“Of course it does. I want to make people happy, not hurt them.”
He studied her expression again, seeing the strain in her eyes this time. “No one is perfect.”
She shook her head in disgust. “I’m well aware of that.”
Silence hung heavy between them again.
She spoke first. “Sorry. It’s been a tough week.”
“Tell me about it.” He couldn’t remember the last time he’d said those words—to anyone.
This time he saw an uncertainty and yearning in her that mirrored the state of his own soul. “Ever look at yourself in the mirror and not like what you see?”
“Every damn day,” he said in a low tone.
She looked at his scar, and a flush spread across her cheeks. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. That was completely insensitive of me—”
He reached across the table and put his hand over one of hers. “No, it wasn’t—”
“Yes, it was. That’s what I’m talking about. I pride myself on being able to sense what people need, but this week I feel like I’m stumbling blind. What I said was thoughtless, and I apologize.”
He gave her hand a squeeze. Now that it was in his, he didn’t want to let it go. “I don’t accept.”
Her eyes darkened. “You don’t?”
“No.” Okay, so it probably wasn’t fair to take advantage of what she’d admitted, but he wanted to see her again. “The only way I’ll feel better is if you agree to go to dinner with me.”
Her gaze skirted away. “Like a date?”
A smile tugged at his lips. “Exactly like that.”
“Oh, I don’t know.”
Disappointment welled within him. His hand went to his cheek. He’d deliberately sought to make himself unattractive. Still, a part of him had hoped she could see past the superficial. He was tempted to rip the scar off and confess the truth, but that would change everything. Instead, he sat back and told himself to calm the fuck down. “I understand.”
She leaned forward and touched his arm gently. “I don’t think you do. Before I say yes or no, could you answer a question for me?”
“Yes,” he said in a tight voice. Did she know?
“Why wouldn’t you see a play with me?”
Now there was something he could be honest about. “Acting was my passion when I was younger, then . . .” Her lips pursed in that adorable fashion that made him forget what he was saying. She raised her hand as if she might touch his scar, and he yanked his face back.
“Is it painful?” she asked, a husky tone inflecting her words.
“Not physically. I’m more messed up on the inside.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You didn’t do it.” He squared his shoulders. “Instead of dinner, do you have plans for this morning?”
“Yes. I need to find a new client if I have any intention of paying my rent.”
“How much are you short?” He didn’t want to bring money into their relationship, but he didn’t like the idea of her struggling, either.
She waved hand. “Only a hundred dollars. I’m not worried.”
“That’s about how much you paid for the balloons the other day.”
She smiled, and it transformed her face. “It was worth it.”
“If you need—”
“I don’t, but thank you.” This time when she touched his arm briefly, his heart did a somersault. She stood and began to gather the clutter from the table. “It was nice seeing you.”
Shit, she was leaving. He was on his feet in an instant, blocking her retreat. “Let me help you.”
“I’m fine,” she said, misunderstanding his offer, while she gathered the last of her trash.
“I know a lot of people. Some have plants.” Reggie could arrange something without anyone ever knowing.
“Oh. Thanks, but I don’t think so.”
“Why?”
The corner of her mouth twisted in a half smile. “It’s complicated.”
Not really. Not for me anymore. I don’t want our time together to end yet. “Are you married?”
“No,” she said, sounding shocked.
“Engaged?”
“Not even close.”
“Then it’s not complicated at all. Say yes.”
She looked uncertain. “I usually work alone.”
“I’ll be as quiet as a mouse.”
“What I do is important to me.”
“Understood.” He was well versed in negotiations. This wasn’t a refusal—she was clarifying her terms. “I’m genuinely interested.”
Her chest rose and fell as she took a few deep breaths. “I couldn’t handle another person doubting me right now.”
“I wouldn’t do that to you.” Again. He hated that he’d made fun of her profession the first time they’d met. He’d never been anyone’s hero, but she brought out a protective side of him. In a way she reminded him of who he might have been, had no one opened his eyes to the reality of human nature.
She seemed to sense his inner battle. “I’d love to say yes.”
Never had he wanted to kiss a woman more than he did in that moment, but she looked upset again. “Then say it.”
“I don’t know. I’m not usually indecisive. Everything is normally clear to me, but this week—with you—”
He cupped her cheek with one hand. “What would you say if I told you it’s the exact opposite for me? When I’m around you, I feel like a shipwrecked man who has just spotted a boat on the horizon.”
“That sounds good.” She let out a shaky breath that warmed his lips.
“It is.”
Her gaze searched his. “Only one person in the whole world knows what I do. If I let you in, you have to swear to keep my secret.”
“You have my word.” Lost in her eyes, he would have promised her anything.
She stepped back and picked up her purse. “Okay, then, let’s go find my next client.”
Chapter Four
Delinda Westerly accepted the hand King Tadeas offered her as she stepped out of a Rolls-Royce in front of her grandson’s estate. Michael, her driver and butler, closed the door behind them. Delinda sighed. “Do you think Eric is here? If not, I’m not looking forward to this visit. I have never in my entire life met anyone so frustrating to converse with as Reggie.”
“I like him,” Michael said.
Delinda narrowed her eyes at him, then steadied herself on the arm the king held out to her. “What about you?”
“I’ll admit he’s an acquired taste, but he did save your granddaughter’s life,” Tadeas said in a tone as neutral as Michael’s.
“Yes, he did.” She shuddered, not wanting to remember the day she’d almost lost Rachelle to a madman and his son. “Eric lets him run his establishment as if it’s his. How do we know he’s not stealing from Eric?”
“We don’t,” Tadeas parried, stepping forward and guiding her along with him. “He did, however, refuse the substantial bribe you offered him. He also fell asleep at the last gala we took him to. He’s certainly not a social climber.”
Delinda shook her head in frustration. “With the prime minister in attendance. It was mortifying.”
Michael trotted up beside her. “Or refreshing. He’s not intimidated by anyone.”
“I doubt he’s intelligent enough to realize he should be,” Delinda snapped.
“Now, now, Del, your anger is misplaced,” Tadeas said.
His words cut through Delinda’s defenses, and her shoulders shook beneath her jacket. “It breaks my heart that Eric won’t see me.”
Tadeas placed his hand over hers on his arm. “I know.”
“We used to be close. Why didn’t he turn to me when he needed help?” She raised her head and blinked back tears. “I don’t care what I have to do to keep him safe. I won’t lose him the way I lost Oliver.”
Tadeas leaned across and kissed Delinda’s temple. “No one should go through what you did. I cannot imagine the pain that must still be in your hea
rt, but Eric is not Oliver. Don’t let your fears cloud that.”
“My fears are justified,” Delinda answered tersely, even though she wanted nothing more than to lean on the man who had taken up residence in London simply because she was there. “If Rachelle hadn’t come to find him . . . if Eric had continued to take that drug—”
“But she did find him, and he went to rehab, Del. He’s going to be okay,” Tadeas said.
“Is he? Then why is he hiding in some awful neighborhood pretending to be someone else? Doesn’t that sound like someone who requires another intervention?” Delinda turned and faced Tadeas. “I’ll stop if you look me in the eye and tell me you’re certain Eric doesn’t need my help.”
The king’s confidence wavered. “I cannot.”
Delinda squared her shoulders and walked away from her two companions. Tadeas fell into step on one side, Michael on the other.
Michael cleared his throat. “Are we here because Miss Revere wouldn’t meet you?”
“Miss Revere?” Tadeas repeated her name slowly. “Who is she?”
Delinda didn’t explain herself as a rule, but Tadeas didn’t ask questions merely out of curiosity. He cared. “Sage Revere. She comes from a horrible family and has attached herself to Eric. My sources tell me—”
“Sources? Are you having Eric watched?” King Tadeas took hold of one of Delinda’s arms and pulled her to a halt. “Did you not learn your lesson with Rachelle? You’ll drive him away if you hold on too tightly.”
Delinda looked down at his hand on her, then met his gaze with fire in her eyes. “The same could be said to you. Kindly remove your hand.”
“I’ll meet you both back at the car,” Michael said as he beat a hasty retreat.
Tadeas rose to his full height but did not release her. “I know you are acting out of love, but that doesn’t mean you can disregard how others feel. Stop. Let Eric find his own way.”
“You speak as if you haven’t shaped your son’s entire life. You dare to tell me how to behave with my own family?”
“I do,” the king said in a low growl that sent a flush to Delinda’s cheeks. Tadeas was still a handsome devil, far too accustomed to getting his own way. “But only because it would please me to see all of your grandchildren at our wedding.”
Delinda flushed. “I’ve told you—I’m too old and too busy to marry again.”
“Then we shall have a long, torrid affair. Either way, Delinda, your place is at my side”—he lowered his voice—“and in my bed.”
Flustered, Delinda flipped her head. “You’re shameless,” she said.
“And you’re gorgeous.” Tadeas pulled her into his embrace with the skill and strength of a much younger suitor. His lips brushed over hers, sending warmth flooding through her.
Delinda raised a hand to caress his cheek as he continued to kiss her. She still wore the wedding band Oliver had given her, and wanting another man felt like a betrayal, but she’d been alone for decades. Only recently had she realized how much of herself she’d buried with her deceased husband.
Tadeas raised his head. “You’re not alone, Del. Not anymore.” He raised a hand and wiped a tear from her cheek she hadn’t realized she’d shed. “And I’ll take you in my life on your terms, but I won’t stand quiet when we disagree. I care for you too much to do that.”
She sniffed delicately and smiled ruefully. She would have been disappointed if he did, but she wasn’t about to tell him so. “I suppose a certain attitude must be expected when dating a royal.”
Tadeas laughed heartily. “Oh, my dear. You may not be a queen by blood, but you could go toe to toe with any royal I’ve ever met.”
“A compliment, I’m sure,” Delinda said while arching one eyebrow at him.
He laughed again. “Of course. You’ve brought joy back to my life. I want nothing less for you.”
After decades alone, her heart was well fortressed, but Tadeas had laid siege to it. She already found herself looking forward to their time together each day. He was a friend who wanted more. Until him, she had thought that part of her life was over. The idea of it starting again was both terrifying and exciting. So instead of facing it, she focused on her other concerns. “I’m worried about Eric, Tadeas. Really worried. I don’t like this woman. He needs someone stable, someone strong. I’ve looked into her, and there isn’t anything about her lifestyle I approve of. She’s rebellious and flighty. She’s a charlatan. She targets people with money and fleeces them. That’s how she supports herself. Does she sound like someone Eric needs?”
“No, but perhaps she is more than she appears.”
“I was willing to give her a chance. I asked her to meet with me, but she refused the invitation.”
Tadeas looked as if he were holding back a smile. “Did she? Well, then, we should string her up.”
“Sarcasm is rarely helpful.”
“Is this better?” Tadeas claimed her lips once more, and she was twenty again, feeling desire for the first time. She clung to him, knowing from experience that such moments were to be savored.
From just beside them, Reggie said, “King Tadeas, normally I wouldn’t interrupt lovebirds, but my kids are home today, and it’s hard enough to explain the shit they see on YouTube.”
Delinda jumped back from Tadeas. “There most certainly is nothing to explain.”
Maintaining one arm around Delinda’s waist, Tadeas shook Reggie’s hand. “Good to see you again.”
“Is it?” Although Reggie towered over both of them, he made a pained face. “She scares me a little bit.”
“I should,” Delinda said, straightening her back despite Tadeas’s hand.
Tadeas clucked in reprimand. “We’re here because we’re worried about Eric. Have you seen him recently?”
Reggie gave them both a blank stare that would have frustrated any cross-examiner. Delinda wanted to reach out and shake him, but she settled for glaring at him instead. He refused to answer any questions regarding her grandson—as if she were the one Eric required protection from. Was he so dim-witted that he didn’t realize she already knew everything?
“He’s spending time with a woman of dubious character, and I’m concerned.” Delinda decided to lay her cards on the table and see if that would shake any information out of him.
“Is he? Good for him,” Reggie replied.
Losing patience, Delinda leaned forward and growled, “Could you at least pretend you care what happens to my grandson?”
“Del—” Tadeas started to say.
“I don’t know anything about a woman,” Reggie said, cutting the king off. “But I don’t have to pretend anything. I don’t work for you. I don’t even like you.” He shrugged like a child would. “Sorry.”
Delinda tensed and turned to Tadeas. “Do you see how he speaks to me?”
Tadeas looked from her to Reggie. “Careful, Reggie. I respect your loyalty to Eric, but she’s his family.”
Reggie rocked back onto his heels as if doing so helped him absorb that reminder. He directed his answer to Delinda. “You’re not the only one who cares about him. I’ve tried being nice to you, but maybe you need to hear this—he doesn’t want to see you. He doesn’t want you involved in his life right now. When he changes his mind, I’ll be the first one to open the door, but for now he wants to figure things out on his own—without you.”
Delinda snapped, “Who do you think you are?”
Reggie folded his arms across his chest. “I’m the one he’s not hiding from.”
She gasped.
Tadeas pulled her closer to his side. “This isn’t helping anyone.”
Undeterred, Delinda snarled at Reggie, “I only want the best for him.”
“Then give him time,” Reggie said quietly before turning and walking away.
“That man—” Delinda started.
“Is a good friend to Eric. Come on, Del, let’s go home.”
Shaking with emotion, Delinda said, “I can’t stand by and do nothing.”
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Tadeas began to guide her back to the car. “Sometimes you have to. We’re here if Eric needs us.”
When they arrived back at the car, Michael ushered them inside. Before getting in, Delinda searched Tadeas’s face. “We? Don’t you have a country to run?”
“Magnus can handle my duties,” he answered.
Doubt bubbled within Delinda, then burst out. “I don’t know if I can wait for Eric to come to me.”
“You will do what’s right. You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever known.” He kissed her again, briefly, then said, “I believe I understand some of Eric’s struggle. I’ve spent much of my life surrounded by people who bowed to me. I was more king than man to them. My role had become my identity. I see Eric as someone who is searching for his purpose. What is a man without one? When I realized Magnus was old enough to take over my royal duties, I began to wonder who I was. My journey felt over—then you demanded I meet you for tea. Demanded. You opened my eyes to how much more I could do. It was the proverbial kick in the pants I required. I don’t know how long I have left on this earth, but I know how I want to spend the remainder of my time—with you.”
“You, sir, are quite the charmer.” Delinda chuckled and gave his hand a pat.
He laced his fingers with hers. “Only with you.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
Delinda’s cheeks warmed. She felt younger and almost giddy. In an effort to keep herself grounded, she reminded herself that she was too old to fall in love. It was a battle she was slowly losing, though. “I can’t let this woman derail Eric.”
Tadeas sighed. “Delinda, has anyone ever told you that you are an incredibly stubborn woman?”
Chin held high, she turned to look out the window of the car. “Once or twice.”
Chapter Five
“Which way are we going?” Eric asked. He didn’t care, but they had been standing on the corner for several minutes.
She hugged her purse to her side. “If you have somewhere you need to be—”
“I don’t. I’m just curious about your strategy for finding your next client.” He didn’t honestly mind if they stood there all day. Everything about her was interesting, and he delighted in having no idea where the day led.