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Nolan would say he needed her.
She’d told him she needed to take things slow. Kiera’s tears confirmed that. Her need for independence confirmed that. Not knowing what role she’d take as the queen confirmed that. Being attacked by a man intent on hurting Nolan this morning confirmed that.
Her leaving wasn’t saying they were done. Her emissary mission was accomplished, and they’d figure the rest out. They only needed time.
Why, then, did it hurt so horribly?
ChapterThirteen
Nolan triedto pay attention to the material Tristan was presenting to the parks and recreation department, but his mind was with Madeline. Was she all right? Did she need him to hold her? When she said they should go slow … how slow did that mean? He’d wait for her. He knew he would. But he’d get married tomorrow if she was on board.
The door creaked slightly open. Tristan didn’t notice as he was presenting, but Nolan perked up. Especially as he glimpsed through the crack the most beloved face, emerald eyes, full lips, and the silky blonde hair.
He motioned for her to come in, but she shook her head.
Nolan gently nudged the computer until only Tristan’s face showed on the screen. Then he slid away from the desk and walked on soft feet to the door. He slipped out, closed it behind him, and he was right in her space. She blinked up at him, her emerald eyes beguiling and full of longing for him. He wrapped her up tight. Holding Madeline in his arms, nothing had ever felt so perfect. They’d only been apart since lunch, but he missed her.
She shifted, easing back and glancing up at him. Where a moment ago he’d seen longing, now her gaze seemed closed off.
“How has your afternoon been?” he asked before she could pull away. “The meetings just aren’t the same without you.”
She smiled, but her chin quivered.
“Madeline?”
She stepped back out of his arms and rushed out, “You heard Jensen caught the attacker’s boss?”
“I did hear that. Wonderful news. I can hike with you again.”
Her eyes brightened. “I also got a call from Prime Minister Carrera. My emissary mission is complete. No associations with Naomi Rindlesbacher and no evidence of other irregularities for our illustrious king.”
He couldn’t smile. “I don’t want you to go.”
“Nolan.” Her voice softened. “Chad’s waiting outside with my things. I need to go home.”
“Why?” Before she could tell him all the reasons, he held up a hand. “Stay with me. I could have guards drive you to parliament on the days you need to meet. It won’t be the same without you here.”
“Thank you, but I think we both need some space.”
She might need space from him and his responsibilities, but he definitely didn’t need it from her.
“I need to take our relationship slow.”
He was beginning to hate that word. He’d taken his dating of Anne very slow. Why, with Madeline, did he want to speed ahead? He could claim he was older and knew his own mind better but he also was desperately in love with her.
“Me leaving will help with that,” she continued. “We can date. Quietly. Tell Ray I’m sorry about the platoon of soldiers he’ll have to send for each date.”
“Madeline…” His voice was low and painful. “I’ll happily date you for a year, ten years, whatever it takes, but—”
“That’s good,” she interrupted quietly. “Because Kiera isn’t ready for us to be serious.”
“Excuse me? How do you know that? Kiera adores you. All my children do. Ray told me he approves of us getting married. He’s seen that you make me happy. And you do.”
Tears brightened her emerald eyes. “Kiera’s not ready. She was made fun of at school today.” She shook her head. “The media got ahold of us dating.”
“A lot slower than I thought they would.” But the more important issue... “Kiera was a target?”
“I don’t have all the details, but let’s not push her. She’s an incredible teenager and obviously still mourning her mum. We need to take this slow for us and for her and to resolve … a lot of things for me.”
