Chapter 12

It’s one dinner. Just one, I tell myself as I approach the restaurant doors.

But I don’t know if it’s the last time I’m going to have to sit across from Ashton and pretend that I’m going to be his willing little wife.

I do not doubt Owen is Owenis going to make good on his promise to nullify Ashton’s lawsuit against me. I just don’t know when. Lupercalia is still two weeks away. Plus, I haven’t heard from the king since the night we almost…

I try not to think about that as the maître d’ leads me through the dimly lit main floor, to a round banquette of soft ivory leather. Ashton hesitates there, his coppery hair combed back and brushing the collar of his expensive suit jacket.

He rises with a broad smile, takes my hands, and kisses my cheek. “I almost gave up on you.”

I wish you would. I physically bite my tongue to keep from saying it. “I’m sorry. I got turned around on the way here.”

He frowns as we slide into our seats. “You drove yourself?”

“Mmhm,” I affirm through my closed-lip