Hearts on fire: A tale of love and rivalry

're in need of a refill," he said, gesturing towards the champagne bottle

ied in his presence. She held out her glass, and the pr

ned against the table, his eyes fixed on hers. "I have to say, I don't think

Diana," she said, managing to keep her voice

parkling with amusement. "No need for fo

ad ever given her permission to use his first name before. "Thank you,

a secret. "You know, I've seen you watching me all

lay it cool, despite the fact that her palms were suddenly sweaty. "I couldn't help

ty. I like that," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Most women try t

eye, but now that she had his attention, she found herself enjoying it. "I don't see the

. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?" he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Most

a touch more confident now. "You say that like it's

" he said. He leaned a little closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "You kn

ou?" she asked, leaning in slightly as well. "Are you u

lips. "I suppose I am," he admitted. "But most of it is insincere, j

s threw themselves at him, trying to win his attention with every trick in the book. It must be e

he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It comes with the territory, being the prince

admirers from the ones who just want something from you," she said. Her eyes flicked over to wh

hing and fluttering her eyelashes at the men around her. "Yes, it can be...challenging,"

well. "She's my step-sister and she has always been like that," she said, a hint of bitterness in

nt. "It's not her fault, you know," he said, his voice gentler now. "From the lo

and charm were currency, and she was simply playing the game the only way she knew how

y. "It's natural to be jealous, you know," he said, his voice gentle. "She's beauti

asked, her voice barely above a whisper. No one had ever spoken to he

er spine. "I do," he said, almost fiercely. "You've got your own kind o