situation. Alex kept her gaze on the press corps rather than on the man making her feel utterly conspicuous. Naive and conspicuous.
The press conference thankfully came to an end. The PR liaison appeared to usher them back into the palace. Stella stopped to talk to a reporter she knew, while Alex continued on with her minder, anxious to get away from the frenzy.
Aristos appeared at her side, his long strides easily gaining him even with her as she walked toward the palace. “Well done,” he murmured. “You took the leap.”
His designer stubble was thicker than usual, giving him a wicked, pirate-like appearance. It kicked her insides into high gear despite her better sense. She gave him her best haughty princess look. “Surely you didn’t come just to laugh at me?”
“You’ve been busy,” he noted. “Taking my advice. A duke already... And no, angel, I didn’t come to see your performance. I have a meeting with the king.”
Oh. Her stomach dropped. And why was that? She needed to be staying away from him, not courting his attention.
“There is no duke. He was seated beside me at dinner. That’s all.”
“And you flashed those baby blues at him and he didn’t stand a chance.”
She turned to face him. “I was not flirting.”
“You don’t have to. You’re a natural.” He gave her a pained look. “But kindness, integrity and intelligence? Really, Alex? You might as well have posted a neon sign inviting all the Sebastiens of the world to come running. That was not what I meant when I said expand your horizons.”
She narrowed her gaze. “That is just...rude. Any woman would be lucky to have Sebastien.”
“Except you,” he pointed out. “You’re far too hot-blooded for that, Princess.”
“Oof.” She stuck her hands on her hips. “I tell you what. The next time I need dating advice I won’t come to you and your heartless reputation. I’ll figure it out myself.”
“Ouch.” He pressed a hand to his chest. “Heartless. That hurts.”
“I’m sure you are withering away inside.” Noting that Stella was directly behind them, she pressed her lips together and flung him a cool look. “Enjoy your meeting, Mr. Nicolades. Good afternoon.”
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