“Make a life in Lativa.”
She smiled, but sadness lingered in her eyes.“What would I even do there?”
“Nothing,” he said, pulling her closer.“You don’t have to do anything.I’ll take care of you.”
Azlyn froze.“Do...nothing?”
He chuckled, trying to lighten the moment.“You could get your nails done.Be naked when I come to you.That would be lovely.”
A chill swept through her.Slowly, carefully, Azlyn pulled out of his arms.
“You’re serious,” she said quietly, moving toward her robe.
“Of course,” he replied, reaching for her hand.
But she shook her head, slipping free.She pulled on her robe, tying the belt tight before folding her arms and turning back to face him.
There he was—naked, sprawled in her bed, looking unfairly gorgeous.And yet, despite everything they’d shared—laughter, debates, long meals, breathless nights—this was what he thought she wanted?That she could just abandon everything andwaitfor him?
She didn’t want it to end either.But his suggestion cut deep.
“You want me to...”She swallowed the lump in her throat.“Come to Lativa and…” Her voice cracked.“Be your mistress?”
He cringed.Good.At least heheardhow insulting it sounded.
“Not a mistress,” he said, propping pillows behind his back.“But we could be together.”
Azlyn’s chin lifted.“You could visit Chicago.We could be together here.”
He smiled faintly.“Sporadic visits to Chicago?That wouldn’t be enough.For either of us.”He tilted his head, watching her.“Wouldyoube satisfied with that?”
No.But he was missing the point entirely.
“Do you really think I’d be okay sitting in some apartment in Lativa, waiting for you to finish up whatever royal duties you have so you can swing by for a quickie?”
Zayn sat up, the shift in his posture immediate.His arms braced behind him, the sheet pooled low around his waist.“It wouldn’t be like that,” he said firmly.“You could do whatever you want.”
“Could I?”Her voice sharpened.“Because whatIwant is to do my job.You know, the one I’ve worked my ass off for?The one that gives my life purpose?”
She paused, struggling to keep her voice from breaking.The pain in her chest throbbed—sharp, real, and deeply personal.
“After everything we’ve talked about...after all those conversations...do you really think I’d be happy just sitting around, waiting for you to have time for me?”
He tossed the sheet aside and stood up, gloriously naked and now thoroughly annoyed.“You’re making it sound awful.But I’m trying to give us a chance.”
She snorted, lifting her chin with forced calm.“Fine.Let’s flip it.”
She approached the bed, planting a knee on the mattress, her tone suddenly soft—seductive.
“You could stay here,” she offered, her fingers lightly trailing across his chest.“I make a great salary.I’m an executive producer now that the show’s syndicated.”
She smiled up at him, though her heart was breaking.
“I could keep you in shopping and manicures.You could hang around my apartment.I work late.A lot of weekends too.But I’m sure you’d find ways to fill your time.”
Her voice cracked.“Maybe we could get a puppy.You could take it for walks.”
His growl was instant.He grabbed her upper arms and pulled her down with him.She landed on the bed with a breathless huff, pinned beneath him.
