Heir Untamed - By Danielle Bourdon Page 0,87

not at liberty to disclose those kinds of things at this time. I'm sorry,” he said.

“I understand.” And she did. Chey had not been a part of his life nearly long enough to earn the right to whatever secrets they were hiding.

“I've had your things moved to another room. I'll show you there.” He looked like he might kiss her, then shifted out of the tilt and dropped his hands.

“You read my mind. I wasn't looking forward to going back to the other one.” Chey slid her hands off him as well and followed Sander down the hall.

“I don't think many people would be comfortable. If this new room does not please you, we'll find one that does.” He went all the way to the end of the hall to a pair of double doors on the left. One of these he opened with a key and entered, holding it for her to follow.

It wasn't just a suite, like her other had been, but an entire apartment. A separate living room, kitchenette and two bedrooms, along with an expansive bath, took up the whole corner of this floor. Windows overlooked the woods to the east and multi-paned doors led onto a broad balcony already furnished with a table, four chairs and an umbrella. The overhang prevented snow from reaching half the balcony; the rest was covered in several inches of the white stuff.

Chey investigated it all. The décor was as stunning as every other room in the castle, done in tones of cream, sage green and faded purple. Gold trim accentuated the walls, the ceiling and the furniture.

“This more than suits. Thank you for thinking of it,” she finally said, meeting up with Sander at a dining table near the windows. She ran her hands over the intricate carving around the edges.

“It will remain your room should you decide to stay on.”

Chey glanced at his eyes. He stood resolute behind a chair, hands resting over the back. She couldn't read his expression any better than earlier. The comment in itself was a reminder, though, one she did not miss.

“I'll keep that in mind.”

He inclined his head. Reaching up, he slid the sunglasses off, folded the arms, and slid them into the front pocket of his coat. “How about I bring you dinner tonight? I'll make it myself. Say, six?”

Chey almost asked him if they could go to the cabin, but refrained. She needed to stay here and learn to accept things the way they were—or not.

“That sounds fine. Six it is.”

He smiled and stepped away from the chair. “I have a few things to do before then. I'll see you at dinner.”

“I'll see you then, Sander.” He would always be Sander instead of Dare.

Chey followed him to the door, said a last goodbye, and closed it behind him. She engaged both dead bolts.

By the time they were finished with dinner, she intended to give him an answer.

Chapter Nineteen

Chey dressed for the occasion as if they were attending a formal ball. She wore black, with a snug bodice embroidered in matching black thread and a skirt that floated around her calves. She secured the half up-half down style of her hair with a beaded clip and added a heavier layer of make up that accented her eyes, cheeks and lips.

No matter how many ways or angles she studied her reflection in the mirror, she still couldn't see a Princess or a Queen. She just saw Chey, American rebel, with rather plain features and a sassy pout.

Sander arrived at precisely five minutes to six.

She opened the door to find him standing behind a cart, resplendent in a suit of navy pin stripes, white shirt and polished shoes. It seemed they both had the same idea regarding attire.

Struck by his magnificence, she didn't immediately think to move out of the way so he could push the cart in.

He cleared his throat and arched a brow.

“Oh, sorry. Hello.” She stepped out of the way.

Sander pushed the cart in like he did it every day, as if he wasn't heir to the throne, used to other people doing it for him.

“You look fantastic.” He passed an appreciative glance at her as he went by.

“So do you. Who needs fancy, noisy restaurants?” She closed the door and locked it in his wake.

Sander set up the table with impressive speed and agility. He laid out china, silver platters laden with bias-sliced peppered beef, steamed vegetables on skewers and individual caesar salads. Wine followed, red as blood, with