Page 62 of The Billionaire's Royal Challenge

“Was his name Stephen?”

She playfully smacked his chest and shook her head. “No. And he’s a married man, anyway. I’m no home wrecker.”

Nate stiffened at the words.

“I’m sorry, darling. I hadn’t meant to remind you of what happened with Chloe.”

Nate shook his head, squeezing her hand. “No, it’s not that…it’s just that something happened yesterday. I didn’t have a chance to tell you.”

“What?” Elena asked.

“I…ummm…I took a wrong turn on the way to dinner last night. I wound up in the hall Prince Julian was staying in, and uhhh…I saw Chloe…she was coming out of his room, kissing him.”

Elena’s eyes went wide. “What?”

“Yeah,” Nate answered. “I haven’t told anyone yet. I didn’t know what to do.”

“Oh, Nathan.” Elena shook her head at the news. “Well, you must tell someone. You cannot allow your brother to be hurt.”

“I’m not sure he’ll believe me. I think he’ll think I’m just saying it to get back at him for what happened when we were engaged.”

“What about telling your parents? Someone should know.”

“Do you think you could talk to Julian?”

She shrugged. “I could, but it would do little good. He will not change because of anything I said.”

Nate heaved a sigh as he let his head fall between his shoulder blades. “I see. I guess I’ll have to tell someone. I knew Chloe was trouble.”

“It’s a shame your brother will be hurt. But your instincts about her were correct.”

“Yeah. Stephen and I used to be close until she showed up. But I didn’t want this to happen.”

“Of course not, darling.” Elena shook her head as she caressed his cheek. “Perhaps sleep on it.”

“Yes. I think I will.” He sucked in a deep breath. “And I guess on that note, I should let you go get some sleep before your big day tomorrow.”

“I’ll wave to you from the parade.”

“I look forward to it.”

She pressed her lips against his, enjoying the warmth of his embrace before she pulled back with a smile. “See you tomorrow.”

She left his room behind, already missing him as she stepped into the hall. After only a few steps, Eric rounded the corner.

“Eric,” she said as she stopped short.

“Hello, Elena. Visiting with Nate Kingsley?”

Elena licked her lips as she considered her answer. “Yes,” she answered as she decided honesty was the best course.

Eric nodded as he pressed his lips together. “I see. I had heard a rumor that you were…interested in him despite the unofficial betrothal between us.”

“Eric…” Elena began with a long sigh, prepared to inform him of her disinterested in the arrangement and hoping to appeal to his sense of preferring his own relationship.

“Iunderstand, Elena.”

She drew her chin back, surprised he was taking it so well. Perhaps she had misjudged him.

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