The Playboy Prince Read Free Page B

He noticed for the first time that her hands were delicate, long and slender like her body. “What are their names?”
    “Boris and Natasha.”
    “Suitable names for Russian wolfhounds.”
    “They were given to me as puppies. I named them after characters in an American cartoon show. Spies.”
    Her hands hesitated only a heartbeat. “Spies, Your Highness?”
    “Inept Russian spies who were forever after a moose and squirrel.”
    He thought he saw it again, the flash of humor that lent something special to her face. “I see. I’ve never been to America.”
    “No?” He moved closer, but saw nothing but a young woman with good bones and a quiet manner. “It’s a fascinating country. Cordina’s become closely linked with it since two members of the Royal Family have married Americans.”
    “A fact that disappointed a number of hopeful Europeans, I’m sure.” Hannah relaxed enough for a cautious smile. “I met Princess Gabriella several years ago. She’s a beautiful woman.”
    “Yes, she is. You know, I’ve been to England several times. It’s strange we never met.”
    Hannah allowed the smile to linger. “But we did, Your Highness.”
    “Boris, sit,” Bennett commanded as the dog lifted a paw toward Hannah’s dress. “Are you sure?”
    “Quite sure, sir. Then you’d hardly be expected to remember. It was several years ago at a charity ball hosted by the Prince of Wales. The Queen Mother introduced you to me and my cousin Lady Sara. I believe you and Sara became . . . friendly.”
    “Sara?” His mind backtracked and zeroed in. His memory, always good, was faultless when it came to women. “Yes, of course.” Though he remembered Hannah only as a vague shadow beside her glamorous and bold cousin. “How is Sara?”
    “Very well, sir.” If there was sarcasm, it was well coated with manners. “Happily married for the second time. Shall I send her your regards?”
    “If you like.” He dipped his hands into his pockets again as he continued to study her. “You were wearing blue, a pale blue that was nearly white.”
    Hannah lifted her brow. She didn’t have to be told that he’d barely noticed her. The fact that he hadn’t, yet still remembered the color of her gown gave her a moment’s pause. A memory like that could be useful—or dangerous.
    “You flatter me, Your Highness.”
    “I make it a policy not to forget a woman.”
    “Yes, I can believe that.”
    “My reputation precedes me.” The frown was there, then gone, to be replaced by a careless smile. “Does it concern you to be alone in the garden, in the moonlight with—”
    “The Royal Rake?” Hannah finished.
    “You do read,” Bennett murmured.
    “Incessantly. And no, Your Highness, I’m quite comfortable, thank you.”
    He opened his mouth, then laughed and shut it again. “Lady Hannah, I’ve rarely been put so neatly in my place.”
    So he was quick—another point she’d have to remember. “I beg your pardon, sir. That certainly wasn’t my intention.”
    “The hell it wasn’t, and well done.” He took her hand and found it cool and steady. Perhaps she would prove to be a great deal less dull than he’d anticipated. “I should beg your pardon for baiting you, but I won’t since you obviously hold your own so well. I’m beginning to see why Eve wanted you here.”
    Hannah had learned long ago to block off any form of guilt. She did so now. “I became very fond of her in a short time and was delighted with the opportunity to stay in Cordina for a few months. I confess, I’ve already fallen in love with little Princess Marissa.”
    “Barely a year old and she’s already ruling the palace.” Bennett’s eyes softened as he thought of his brother’s first child. “Maybe it’s because she looks like Eve.”
    Hannah withdrew her hand from his. She’d heard the rumors that Bennett had been half in love, or possibly more than half in love, with his brother’s wife. It didn’t take even so talented an