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The man hesitated “Yes But…”

“What is it?” he asked, adjusting his dress grays “Speak freely, Jonathon”

She’s on the other side of the door

Waiting for me

His gut tightened

He was known for his steady constitution He never hesitated Never faltered Always knew the best way to deal with tricky situations, so that every party walked away satisfied But with Alicia, he was a nervous and sweaty-palmed mess

But he also felt alive for the first ti He couldn’t remember the last time that had happened

Which probably meant

it had been way too da

“She didn’t fight back, physically,” Coed on his collar “But she’s not happy, and I have a feeling she isn’t afraid to tell you as much”

He sighed and stared at the door, his heart thue in there, march up to her, and kiss her before she could say a daht where they’d left off last night—only without his pants wrapped around his ankles this tiht to be upset I did detain her, after all”

“About that…” The commander shifted on his feet “May I be so bold as to ask what she did to deserve such treathness?”

Leo frowned and lifted his chin, giving his commander a hard stare The public wasn’t aware how strict the royal house ith dalliances, and they never would be The only reason this search for Alicia had been broadcasted was because they couldn’t risk losing her if she hopped on a flight “No”

“But—”

Leo frowned evenhis commander a silent stare