Page 111 of Duty and Desire

All of it rendered her transparent.

Nick took a drink. “Is this where I remind you there were male-male relationships in Greek and Roman times? So maybe such ideas aren’t as progressive as you might think.” His lips twitched. “Your brother was named after one of the most famous gay men in history—Alexander.”

Karoline stared at him. “I trust you’re not implying anything by that remark.”

I couldn’t stand in her presence a moment longer.

“Your Highness, Your Majesty, if you’ll excuse me, I think I need some air.” I bowed once more, then headed for the French doors. A footman opened it for me, and I stepped outside. I followed the path lit by solar lamps, heading for the fountain, and as far as I could get from that ballroom.

I stood by the wall, staring out at the valley below, noting the lights from street lamps and lit windows, the houses nestled in green lush surroundings. I had to wonder if the citizens of Korenz shared Karoline’s attitudes.

If they do, Nick will really have to hide his true nature.

Behind me, I caught the sound of music, the lilting melody of a waltz.

“You are far braver than I am.”

I jumped to hear Nick so close.

I turned to face him. “I had to know. And if she wants to have me thrown out of here on my ear, then so be it. But at least she’s shown you her true colors.”

He took a step closer. “Dance with me, Gio.” Gone was the stiffness of the last few hours.

This was the Nick I’d known on the island. The Nick I’d only glimpsed now and then since I’d arrived at the palace.

I blinked. “What?”

“We’re alone. We can’t be seen from the palace. And right now I need your arms around me.”

I couldn’t ignore the plea in his voice.

“So you know, I can’t waltz to save my life,” I murmured.

“I can. Just move with me.”

I shifted closer, closing the gap between us, until his scent filled my nostrils, and I could feel the warmth radiating from him. We moved together to the music, a slow, intimate dance, full of all the longing and passion I’d felt for him a lifetime ago on a tropical island.

“You weren’t kidding, were you?” I kept my voice low. “You’re a beautiful mover.” I smiled. “But then you always were, especially in bed.”

“As I recall, you had some amazing moves yourself. You took my breath away.” Nick pressed his lips to my ear. “Dancing with you like this, holding you… it reminds me of why I fell in love with you.” A pause. “And why I’mstillin love with you.”

I stopped, my hands on his cool cheeks, his gaze focused on mine. My pulse quickened.

I couldn’t help myself.

I cradled his nape, and our lips met, a soft, yielding kiss that deepened with every passing second. I poured every ounce of love I had for him into that kiss, my heart soaring to hear his low moan, to feel him hold me closer.

“Your Majesty.”

We sprang apart, my heart hammering.

Daniela Risch stood a few feet away from us. Her face could have been carved out of stone.

Nick straightened. “Did you want something, Miss Risch?”

And he thoughtIwas brave?

Her lips were a hard line. “Your Majesty, I think you may have misled me. Who exactly is this person?”

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