Page 19 of Reluctantly Rogue

It’s obvious Diarmuid notices the noncommitment in the answer.

“She’s very good,” Diarmuid says.

He’s clearly talking about me. I don’t love the third-person reference as if I’m not here.

“She’s exactly the kind of representative we need,” he continues. “In the past, our princesses and queens have had less presence in international affairs than the princes and kings, but the world is changing. Having her speak for us reflects well on our values and ideologies.”

“You mean, the people at the energy summit tend to be more progressive thinkers and leaders, and they’ll like knowing that while Cara might be a monarchy, it’s not run by a misogynist?” Torin asks.

“Torin,” I say, before I can bite my tongue. “That’s not fair.”

Though honestly, I need to be sure my future husband knows that I won’t be biting my tongue.

“He thinks you reflect well on our values and ideologies,” he says. “Isn’t that how that sounds to you?”

I stand, smooth the front of my dress, and turn slightly so I’m facing Torin directly.

“Idoreflect well on our values and ideologies,” I say. “I’m a product of our education system, so my superior knowledge and ability to articulate ideas and plans, not to mention my fluency in three languages, reflects well on that.

“Myvalues and beliefs about how important it is that Cara do our part to save the planet and contribute to the effort to clean it up reflect Cara’s stances, both morally and politically.

“And my charm, wit, and ability to communicate with all kinds of people reflect my upbringing within my family and yours.

“So what it sounds like to me, is that the king thinks I, a lifelong citizen of Cara and a member of his family, will be a great representative to this summit. As a person. Regardless of the fact that I’m a woman.”

Torin is staring at me.

I feel Jonah is also watching me. But while I can see surprise from Torin, I don’t get the impression Jonah is surprised.

I take a chance and glance at him.

He looks amused. And pleased. Which seems strange. And there’s something else in his expression that I don’t understand. I can’t name it.

“I think it’s time to go to your office,” he says to Torin.

“I agree.” Torin turns and stalks out of the room.

Chapter5

Jonah

* * *

Well, dammit. She's beautiful, has a good sense of humor, and is sassy as fuck.

The way she just stood up for herself in front of Torin was a fucking turn on.

That's not helpful.

I can't be turned on by my best friend’s fiancée.

Even if he doesn't want her to be his fiancée, that is not a good situation.

I follow them out of the dining room, down the hallway, up the grand staircase, and down another hallway to Torin's office. He walks slightly in front of her, which is a dick move that I will point out to him later.

We all get it. He doesn't want to marry her. He doesn’t have to be in love with her. But hedoeshave to treat her well. Torin O'Grady is not an asshole. He's actually a really great guy. But he's in a situation that makes him feel out of control by the one man who can push his buttons, making him act like a jerk.

This isn't about Linnea at all. And I think she knows that, at least on some level. But Torin has to stop acting like a jackass.

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