I pinch the bridge of my nose before splaying my hand out. “How can I let her be a part of my life Gabe? It’s a fucked-up mess and you know that. Apart from the fact I’ve lost five years of my memory, I still have the mystery surrounding my accident and my father and brother’s death. Added to that, I’m just about learning the ropes of Annette & Co. Along with all of this, I’m trying to figure my way to being a Duke and running the various estates and charities that now fall under my purview. And if that isn’t enough, how about the media attention she’ll get once it becomes known she’s with me? She’s Indian. How many aristocrats do we know who’ve been involved with women of color? One, two? Each of them has faced uproar from the press. What do you think they’ll do to Aaliya? The media will mercilessly strip her life apart. Every tiny detail of her life will be scrutinized, examined and discussed. It’ll be a fucking disaster.”

“Have you thought that maybe you should have told her all this and then let her decide if she wants to be a part of your life or not?”

“Fuck!” I hiss out a breath. “Let’s just accept that everything I said above is of no consequence. How about the fact that my life is in danger? I was just shot at a few days ago. What if someone harms her because they know she’s with me?”

“Then get a bodyguard to protect her as well. God knows you have the money and means to do so. For how long are you going to stop living, Damien?” Gabe yells. Then he calms down enough to ask, “Does she make you happy?”

I nod because it is true. My heart soars each time I remember the time I spent with her in Scotland, not just making love to her, but also just being with her, talking to her.

Gabe squeezes my shoulder. “I know you’ve been unhappy, Damien. You’re just soldiering on with all the challenges life has thrown your way. If being with her is the key to your happiness then perhaps she will be the one to help you unlock that forgotten part of your life. If you truly want her, don’t be a fool. Go after her, Damien and tell her everything.”

I silently ponder Gabe’s words while watching Aaliya dance with Jonathan. She looks gorgeous in the red dress she’s wearing. The dress is strappy and fits her chest in a lace up, corset style, showing the top of her breasts, hugging her waist and then flowing to her knees. Her hair is loose and falls in waves.