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Tristan lifted Macey to her feet and stood next to her. “You did amazing.”
She couldn’t resist looking at Ray. He looked like … a storm cloud.
“Amazing,” he repeated, quickly schooling his features. “Jensen had some information about … an issue at the university that I need to deal with. Can you get T safely back to his room?” he asked Macey, smiling as if he were teasing her.
“For sure. I can best the general in a fight. I’m sure there isn’t a threat out there as tough as you.”
His smile became genuine. “You can best me,” he said in a soft, husky voice that pulsed warmth through her.
“Ray …” Tristan’s voice was almost pleading.
Ray looked at his brother, and something passed between them. Then he shook his head sharply and murmured, “Good night,” before striding off.
She and Tristan both watched him go. They thanked James and then walked out of the library. Macey didn’t even want to explore the shelves or find a book. She wanted to chase Ray.
She’d go back to her room and study her scriptures, pray for guidance, and also in gratitude that she had gotten through the talk show. Hopefully she could sleep. Getting a good night’s rest was the best thing she could do.
“Do you care if we take the elevator?” Tristan asked. “I’m … drained.”
He looked it. Gone was the charming, handsome, self-assured crown prince of a few moments ago.
“Sure.”
They walked slowly to the far end of the hall, Tristan’s footsteps and Macey’s heels tapping on the granite floor the only sounds.
The elevator was waiting. He gestured her inside. The doors closed, and he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes.
Macey studied her fake fiancé. “You all right?”
His eyes opened, and their blue was piercing. “Can you do something for me, Macey?”
“Sure.” Her mission was to protect and help this man, but nervousness spread through her. She hoped his request wasn’t anything too personal.
“Don’t give up on Ray.”
Her heart thudded out of control. She didn’t see how she and Ray would ever be together. He’d told the world tonight he’d never make a play for her. Those words felt like a vow, a promise to keep Ray out of her reach. Forever.
“I …”
“I was in love.” T’s eyes got a faraway look in them. “I lost her and stupidly didn’t chase after her. Don’t make my same mistake.”
Jennifer Shule? It had to be.
“You don’t have to admit you love him,” T continued.
Love?
“But this too shall pass. Right? Someday, you and Ray will have caught Mum’s murderer, I won’t be getting death threats, and then you and Ray will be free. Free to love each other.”
The elevator stopped, and the doors opened. Macey started to step out, not sure how to respond, but Tristan caught her arm. “Please. Ray is the best man, and he gives so much, thinks he has to work himself into the ground and do it all, be everything for everybody. He deserves a beautiful angel like you. Please give him a chance when the time is right.”
She met Tristan’s blue eyes, so like his brother’s but not his brother’s.
“I don’t know, T,” she whispered, then gestured around. “This isn’t my life. I don’t know that I’d fit here.” She was lying and hoped Tristan couldn’t see that. She’d imagined she’d never fit here, but she truly loved this light-filled castle and this family, especially Ray.
Tristan gave her a perceptive stare, and she started making up better excuses in her head. She couldn’t commit to giving Ray a chance when all that was in store for her was heartache.
“Do you want to come read scriptures and pray with Kiera before bed?”
