chapter 11. everyone is wrong about her
1286 Words
The modern world has it's attractions, too." He raised his wineglass to her and she understood that large anmount of the world's attraction was in women. Of course, On a Small Greek island the
young women would be strictly supervised until they wed, and a healthy man would want to relieve his
more basic urges.
His gesture with the wineglass brought her attention back to her Own wineglass, and she saw that it was nearly empty. "May I have more wine'? she requested
No," he refused smoothly. "You've already had two glasses, and you' ve merely pushed your food
around on your plate instead of eating it. You'll be drunk if you continue. Eat your dinner, or isn't it the way you like it? Shall I have it returned to the kitchen?
"No, the food is excellent, thank you." What else could she say? It was only the truth.
"Then why aren't you eating?"
Ursula regarded him seriously, then decided that he was a big boy and he should certainly be able to
handle the truth. "I'm not exactly enjoying myself,"
she told him. "You've rather upset my stomach."
His mouth twitched in grim amusement. "You haven't upset mine, but you have without doubt upset my system in every other way! Since meeting you, I totally absolve Robert Stanton of foolishness,
except perhaps in whatever overly optimistic expectations he may have had. You're an enchanting Woman, even when you're insulting me."
She had never mentioned her relationship with Robert to anyone, but now she had the urge to cry
out that she had loved him, that everyone was Wrong in what they said of her. Only the years of practice in
holding herself aloof kept her lips sealed on the wild cry of hurt, but she did allow herself to comment,
"Robert was the least foolish man I have ever met. He knew exactly what he was about at all times."
Prince Williams narrowed his eyes, "Are you saying that he knew you married him only for his money?
"I'm saying nothing of the kind," she retorted sharply."I won't discuss my marriage with you, it's none of your business. If you're finished with your
meal, I'd like to go home now."
"I've finished," he said, looking pointedly at her plate. "However, you've hardly even begun to eat. You need food to absorb some of the wine you've
had, and we won't leave here until you eat."
"I would bolt it down without chewing if that would free me from your company," she muttered as she lifted her fork and speared a morsel of meat.
He waited until she had the meat in her mouth and was chewing before he said, "But it won't. If I remember correctly, you have invited me upstairs when I take you home. To satisfy my 'odd little urges,' I think was how you phrased it. I accept your invitation."
Ursula swallowed and attacked another piece of meat. You must have misunderstood," she said
coldly. "I wouldn't let you inside my house, let alone my bedroom."
"My apartment will do just as well," he replied,
his eyes gleaming. "Or the ground, if you prove difficult about the matter."
"Now see here," she snapped, putting her fork down with a clatter. "This has gone far enough. I want you to understand this clearly: I'm not avail-
able! Not to you, not to any man, and if you touch me, I'll scream until everyone in London hears me."
"If you can," he murmured. "Don't you imagine that I'm capable of stifling any screams, Ursula ?
Oh?" she demanded with uplifted brows. "Areyou a r****t? Because it would be r**e, have no doubt about it. I'm not playing at being difficult, l'm
entirely serious. I don't want you."
You will," he said confidently, and she wanted to scream now, in frustration. Could he truly be so dense, his ego so invulnerable, that he simply couldn't believe that she didn't want to go to bed
with him? Well, if he didn't believe that she'd scream, he'd certainly be surprised if he tried anything with her!
In one swift motion she stood up, determined not to sit there another moment. "Thank you for the
meal," she said. I believe it would be best if I took a taxi home, and I'll have Charles contact you Monday about the settlement of the shares."
He stood also, calmly laying his napkin aside.
"I'm taking you home," he said, if I have to drag you to my car. Now, do you want to make your exit in a dignified manner, or slung over my shoulder?
Before you decide, let me assure you that no one will come to your aid. Money does have its uses, you know."
"Yes, I know," she agreed frigidly. "It allows some people to act like bullies without fear of retribution. Very well, shall we leave?
He smiled in grim triumph and placed a bill on the table, and even in her anger she was startled at the amount he had laid down.. She looked up in time to
see him nod to the maître d', and by the time they had made their way across the room her wrap was waiting. Nikolas took the wrap and gently placed it
about her shoulders, his hands lingering there for a moment as his fingers moved Over her flesh.
A blinding flash of light told her that this, too, had been photographed, and involuntarily Ursula shrank closer to him in an effort to hide. His hands tight-
ened on her shoulders and he frowned as he looked down at her suddenly pale face. He looked around until he located the photographer, and though he
said nothing, Ursula heard a muttered apology somewhere behind them.
Then Prince Williams had his arms
firmly around her waist and he led her outside, where his car was Just being driven up When the doorman and the young man who had
brought the car had been settled with and Prince Williams
had seen that she was securely buckled into her seat,
he said, "Why do you flinch whenever a flash goes off?
"I dislike publicity," she muttered.
"It scarcely matters whether you like it or not, he said quietly. "Your actions have made certain that you will have it, regardless, and you certainly should
be used to it by now. Your marriage made quite a lot of grist for the mil."
"I'm aware of that," she said. "I've been called a b***h to my face and a lot worse to my back, but that doesn't mean that I've ever become accustomed to
it. I was nineteen years old, Prince..... William she stressed the word-and I was crucified by the press. I've never forgotten."
"Did you think no one Would notice when you married a rich, elderly man of Robert Stanton's reputation?" he almost snarled. "For God's sake,
Ursula , you all but begged to be crucified!
"So I discovered," she said, her voice catching.
"Robert and I ceased going out in public when it became obvious that I would never be accepted as his wife, though he didn't care on his own account.
He said that he Would find out who his true friends were, and there were a few. He seemed to cherish those few, and never said anything that indicated he
wanted his life to. be any difterent, at least in my hearing, Robert was endlessly kind," she finished
quietly, for she found that even the memories of Robert helped to calm her. He had seen life so clearly, without illusions and with a great deal of
humor. What would he think about this predatoy man who sat beside her now?.
- Writer
