The Lord's Passionate Lover (The Royals of Monaco, #3) by Leslie North Read Free Book Online Page B

you are welcome,” he replied. Francesca was glad that he had gotten the blanket for her. Despite her protests, it was really cold.
    They finally reached the harbour. Lord Jacques helped Francesca disembark. She wanted to rush back to the palace but she also was curious about his boats. “Since we are already here, will you show me around?” she asked him. He raised his eyebrows.
    “Sure,” he replied. He escorted her around, showing her the boats. Francesca asked him questions about the different ones as he talked animatedly about his greatest passion. She was very curious and each answer generated more questions. He found that he enjoyed talking to her and he liked that she showed interest in his work.
    “So do you sell them or what?” she asked him. She realised that she had not asked him what he did with all those boats.
    “Sell and rent,” he replied
    “Amazing,” Francesca responded. She wrapped her arms around herself; she still had the blanket on her shoulders and she was grateful for the warmth. “I am guessing the one we dined on was your favourite,” she added. He smiled at her.
    “It was indeed.” 
    “Well, thank you.”
    “My pleasure.”
    “I should get going.”
    Jacques nodded and walked her to the car. The driver was already standing there waiting for her, but he dismissed him with his hand. He opened the door for Francesca. “I must say, I was surprised that you came,” he said to her.
    “Were you? Why would you assume that I would not come?”
    He smiled. “I do not simply assume things about you,” he said to her.
    “Yes you do,”
    “You are just that obvious.”
    Francesca frowned. “Are you calling me transparent?” she asked him.
    “That is not what I said.”
    “It is what you implied.”
    Lord Jacques raised his eyebrows. Conversation with Francesca was never smooth sailing. One minute they were cordial and the next, they were arguing. Lord Jacques had heard the LeBlanc sisters were hard to deal with, but he hadn’t expected this. “I implied nothing. I say what I mean. I do not need to imply things,” he said to her.
    “Goodnight Olivier.” Francesca turned to get into the car but she paused. She turned to look at him. “There will not be another dinner date,” she said.
    Lord Jacques frowned and tried to hide his disappointment, “I did not say anything about it.”
    “But you were thinking it.”
    “Who is making assumptions now?” Once again, she amused him.
    “I am letting you know.” 
    “Okay. Just to let you know, there will be another date.” Lord Jacques smiled.
    “Don't be so sure.” Francesca was convinced that she was not going to go out with him again. There was an awkward moment where they were staring at each other. She could see the confident look on his face. He looked so sure. He was so sure about many things in regards to her and it annoyed her. “You can wipe that smug look off your face too,” she said.
    Lord Jacques let out a laugh as he tipped his head back. “You should address me with a little more respect.”
    “I do not need to address you at all.”
    “Is that so?” He moved closer to her.
    “Yes. I do not want to even address you.” She was not convinced with her reply and neither was he.
    “Your body language says otherwise.”
    “Then ignore it.”
    “I cannot.”
    Francesca was feeling increasingly uncomfortable with his close proximity.  “Whatever, Olivier, goodnight,” she said.
    “It's Lord Jacques to you.”
    “Olivier.” She repeated it as if it was a challenge she was accepting. He grabbed her by the shoulders and crushed her body against his as he trapped her between him and the car. “What are-” Before she could finish her question, he lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers. Francesca was caught off guard by his response and even more surprised at her own. His lips felt so good against hers. She desperately wanted to touch him to see if his body was as hard as she suspected. As the