Infamous Desire by Artemis Hunt Read Free Book Online

Embossed, grand, with gold trimmings and a heart-shaped decoration in front of it. Inside is Alex’s handwriting. The ink is yellowed with age, but the sentences are still unmistakable.
    ‘To Tatiana Natasha,
    My one and only true love.
    Alex.’
    Each written word is a hammer to my heart. I’ve wanted to believe so much that I am the only woman Alex has ever said those words to, but it clearly isn’t the case.
    “So you see,” Tatiana says, “he doesn’t lie, but he doesn’t tell you the whole truth either.”
    “When was this?” I demand. I didn’t mean it to come out brusque, but my hurt spools over and manifests itself in my voice.
    “Why should that matter?”
    “It does matter. People evolve when they grow older. People do have exes.”
    “Exactly. You too may become an ex. It has happened to me … in cycles. Again and again.”
    She takes the Valentine card and carefully puts it back in her purse. I can tell by the way she handles it that she truly treasures it.
    She loves Alex. She really, really does.
    Tatiana says, “Which brings us to my next topic. I think we are clear here that I would like you to leave Alex for the sake of my country and his. Pedigree-wise, I am far better than you can ever hope to be. I’m sorry to have to lay it out so brutally, but it’s the truth and I think you appreciate honesty. I bring sophistication, money, titles and breeding into a marriage. His family loves me, and I will be a very fitting bride to his empire.
    “I have lived this life since I was born, so I know how to navigate through it. You are but a babe amongst the wolves. I understand how royalty and politicians think. I know the captains of industry. I am a wonderful hostess. I will be an exemplary royal wife and a Queen our countries will be proud of. I am the wife that Alex needs.”
    I am listening. The pain is gathering within me, filling my heart to bursting proportions, but I’m listening.
    “Additionally, I understand your concerns. I understand that you may not wish to give up the love of your life so easily. I do not wish you to be compromised when you return to Chicago, seeing the notoriety that you’ve generated. So I’m going to offer you a deal. I understand that your mother is facing financial hardship.”
    My eyes narrow.
    “If you go back to Chicago – first class, all expenses paid – I am willing to offer you three million US dollars. That will set you and your mother back for life. You needn’t work a day any longer, unless you wish to.”
    Her eyes brim with emotion.
    “Take it, Elizabeth Turner. Do it for Alex and yourself. This offer may not last forever. If you take it now, you will be three million dollars richer. You are free to start your life again in any way you see fit. But if he dumps you down the line, which he inevitably will because he must bow to royal pressure, you and your mother will have nothing. You will have to go back to America penniless, and with your name besmirched.”

Chapter Ten
    I wander through the next few days in a daze. I told Tatiana I needed to think about it, of course, and she agreed.
    Everything she says is true. She has the class, the pedigree, the money, the breeding to be a Queen.
    On paper, I can bring nothing to Alex. I have no money, no honored family name. By being with him, I have only brought him strife with his family and people.
    I am no good for him. If I love him, I should leave him.
    And I do love him. I love him so very, very much.
    Do I love him enough to leave him?
    The question … and decision … hangs above my head like a proverbial sword.
    Alex notices my pensiveness.
    “Hey, did you see the papers today?” he says, trying to cheer me up, incorrectly thinking that I’m still affected by bad press. “The tide is turning. Your former employer, Mr. Mango or something … ”
    “Mr. Mangorean,” I correct him gently.
    “Yes, that’s the one. He says you have always been an exemplary employee. Always punctual, always