Page 69 of Lorenzo & Lily

“There are secret ways out of the castle. The hidden passages I showed you are just the tip of the iceberg. They run all through the castle, some even leading to exits nearby. However, even if they didn’t see us leave, they would see us when we got back, so there’s no point to leaving secretly. The press can follow us to the dock if they want to.

“Look, I wouldn’t take this meeting if I didn’t think it was important.”

“Of course it’s important. I trust your judgement.”

His body jerked, but she continued.

“I just don’t have a good feeling about it.” She was worried, but couldn’t bring herself to tell him she was.

“Neither do I, come to that.” He turned to her, and cupped her face. “You trust me?”

She sucked in a breath. Did she? She’d said it, but had she meant it? “I…yes. Yes, I suppose I do.”

His hands tightened, one delving into her hair. “Lily.”

His phone buzzed and he cursed. “I’m sorry. If things weren’t so crazy today, I’d turn it off.”

She was still breathless when she spoke. “It’s all right. I understand.”

He rested his forehead against hers. “You’re important, and you deserve my full attention. I’m sorry I’m not able to give it to you. This won’t always be the case but, unfortunately, it will be the case more often than you’d like.”

“Oh. Well, thank you for telling me.”

He squeezed her hand, then turned his attention to the phone. “Damn it.”

“What’s the matter?”

“My parents and sisters have arrived early apparently.”

She felt as though her heart stopped, then frantically started again.Oh God. Oh God.

“Here?” she croaked. “Already? I thought you said they might arrive early, but I didn’t know that meant right now.”

He frowned and put his phone away, then cupped her face again. “It will be all right. They won’t be cruel to you; I won’t let them.”

Maybe, maybe not.If he knew it all, would he still believe that?

Her voice was high-pitched and painstakingly obvious. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not. Tell my what’s wrong.”

She shook her head. His family. His parents.The king and queen. She knew this day was coming. Had known it since she’d finally gotten permission to see Lorenzo, to reach out to him.

God, what if what she and Lorenzo were building – fragile as it was – toppled over completely? What would she do? What about Liliana?

He shook her slightly. “What’s wrong, Lily? Tell me.”

She swallowed and took a deep breath. “Nothing. I’m just tired.”

“You’re not tired. You think I don’t recognize anxiety when I see it? I’ve seen it in the mirror often enough to know. Do you feel up to meeting my family right now?”

No!She instantly shook her head.

“What about at dinner tonight?”

No!She took another deep breath. She’d have to face this eventually. She’d known it. If she wanted her and Lorenzo’s relationship to grow, she had to grow up and face this.

“Tonight?” he asked again.

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