Free What Happens At Christmas by Victoria Alexander Page A

hadn’t wanted to know, hadn’t wanted to think of him, hadn’t wanted to regret. “Indeed, I know nothing about your life from the moment you left this house until today. Nor do I wish to.”
    â€œI see.”
    â€œIf you have heard enough now, perhaps you would be so good as to take your leave.” Again she gestured at the door. “Finally.”
    â€œWhat happens after Christmas?”
    â€œYou refuse to let this be, don’t you?”
    â€œYou said I was stubborn.”
    â€œAnd I was right, wasn’t I?” She sighed. “The day after Christmas, Nikolai shall have to return to his country because of a monetary crisis—”
    â€œA what?”
    â€œA monetary crisis. Beryl assures me it happens all the time.” She waved her hand absently and continued. “I shall accompany him, of course. And then, at some point before the wedding—”
    â€œDependent, of course, on whether or not he proposes.”
    â€œThat is not in doubt,” she said with a confident smile. “As I was saying, before the wedding, I shall confess my little Christmas ruse and explain to him, as most of my family was out of the country, I simply wanted him to have the kind of English Christmas he has longed for. It is, well, my gift to him.”
    â€œAre you mad?”
    â€œAdmittedly, there might be a flaw or two—”
    â€œOr two?”
    â€œI merely need to smooth out some of the rougher edges.”
    He stared in disbelief. “So this is another one of your schemes that you have not thoroughly thought out?”
    â€œI have given it a great deal of thought.” She glared. “I am thinking about it every waking moment. I am dreaming about it as well. Indeed, there is little else on my mind!” She clenched her teeth. “And for your information, Beryl is the schemer. I haven’t schemed for years!”
    â€œCamille.” Concern sounded in his voice. “Aside from the fact that this is complete and utter madness—”
    â€œSo I’ve been told,” she snapped.
    â€œIt can’t possibly succeed.”
    â€œI’ve been told that as well.”
    He shook his head. “You’ve gotten yourself into this and you have no way now to escape.”
    â€œThere is no need to escape. Yes, there are a few unanticipated problems, but it shall all work out beautifully in the end.” She adopted a note of complete confidence. “I have no doubt of it.”
    â€œCamille, this is not the—”
    â€œGood afternoon,” a voice sounded from the doorway and Camille’s stomach twisted.
    She threw Grayson a warning look, then turned toward the door and her prince. “Your—Nikolai.” She adopted her most welcoming smile and held out her hand. “I trust your rooms are suitable.”
    â€œQuite.” He stepped to her, took her hand and raised it to his lips. His gaze never left hers in a manner so polished as to be perfect. But then, he was a prince. “I must tell you again how grateful I am that you have welcomed me into your home for Christmas.”
    â€œIt’s our very great honor to have you here.” She gazed into his blue eyes, simmering with promises and just the right hint of desire. She shivered with anticipation.
    â€œI cannot find the words to tell you how much I am looking forward to the time spent here with you.” He smiled an altogether perfect smile. He was every bit as tall as Grayson; and with his blond hair and blue eyes, square jaw and broad shoulders, he was a handsome devil. The perfect picture of a perfect prince; and, if all went well, her perfect prince. “And your family, of course.”
    â€œOf course,” she murmured.
    Grayson cleared his throat, breaking the spell. She withdrew her hand with a reluctant sigh.
    â€œForgive me.” Nikolai directed his attention to Grayson. “I do hope I was not