Page 43 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 5-8

The word grates across my skin. “I don’t get emotional.”

“You didn’t used to.” Aiden’s grip tightens on me. “You were always the levelheaded one out of the three of us. Be that man now. That’s who she needs.”

Slowly, I rein my anger back under control. Aiden’s right. Much as I want to grab the man’s hand and twist his arm while forcing him down to the ground, I don’t want to hurt Sophaya. Her parents have put her through enough dramatics to last a lifetime.

I nod. Aiden releases me, and I continue my quest, my steps slow and measured. I come up just as Sophaya turns her head toward Louis.

“I don’t think that would be appropriate.”

“What wouldn’t be appropriate?” I ask.

Louis glances over his shoulder, his eyes widening a fraction before they narrow into jealous slits. “You must be Sophaya’s fiancé.”

“I am.”

He looks me up and down with a haughty gaze before sniffing like he’s a damn cat. “I see.”

Sophaya frowns at him. “Louis.”

He turns to her, his expression softening. “Je regrette, Sophaya. My emotions got the better of me.”

I raise my champagne glass so I don’t reach out and smack that puppy dog look off his face. “You must be the ex who broke things off when things got too hard.”

“How dare you!” he snaps.

Heads swing in our direction.

“Lower your voice.” I keep my voice mild, allow a small smile as Louis glowers like a kid having a tantrum over losing his favorite toy instead of the woman he failed.

“Louis,” Sophaya interjects, “calm yourself.” She looks at me. “And don’t antagonize him.”

“I won’t so long as he keeps his hands off my fiancée.” I set my champagne glass on a passing tray and hold out my hand to Sophaya. “Dance?”

Relief sweeps over me as she takes my hand. “Excuse us, Louis. Enjoy the ball.”

I lead her onto the dance floor and take her in my arms as the orchestra plays a slow, romantic tune. Very similar to the song we danced to in Venice.

“You’re angry,” she finally says.

“Yes.” I tighten my grip on her waist. “Not with you.”

“Could have fooled me.”

“I didn’t like him touching you.”

She sighs. “I didn’t particularly care for it, either.”

“Why didn’t you tell him to get lost?”

“Louis is the son of a wealthy investor who is friends with my father and finances numerous projects for our country with very attractive interest rates. He’s been understanding about Louis’s and my breakup so far. I have no desire to test his amiability if I’m rude to his son, especially at an event where so many people are watching.”

I breathe in, then out. “I’m not stupid enough to think you won’t ever run into him. I get it. But you can’t let your ex make you uncomfortable just to finance your country’s progress.”

It’s a harsh statement but true. I’m still learning her world, still adapting to life as a royal. I can tolerate a lot. But not this. Just like the paparazzi screaming at her, this is unacceptable.

“As it so happens, Louis had just asked me to dance.” Her voice is cold. “You overheard me telling him it would be inappropriate. I may have to do some things I don’t like and work with people I’d rather not. But that’s part of my duty, just as I’m sure you’ve guarded people you don’t particularly like.”

Her words hit with lethal accuracy. The music ends, and she steps back. “Accept me and the role I serve in, Dominic. Or don’t.” She squeezes my arm and then vanishes into the sea of people.