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Grayson raked his fingers through his hair “I knew that last night was a mistake I didn’t mean to—”

“Stop” Then realizing she’d raised her voice while the door to the hallas standing wide open, she lowered her voice “It wasn’t ato feel bad about” And she just couldn’t talk about it any longer “And I have to go out If you need anything just ask the staff”

She started for the door, but Grayson was hot on her heels She needed to shake hiet away from absolutely everyone She needed some time alone in order to think clearly

The only person she really wanted to talk to was the one personfrom her life—her mother

Not needing protection while she ithin the palace walls, her security detail was out of sight That left Grayson, as right behind her She keptwith no particular destination in mind

“Annabelle, you can’t just walk away”

“Watch me”

“We need to talk”

“No, we don’t” She kept walking, wishing he’d give up “There’s nothing to say”

“I disagree”

He refused to leave the subject alone What did he want her to do? Say so to make it better? That wasn’t possible

Annabelle went out the back door When she spotted her little red convertible, she headed straight for it There wasn’t anyone around, thankfully She ju The staff routinely left the keys in a strategic spot so that vehicles co

uld be readily available and moved to the front of the palace for their owners After all, the palace was heavily guarded No one was going to break in and steal a car Not a chance

The next thing she knew, Grayson was in the seat next to her Just great

“You need to get out because I really a”