Read [Montacroix Royal Family Series 01] - Guarded Moments for Free Online Page A

aloof, standing rigidly apart from the others, refraining from entering into any of the obligatory social small talk. And although he hadn't hovered over her, whenever she turned around he was somewhere nearby, watching her with a steadiness that revealed little about his thoughts.
    There was nothing relaxed about this man, nothing easy. He was all intensity and intellect. Just like her brother. Chantal wondered if he also possessed Burke's patience and loyalty. And his passion. An image flashed through her mind, a patently erotic image of lovemaking with Caine that caused a quick thrill to race through her, leaving her weak.
    Caine saw the color drain from her face to be replaced seconds later by a pair of red flags in her cheeks. Instantly alert, he scanned the crowded room as he deftly wove his way through the guests to her side.
    "Are you all right?"
    His voice was low, meant only for her ears. The light touch of his fingers on her elbow burned her skin. "Of course," she said.
    "Are you sure? You looked as if you were about to pass out."
    His tone reflected more than polite concern. Although she had no reason to believe that Caine possessed the gift of second sight, she also knew that it would be impossible to keep anything from him. Those unwavering eyes saw too much.
    "Positive." She managed a reassuring smile. "It's been a long day. I probably should not have had so much to drink."
    "You've been carrying that same glass of champagne around all night."
    They were face-to-face now, their bodies nearly touching, effectively closing out the others.
    "You're very observant."
    "It's my job to be observant."
    "Perhaps." She studied him, all frank eyes and lingering curiosity. "Yet, isn't it also a diplomat's duty to mingle at functions such as these?"
    "I suppose you could include that in the job description."
    "The Montacroix ambassador has spoken with everyone here tonight," Chantal observed. "I myself have exchanged greetings with representatives of countries I didn't even know existed. But you haven't said a single word to anyone."
    There was no way Caine was going to tell her what his usual function at gatherings such as these was. "I'm talking to you."
    "I'm the first. And only."
    He shrugged. "I guess I'm just antisocial."
    She gave him a long, measuring look that had Caine believing the princess was quite possibly more than just another pretty—no, stunning—face.
    "Would you consider me rude if I were to suggest that if you really are antisocial, perhaps you should consider another line of work?"
    "Such as?"
    Chantal toyed with the silver ring on her finger as she looked up at him, carefully framing her answer. "That's difficult to say… without knowing you better," she said slowly. "But the first thing that came to mind when I saw you at the airport, then tonight, looking so stern and alert, is that you reminded me of one of my father's palace guards."
    His eyes remained remote, his face expressionless. "Now that's an interesting idea. If I were to apply for the position, would I have to wear one of those striped uniforms with pantaloons and a funny plumed helmet?"
    "I believe those are the Vatican guards you're referring to," Chantal said. "They're Swiss. We are far more restrained in Montacroix."
    "That's a relief. I've never looked all that good in tights."
    " 'Tights'?" a deep, laughing voice repeated. "Whatever are you two talking about?"
    Caine and Chantal turned toward the tall, distinguished-looking man who'd joined them. When they'd been introduced earlier in the evening, Chantal had recognized the name Sebring immediately and had been pleased to meet the man her father had always spoken of so highly.
    "I was merely suggesting alternative career choices for Mr. O'Bannion, Mr. Sebring," Chantal answered with a smile.
    " 'Alternative career choices'?"
    "In the event he might ever tire of the State Department."
    "Oh?"
    "Princess Chantal doesn't believe I have much of a future in the diplomatic corps," Caine