It was a power play—she could see it in his eyes. Prince Amadio was accustomed to getting what he wanted. And for some reason, he wanted her to make everyone believe that his engagement would continue as planned.
“What happened to the princess?” she asked quietly.
He ignored her question. “If you do as I ask, everyone will know that the necklace was made by Seraphina. You will be photographed in the jewels. That will be enough publicity in return for your cooperation.”
His voice was resonant, but she didn’t miss the subtle threat. It irritated her that he was trying to intimidate her for his own gain. And though she was inwardly quaking, she said, “Wire the remainder of the money to my grandfather, and I’ll do it. But I’ll only switch places for tonight.”
He drew closer and she felt eclipsed by his broad frame. She inhaled the clean scent of his aftershave, and she suddenly wondered what it would be like to kiss such a man. His presence emanated power and domination. He was accustomed to getting whatever he wanted, and for some reason he wanted her. When he put his hands on her shoulders, her thoughts seemed to scatter like marbles rolling across the floor.
“One week,” he countered. “You will pretend to be the princess, and if no one learns the truth about your identity, I’ll wire the payment.” He reached out to cup her nape. The heat of his touch made goosebumps break out over her skin. She imagined him pulling her closer, claiming her mouth with his. The vision was electric, though she knew it was only a royal fantasy.
“In addition, if you play the role well enough, I will reward you with another million dollars for your trouble.”
Well enough? What did he mean by that? Color flooded her face, and she shook her head. “I won’t sleep with you. I’m not that kind of woman.”
There was a faint softening at his eyes. “That wasn’t what I was asking. But you may need to pretend…affection you don’t feel.”
In other words, she might have to kiss him in public or hold his hand. It seemed almost incongruous that such a gorgeous man would pay her to do this. Just because she looked similar to a princess.
“What is your decision?” he demanded.
Six million dollars. For one week of pretense. It felt as if the air had been sucked out of her lungs, and Genna sat down. It was a dangerous game he was playing, and she didn’t entirely understand why he didn’t just tell the world that his princess was missing. She wanted to ask again, but something made her hold back.
“I will try it for tonight,” she answered. “And I will decide afterwards, if I can handle it for the rest of the week.”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Avery Chandler lives in Virginia with her children, her dog, and her two crazy cats. When she’s not rescuing her youngest cat from climbing the walls, she enjoys writing more romances. Avery’s favorite hobbies include baking desserts, completing jigsaw puzzles, playing the piano, and traveling around the world whenever possible. Visit her website at: www.averychandler.com. Avery also writes historical romance under the pen name Michelle Willingham.
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