Free Command Performance by Nora Roberts Page A

disappeared and her shoulders tensed.
    She hadn’t expected him to be there. She knew, of course, that they were to be met officially, but she hadn’t thought it would be Alexander. In her mind she’d planned out the first meeting. She would be rested, refreshed after a long soak in the tub at the hotel. She would have changed into the long, glittery evening gown she’d bought precisely for that purpose. And she would treat him with mild but unmistakable coolness.
    Now all she could think was that he was here, looking wonderful. He was so tall, so sturdy. His eyes were so dark, so secretive, they made her want to discover what he hid from everyone else. She wanted to smile, to throw out both hands to him and tell him how good it was to see him. Pride had her sinking into a formal curtsy.
    “Your Highness.”
    He didn’t notice the spree of flashbulbs or the crowd of reporters. He was focused on her, on the pout of her lips, on the eyes that met his more in challenge than in greeting.
    “Miss Hamilton.” He offered his hand. When she hesitated,
because
she hesitated, he brought it deliberately to his lips. Only he was close enough to hear her hiss of breath. “We welcome you and your troupe to Cordina.”
    Her hand squirmed in his and was held firm. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
    “Your luggage and transportation are being seen to.” He smiled at her, really smiled, with an enjoyment he hadn’t felt since she’d left. “Two members of my staff will accompany your troupe to their hotel and see them settled.”
    Her nails dug into the palms of his hand. “You’re very kind.”
    He wondered that no one else heard the quiet insult behind the words. “It is our wish to make your stay here comfortable. If you will come with me.” As the reporters closed in, he brushed them off. “Miss Hamilton will answer all your questions at tomorrow’s press conference. Now she needs to rest after the long flight.”
    A few more persistent newsmen pursued them. Alexander simply took Eve’s arm and drew her away.
    “Your Highness, it might be best if I stay with the troupe.”
    “You have an assistant?”
    “Yes, of course.” She was forced to increase her pace to keep up with him.
    “That’s what assistants are for.” There were muscles in the arm under the jacket, taut and sculpted. He wondered what they would feel like when they were tensed and ready to receive him. “You’d be wiser to get to the palace quickly and avoid being run over by the press.”
    “I can handle the press,” she began, then stopped. “I’m going to the hotel. The dinner at the palace isn’t for hours yet.”
    “You’ve no reason to go to the hotel.” They were out the side entrance of the terminal as arranged by security and moving toward the waiting limo. “Your assistant and the members of my staff will see to the needs of your troupe.”
    “That’s all very well and good,” she began as she was forced to climb into the limo. “But I’d like to unpack myself, freshen up. I’m sure whatever we have to discuss can wait a few hours.”
    “Of course.” He settled back and signaled to the driver.
    “There’s no reason for you to go out of your way to take me to the hotel when I could go with the rest.”
    “You aren’t staying at the hotel. You stay at the palace. It’s been arranged.”
    “Then unarrange it.” The formality, as well as the brief moment of weakness, was gone. “I’m staying at the hotel with my people.”
    “It serves neither you nor me for you to stay at the hotel.” Calmly he pushed a button. A compact bar slid out. “Would you like a drink?”
    “No, I wouldn’t like a drink, I’d like an explanation of why I’m being kidnapped.”
    He’d forgotten she could amuse him. After pouring himself a glass of mineral water, he smiled at her. “Strong words, Eve. My father would be interested that you find our invitation to the palace tantamount to kidnapping.”
    “This has nothing to do with