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And God, that silence said everything.

She fell to her knees.

The sheikh knelt down in front of her.“I’m sorry.”His voice was harsh.“I’m so damn sorry.”It destroyed him to see her so broken, knowing that he was the cause—-

But there was nothing to do, his hands tied by the gold bands of his crown.

He started to tell her why he was doing it, but she shook her head.

“You don’t have to explain.”

And he saw in her eyes that he truly did not have to.

He saw in her eyes that she knew –

She knew he loved her. But she also knew he was a king.

“I’m sorry.” Khalil’s voice was hoarse.

A choking sob, the sound telling him that she knew he was sorry...understood why he was doing this...but that it wasn’t enough.

And he could no longer help himself.

Even knowing he had no right to touch her—-

He just had to.

The moment his hands cupped her face, her tears streamed faster.

His lips moved, and so did hers.

The words flowed, silent but heard.

I love you.

I love you.

But it wasn’t enough.

“K-Khalil—-”

He crushed her to him. “Please.” His voice was savage. “Don’t say it.Please. We’ll find a way to make it work—-”

“Not t-this time.” A painful laugh bubbled inside of her, and she...let it out. She had to. If she didn’t laugh, she’d end up crying, and God, the pain was already too much.

The thought of having to share him with another woman –

Even if it was for the right reasons –

She couldn’t do it.

She just couldn’t do it.

It would be no different from being skinned alive, the pain peeling her soul bit by ravaged bit until she would no longer be able to recognize herself.

Harper pulled away, managed to get to her feet, but just as she turned away, the sheikh gripped her hand, not letting her go.

“Please.”