Page 134 of Modern Romance Collection May 2024 Books 1-4

“A typo?”

“Yes, it shouldn’t have said ‘His Majesty the King.’ It should have read ‘His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.’” He looked up, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Oops.”

Confused, unsure of what to expect, overwhelmed by the memories surrounding her, she took a step back. Julius’s arm shot out, his hand grabbing her elbow. Words of protest died on her lips as he yanked her against him before sliding one arm across her back and another beneath her knees. With a small shriek, she found herself lifted into the arms of Crown Prince Julius Carvalho.

“Put me down.”

“Not until you promise not to run away.”

She groaned and closed her eyes, trying desperately to ignore how good it felt to be cradled by him once more.

“I don’t understand.”

She felt him lean in closer, felt the heat of his body. A moment later his forehead touched hers and she drew in a shuddering breath. That such a simple touch could affect her so much frightened her.

“Esmerelda. Look at me.”

She slowly opened her eyes but kept her gaze fixed over his shoulder on the Eiffel Tower.

“I can’t look at you, Julius. Not yet. I know I requested a meeting, but I thought I would have time to prepare myself.”

“Fine. Then just listen.”

Perhaps it was worse not to look at him. Because not looking at him aroused her other senses, made her more aware of the rumble of his voice in his chest, the cords of muscle in his arms as he gripped her close.

He walked with her to the glass doors. She started to protest as he walked onto the balcony, then stopped as he sat down on a lounge, still cradling her like she was a precious jewel.

“You were right.”

“Of course I was.”

She felt his smile.

“I hurt you.”

She started, but kept her gaze averted. Her heart thudded in her chest. This had been part of the risk she had accepted when she’d sent that email. Telling him what she needed, sharing her own feelings, could still result in heartbreak. But at least she would have given it her all, tried to advocate for herself instead of simply submitting or running away.

“Yes. You did.” She let out a breath. “Although I imagine I did my fair share of hurting.”

“Yes.” He pressed his cheek against her hair, a shuddering sigh whispering over her face. “I took away your choice. Again.”

Her eyes grew hot.

“Yes. But I—”

“Let me apologize, Esmerelda. Then you can have your turn to grovel.”

She faced him then, lightly punched his shoulder. “Who said I’m going to grovel?”

“Call it intuition.” His smile disappeared as his eyes darkened with regret. “I wanted you so badly, Esmerelda. I knew I could make it work, so I did. I thought you wanted me, too.”

“I—”

He kissed her then, a smoldering kiss she felt all the way to her toes.

“Whether you did or not, I assumed. I made plans for you. I’ve been leading for so long I did what I always do. Make plans, execute them. When you didn’t jump at the chance to wear the ring, I took it as you rejecting what I had offered. A monumental offer, given my predilection of avoiding emotion. But,” he said as he kissed the tip of her nose, “I was still holding back. I told myself I was risking enough. Giving enough.”

She swallowed hard. “It wasn’t fair of me to push for so much so soon. That doesn’t mean,” she said quickly as he opened his mouth to interject, “I don’t deserve it. But you did offer me a great deal, Julius, and I let my own past get the better of me instead of giving it some time or having a conversation. I tried to be independent instead of listening to my own heart. I asked questions, but I didn’t tell you what I needed from you, what I could bring to throne.” She lowered her head. “You were right. I did run away.”

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