“Thank you for the dance, Your Highness.” She turned and walked away, her back once again on display. Except now he knew how it felt under his fingers, knew how soft it was, knew her scent and how she felt in his arms.
And he wasn’t sure he’d ever forget it.
The Second Waltz…he’d always loved it, loved dancing to it. Though it seemed joyful, it had an undercurrent of sadness, of bittersweet longing. He would always associate it with her now.
“I believe it’s our dance, Your Highness.”
He turned and saw it was Genevieve’s friend, once again with an amused smile.
He held out his hand as the next song started. “Of course. Please forgive me, I’ve forgotten your name.”
“Miss Samira Kaur,” she said as she curtsied. “My father works in the foreign affairs office, Your Highness.”
“Of course.”
As they settled into the dance, a mischievous smile lit Miss Kaur’s face. “Forgive me if this is too bold a question, but did you enjoy your dance with my dearest friend, Miss Ruffin?”
Should he be neutral or honest? He wasn’t sure why, but he got the impression that he and Miss Kaur were on the same ‘side’ when it came to Genevieve.
“I did enjoy it, quite a lot. She’s a very intriguing woman, and I’d be interested in learning more about her.”
Miss Kaur nodded. “My father is hosting a dinner party at our home for several ministers and former ministers, and Miss Ruffin is expected to be there. I believe we sent an invitation to your offices. Though you initially declined, perhaps you can find time in your schedule.”
Gabriel smiled. “Thank you for informing me. I’m sure I can fit it in.”
“I should warn you, however, that Miss Ruffin’s mother will be there as well.”
Genevieve’s voice echoed in his head:A dance with you takes me further from my goal and closer to my mother’s goal.
He nodded again, understanding. “Thank you for the…information.”
As the song was winding down, Miss Kaur pursed her lips, then seemed to come to some decision. “Gen is a good person, Your Highness,” she said suddenly.
“Oh?”
“She’s the best…theabsolutebest, most amazing person in my life. I don’t want anyone else to hurt her, or play with her feelings.”
Anyoneelse? Who had hurt her before? Another man?
He also resented the implication thathemight hurt her, or any woman for that matter. “That’s…We barely know each other.I’m not promising a future with her, but I can assure you I do not hurt women.”
“Hurt isn’t always physical. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Your Highness.”
People clapped as the song ended and she curtsied. “Thank you for the dance, Your Highness.”
“Thankyou, Miss Kaur.”
Corrado walked up as Miss Kaur turned to walk away, and she gave him a double take. Corrado was a handsome man, but had no interest in women, and no interest in anyone when he was in work mode, as he was now.
“Sir, His Majesty would like to speak with you. He’s in the Blue Room next door.”
Gabriel nodded and started walking in that direction. The ballroom had several smaller rooms nearby, for quiet meetings, a place to rest, or even for a discreet rendezvous. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t used those rooms for all three, especially the latter in his younger days.
The protection agents opened the door as he approached, and he found his father smoking while staring into a fire. Though the ballroom had been warm from the crush of people, this room was a bit chilly but not cold enough to warrant a fire for a few minutes of conversation. “How long have you been here, Father? Are you unwell? Should I call?—”
He let out another puff of smoke, then waved away the comment with his cigarette-holding hand. “I just needed a break. Some of the ministers never shut up. As if I’d ever agree to their ridiculous ideas in a ballroom.” He shook his head. “Have a seat. Would you like one?”
“No, thank you.” He’d only a smoked a few times in his life and wasn’t all that fond of it. Their mother wasn’t either and couldn’t stand the smell, but his father worked hard to keep the smell of smoke out of his clothes and brushed his teeth often.
