Theo nodded, a small smile touching his lips though concern still lingered in his eyes. “I'll see you then,” he promised.
I watched him walk back to his friend, who was waiting at a discreet distance, then turned and made my way back toward my villa, feeling both lighter and heavier at once. Lighter for knowing I would see Theo, heavier for the knowledge that I was once again blurring the lines between us, drawing him into my personal drama in a way that was neither fair nor appropriate.
But I couldn't bring myself to regret it. Not when the thought of facing this situation alone felt so unbearable.
Back at the villa, I tried to occupy myself with mundane tasks—reading a book I'd brought but barely touched, even attempting a brief meditation session to calm my racing thoughts. Nothing worked. My mind kept circling back to the image of Helene boarding that plane, to the thought of Remy waiting for me in Dallas, to the looming specter of the anniversary celebrations that now seemed certain to be overshadowed by scandal.
Knowing Remy, he would arrive with a hastily conceived plan that addressed symptoms rather than causes, expecting me to refine his impulsive ideas into workable solutions. He would be charming, apologetic, simultaneously entitled and vulnerable in that particular way that made it impossible to refuse him.
The most alarming possibility was that he had no plan at all, that he had simply fled to America to escape the immediate consequences, leaving me to devise a strategy from scratch while simultaneous managing his emotions and the international fallout. This scenario seemed most likely, given his history.
Finally, unable to bear the confines of the villa any longer, I changed into swim trunks and made my way to the infinity pool. Perhaps physical exertion would provide the release my mind so desperately needed.
I dove into the cool water, welcoming the shock against my heated skin. For several minutes, I swam laps with single-minded focus, pushing my body until my muscles burned and my lungs screamed for air. Only then did I stop, floating on my back in the center of the pool, staring up at the vast sky.
I closed my eyes against the bright sunlight, letting the water support me as I drifted. In that moment, I allowed myself to imagine a different life, one where I wasn't Grand Duke Ricardd’Moncloud, where I was simply a man with the freedom to pursue his own happiness, to love openly… and to make mistakes without them becoming international incidents.
My decision to delay meeting Remy until tomorrow wasn't just about needing time to process. It was a small rebellion, a declaration that my own needs mattered too. For once, I would put myself first, even if only for one more day. I would see Theo this afternoon, would find comfort in his presence, would perhaps even confide in him about the situation.
And tomorrow, I would face my brother and the responsibilities that came with my title. I would help navigate this crisis, as I always did, finding a path forward that protected both the monarchy and the people who depended on its stability.
But just for today, I would allow myself to be simply Ricard, a man seeking connection with someone who saw beyond the title to the person beneath.
Chapter 16
Theo
Istood in front of my closet, fingers hovering between shirts. Not that it mattered what I wore. This wasn't a date, just a “friendly visit” with a client. Yet, that haunted look in Ricard's eyes when he'd asked to talk? Yeah, that was now living rent-free in my head.
So much for all that “professional boundaries” crap I fed myself yesterday. One word from him and I folded like a cheap lawn chair. Dr. Winters would probably have a field day with that. Twenty-four hours after promising myself professional boundaries, here I was, treating Ranch rules like they were optional toppings at a froyo place.
I settled on a simple black t-shirt and my least-worn jeans. Casual but not sloppy. I glanced at my reflection, raking a hand through my messy hair.Great job looking like you tried without trying too hard, Bennett. It's not like he's expecting you to show up looking like a TikTok thirst trap, anyway.
The apartment was eerily quiet; my roommates were either working or off enjoying the resort's amenities on their day off. Thank God for small miracles. I slipped out the door, relieved to avoid any awkward small talk about my plans.
As I headed toward Ricard's villa, my stomach did that weird flippy thing it used to do before high school presentations. The responsible part of my brain, the part that sounded suspiciously like Casey beforethe accident, kept reminding me that this was exactly how people got fired from places like The Ranch. Breaking rules, getting attached to clients, putting feelings before professionalism.
But then I remembered that look on Ricard's face when he'd mentioned his brother, and somehow, the risk seemed worth it. Some things just mattered more than rules, you know?
Don't read too much into it,I told myself.He just needs someone to talk to. Literally anyone with ears would do.
But deep down, I knew that was BS. The connection we had built had grown into something bigger than the professional bounds we were supposed to keep. I could feel it in his gaze, in his touch, every whisper of my name felt like a secret only we shared.
I knocked softly against his door, rocking back on my heels until it swung open. Ricard stood there in a simple white linen shirt and dark pants, hair slightly damp as if he'd just showered. His eyes lit up when he saw me, relief washing over his features.
“Theo,” he said quietly. “Merci d'être venu.Thank you for coming.”
“Of course,” I replied, trying to ignore the way my heart raced. “You seemed like you needed someone to talk to.”
He stepped back, gesturing for me to enter. “I did. I do.”
As I followed him into the living area, I noticed a tablet on the coffee table beside an untouched glass of bourbon, a sad reminder of whatever storm was brewing inside him.
“Can I get you something to drink?” he asked, politeness still present even in moments like this. “Water? Wine? Something stronger?”
“Water would be great,” I admitted, wiping a bead of sweat from my brow. “It’s like a furnace out there.”
He nodded and disappeared into the kitchen, perhaps hoping to gather his thoughts. I settled onto the plush cushions, trying to create some distance while a weird feeling gnawed at me.
