Chapter 20 

~Valeria ~ “I’m glad you accepted my invitation,” Tobias says. Yeah, well, what are you supposed to do when a Crown Prince invites you to breakfast? Not reject him, that’s for sure. “Yeah… thank you for the invite.” Why? That’s the question. He can’t truly be interested in me, can he? There has to be a motive. Something he wants. But what do I have to offer—information? Or is it just… sex? “Did you get my gift?” he asks. A golden bracelet. I found it in my room last night after my rendezvous with Raphael. It was waiting on my bed. “Yes. It’s beautiful, but—” He puts a hand up, stopping me, knowing what I’m about to say. “You can’t refuse it. It’s a gift.” He smiles, the kind of smile that leaves no room for argument. It’s a nice smile, but it doesn’t stir me. No nerves, no butterflies, no fire—nothing like what Raphael ignites in me. Oh no… he’s ruined me. I catch myself comparing men to him. Damn it! I can’t let myself fall for Raphael. I can’t. “Valeria?” I give an improvised laugh.