Page 51 of The Reluctant Wife

"No matter," Ryot growls. "Don’t come closer. Not until I’ve checked out your background."

"Don't be ridiculous; I’m her fiancé."

25

Ryot

"Fiancé?" I look the man up and down. He’s shorter than me, and skinny. Pale skin. Blonde hair which is beginning to stick to his forehead because of the rain.

He’s wearing a suit which, while an expensive cut, hangs on him. He has the gangly look of a boy who has left his teenage years behind in chronology, but his body has yet to catch up with that reality.

Also, the look on his face is one of anger and confusion. And while I recognize the aggravated expression of self-importance in his eyes, there’s no hint that he’s lying. I sense her agitation by my side, and when I glance at her face, she’s looking up at me. In her blue eyes, there’s helplessness and guilt.Jesus."You’re engaged?" I growl.

Before she can reply, the other man bursts out, "Yes, we are." He looks between us. "Who’re you?"

I ignore him and stare into her eyes. She doesn't refute what he said, and she doesn't answer my question. But she doesn’tneed to. The remorse in her eyes is all the answer I need.She didn’t tell me she was engaged. Of course, she didn’t need to. We fucked. Once.

She doesn’t owe me anything. So, why does it feel like she deceived me? And why wasn’t this information in her file? More to the point, was I beginning to see a future with her?

Nope, not possible. I know I was developing feelings for her, and yes, she gave me her virginity. And perhaps, the fact I was her first made me certain that what we have meant something to her too, but I guess I was wrong.

"I can explain." She reaches for me, but I take a step away from her like I’ve been scalded.

I glare at Tyler. “Why did you bringhimhere?”

His forehead furrows. “He called Veronica, who reached out to the First Minister. He called me.”

He half bows his head toward the princess, “Your Royal Highness. I’m Tyler Davenport, Ryot’s brother.”

She manages a small smile and acknowledges him.

Of course, the two haven’t met. I was too pre-occupied with this latest development to introduce them.Finding out that the first woman you’re attracted to since your wife died is engaged to someone else, can do that.

I thrust out my chin in Tyler’s direction. “I warned you; the location of the safe house was not to be disclosed. Also why didn’t the First Minister callme? More importantly,” I shoot him a sharp look, “why didn’t you message me before starting out?”

His gaze is troubled. “We agreed to route all communication from the King through me, and I was to avoid messaging you to prevent any chance of a leak, remember?”

How could I have forgotten?

“The king insisted that I bring her fiancé to her, so he could accompany her back to Verenza, where he believes she will be safe." Tyler’s frown deepens.

I was worried about being distracted by her because it might compromise my ability to my job. I was right. Apparently, I’m so taken in by my feelings, I wasn’t able to do my job properly.

I take another step away from her. "My job here is done."

"Ryot,please. I can explain." She follows in my footsteps.

I ignore her. I pivot and stalk into the house. I’m done with this charade. I opened myself up for the first time since Jane, only to find I’ve been taken for a ride.

Tyler follows me in and grips my shoulder. "Wait, that’s not all."

"Whatever it is, I’m not interested," I growl.

"You will be in this. The king has insisted you accompany the princess and her, uh—fiancé."

"Not happening."

Tyler looks uncomfortable. "Arthur insisted that you go."

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