“I know you can.” Levi leaned in for a quick kiss. “That’s one of the many things I love about you.”

Her cheeks flushed again.

Levi put his hand on the doorknob. “Come on. I’ll escort you to your room to make sure no one tries to hijack you.”

“You have your work cut out for you.”

“Don’t I know it.”

* * *

Cassie hadn’t realized how much she needed this. Fresh air, a horse beneath her, the man she loved riding beside her. Her cheeks warmed at the memory of Levi’s earlier comment. If he loved her different traits, was that a precursor to him loving her?

And if so, what would their future look like?

To her surprise, her father had said little about Levi since meeting him. She had expected him to grill her for information about their relationship until he was satisfied Levi’s feelings mirrored hers.

“What are you thinking about?” Levi asked as they walked their horses through a wide pasture.

“I’m surprised my father has been so well behaved regarding your presence.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re staying in the royal residence, and he knows I think of you as more than a friend. I figured he’d be questioning me constantly about your intentions.”

“He didn’t need to. He asked me directly.”

She reined in her horse and shifted in her saddle to face him. “He did what?”

Levi stopped beside her. “Right after breakfast that first morning.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“It wasn’t a big deal.” Levi started forward. “I was impressed that he cares about you so much.”

“What did he say?” Cassie asked as soon as she caught up to him.

“We chatted and got to know each other a bit.”

“You had a private audience with the King of Sereno, and you didn’t think it was a big deal?”

“I had a private conversation with my girlfriend’s father,” Levi corrected. “There was nothing royal about it.”

A new appreciation for Levi rose within her. “I love that you can tell the difference between the man and the title.”

“It isn’t that hard.”

“It is for a lot of people.” She reined her horse in once more as she reached the top of a bluff overlooking the Mediterranean. From here, she could see the water without approaching the cliffs. “I love this spot.”

“It’s beautiful.” He came to a stop beside her. “But, then, so are you.”

Cassie saw him lean toward her for a kiss. “We’re visible.”

Levi instantly straightened and looked out at the horizon. A few motorboats dotted the blue water.

“I’m sorry,” Cassie said. “I know I’m being paranoid, but the paparazzi have been known to sit out on those boats with their cameras aimed at the palace grounds.”

Levi’s jaw tightened, and Cassie could see him force his muscles to relax. “I’m not a fan of your title at the moment.”

“Me neither.” Cassie turned her horse. “Come on. There’s another spot I think you’ll like better.”