Page 35 of Landen

“Drink?”He asked, moving toward the cabinet in the living room.

“White wine,please.”

Tessa stood by themantle after dropping her tote on the burgundy sofa. Her chest wastight with tension, and the need to give in tears was more than shecould bear. Handing her the glass of wine, he moved over to theopposite sofa and stood there, his glass of scotch in one hand.“Let’s hear it.”

“Hear what?”

Lifting his glass, hesipped his drink and eyed her over the rim. “What’swrong?”

“Nothing. Itold you-”

“Trying day atthe gallery, yes. I heard you the first time. Only, I don’tbelieve you. Try again.”

“I already toldyou-”

“Are you goingto make me pry it out of you?”

“How?”

“I have myways. What is it?”

“Nothing.”She closed her eyes at the determined expression on his handsome faceand knew he was not about to let it go.

“It’s myboss.”

“Has he donesomething to upset you?”

“No.”Sinking, she shoved the tote onto the carpeted floor. “He knowswho you are.”

“And that’s a problem because…”

“He was eagerto regale me with the fact that you are related to the king and spokeabout the photos you took with the princes. Oh, and the fact that youare with me, a common African American woman, is going to upset yourfamily.” She looked away from him.

“You alreadyknew who I was.” He pointed out softly. He had sensed thatsomething was off when she came to dinner and had an idea that it hadto do with his identity.

“Yes. Stupid ofme, isn’t it? Because this is just a fling. A diversion forwhen you leave this country to resume your life includes gettingmarried.”

Landen stood where hewas for a few pulsing seconds. Tossing back the rest of the drink, heknelt before her.

“Look at me,”he ordered quietly. “Please.” When she did, he took theglass of untouched wine from her and placed it on the table. Takingher hands in his, he studied the tear-brightened dark brown eyes, hisheart hammering inside his chest.

He would never wantto hurt her and had not expected to feel this way. It complicatedthings, and he had no idea how to sort it out.

“I am notgetting married.” He did not know what would happen, but heknew he could never return to life as it was, not now, not after whatthey shared.

“What?”

“It’s anarrangement.” His hands tightened on hers. “Somethingthat has been a tradition in our family for generations.”

“And you aregoing to break that tradition?” Her skeptical expression almostmade him smile.

“Absolutely.”

“Why?”She demanded. “And please don’t tell me it’sbecause of me-”

“It’sbecause of me,” he said somberly. “I cannot enter into aloveless match after this…”

“What areyou saying?” She whispered.

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