Page 25 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 5-8

“You don’t understand—”

“Is it possible?”

She frowns. “What?”

“Is there a law or edict saying you can’t marry a commoner?”

Her frown deepens. “No.”

“Then I fail to see the problem.”

Color blooms high in her cheeks. I’m grateful for it. As I watch it spread through her face, I’m reminded of the same blush stealing over her when we made love.

I curl my hands into fists. What kind of a selfish bastard am I? She nearly passed out, and I’m thinking about sex.

“The problem,” she grinds out, “is you don’t comprehend the enormity of what marrying a royal entails.”

“Try me.”

“Whoever I marry will have to move to Siravelle and take on the title of Prince Consort.”

I manage not to frown, but just barely. Aiden and Cassian will never let me live it down.

“Your life will revolve around the palace and the country.” Her voice softens. “You could retain ownership of Hawke Security, but you couldn’t lead. Couldn’t take on jobs.”

The thought of not being in charge of Hawke Security anymore is a hard blow. But not being involved in my child’s life takes precedence over anything, including my firm. I won’t become my parents, won’t abandon my child the way they left me. Ever since I took to the streets, I showed up for those who depended on me. Now, when it matters more than ever, I will not shirk my duty, no matter the cost. “And?”

Her eyes widen. “You’d give it up? Just like that?”

“Yes.”

She puts a hand to her temple, her fingers rubbing slow circles just above her brow. “I don’t think you’re thinking this through,” she continues. “There’s protocol and rules and the media.” She meets my gaze again. “If one photo of us together was unsettling, you have no idea what’s about to come.”

“Is that a no?”

She breathes in. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, no. You said yourself you never wanted a committed relationship. While I don’t have a list of names yet, Amelie will find candidates who—”

“Let me put it this way, Your Highness.” I push off the wall, move to the foot of the bed. “If you try to let another man claim the child we created, I’ll go to the press with an exclusive on our night in Venice and demand a DNA test.”

Her hand drops limply onto the bedspread. The blood drains from her face, leaving her skin white. I hate the result of my words, but she needs to know I’m dead serious.

“You would ruin your own reputation. Your company. The photo in Venice—”

“That was when Hawke Security was the most important thing in my life. Things have changed. Yes, I might lose business, but I have plenty of money.” I lean down, plant my hands on the bed so we’re at eye level. “I was abandoned on my grandmother’s doorstep when I was only four years old. I ran after my parents’ car when they pulled away, not because they were good parents, but because they were familiar. Because I had a foolish hope that things might change one day. I stayed on the porch steps for hours crying, waiting for them to come back even though I knew I’d never see them again.” My eyes drop down to her stomach, then back to her face. “I will not let my child doubt for even a second that they’re wanted.”

Sophaya stares at me. She’s the first person besides Aiden and Cassian who know about my parents. I never even told John, a regret I’ll take with me to my grave.

“I see.”

My fingers dig into the bedspread. I said almost the exact same words to her when she first told me about the pregnancy, so I can’t really blame her for her cryptic response.

“I…” She draws in a shuddering breath. “My parents don’t love each other. I don’t think they even like each other all that well.” Her gaze hardens. “I won’t have us repeating their mistakes.”

I straighten and walk around the bed. I wait a moment, then slowly ease myself down onto the mattress a couple feet away.

“I know things ended badly between us. But this is my choice, Sophaya. I’m not going to resent you for it later on or take it out on you.” Over thirty years later, and I can still remember the shouted insults, the screams of fury as my parents fought. “I don’t just want to be involved. I want our child to have a family. I’m not going to promise you a grand love affair or anything else I’m incapable of.” I reach over and lay a hand on top of hers. “But I like you. I respect you.” Not to mention our explosive chemistry, but that’s a conversation better had at a later date when tensions aren’t running so high. “That’s more than most people have to start off a marriage.”

Finally, she nods. Just once, but it’s enough. “I’ll notify Amelie. You’ll need to join me in Siravelle.”