Page 45 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 5-8

“Thank you. I owe you an apology as well.”

“Oh?”

“You needn’t sound so smug about it.”

His gravelly chuckle drifts on the breeze. “Now I’m intrigued.”

“I should have pulled away when Louis touched me.”

There’s a beat of silence. “Why didn’t you?”

“Because people were watching.” I sigh. “People are always watching what I do now. Like you said back in Venice, I need to do better at standing up for myself, at saying no. I was afraid if I stepped away, it would cause a scene.”

“And then I came along and did exactly what you were trying to avoid.”

“Given what he said—”

“What did he say?”

A shiver creeps down my spine. The amusement is gone, replaced by frigid ice.

“It’s not that big of a deal—”

“Big enough for you to mention it. Now tell me what he said, or I will come and break down your door.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.”

I know he’s serious. And I know that’s exactly what he did on a regular basis in his work for the Rangers.

“He told me that letting me go was a mistake. That it wasn’t too late for us.”

Dominic is quiet. Too quiet.

“If you’re plotting how to kill him, you can stop right now.”

“You’ve gotten to know me very well, Princess.”

“Dominic—”

“I won’t kill him. Or maim him or blackmail him or harm him in any way.” He sighs. “I think I prefer the princess who snuck out of her hotel and infiltrated a masquerade. She would have at least allowed me to conduct some light torture.”

He’s teasing, but the words stab me right in the chest.

“So do I.”

“Sophaya—”

“No. It’s not what you said, Dominic. It’s just… I’m not used to this. I had so much freedom before. I used to want my parents to pay me more attention, to have more of an interest in my life, and now that everyone does, I feel so trapped.” I let out a weak laugh. “I understand why you feel the way you do. Being under a microscope, having people dig into every element of your personal life. I’ll understand if you change your mind and decide you don’t want to be a part of this.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

Sadness scrapes me. “But if it did—”

“It won’t.”

The finality and borderline anger in his voice has me pressing my lips together. But in that moment, I make a vow to myself. If Dominic ever tells me that this has become too much, I will let him go.