The Greek's Forbidden Princess. Annie West

for the snow, using two hands to make a massive snowball. ‘You may be quick, Evangelos, but you’re a much bigger target.’ This time her aim was off, catching him on the elbow as he moved, but the joy of a hit urged her on. Ignoring the pelt of snow on her shoulders and chest, she took her time with the next, catching him on the neck as he twisted away.

      * * *

      The woman was utterly glorious.

      Gone was the pale, serious Princess who’d twisted his conscience and his belly in knots last night. Instead Amelie glowed. From her bright blonde hair, escaping in loose tendrils around her face, to her incandescent smile and the vivid green of her eyes. Even with snow dripping down one cheek and wetting her hair, she was more beautiful, more vibrant than anyone he’d ever seen.

      Lambis wanted to reach out and capture the essence of her.

      He wanted to turn his back and run from her.

      And keep running.

      Because no good could come from this.

      Damn. She turned him inside out! Every time he pushed her away she sneaked under his guard. And she didn’t have a clue she did it. She brimmed with a joy that was artless and contagious. He could almost feel his lips twitch in response and—

      Ice exploded on his face. Lambis brushed it off and shook his head, shaking snow crystals from his hair. That was when he noticed Sébastien, tucked up against the corner of the house, watching. His features were as blank and unsmiling as before. But Lambis saw his eyes looked different...engaged.

      Memory stirred, of that same little boy skipping along beside him in St Galla, chattering about everything and nothing, asking so many questions his head spun, laughing at some absurd rhyming game he’d made up.