Falling For Jack Read Free

is with you.”
    She rushed the next few words. “Mummy, actually I’m on my own. I just want a few days in the sun relaxing and reading without anyone around. No detectives, no maids—in fact, no babysitters.”
    “Do you think that’s wise, dear? Where exactly are you staying? Will you be safe?”
    “I have rented a lovely, secure holiday home on the beach. There are lots of people on the island, plus some good shops. I’ll be fine.” She paused before plowing on. “I need a few days before I fly home next week, Mummy. It’s been a tiring year at college, and this is my little treat for me. I hope you and father don’t mind.”
    Her mother’s tone softened and Lara had to strain to hear her against the wind. “I understand better than you think. I know only too well what it’s like to be constantly in the public eye. Your father and I have granted your wish to attend boarding school and University in Australia — ”
    “I know.” She broke in having heard her mother’s lecture many times before.
    “But, it has always been on the proviso you will come home and take up your royal duties along side of your brother,” her mother continued hardly missing a beat.
    “I appreciate everything, Mummy.”
    “So, have your days of freedom if you must, with your father and my blessing and love. I will arrange for your detective to be informed, and I will expect to hear from you in a few days.”
    “Thank you. I love you both.”
    The phone call ended, and Lara’s spirits soared. Her mother understood. Her eyes welled with tears as she thought of her parents and her brother Carl, the Crown Prince. She was fortunate in so many ways to be part of a monarchy with centuries of history, which could still allow her the freedom of this modern world. Sure, she’d worked hard to persuade her parents that she should be educated in Australia and enjoy the comparative privacy in the cosmopolitan nation. But always there was a detective lurking in the background on constant alert for any dangers, any sign of kidnapping, or worse.
    Even her best friends, Jade and Kate, had been startled at what they considered her strange need for isolation. She smiled as she thought of them. Friends since boarding school and then at University, they called themselves the three princesses with Jade and Kate teasing Lara, who was the only one of them with royal blood. But they had all felt like princesses and had given each other their love and loyalty through good and bad times as they had often struggled with studies and personal dilemmas. Now, sadly, they had parted, each to face the world in their own way but with promises to keep in contact no matter what.
    Only it was Lara who wasn’t prepared for the future. She was the one who hesitated knowing a life lay before her as Princess Lara Antoinette Rosalina of Challoner. A life of royal protocols and the expectation to marry a man of acceptable standing and breeding. Her mother had already suggested that on her return she consider marriage to Prince Michael, a distant relative and long-time suitor.
    Leaning against the rail, she watched as they came close to a small island. It was covered with trees and dense foliage and lay in the azure sea like a sparkling jewel. Surely this wasn’t Seagull Island? She couldn’t see any houses or signs of life.
    Jezebel’s engine popped and snorted, then died, and the boat gradually came to a stop. Except for the sound of the waves slapping against the bow, there was silence.
    “What’s happened?” she called, making her way toward the front of the boat as Jack loosened a huge chain allowing the anchor to roll with a splash into the water.
    “Jezebel’s conked out. She does it sometimes,” he replied.
    “But…but, what are we going to do? Can you mend it?”
    “I’ll try but the sun’s beginning to go down and it’ll be dark soon.”
    “We can’t stay out here all night. You must do something.”
    ~ * ~
    “I’ll have a look to see if I