The Prince's Bride by Victoria Alexander

voice.
    It was all she could do to keep from grinning like a lunatic. Teasing Rand was the most fun she’d had in days. And who would have imagined the man would be so modest? Well, it was his turn to be uncomfortable and annoyed.
    “I could, I suppose, but I too am curious about my morals. Other than that insignificant incident of meeting with the prince—”
    “The insignificant incident that got us into all this.”
    “Yes, that’s the one. Aside from that, I’ve never really confronted the question of my morals. So it seems to me this is something of a test.”
    “I have no clothes on.” He ground out the words.
    “That’s why it’s a test.” She cast him her brightest smile. “Will I look or will I close my eyes?”
    “This doesn’t bother me in the least, you know.”
    “Well, it isn’t a test of your morals, now, is it? I’ve never been in a situation like this before, whereas I have no doubt endless numbers of women have seen you without clothing.”
    “Not endless.” He huffed. “But a considerable number.”
    “And were there any, oh what’s the word I’m thinking of...” She paused thoughtfully. “I know. Complaints?”
    “None whatsoever.” He glared as if questioning her nerve to so much as suggest such a thing.
    “Then I’m confident I shall have none either.” She waved him off. “Do go on. Don’t mind me.”
    “I won’t.” He was obviously reluctant to stand up. “My clothes are in the dressing room behind that door.” He nodded toward the near wall. “Your bag is there by the wardrobe. I was up briefly yesterday and stopped the maids from unpacking. I didn’t want them to disturb you.”
    “Your thoughtfulness is most appreciated.”
    “Yes, well, I am definitely getting up now.” He didn’t move an inch.
    “Rand, may I ask you one more question?”
    “Of course.” Relief crossed his face at the reprieve.
    She widened her eyes in feigned innocence. “Who, precisely, removed my clothes?”
    He stared at her for a long moment. Slowly, he smiled with genuine admiration. “Well played, Jocelyn.” He looked like a man who had just discovered the world was not at all as he thought it was. “Very well played.”
    He chuckled, and before she could respond he was on his feet, striding across the room. Her face warmed at the sight of his nicely sculpted backside. The rest of him quite fulfilled the promise of his shoulders.
    He needn’t have worried about what she might or might not see. Within a few steps he was nothing more than a large flesh-colored blur. Did he know about her sight problem? She couldn’t remember if it had been mentioned or not but surely Thomas had told him. Still, it was of little consequence.
    He did keep his back to her and while she never would have admitted it to him, she was grateful. She wasn’t entirely sure she was ready to see a completely naked man. She wasn’t particularly ready to see a naked rear end either, but causing him this bit of discomfort was certainly worth it.
    From the moment of their first meeting he had, after all, had the upper hand, and she was quite tired of it. And tired as well of feeling as if absolutely everything in her life was totally out of her control. This was a minor victory but a victory nonetheless.
    He disappeared into the dressing room. Jocelyn slipped out of bed and winced. Every muscle in her body was stiff and sore. Gingerly she made her way toward the large brown smudge on the far wall that she hoped was the wardrobe. She found her bag at once, opened it, and pulled out a dress. This would do. She had no idea how quickly Rand would reappear and preferred to be fully clothed when he did. Then she could find a washbasin although it was more than likely in the dressing room. She threw the garment on over her head. It was a simple day dress and she could fasten it without assistance.
    She picked up the valise, brought it to the bed, and sat down to see what else her sisters had managed to fit into