“Sebastian.” He caught my hand, squeezed once, then released. “You are impossible.”
“You like that about me.”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
I glanced toward the palace, checking sight lines one more time. Still clear. Still safe. As safe as we'd ever be.
“Come here,” I said quietly.
He moved into my space, close enough that I could feel his warmth. Close enough that anyone looking closely would know this wasn't professional. But no one was looking. No one was here.
Just us and Apollo and stolen moments in a garden that smelled like roses.
I kissed him softly. Nothing desperate or demanding. Just my mouth against his, gentle pressure, the taste of him familiar and new all at once. He made a quiet sound, something between relief and want, and kissed me back with careful restraint.
His hand found my waist, held there, thumb pressing against my hip bone through layers of fabric. Grounding. Claiming. His other hand came up to cup my jaw, fingers sliding into my hair just slightly.
The kiss deepened by degrees. Still controlled. Still measured. But there was heat underneath, banked fire waiting for permission to burn.
I pulled back before we forgot where we were. Before careful became reckless.
Viktor's eyes were dark, pupils blown wide. His thumb traced my cheekbone once before dropping away.
“That was not quick,” he said, voice rough.
“Wasn't it? Felt quick to me.”
“Sebastian.”
“Viktor.” I stepped back, putting proper distance between us again. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being patient with me. For letting me have this.” I looked at him, trying to memorize this moment. “For not running when you realized how complicated this would get.”
“I am not runner.” He bent down, retrieved the tablet from where he'd set it. “And you are worth complications.”
Something in my chest cracked open. Wide and vulnerable and terrifying.
Apollo stood, shook himself, then trotted a few paces down the path before looking back at us expectantly.
“I think he's telling us to move,” I observed.
“He is smarter than both of us.” Viktor gestured toward the palace. “We should go. Before gardeners arrive and find prince and bodyguard standing too close behind hedge.”
“Can't have that. People might talk.”
“People already talk. Let us not give them evidence.”
We started walking, Apollo leading the way like he'd planned this all along. Our hands swung close but never quite touched. Professional distance maintained. Perfect performance.
Élodie appeared around the hedge, carrying a folder and looking apologetic. “Sorry to interrupt. Your father wants to see you, Sebastian. Something about this afternoon's appointments.”
“Now?”
“He said when you have a moment.” She glanced between us, and I saw understanding in her eyes. Knew she'd seen something. Known something. “But he's free now if you want to go.”
I looked at Viktor. He nodded once. “I will continue security review. Join you inside when finished.”
