Jennifer Faye - The Prince's Christmas Vow

“No—” Zoe bit back her next words, but it was too late. Demetrius’s brows had lifted at her sudden outburst.

“I mean, we have an agreement in writing.”

“And you didn’t think that I would leave myself a loophole—a way out if the need arose?”

Who was this man? And what had happened to the laid-back Demetrius?

Her gut told her to get out now. That she was getting in far too deep with a man who still had a hold on her heart.

To complicate matters further, she had no job to return to. She’d already resigned from her position as interior designer for the island’s most prominent furniture store. And most importantly this job paid well—well enough to pay her mother’s bills.

Zoe was stuck.

“You still haven’t answered my question. Why did you hire me?” She watched him carefully, not sure what sort of reaction to expect.

“I wanted the best for this job. And you are the best on the island.”

Was he serious? He thought she was the best? A warmth swirled in her chest and rose to warm her cheeks. Their gazes connected and held. Her heart thudded harder, faster. She refused to acknowledge that his words meant anything to her. She was over him. Past him.

“So you just expect us to work together like … like nothing ever happened?”

The Prince’s

Christmas Vow

Jennifer Faye

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Award-winning author JENNIFER FAYEpens fun, heartwarming romances. Jennifer has won the RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award, is a Top Pick author and has been nominated for numerous awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her patient husband, one amazing daughter—the other remarkable daughter is off chasing her own dreams—and two spoiled cats. She’d love to hear from you via her website: www.jenniferfaye.com.

To my readers …

I am so blessed to have the most amazing readers, some who have become dear friends.

I greatly appreciate your friendly notes, unfailing support and daily company on social media.

Thank you.

You all are amazing!

Contents

Cover

Introduction Demetrius crossed his muscular arms. “Perhaps hiring you was a mistake—” “No—” Zoe bit back her next words, but it was too late. Demetrius’s brows had lifted at her sudden outburst. “I mean, we have an agreement in writing.” “And you didn’t think that I would leave myself a loophole—a way out if the need arose?” Who was this man? And what had happened to the laid-back Demetrius? Her gut told her to get out now. That she was getting in far too deep with a man who still had a hold on her heart. To complicate matters further, she had no job to return to. She’d already resigned from her position as interior designer for the island’s most prominent furniture store. And most importantly this job paid well—well enough to pay her mother’s bills. Zoe was stuck. “You still haven’t answered my question. Why did you hire me?” She watched him carefully, not sure what sort of reaction to expect. “I wanted the best for this job. And you are the best on the island.” Was he serious? He thought she was the best? A warmth swirled in her chest and rose to warm her cheeks. Their gazes connected and held. Her heart thudded harder, faster. She refused to acknowledge that his words meant anything to her. She was over him. Past him. “So you just expect us to work together like … like nothing ever happened?”

Title Page The Prince’s Christmas Vow Jennifer Faye www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author Award-winning author JENNIFER FAYE pens fun, heartwarming romances. Jennifer has won the RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award, is a Top Pick author and has been nominated for numerous awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her patient husband, one amazing daughter—the other remarkable daughter is off chasing her own dreams—and two spoiled cats. She’d love to hear from you via her website: www.jenniferfaye.com .

Dedication To my readers … I am so blessed to have the most amazing readers, some who have become dear friends. I greatly appreciate your friendly notes, unfailing support and daily company on social media. Thank you. You all are amazing!

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

EPILOGUE

Extract

Copyright

CHAPTER ONE

THE PLAN WAS in motion.

Though suddenly, it didn’t sound like such a good idea.

Demetrius Castanavo, the Crown Prince of the Mirraccino Islands, shrugged off the worrisome feeling as he stepped out of the air-conditioned black limousine. Nothing was going to go wrong. He glanced at the clear blue sky, appreciating this last bit of good weather before it cooled down in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Demetrius buttoned his charcoal-gray suit jacket, gave each sleeve a tug and then straightened his shoulders. Today he must look his best. It was imperative.

A bright camera flash momentarily blinded him.

He blinked, regaining his focus. The media coverage had begun. He restrained a sigh. Instead he lifted his chin and forced his lips into a well-practiced smile.

Demetrius, the royal playboy, was no more. His days of nonchalance and bucking the system were over. Now he was intent on becoming a proper and worthy heir to the Mirraccino throne. It was, after all, his birthright—whether he desired it or not.

And now he was about to participate in a very important interview that would help shape his new, improved public image—one he hoped would sway the residents of the Mirraccino nation to support his inevitable rise to the throne.

His gaze settled on an impressive set of steps that led to a historic mansion. At the top was an expansive landing with large, white columns amid the backdrop of blue shuttered windows. The place was a timeless beauty. He was glad they were going to save this building by revitalizing it.

There was just one snag in his well-thought-out plan—Zoe.

His estranged wife.

But that situation would be resolved soon—very soon.

The head of his security detail leaned in close and whispered, “The reporter is waiting for you on the landing, Your Royal Highness.”

Demetrius shoved the disturbing thoughts of his estranged wife to the back of his mind. He’d deal with her tomorrow. “Good. As soon as I meet with him, we have to get moving if we’re going to stay on schedule today.”

“Sir, the reporter, it’s a woman.”

“ Sì . I remember now.” Demetrius needed to keep his head in this game instead of wondering how Zoe would react when she saw him again.

Demetrius swiftly climbed the steps that fanned out, covering a large area while adding to the building’s charm. He’d definitely made the right decision by insisting the all-access ramp be constructed on the side of the building, readily accessible yet not losing the building’s aesthetic appeal.

His vision was to marry the building’s beauty with functionality. They were doing well with the functionality. The beauty would be Zoe’s area of expertise. And tomorrow would be her first day on the job.