Jake couldn’t help but laugh. “They rule a country.”
“Is that my fault? Is that a reason to reject me?” She pushed past him. “Take me home, Max.” The animal looked at Jake, then with a bark, took off along the trail.
She even had his dog following her commands. Ana raised that stubborn chin and something tightened around his heart. Then she turned and marched off.
Jake knew then he was the one in danger.
Back at the cabin, Ana changed into fresh clothes, then went to sit by the fire to warm up and dry her hair. Ever since Jake had discovered her identity, he’d been ignoring her. Why would he be so upset? She was the one who just learned who she was, not him. What was even more distressing, she still had no awareness of her family.
Anastasia Penwyck was just a name to her. She still had no memory. Except for remembering that she had sisters, everything else was blank. Not even a flash of their faces. A sudden longing gripped her as she thought about her parents. Why couldn’t she remember them? She had a family, but there were still no images of her father, or her mother. Were they alive?
“Jake, are my parents living?”
He nodded, then returned to his job of stoking the fire. “The media showed pictures of both of them when your brother Owen was returned safely to Penwyck.”
Jake, too, had changed clothes. He’d put on a red and black plaid flannel shirt and jeans so worn she could see white along the thighs and across his rear. In fact, there was a small tear starting at the base of the pocket.
He turned around and caught her watching him.
Her face heated up. “Did you see any other members of my family? Maybe I was in the picture.” Suddenly she was hungry for any news.
“Stop trying so hard,” he told her. “I have a feeling that when you see your family, your memory will return.”
“We still have to get off this mountain.”
“And we will.”
“Before the Black Knights show up?” she asked. Tears filled her eyes and she rose from the hearth and went to the window.
He followed her. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you, chère.” As soon as the too-familiar nickname came out, he stiffened. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have called you that.”
“Why is it any different now? I’m the same person as before you found out about my family.”
“No, you are not. You’re a princess.”
“No, I’m the woman you wanted to make love to,” she argued. “I think you still want me.”
He puffed out a breath. “Stop pushing this, Ana. You and I both know whatever nearly happened last night was a mistake.”
“Why? We wanted each other.”
Jake raked his fingers through his hair. “You are the most infuriating woman. Wanting doesn’t make it right.”
“It makes it very right. I’m not married.”
“You could belong to someone. He wouldn’t want his future bride to be with another man.”
“How many times do I have to tell you there isn’t anyone else?” she insisted. “Besides, I wouldn’t agree to marrying someone I didn’t love.” Ana placed her hands on his chest. She loved the fact that heart was pounding beneath her fingertips. “But you…”
She raised up on her toes and placed a kiss against his mouth. When he didn’t move, she wondered if he could resist her, then he pulled her closer as his mouth captured hers. He took little time for finesse as he parted her lips, then pushed his tongue inside her mouth, revealing his need for her. Ana pressed her body against his and reveled in the fact that he wanted her as much as she wanted him.
He finally broke off the kiss. “This isn’t right,” he said.
She refused to listen. “Oh, yes, this is very right.”
He stepped back. “Ana, we can’t do this. We don’t belong together. You’ll be going back to your family soon. I’m staying here.”
“I can stay here, too.” She said the words, even though she realized it would never happen.
He laughed. “Chere, you are crazy if you think your father, the king, will allow you to stay with a unemployed FBI agent. I don’t have any job prospects, not to mention, the difference in our ages.”
“There can’t be that much difference.”
“Nearly ten years. But with the life I’ve lived, it might as well be many more.” Ana had been protected from the world; he’d seen the evil firsthand.
“What does any of that matter if we care about each other?”
“To me it matters. A lot. I came here because of things that happened…in my job. You don’t really know me. I’m not the man you think I am.”
“Yes, you are.”
He shook his head. “I’ve had to do things to survive…” His words drifted off. He couldn’t tell her, even if it would drive her away. “You said so yourself. Look, I’m moody and hard to get along with.”
“And you’re also funny and caring. And if you’d let yourself, you would care about me.”
She wasn’t listening to a word he’d said. “It can’t last, Ana. You have responsibilities to your family. I wouldn’t fit into your life there. I don’t fit in a lot of places,” he went on. “As for family, I didn’t even know who my father was. My mother drank too much. I’m a street kid. I learned to survive the hard way. I did things that I’m not proud of.”
Ana heard a sadness in his voice that nearly broke her heart. She wanted to cry for the boy who’d had no one to turn to. “I’m sorry, Jake. No child should have to grow up that way.”
“I don’t want your damn pity,” he spat at her. “I survived because I wanted out and I got out. I did it on my own, without anyone’s help. I liked it that way.”
“It isn’t pity, Jake. You’re the man you are today because of your determination, because you wanted a better life. I could cry for the boy who had to go through such a horrendous childhood.” She wanted desperately to reach out to him. “But you’re mistaken about one thing, Jake. No one wants to be alone.”
“Well, I will be, just as soon as the road is fit to travel.” His face was stone cold. “I’m taking you down the mountain and turning you over to the authorities…along with the diamonds.”
She tried to hide her hurt. “I’m sure my father will gladly compensate you for all your trouble.”
“I don’t want a damn thing.”
“But you found the diamonds.”
“And I’m giving them back.”
He pulled the bag from his jacket pocket and tossed it on the table. “They’re yours.”
She didn’t want them, either. “I wish we’d never found them.”
“That doesn’t change who you are, or the fact that there are people who want those diamonds.”
“And they would come up here, no matter what?” She shivered involuntarily.
Jake didn’t want to talk about the possible danger Ana could be in. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Besides, it isn’t easy to get in or out of here. The nearest town is seven miles away, and the only road to this cabin washed out with the same storm that brought down your plane. Until the rain stops and it dries out, even a four-wheel drive vehicle couldn’t make it up the road.”
“These men might,” she said. “We were able to get to the crash site.”
“We’re already on the mountain. It’ll be difficult to get here, especially with these weather conditions.”
Her eyes grew wide. “If the Black Knights make it here, shouldn’t we be prepared?”
“I will be.” Jake planned on standing guard at night. He grabbed the bag of diamonds off the table. “I’m not giving these away easily, but I may have to use them to barter with.”
Jake went into the bedroom. He pushed the bed aside, found the loose floorboard and popped out the strip of wood. After stuffing the canvas bag into the hole, he replaced the board. Slipping the bed back in its position, he turned around and found Ana standing at the door. Did she think he was going keep them?
“Don’t wor
ry, I’m not going to run off with the goods if that’s what you think.” He hated the harsh words the second he’d said them. Didn’t she realize he was only trying to protect her?
“I know what you’re trying to do, Jake.”
“Good. Why don’t you fill me in?” he asked.
“I can take care of myself, you know. You’re not responsible for my safety.”
“Anything else I need to know.”
She stared at him. “Plenty, but I’m not sure if you’re ready to hear it yet.”
“I’m sure you’ll tell me when the time is right.”
Ana gave him the once-over, letting her gaze move slowly, lingering on his magnificent body. She was glad to see his breathing begin to change. So the man wasn’t as immune as he pretended to be.
When she raised her gaze to his, she felt her own breathing begin to quicken. His eyes were so mesmerizing, she just wanted to lose herself in their dark depths.
She walked to him. “Oh, I will. I’ll tell you exactly what I want to do with you…then maybe I’ll make some suggestions on what you can do with me.”
A thrill rushed through her when Jake’s jaw twitched and his hands fisted. She wanted to go into his arms, but she knew he’d only reject her. He wasn’t ready to listen to anything she had to say. She still hadn’t remembered much about her life. There were stolen diamonds to think about and one other major thing to consider.
She just happened to be a princess. Funny, even that couldn’t help her get the man she loved.
Just as darkness fell that night, Jake walked from the shed back to the cabin. He’d checked to make sure everything was secured outside. Earlier, he’d taken the handgun out of the drawer and loaded it. After so many years with the bureau, he’d felt naked without one. Thanks to Herane, he wasn’t going to be unprepared for any unwelcome visitors.
He stepped onto the porch where Max lay by the door. “What’s the matter, guy, get kicked out?” He got a whine from the animal as he rubbed behind the dog’s ears. “Come on, let’s go inside and see what we can come up with for dinner.”
Jake opened the door to find that Ana had been busy during the time he’d been gone. The table had been moved closer to the fireplace, was set for dinner and he smelled food.
In the kitchen area he found Ana at the stove. Surprisingly, she was busy stirring what he thought would be dinner in a pot. That wasn’t what bothered him. It was the way she was dressed. Gone were the jeans she’d had on earlier, she was only wearing one of his shirts and a pair of socks. He glanced over at the fireplace and again, he saw her freshly washed underwear drying on the hearth.
Oh Lord, she was naked underneath. He had no doubt she had plans for the evening. Well, he was going to nix them right now.
Ana looked at him and smiled. “Dinner is ready,” she announced. “I prepared some stew.” She carried the pot to the table and dished out some in each bowl. She went back to the kitchen, retrieved a hot pad, then opened the oven door and pulled out what looked like biscuits.
She glanced over her shoulder. “Jake, would you please wash up?”
“Oh, sure.” As he walked to the sink, he looked down at the half-full tub and memories of last night stirred his desires again. He quickly pushed the scene out of his head and began to pump the water. After wiping off his hands, he sat down.
Smiling, Ana unfolded a napkin and placed it on her lap. “I suspect my parents spent a lot of money to teach me etiquette. They should be happy to know that even amnesia couldn’t rid me of my manners.”
Jake couldn’t help but admire her natural grace. It made him feel so clumsy around her. He picked up a warm biscuit. “I thought you didn’t cook.”
“I assume somewhere in my education, I learned. Besides, all I had to do was read your cookbook. It took me a couple of tries, but I was determined to show you how I can compromise.”
“I’d say you’ve compromised a lot just having to stay here.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Have I complained?”
He took a bite of food and shook his head.
“And I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me,” she said. “I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
“No need,” he said. The last thing he wanted was her gratitude. What he wanted, he couldn’t have.
“Well, I’ve decided to start paying you back. I’ll do the cooking. And as a bigger treat I’m going to heat some water so tonight you can bathe.”
The biscuit got stuck in Jake’s throat. He reached for his glass of water and took several swallows. The food finally went down. “That’s not necessary.”
“Oh, yes it is. And since the tub is already inside and half-filled, all I have to do is heat up some water. Don’t look so stern, you’ll enjoy it. I enjoyed every bit of last night.”
Jake knew she was up to something, but he wasn’t about to fall in with her plan. “I don’t need a bath.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I say you do. What are you afraid of Jake?” She raised her eyebrows. “Afraid I might get a peak at your bum?”
“That’s the least of my worries.”
“Something must be bothering you.” She took a spoonful of food.
“A lot of things are bothering me, but taking a bath isn’t one of them.”
“That’s good. Then you can relax and enjoy it.”
He closed his eyes and counted to ten. Infiltrating the Montana militia hadn’t caused him as much grief as one stubborn, beautiful princess. He had a feeling the grief was just beginning.
“How are you doing?”
Ana stared at the sheet hanging on the line, surprised she was able to see Jake’s silhouette as he sat in the tub.
“This tub isn’t one size fits all,” he said, then released a sigh. She knew he was beginning to relax.
“But it’s not so bad, is it? How long has it been since you’ve taken a bath in warm water?”
“Too long,” he answered his voice low and lazy sounding. “This summer it wasn’t too bad washing in the stream, but since it’s turned cold…it has been rough. I guess you were right.” She could hear the sound of water splashing over him. “This is pretty nice.”
A warmth surged through Ana too, as she envisioned an unclothed Jake not twenty feet away. She groaned and sank down on the couch, gazing toward the fire. No, leave him alone, she told herself. Let him bathe in peace. She’d given up on trying to convince the man that they belonged together. He was more stubborn than she was.
Stubbornness was a trait she’d inherited from her father. A sudden shock surged through Ana. Her father. She remembered him, or did she? She couldn’t see his face, or hear his voice, but remembered that she and her father had spent time together. She smiled at this new development when she heard Jake’s loud curse.
“Damn soap,” he spat.
Ana took off across the room and pulled the sheet aside to find Jake sitting in the too small tub, his legs and arms draped over the sides. His long hair was covered in bubbles and he was rubbing his eyes. She bit down on her lip to keep from laughing.
“What the hell do you want?” he asked, seemingly not bothered by her intrusion. He didn’t even try to cover himself.
She tried to keep her gaze riveted on his angry face. “It sounded like you needed help.” Before he could rebuff her, she went to the sink and poured water in the pail, then added some hot water to the mix.
“I’m capable of washing my hair myself.”
“Yes, I’m sure you are. But would it be so bad if you had some help?” She dumped some of the water over his head. He came up sputtering. For a second she thought he was going to climb out of the tub.
“Lady, you are a menace.”
“I was only trying to rinse the soap out of your eyes.” She handed him a towel, knelt behind him, poured a little shampoo in her hand, then worked it into his thick hair. His grumbles and complaints stopped immediately.
“Now doesn’t this feel good?”
He leaned his head back,
giving her better access, and said, “Oh, man…don’t stop.”
“I won’t, even if my fingers begin to look like prunes,” she promised. She liked having her hands on this man. A deep yearning started low in her stomach, creating a warming sensation. When Jake leaned back further, she could see down the width of his chest; the suds covered anything below the water.
“You’re peeking,” he said.
She jumped. “I am not. But there isn’t much of you that’s covered.”
He opened one eye. “Want me to stand up and end your curiosity.”
“Who says I’m curious?”
He gave her a wicked smile. “The look on your face gives you away.”
She hated that he knew her so well. “I don’t need to see anything of yours…. I’ve seen men starkers before,” she lied.
“I just bet you have.”
“Well, you’d lose.” She rose, picked up the bucket and poured more water over his head.
He gasped and wiped the water from his face. “What are you trying to do, drown me?”
“It might not be a bad idea.”
He stared at her, his dark eyes dilated with desire. Ana glanced down to see that her own shirt was wet and nearly transparent. She couldn’t seem to breathe any longer as heat spread through her.
“Maybe you should have tossed cold water on me. My thoughts right now are downright sizzlin’.” He reached for her and pulled her down to her knees beside the tub, cupping the back of her head and drawing her close.
“Okay, Princess, you got me all hot and bothered. Satisfied?”
His mouth closed over hers in a hungry kiss and Ana reveled in it. She loved the fact he couldn’t deny her. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed herself against him, but the tub prevented true intimacy.
“This is wrong, Ana. So wrong,” he groaned.
“It’s not. Please…touch me,” she whispered and closed her eyes.
Too soon, his mouth worked its way down her jaw to her neck. He unbuttoned her shirt and she boldly guided his head to her breasts.
“Oh, Jake,” she cried out as he drew her nipple into his mouth and sucked gently.
The Princess Has Amnesia! (Crown & Glory Book 5) Page 10