthcoming about my background with Prince Lander. He had no idea of my true identity when he proposed, since I was using my first and middle name in an attempt to protect my anonymity.

  She bowed her head. I was a fool. I should have told him the truth the moment we met, explained why any sort of serious relationship between us was out of the question. Looking up she offered a wistful smile, one that trembled around the edges. Maybe some of you can understand how I felt. I wantedjust for a few hoursto believe in the fairy tale. To believe that I could find true love and live happily ever after. It was selfish and rash of me, not to mention unfair to Prince Lander. And for that I apologize to him, to you and to the people of Verdonia. I should have refused Prince Landers proposal right from the start. Because I didnt, because I was self-indulgent, hes in this mess and
its all my fault.

  You still havent told us your name, someone called from the middle of the pack of reporters.

  No she hadnt. She drew a deep, calming breath and stared over the heads of the crowd, into the setting sun. Its Juliana RoseArnaud. She twisted her hands together and the absence of Soul Mate made her feel as though part of her had been cut away. Most of you know me as Ana Arnaud.

  All hell broke loose. The questions came fast and furious, one over top of another. She held up her hands. Please. Theres nothing left to be said. Be assured that Prince Lander had no idea who I was when he announced our engagement. This was all my fault, one Ive now corrected. Thank you for coming.

  She turned from the deafening shouts and escaped inside her apartment building, followed close behind by Joc. Shed done the right thing, even though it hurt more than she could have believed possible. The people of Verdonia needed Lander, a need far more urgent and vital than her own.

  It was her fault theyd become engaged. Her fault that he felt honor bound to offer such an extreme solution to their predicament. And her fault that he stood to lose the election by insisting they marry. The only way hed be the next king of Verdonia was if she released him from their engagement and ended their relationship. It struck her as the ultimate irony that his honor insisted he marry her, while hers insisted they part.

  Its better this way, she told her brother as they waited for the elevator.

  If this is better, then why are you crying?

  She lifted a hand to her cheek, surprised when her hand came away damp. How odd. She hadnt realized shed been crying. Theyre tears of joy for being out of this mess, she lied.

  Its interesting that your tears of joy look exactly the same as tears of misery. Why is that do you suppose?

  Her chin quivered. When I figure it out, then well both know.

  Lander faced the members of the press with calm determination. They all stood respectfully, waiting to hear what he had to say. No one shouted out comments or questions as they had with Juliana. The fact that they gave him the respect they refused to give her, annoyed the hell out of him. Not that he allowed his feelings to show.