Page 20 of If the Shoe Fits (Rainbow Tales #2)

The investigation into the Vesmalden family's missing birth records was underway.

As ordered, Helpin was interrogating the record keepers.

But it would take time, and Leo had promised to return to speak with Xander that day.

He didn't want to return empty-handed, but what else could he do? So, he went to his lover.

“Xander?” Leo crept into the stable and closed the door behind him. “Xander, it's me.”

Xander came out of the last stall holding a broom. “Hello, Your Highness.”

“You don't have to call me that.” Leo hurried over to Xander.

“Not when we're alone?” Xander leaned the broom against the wall and crossed his arms. “Which I suppose will be all the time since you can't be seen with me.”

“Xander, please. This is my life. I didn't ask for it or choose it.

It was given to me with all its benefits and rules.

I must abide by my father's decrees. As we all must.” Leo grimaced.

“I want to be seen with you. I want to take you back to the palace with me and introduce you to my father.

I want to tell him that I've found the man I want to spend my life with.”

Xander's arms fell to his sides. “You want to spend your life with me?”

“Yes.” Leo took Xander's hand. “Do you want to spend your life with me?”

“I would like that very much.”

Leo started to smile.

Then Xander continued, “But not if we must hide our relationship. I can't do this forever, Leo.”

Leo swallowed, trying to get past the sudden dryness in his throat.

His heart was racing, and sweat had broken out on his back.

He had never felt like this before and couldn't immediately discern the emotion behind the physical reaction.

Then he realized what it was—fear. He was afraid of losing Xander.

“Could you give me a little more time?” Leo begged. “I've begun interrogating the record keepers. Soon, I'll be able to prove who you are.”

“I would appreciate that. But how will it help us?”

“It would at least gain you some respect from my father.”

Xander lifted his chin. “So, your father doesn't respect people without titles?”

“No. That's not what I mean. I meant in relation to me. He'd accept you as my lover.”

“So, I'm not even acceptable as a secret?”

“Xander, please stop attacking me. I'm trying my best.”

“When's your party, Leo?”

“What?” Leo felt his racing heart sink.

“When is the ball? The one where you shall find your princess?”

“Xander, you know I don't want this. ”

“When?!”

“In a week.” Leo bit his lip. “I'll figure something out before then. I'll find a way for us to be together without you having to hide. Please just don't give up on me.”

Xander sighed and cupped Leo's face.

Leo started to hope again, but then he saw something strange in Xander's eyes. A glint that hardened. “Xander, just give me a little more time. You don't have to make any vows to me. Just give me some time.”

“You have it, Leo.” Xander bent and kissed Leovar.

Instantly, hope merged with passion, and Leo grabbed the back of Xander's neck to pull him more deeply into their kiss. But Xander resisted and then pulled away entirely.

He stared at Leo. “I'll give you time but nothing more until you've proven yourself to me.”

“Proven myself?” Leo gaped at him.

“Yes. By doing what you just promised.” Xander's expression softened. “I can't open my heart to you until I know there's a future for us, Leo. Do you understand?”

Joy burst in Leo's chest, as foolish as the emotion was. But if Xander needed a future, it meant that he wanted what Leo wanted. And that made Leo happier than he'd been in many years.

“I do understand. Thank you, Xander. And I won't let you down. I swear I won't.”