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He would carve it on his damn face, his heart, his body if that was what it took to make her realize she was right all along.
He loved her.
The prince clung to the thought as he continued to lash himself with memories of Fawn’s suffering.
I love you.
I love you.
I love you.
Sunlight eventually broke through the tiny barricaded window of the prince’s cell, the brightness hurting his tired, swollen eyes. The hours ticked by, and when Fredericka Spears came to secure his release, the prince only had one question in mind.
As soon as he was out of his cell, the prince asked tautly, “Have they filed a TRO against me?”
The attorney blinked at him in surprise. “Did Nick or Jason tell you?”
A ghost of a smile touched the prince’s bloodless lips. “It’s the next logical step, and I would think Bennett’s parents would be able to pull enough strings to make it happen.”
Walking down the hallway, Fredericka said reluctantly, “I’m sorry to say you’re absolutely right, Mr. Chalkias.” She bit her lip. “And in all conscience, I can’t say I completely disagree. Watching the proceedings has left Ms. Cornwall in pretty bad shape—-”
The prince shook his head, saying tonelessly, “You don’t understand, attorney. Regardless of how she feels for me now, I have to make her believe that she was...right. That I love her. Because if not...she’ll be trapped in the past forever.” He swallowed. “The way I had been all these years, and I hadn’t even known it.” An empty laugh escaped him. “And I still wouldn’t know if...if Fawn hadn’t come into my life.”
The prince started to reach for the handles of the main doors, but the older woman suddenly blocked his way.
“The media’s out there,” she warned, “and right now you’re the most hated man on the planet.”
The unemotional mask on the prince’s face didn’t crack. “I don’t give a damn. All I know is that I have to get to her.”
Oh.Fredericka said quietly, “You really love her then?”
“More than my life.” And the way the half-Greek playboy spoke, Fredericka knew he was telling the truth. She chewed on her lip harder at the realization, unable to help feeling responsible for the situation Reid Chalkias and Fawn Cornwall now found themselves in.
Fawn loved the prince, and the prince loved his fawn.
But after all that had happened, would love be enough?
If the question had been asked of the world outside the police station, the answer was an unequivocal no.
As soon as the prince stepped out, he became the center of a media circus. Civilian protesters saw in Reid Chalkias an opportunity to spread their hatred, alternately screaming obscenities at him and taunting him for his rumored ties with the Mafia.
The prince’s security did their best to keep everyone away, their stoic expressions mirroring their employer’s as they forcibly opened a path through the throng. But while they were able to secure his safety, they were unable to prevent the rowdy crowd from spitting at the prince and throwing anything and everything they could get their hands on—-
By the time the prince and Fredericka were finally ensconced inside his limousine, the redheaded attorney was shaking withrage. “This is exactly what they did to Vassi Grachyov two years ago,” she told him between clenched teeth. “I hate it when people act like they’re so damn blameless.”
The limousine started to move, and Fredericka said hotly, “Just tell me if you wish me to sue them.”
The prince shook his head. “I’d rather not waste my time on them, and besides, I’m used to such treatment.” He paused, and when he spoke again, quiet gratitude underlined the prince’s voice. “Thank you for agreeing to represent me as well, Attorney Spears.”
“I have to, Mr. Chalkias.” Fredericka’s tone was slightly discomfited. “When I asked permission from Ms. Cornwall to use the video as evidence, I never paused to think of what its impact would be on you or your relationship. I’m afraid...I didn’t really believe her when she told me you love her.”
“You weren’t the only one, attorney.” The prince’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.
When the prince reached his home, he thanked the lawyer again and insisted on having his chauffeur drive her back to her office.
Igor was there to greet him by the front doors, and the older man asked, “Are you alright, sir?”
The prince nodded. “I’d appreciate a moment alone.”