Page 122 of Duty and Desire

“With respect—Nick—no, you don’t. What you need to do right now is come with me.”

I frowned. “And where would you take me? Back to Bora-Bora? I think we both know that isn’t going to happen.”

He crouched in front of me. “I was thinking more of the train station.”

I blinked. “And why there?”

“Because the first train to Zurich doesn’t leave for anotherforty minutes, which meanssomeonewe know is waiting on a platform right now. And how do I know this? Because I took him there.” He stood. “So how about I drive you there ASAP?”

I was on my feet in a heartbeat.

“Why are you standing there? Let’s go!”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

June 6

Gio

Ikept glancing at my phone, checking for messages.

He must have read it by now.

And if he had, and there were no messages from him, that could mean one thing.

Nick knew I was right, and he was letting me go.

That was what I wanted, right?

That was what I’d written, after all.

Then why did my chest ache like a bastard, and my eyes feel as though I was fighting back tears with every passing minute?

I was already rethinking the letter. Did I have the right to make that decision for Nick? Should I have waited and shared my feelings with him, instead of cutting and running?

Too late now.

I glanced at the screen a few feet away. My train was due in about ten minutes.

I guess we ran out of time.

“Excuse me, sir.” A station official stood in front of me. “You’re waiting for the Zurich train?” I nodded, and he extended a hand. “Could I see your identification, please?”

“You want to see my ID, not my ticket?”

He flashed a polite smile. “Yes, please.”

I reached into the inside pocket of my jacket and handed him my passport. He opened it, perused it for a moment, then gave it back. “Could I ask you to step into the station master’s office for a moment?”

I blinked. “Now? But my train will be here at any minute.” I replaced it in my pocket.

“I’m afraid I must insist.”

With a heavy sigh, I picked up my bags and followed him along the busy platform. It was only then I noticed there was an atmosphere, a buzz in the air, excited chatter and rumbles of conversation.

Obviously something was going on.

Of course there is, you idiot. They’ve just found out their king is gay.

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