Mads disappears back into the villa.
Stef approaches, pausing at the end of the infinity pool, casting a lingering glance at the view before he at last focuses on me. Like he’s taking the time to assesses everything—to truly assess me. He’s got to be doing this on purpose to make me feral.
I make myself breathe, body taut, and walk towards him.
He walks closer too.
Yet we stop with a generous distance between us. Well out of touching range. Definitely within thirst trap range.
His hair has a wave to it, with the humidity, and his admirable golden tan. He’s in a black shirt and white shorts, and black leather sandals. It’s hard to say if he’s breathing too.
“Your Majesty,” Stef echoes, a smile playing on the corners of his lips. “Great villa, by the way.”
“Stop it,” I whisper. “I get that from everyone. Please—not you too.”
“Theo.”
My shoulders ease ever so slightly, but I’m still far too wound up and fit to burst.
He takes off his sunglasses, his blue eyes dancing. “You Danes. You’re already turning pink from the sun. Hasn’t anyone told you about sunscreen?”
I ignore the comment, my voice low and thick. It could be the sun or the full-body reaction I seem to be having at the sight of Stef. Then, I realize I’m trembling. Before they can give me away, I stuff my hands in my pocket. “Where’s François?”
“Not here.” Stef’s smile falters.
“I’m serious.”
“So am I.”
We stare at each other in a stalemate. I step ever so much closer. An arm’s length away now.
“Don’t make me toss you into the pool,” I whisper. “Because I will. I’m not that well-behaved, remember.”
He laughs, and it’s a delicious sound. Then his expression softens, seeing how out of sorts I am, wrecked at the sight of him. London and the club is a lifetime ago, Kerkyra in the winter an eternity ago, and Edinburgh happened to someone else.
“Listen.” I hold up a hand. “Before you say anything else, I’ve got something to say to you.”
Stef mirrors my pose, slipping his hands into his pockets. He gives me the smallest of nods, his gaze unwavering. He doesn’t say anything and waits for me to speak. Meanwhile, my heart beats so loudly I’m sure he can hear it, here beside the infinity pool, so still like glass.
“Stef.” It’s like I’m testing my voice, not trusting it. Like it might give out, or my knees might cave first. “I… I’m so happy to see you. You have no idea.” I falter. Which is the honest truth plain on my face and in my body. “I know we’ve been over this. That our lives are too different. That you’re not out. That you’re finding your way. And that you have another lover. And… yes, I’m the Danish King now. Nothing is the same for me. Well, nearly nothing.”
Troubled, Stef gives the smallest of nods in acknowledgment.
“Except for how I feel about you.”
His gaze doesn’t leave mine.
“Which is—” I gulp down some air, trying to seem a little more suave than I actually am, my heart exposed. And it’s got to be for nothing, but I have to say it anyway. “Which is to say, I’m in love with you, Stef. I know it’s impossible. But I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t tell you that, okay?” I murmur, my face burning and body pulled tight. “And I wish things were different. So different. That I was still in my London life, for starters. Because this new one is a shock, let me tell you. Yet I’m lucky. I know that. It’s a real privilege. But… all I can think of is you. How much I miss you. And how alone I am. And… how lost.”
Stef’s expression eases. He comes close.
“Theo, I love you too. So much. You’re amazing,” he murmurs. “You must believe me.”
I shudder, a full-body reaction. Right now, I couldn’t look away from him even if I wanted to. Did Stef just tell me he loves me too?
Stef reaches out to stroke my cheek with the lightest touch, wiping away damp tears. “And you’re right. Our lives are so different, even if we’re both royals.” He clears his throat, his voice quiet. “And… and you have Eddie, remember? You’re not alone.”
I blink, staring at him. Everything has an unreal quality. All I’m aware of right now is how close he is. How warm his fingertips are.
