Gambling With the Crown(79)

                She clutched his robes and hid her face among the folds. He smelled so good. When she was in his arms like this, she never wanted to leave. But what if she had no choice?

                “What if I turn out like her in spite of my best intentions? What if I make a bad decision? What if, six months from now, you decide you’ve had enough of me? What will I do then? Something stupid?”

                He squeezed her against him. “Other than falling in love with me, I am pretty certain you are incapable of stupid things.”

                “I never said I loved you.”

                He gently pushed her back and gazed down at her. “No, you didn’t. And I want to hear it.”

                Panic twisted in her belly. “I’m afraid, Kadir.”

                “So am I. I just gave up a throne for you and maybe it was all for nothing.”

                She laughed, but it wasn’t precisely a happy sound. “You did not give it up for me. You never wanted it in the first place.”

                “No, this is true. But I would have taken it to save Kyr. And I would have given it up to have you, even if having you meant ruining Kyr.”

                “Don’t say that!” She glanced at the surrounding courtyard, worried that someone would overhear him. Surely he was committing treason to even think such a thing.

                “I’m not worried. Besides, Rashid is king now. I can say what I wish.”

                “He agreed?”

                “I didn’t give him much choice, I’m afraid.” He ran his hands down her arms and bent to meet her gaze again. “We are not finished yet. I’m waiting for you to admit you love me.”

                Fear was a palpable thing in her chest. “What happens in six months? A year?”

                “I have no idea, but I know that whatever it is, it will happen with you at my side.”

                He sounded so certain, so confident, but how did he know?

                “If I left you now, you’d get over it.”

                “Eventually.” He sighed and took a step back. “Emily, all I want is your happiness. If leaving me is what will make you happy, then I’ll grant you the divorce. But I have no fear about the strength of our love, if you will only admit the way you feel.”

                “You aren’t worried I’ll leave you in six months? Or twenty years?”

                “No.” He spread his arms and flourished his palms as if showcasing the merchandise. “Six days with all this and you will be incapable of ever looking at another man.”

                Emily couldn’t help but laugh, in spite of the fear still gripping her heart. “You’re incorrigible, Kadir.”

                “I believe delightful is the word you are looking for.”

                Something gave way in her heart then, some last little lock that was holding tight to her fear and pain and binding her in chains of unhappiness. And when it did, when her heart could finally beat again, the feelings swelling inside it were all for this man. Her love was bright and hot and true and she knew it would last.

                Just as his would last for her.

                “Yes,” she said softly, “I think that is the word.”