Page 6 of Princess Broken

“Of course I am okay,” he says flatly without turning. “Bringing the security team is the best course of action. But you’re right. Concealing their weapons is wise.”

“You know that’s not what I’m talking about.” Reaching forward, I touch his arm and his strong bicep muscles flex under the soft cashmere. “Are you okay about our earlier discussion…”

“Perfectly fine.” Shifting his arms, he moves away from my touch and clasps his hands behind his back.

“Again, I’m so sorry.”

His expression softens, and he looks down into my eyes. “You have no need to apologize, Your Highness.”

I suck in a shuddering breath. He always calls me Ana when we’re alone.

“And please, rest assured that my personal feelings will have no bearing on our ongoing mutually beneficial arrangement.”

“Arrangement?”

He nods sharply. “If you wish, I will continue to feed you. I will also provide any other services you might require of me. I am now, and remain your most loyal subject. Whatever you require, I am yours.”

“Timur, you don’t mean—”

“Ana.” Leaving his hands behind his back, he shakes his head. “It was wrong of me to awaken your long dormant sexuality. Selfish on my part. And now that I have done so, I will continue to fulfill your needs until such time as you find a more suitable partner.”

“Timur…” My mouth has gone dry. But I have to admit I’m glad of his offer. I can’t imagine not having sex again—especially after feeding, something I’ve been putting off for far too long. And I certainly don’t want to feed or have sex with a stranger.

But knowing he has feelings for me, that the sex might mean more for him than it does for me… “If it’s too difficult for you, emotionally difficult I mean—”

“Your Highness.” He draws a long breath. “I am well accustomed to suppressing my needs.”

Someone knocks on the door.

“Enter,” Timur says.

Diederik opens the door, and then, standing in an exaggerated pose of attention, he salutes me. “Your Highness, I have prepared the team according to your specifications. We are prepared to escort you to the meeting.”

“Thank you.” I nod. I can’t wait to get this meeting over and done with. The sooner I can negotiate an agreement between these two vampire syndicates, the sooner I can leave DEFTA, leave Philadelphia and get on with my new life.

Excitement rushes through me. I’m excited about my role as ambassador, and I can’t wait to experience more of what the world has to offer outside the vampiric palace.

Stepping up beside me, Timur brushes my arm. “Please,” he says softly. “Don’t worry about me. Even if you never feel the same, I love you. And I will protect you. Forever.”

Chapter Three

Ana

The limousine carrying us to Baltimore is more like a bus, the passenger section accommodating our group of eleven, with the driver up front. Lights above the roadway flash through the darkened windows, and once again I wish we’d chosen to run the distance between the two cities.

I may be outside the palace, finally, but my life remains restricted, and I’m itching for more freedom.

But Diederik was vehement in his opposition, claiming he couldn’t guarantee my safety if we covered the hundred-mile distance on foot, so I conceded to taking his preferred mode of transportation, granting the head of security a win.

Timur and I sit side by side, riding backwards in the seat immediately behind the driver’s compartment, and the bodyguards line the sides and back of the padded space. They’re all carrying large cases to conceal their weapons. The ruse will fool no one.

I plan to introduce the nine guards as DEFTA executives, but I have yet to hear even one of these guards speak, so I’m not certain if I can make the Mariano delegation believe these bodyguards are part of my negotiating team and not literal soldiers.

Sitting next to me, Timur is also silent, his hands resting on his thighs, but as rigid as he seems, the other nine vampires are like stone.

I clear my throat. “It is crucial that I enter the room first.”

No one makes any indication they’ve heard me.

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