“Wise to know something about those you spend time with,” said Tariq.
“Dr. Lutz is treating me,” said Ava. “I spend time with people I care about.”
“You didn’t answer the question,” said Tariq.
“No, I didn’t know,” said Ava, unbothered. If he was trying to bait her, he had failed.
“And you?” he asked, his voice harder. She noticed that his posture had stiffened. The real interrogation had begun.
“Yes?” said Ava, meeting his gaze. Me what?
“Are you a Jew?” European history’s most important question.
“Catholic,” she answered. “Ava Marie Mercier. Named after the prayer.”
He studied her, running a finger along her inner arm. “Practicing?”
“Now you are getting personal,” she said, scooting closer to him. “You are allowed one more question.”
“What would you like for breakfast?”
Ava gave him a moment to savor his wit. “I don’t do this kind of thing,” she said.
“And yet here you are.”
“Perhaps I got carried away,” she said. “I was so happy to see a grown man not wearing tennis shoes.”
“At least you know I won’t fall in love with you,” said Tariq.
“Is that a compliment?”
“What I meant was that I won’t disturb your relationship with Herr Steinhardt.”
“He allows me to do as I please,” said Ava, not missing a beat.
“I wouldn’t.”
Tariq ran a finger across the nape of her neck, teasing her hair.
“Tell me, Prince Tariq, what else do you know about me?”
“Don’t call me that,” he said. “Not you.”
“Why not?” said Ava. “You’re looking into me as if I were one of your subjects.”
“A man in my position can’t afford to be ignorant,” he said.
“Do you think I want something from you?” asked Ava.
“Everyone wants something from a prince,” said Tariq. “Believe me, it’s tiresome.”
“I’m sure you’re right,” said Ava. She slid her arm from his. “But there must be some price for being given everything in the world.” She picked up her purse. “Maybe we’ll see each other again at the clinic.”
“You’re angry,” said Tariq.
“Not at all,” said Ava. “I’m experienced. Remember?”
“Tell me you are who you say,” said Tariq. “Ava Marie Mercier, living far from the world in Zinal. Give me your word, and I will believe you.”
