If he could have one wish at that moment, it would be to take her away somewhere where they could be ordinary people in ordinary times. Maybe tonight, for a few hours, they could pretend it was true.

He watched her straighten, then press her splayed hand against the small of her back.

“You promised you wouldn’t overwork yourself.”

Her hand stayed where it was, but her head shot around. He saw and recognized the relief, then the pleasure that came into her eyes. “This is what we term the pot calling the kettle black.” Her gaze swept over him with a greediness that had his fatigue vanishing. “You look tired, Alex. I thought you’d be in bed.”

“Meetings.” He stepped into the room. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be with you this evening.”

“I missed you.” Their hands met and held. “And I wasn’t going to say it, but I worried.”

“There was no need.” His other hand came up to cover hers. “I’ve been in the palace since five.”

“I wanted to ask, but …” She smiled a little and shook her head. “I guess I didn’t feel as if I should.”

“Either Bennett or Gabriella could have told you.”

“You’re here now. Have you eaten?”

“We had something in my father’s office.” He couldn’t have told her what. He couldn’t remember any taste, just the reports. “I’m told your sister is here.”

“She got in late this morning.” Uncurling herself, Eve rose to go to a small rococo cabinet. There she unearthed brandy and two snifters. “She could use some reassurance, which I hope Brie is giving her. She worried herself into a frazzle before she got here.”

“Perhaps with her help you could be convinced to go back to America.”

Eve handed him a glass, then tapped hers to it. “Not a chance.”

“We could reschedule your performances, wait a few months, a year.”

Eve sipped with one brow lifted. “Have you spoken to Chris already?”

“No, why?”

“Nothing.” She smiled, then walked over to the CD player. With a few flicks she had music whispering into the room. When you intended to seduce a prince, she decided, you should pull out all the stops. “I’m not leaving, Alex, so it’s a waste of time for us to argue about it.” She touched her tongue to the rim of her glass. “I hate to waste time.”

“You’re a stubborn woman.” Just looking at her, just hearing her voice made his pulse race. “Perhaps if I didn’t want you with me so badly I could pressure you into leaving.”

“No. No, you couldn’t. But you don’t know how much I’ve wanted you to say you want me with you.” She came to him, so that they stood in front of her desk with the light burning beside them.

“Haven’t I told you?”