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‘Nathan said you were proud and independent,’ Antonio said gently. ‘Which is a good thing. But your brother was part of my team. My friend. And, despite what you must think, my team are like family to me. If I can help to make life easier, Miss Phillips, please let me know. Nathan wouldn’t have wanted you to struggle.’
He was offering her a financial handout? She kept her temper with difficulty and said politely, ‘Thank you, Your Royal Highness, but we’re managing just fine as we are.’
‘I didn’t intend to offend you,’ he said. ‘Just...’ For a moment, he looked racked with guilt. ‘I couldn’t do anything to save your brother.’
‘It wasn’t your fault that he was killed. And Nathan knew the risks of the job before he signed up for it.’ She knew her brother had wanted to follow in their father’s footsteps.
‘I know. But it doesn’t stop me missing him.’
Then he looked shocked, as if he hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
And again that bleakness was back in his eyes for a moment before he managed to hide it again.
Prince Antonio, despite his privileged upbringing, seemed lonely, deep inside. Right now she’d been given a glimpse of the man behind the cool, collected mask. And she could almost hear her brother’s voice echoing in her head: He could do with a hug.
Which would be way outside official protocol. Then again, some things were more important than protocol. So Tia put her mug on the coffee table, walked over to Prince Antonio, put his mug on the coffee table next to hers, and wrapped her arms around him.
For a long, long time, he just stood there, unmoving; but then, just as she was about to apologise and take a step backwards, he wrapped his arms around her and held her back, warm and comforting.
She really, really had intended it as comfort. Just comfort. Sharing their grief.
But one of them—she wasn’t sure which of them—moved, and his cheek was pressed against hers. Her skin tingled where it touched his. Another tiny movement—hers? His?—and the corners of their mouths were touching.
The tingle spread.
Another infinitesimally small shift, and then his mouth was brushing against hers.
She shouldn’t be doing this.
He was a prince and she was a waitress. Their lives were so far apart, it was untrue. Neither of them was in a position to start any kind of relationship. He had official duties and she was busy working and looking after her mother. Nothing could possibly come of this.
But the temptation to take comfort from him and to comfort him in turn was so strong.
Maybe this was something they both needed. Just for one night. No strings.
Because, just as Antonio had shown no emotion when he’d come to tell them the news about Nathan, Tia had locked her own tears away because she’d needed to be strong for her mother.
When he broke the kiss and looked into her eyes, she could see the tears glittering there, the emotion he was trying so hard to repress.
Maybe tonight they could cry together. Find a release together. Comfort each other. Heal each other.
Just for tonight.
‘Stay with me, Tia?’ he whispered.
Common sense said that she should leave. She was due at work tomorrow morning. And there was her mother to think about.
But Becky was only next door if she was needed. Tia could drink coffee tomorrow rather than tea to get her through her shift. Right now, Antonio needed her—and she needed him.
She laid her palm against his cheek. ‘Yes.’
He kissed her again, scooped her into his arms and carried her to his bed.
