Falling For Jack Page 14

  Francesca gave her a knowing look. “Don’t you believe in love at first sight?”

  Hesitating, Lara played with the elaborate lace trim at the waistline of her dress. As far as she was concerned, and as she had explained to Carl, she had fallen almost instantly in love with Jack but she hardly thought the same didn’t apply to him.

  “I didn’t know you were such a romantic,” she replied, and if her mother noticed Lara had avoided her question, she didn’t comment.

  “I had better let the hordes in to check you over,” Francesca said softly, her eyes glistening suspiciously as she hugged her daughter. “Not that you need them, Lara. You are lovely, absolutely lovely.”

  She returned her mother’s hug. “Don’t worry. Jack and I will be okay,” she murmured, with more conviction than she felt.

  Francesca opened the door with the first people to rush into the room being Kate and Jade, determined to support their best friend. The others followed to make final checks on Lara’s hair and makeup while the dresser ran expert eyes over her dress.

  Lara had to admit she loved her wedding dress, even though it had to be adjusted twice as she had lost weight since the initial fitting. But, now it fitted perfectly and she smoothed a hand over the beautiful white satin which was embroidered with fine pearls and sequins interlaced with tiny pink roses. The long train, which flowed majestically behind her, was also heavily encrusted with pearls and sequins.

  “We have to go,” Kate said as she handed Lara the bridal bouquet, an exquisite combination of cream and pale pink roses. “We’ll see you at the church.”

  “Don’t forget to smile,” Jade added. “Remember, Jack will be waiting for you and because you’re being televised live around the world to millions of people, don’t let that worry you.”

  Lara laughed at the cheeky expressions on the faces of her friends as they left to be escorted to their limousine, which would take them to the cathedral for the ceremony.

  As the finishing touch to her appearance, the hairdresser placed a diamond tiara on Lara’s golden head setting it firmly in place. She touched the sparkling diamond necklace at her throat and the matching earrings, a wedding gift from Jack, which had been delivered to her this morning. She had been tempted to disregard them and then thought how ridiculous and insulting to Jack that would be. How she wished he had brought them to her personally. More and more she realized she was marrying a stranger who cared little for her.

  Johann was waiting as she carefully descended the stairs and she could see by the expression on her father’s face that he was fighting to keep his emotions in check.

  Outside, the ceremonial gold coach drawn by two palomino horses stood in all its glory ready to drive father and daughter to the cathedral. It was a perfect spring day. The snow had disappeared and had been replaced by early spring flowers of daffodils and tulips. My wedding day, she thought as she waved to the palace staff through the carriage window. The beginning of the rest of my life. Oh help.

  “You are trembling nearly as much as me,” Johann said as if attempting to get his daughter to relax as they reached the cathedral. He tucked her arm in his ready for the long walk down the aisle.

  “I wish the Bishop had refused to marry us, seeing Jack is divorced.”

  “Well, he didn’t and I, for one, am very glad you’re getting married in our cathedral,” her father replied. “Besides, it’s a little late to think of such things now.”

  “At least if I faint it will make for great news coverage.” She knew it was nerves making her chatter and say ridiculous things. She couldn’t stop. Her eyes widened as she looked ahead of her. Was the aisle really that long yesterday at the rehearsal?

  “Your train is all correct and in place,” Jade announced from behind her as she and Kate moved into their places.

  She tried to smile as they began the long walk but her face was stiff and strained with nervous tension. Her thoughts whirled as step-by-step they made their way to the altar. I don’t mind the cameras and millions of people watching my every move but I do mind that I’ve agreed to marry Jack, this man who has taken over my life and turned it upside down.

  She wondered for a fleeting moment if she should turn and run. What a scene that would cause, fleeing in her golden coach like Cinderella at the ball. Then she saw him, her future husband waiting for her. He looked perfect. Tall and elegantly dressed in a deep gray morning suit and, at his side acting as Jack’s best man, Carl in ceremonial uniform. You have a lot to answer for Carl Albert Frederick Henri Challoner, she decided, gritting her teeth.

  Mike and Joe also stood with Jack. Lara had learned they were friends of his from Port Margaret when she had met them last night, together with his parents, making her realize how little she knew of Jack’s family and his friends.

  At last, she drew level with Jack and her father graciously passed her hand into that of her soon-to-be husband. She wished she had agreed to a veil to shield her from the scrutiny of those intensely blue eyes. It would have given her some protection, and she could have continued to hide her emotions from him. He must have sensed her tension as disregarding all protocols, he bent and rested his cheek against hers.

  “Hang in there, princess. The deed is nearly done,” he whispered and she closed her eyes as the elusive scent of his aftershave assailing her nostrils.

  His words and his hands holding hers had the desired effect. She had made this commitment and she had to get on with it, she decided, giving Jack a lingering smile as they turned to the Bishop to begin the ceremony.

  ~ * ~

  “I understand there is an especially prepared bridal suite for us.”

  Jack turned to his bride. She had grown even paler over the past few hours, but they were almost there now. They had made it through the long, drawn-out service when fortunately the parts where he had to respond were spoken in English. He knew a moment of intense satisfaction as he’d slipped his gold wedding band on Lara’s finger. The ring he’d had made, not another family heirloom.

  Her hands had trembled as she had tried to place the matching ring on his finger and he had ended up helping her, slipping the ring firmly in place. We belong together now, my love. You might have preferred to marry your Prince Michael but you are married to me.

  The afternoon had taken on an ethereal quality as they had been greeted by thousands of enthusiastic well-wishers as they drove through the streets of Challoner in the open golden carriage. The exacting wedding photographs, the greeting of hundreds of wedding guests most of whom he didn’t know, the endless banquet, had taken their toll on him, let alone Lara. But, he had to acknowledge she had behaved with such grace and charm throughout the service and reception, she had literally taken his breath away. His parents had been enchanted with their new daughter-in-law and as he had watched, it seemed Lara had been similarly taken with them and his two friends.

  Now, they were nearing the end of the reception and he and Lara would be able to politely take their leave. He glanced at her again wondering if she had heard his question. The only time he had been able to hold her was when they’d been required to perform the bridal waltz. He had been surprised at how fragile she had felt in his arms and how narrow her waist was as she had danced holding herself stiffly away from him. She had lost weight over the past weeks and a raw edge of concern worried at his gut.

  “Lara? I think we can safely leave now,” he said, moving his head closer to hers.

  “Yes. I think so,” she responded, her voice dull and lifeless.

  He frowned. Is this what it’s going to be like? I have married this lovely creature only to have her transformed into the unhappiest woman on earth. Have I made such a terrible mistake? He didn’t think so but…

  It took another half an hour to say their goodbyes before they could finally escape. Tomorrow they would fly to Australia but he puzzled as to whether she would want to go, the way she suddenly clung to her mother.

  The bridal suite within the palace was warm and inviting.
An open fire roared in the huge fireplace taking the chill from the cold evening. There was a magnificent four-poster bed with soft, subtle drapes surrounding it and beyond the bedroom, the suite expanded into a lounge plus two adjoining bathrooms and walk-in robes.

  “This is normally kept for visiting royalty,” she remarked as she tossed her tiny jeweled bag on to the bed.

  “Well, you are visiting royalty.” Jack smiled at her as he loosened his tie. “God, I’ll be glad to get out of this suit.”

  Lara stood silently in the middle of the room as he checked out the bottle of champagne set in a silver ice bucket on a side table together with a plate of beautifully arranged strawberries.

  “Would you like a glass of champagne?”

  “No, thank you.”

  He turned to stare at her. She appeared to be frozen in time. His Ice Princess. Was she afraid of him and if so, why? What had changed so much? Sure, it had been a rough few days—well, even weeks he conceded, but they were married now. He decided attack might be the best method to jolt her out of this strange mood.

  “What’s the matter? We can legally have sex now, Lara. I though you would be leaping into bed waiting for me.”

  Faint color rose in her pale cheeks but her words were cutting when she replied, “You’d better get on with it then. The sooner you impregnate me and we produce an heir, the sooner we can separate.”

  Eleven

  Lara bit her lip at the expression on Jack’s face. He was shocked. She had horrified him by her rude and callous remark. Oh, Jack, I didn’t mean it. I only want you to love me…just a little. Say you love me.

  “I think we’ll forget you ever said that,” he replied at last, moving toward her. “Are you tired?”

  “Yes.”

  He touched her arm and she flinched, immediately regretting her action when she saw the fleeting hurt in his eyes.

  “Lara, we are both exhausted. It’s been a long and nerve-racking day. How about we just go to bed…to sleep.”

  Almost sagging with relief, she nodded. He was right, as usual. She was exhausted. Every muscle ached with tiredness and tension. She would have a shower and lie in that bed and sleep. Glancing at the bed, she saw her nightdress, all lace and frills, arranged carefully across her pillow. It was a huge bed. They could sleep without touching. Besides, she could see her tiredness mirrored in his drawn face.

  If she had found the day a trial, then what must it have been like for him a straight forward man who, today, had faced every royal protocol imaginable, plus meeting hundreds of strangers all of whom would have been surreptitiously analyzing him. He had handled everything with eloquence and dignity. She had been so proud of him, the handsome man who was now her husband.

  “I can’t undo my dress. I’ll need to ring for a maid,” she said, reaching to pick up the telephone.

  He placed a hand over hers, stopping the action. “No. You don’t need a maid, Your Highness. I’m quite capable of undoing a few buttons. Turn around.”

  Obediently turning her back toward him, she closed her eyes at the light touch of his fingers against her neck as he undid the tiny pearl buttons.

  “When we’re in Australia, you won’t have a personal maid waiting on you hand and foot, Lara.”

  Was she being told off? She wasn’t sure. His voice was certainly aimed at putting her in her place.

  “I’m quite happy to live without servants.”

  “There’s a housekeeper and a gardener at my place in Port Margaret but other than that, I prefer to look after myself.”

  As he finished undoing the buttons she turned, holding the dress in place over her breasts. “Well, good for you, Jack. Although, you might need to add one or two security people to your list, unless you’d like to pay out another billion dollars if I’m kidnapped.”

  His expression was thoughtful as he studied her. “I look after my own,” he said, as he reached to touch the diamond necklace around her throat. “Did you like my present?”

  She felt flustered. His scrutiny was unnerving and she was horribly embarrassed she hadn’t had chance to acknowledge his gift. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

  “It matches your personality. Fire and ice, which are two of your many fascinations. And at the moment you are all fire and want to pick a fight with me, don’t you?” He smiled and she caught her breath at the wonderment of this magnificent man.

  “Yes,” she admitted, moving a few steps away from him.

  “You are still mad that you’ve had to marry me instead of some puffed up royal. You thought you would put me in my place, as befits a commoner like me, when you challenged me to have sex with you.”

  “I…I didn’t.” Lara floundered, unable to form the words to reply to such an accusation.

  “But, my beautiful wife, I’m quite happy to bide my time no matter how long it takes. So, you can stand there and argue with yourself for all I care. I’m going to have a shower and go to bed.”

  She managed to close her gaping mouth as he stripped off his clothes down to his underwear and disappeared into one of the bathrooms. Moments later, she heard the sound of the shower.

  Well, that’s that, she thought, pulling off the heavy wedding gown and carefully hanging it in the walk-in robe. He didn’t want to argue with her—he didn’t want to make love to her—he wanted to sleep. Fair enough.

  She took her time in her bathroom allowing the hot water to pummel away at her tense body as she reflected on her wedding. What a day it had been. She supposed it was what every young woman dreamed of and yet it had passed in a blur as she had made every endeavor to look happy and relaxed. It had certainly been different. She dried her hair and then spent time brushing the long, heavy tresses allowing them to lie around her shoulders in a golden cloud. Slipping into the lacy nightdress, she studied herself critically in the mirror. Yes, she had all the trappings of a bride on her wedding night, except for the pale face and faint shadows under her eyes. She patted her cheeks to add some color.

  Nervously, she opened the door to the bedroom and almost laughed aloud. So much for worrying what Jack might think of how she looked. He was already asleep, the covers drawn neatly up to his chin.

  She tiptoed closer and peered at him. In repose, his face looked much younger. Dark eyelashes protected her from that blue gaze and his sensual mouth was relaxed, inviting. She turned off the bedside lamp and making her way around the bed, pulled back the covers and climbed in. He didn’t stir. Staring into the darkness, Lara determinedly swallowed the lump forming in her throat and waited for sleep to overcome her.

  ~ * ~

  She was warm and comfortable as she stretched against a man’s body, her cheek resting against a firm chest. Not any man, but her husband. Going very still, she listened to his quiet breathing. He was still asleep but at sometime in the night, he’d wrapped an arm around her and was cradling her. Oh, it was so good. A faint light from the window told her it was nearly dawn and in a few hours, they would be on their way to Australia and her new life.

  She hesitated and then pressed closer to him, her hand lightly examining his chest and the sprinkling of dark hair beneath her probing fingers. She followed the hairline down to his waist and then stilled. He was naked. Her heart pounded as she daringly slid her hand over his flat abdomen and then gently encircled his sex.

  She jumped as his hand grasped hers. “You’re playing with fire, sweetheart,” he said softly, his voice rumbling in her ear.

  “I want that fire,” she replied, her lips against him, savoring the texture and clean smell of his skin.

  She was aware of his tension. Please don’t deny me this time. I’m your wife, your very virginal wife. She pulled the nightdress over her head as Jack turned on the lamp. They stared at each other and she could see the desire blazing in his eyes as he lowered his gaze to her breasts.

  Drawing the sheet further from her, he seemed to drink his fill of her naked body. Under his gaze, her nipples hardened and her breasts swelled in anticipation o
f his lovemaking. Jack’s hand reached out and began to caress her, dwelling on her waist and the flare of her hip. He moved closer and slid his hand between her thighs, resting there, not moving.

  She responded and stroked his strong jaw line and traced the outline of his sensual mouth. She wanted that mouth on her breasts, sucking and licking her. She wanted him so badly.

  As if he had read her mind, he bent his head, capturing one nipple in his mouth and teasing it with his tongue. She gasped as the sensation spiraled through her body to her very core. Almost as if he sensed her every emotion, Jack drew her breast deep into his hot mouth and suckled her…hard. She held his dark head to her as she fought to breathe, her passion overtaking any other thought.

  She didn’t know how to tell him what she wanted, but he knew. He slid down her body and pushed her thighs apart placing his mouth on her sex, his tongue moving on the sensitive nub.

  “Jack. Oh, Jack.” Whether she cried out or not, she didn’t care as she was overcome with the sensation of her orgasm. She grasped his head as his tongue continued to caress her pulsating sex until her trembling had stopped.

  He kissed his way up her stomach and stopped to once again suckle her breasts then looked into her eyes. “You are unbelievably responsive,” he grinned, his delight obvious.

  She covered his face in a flurry of kisses. “I want you inside me, Jack.” Moving her hips, she felt his arousal pressing against her stomach.

  “Shall I use protection?”

  She shook her head. “I want your baby,” she whispered and was gratified at the look of satisfaction on his face.

  His finger inside her gently massaged her already sensitive nub and she jerked involuntarily against him, not believing she could experience such longing. “I need you, Jack,” she encouraged and he moved over her. She grasped his sex, guiding it into her and tensed at his great size.

  “Am I hurting you?” He hesitated but she immediately pushed against him, the brief stab of pain ending her virginal state forever.

  “No. I love it,” she said, making Jack laugh.