“Like?” Levi asked.

Cassie sensed curiosity in the question rather than judgment. “I love that Patrice runs this place, that she is a second mother to Garrett and is so thoughtful to everyone. She was every bit as kind to me when she thought I was a commoner as I imagine she would be now that she knows I’m a royal.”

“Assuming she knows,” Levi said. “She’s never liked the gossip magazines.”

“That doesn’t surprise me,” Cassie said. “Patrice is one of a kind. I wish I could clone her and take her back with me to Sereno.”

“I imagine you could convince her to come for a visit,” Levi said. “Assuming a royal is allowed to entertain a mere servant.”

“Levi, don’t do that.”

“Do what? Put class between us?” Levi asked. “You already did.”

“Maybe when we first met, but I haven’t pulled the royal card since I got here.” Cassie pushed back from his worktable and stood. “Why are you acting like this?”

Levi pushed out of his seat, his gaze meeting hers. “I promised to keep you safe, but I don’t need to get pulled through social media only to be touted as the commoner who spent a few weeks with a princess.”

“The paparazzi don’t even know your name.”

“Not yet.” Levi’s jaw clenched, and he took a moment before he spoke again. “As soon as we arrive in Sereno, you can bet someone will ferret it out.”

Cassie read between lines she hadn’t known existed between them. “Are you saying you don’t want to be with me anymore because I’m royal and you’re not?”

“That pretty much sums it up.” He closed his laptop. “It’s easier to end things now before our lives get too complicated.”

“I never realized you were afraid of complicated.” She took a step back. Levi’s face was masked as though he had no care for her or anyone else. Though her pride demanded she turn and leave, her heart dominated. Tears threatened, but she blinked them back. “I’m sorry that’s the case, Levi. I truly have enjoyed every minute we’ve spent together, and I care for you more than words can express.”

She made it nearly to the door before Levi spoke. “Wait, Cassie.”

He rushed across the room and pushed on the door to keep her from opening it.

“Let me pass.”

“No.” His fingers curled around her arm, and he tugged so she would turn to face him. Regret appeared in his eyes before the apology came out in his words. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault you were found here. I’ve let my feelings for you distract me, and I don’t know if I could live with myself if something happened to you.”

“The photo wasn’t your fault. If anything, it was mine. I know how persistent the paparazzi can be. With Garrett and Janessa home, I should have known better, but I wanted to keep the illusion of normal going for as long as I could.”