Page 83 of Modern Romance Collection May 2024 Books 1-4

Irritation trickled down her spine, but she kept it in check. She had conducted herself with the highest level of professionalism during her time as a guard.

Minus sleeping with the boss.

She silenced her conscience and returned his rigid expression with an impassive one of her own.

“I’m sorry, I must have misunderstood the part where you’re at my mercy.”

“If what you’re telling me is true—”

“If?”

“You must admit, telling someone they’re a prince and heir to a European nation is outlandish.”

She cocked her head to one side and gave him a sweet smile.

“As outlandish as a prince showing up on the doorstep of the palace guard they fired from their service and claiming to have forgotten their entire life? Or perhaps as preposterous as said prince catching a cargo plane to—”

“Suficiente.”

She didn’t bother suppressing her smug smirk as he ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

He held up the prepaid cell phone he’d purchased at the airport.

“I found news stories to support what you told me.”

Irritation flickered through her.

“I didn’t lie.”

“I know. Surely you can understand the need to see it with my own eyes, to catch up on...” He paused. “Well, my entire life. But,” he added, stepping closer as he slid his hands into his pockets, “one thing was missing.”

“What?”

“Any news on my engagement, the woman I’m dating, anything.”

“Given that you hadn’t dated anyone in over a year, I’m not surprised.”

“Then I’m not engaged.”

“Not yet. But you will be soon.”

“To whom?”

“You didn’t share with me. You may not have even known at the time who your fiancée was to be.”

His lips parted. “How is that possible?”

“Because ‘royal marriages are transactions for the betterment of the country.’ A direct quote from both you and your father. I’m sure a list of recommended candidates was provided to you around the time or shortly after I left. You must have traveled to London to select a ring for her.”

Jealousy coiled in her stomach, followed by shame. The woman chosen to be the future Queen of Rodina would have been someone she would have been proud to serve and protect. Up until she shirked everything she had vowed to uphold and slept with said woman’s future husband.

He turned away, giving her a moment to blink back the hot sting of tears. He reached into the bag she’d brought inside while he’d ruminated on the porch after her incredible announcement and pulled out an obsidian-colored velvet box.

“You were listed as the primary contact for the ring. Why?”

She looked away from the box and out the window to the sea.

Focus on the future. Answer his questions. Get him help. Get him out of your life once and for all.

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