Page 71 of Broken Desires
Me: Are you crazy?
BB: About you? Absolutely!
His response, fearless and bold, sends another wave of emotions through me. Before I can send another message, my phone vibrates again, this time with Eva’s text practically bouncing off the screen with excitement.
Eva: Seriously, Nessa, that was epic! Please say you’re going to talk to him!
I’m at a loss. The part of me that’s been trying to maintain distance, to protect myself from the complexities of being with Alexander, battles the undeniable love I feel for him. His declaration, made without any regard for the consequences, forces me to confront my own fears and doubts.
Taking a deep breath, I type out a response to Eva, my fingers still slightly trembling.
Me: I don’t even know what to say. Did he really just do that?
Her reply comes almost immediately, full of encouragement and a touch of urgency.
Eva: Yes, he did! And it was beautiful. Nessa, he loves you. You have to give this a chance. Talk to him. Please.
Just as I’m considering my next move, a video call notification catches my eye. It’s Alexander. Hesitating for only a moment, I answer the call and find myself face to face with him and that irresistibly charming smile of his.
“So, on a scale from one to I’ll kick you in the balls when I see you, how mad are you?” he teases, his smile unwavering.
I can’t help but roll my eyes at his audacity. “The real question is, how deep in the royal doghouse are you right now?”
He shrugs, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. “Undetermined as of yet, but honestly? It doesn’t matter to me.”
His candidness, that familiar blend of defiance and vulnerability, somehow makes my heart skip. “You just declared your love for me on live TV,” I finally say, the reality of the situation sinking in with the surreal feeling of seeing him through the screen.
“I did,” he admits without hesitation. “Because it’s the truth. And I was tired of hiding it, of pretending like my feelings for you could be boxed away because it was the sensible thing to do. Actually, I’m tired of pretending that I am what I’m supposed to be. I’m me—part Liam, part Alexander, and every part of me loves you desperately.”
Having him say it so openly sends my heart racing, nearly leaving me breathless. Pulling my legs closer, I hug them to myself, resting my chin on my knees as I stare at him, taking in the earnest expression on his face.
“I came to the library, and I saw your mom. I read her lips,” I confess. “She said being with me would make everything harder for you.”
The tenderness that sweeps over his features is almost heartbreaking. “I figured it was something like that,” he responds, his face pensive. “And yes, it might make things harder, but it won’t be forever. And let’s be honest, it was always going to be challenging.” He gives a dismissive roll of his eyes. “People will always have their opinions. I’m too young, too inexperienced…” He sighs. “They’d find something to criticize with or without you. Politics is a den of snakes.”
I can’t help but smirk at his comparison. “Charming imagery,” I quip, even as his honesty brings a sense of reality to our conversation.
He shrugs. “It’s the truth, wild rose. And the public opinion?” He lets out a laugh. “It’s the most fickle thing in the world. One day, they can love you, adore you even, sing your praises up and down, and then you show a hint of humanity, a hint of a flaw, and they turn on you like that.” He snaps his fingers, emphasizing the speed at which things can change.
I quirk an eyebrow. “Not exactly a glowing endorsement of royal life.”
He nods, a moment of seriousness settling over his features as he runs a hand through his hair. “I need you to understand the whole picture. But what’s essential is knowing that true, genuine connections—people who love you for you—are rare and beyond value. No matter the headlines or the hurdles, it’s knowing I can come home to you, be my true self, crown or no crown, that matters. I suspect you’d prefer me without all the regalia anyway.”
“You’re right about that,” I admit, my voice soft but firm. “Your crown never mattered to me.”
He leans forward slightly, his gaze intense. “I know. And that’s never been in question. When I thought you left because it was all too much, I realized it wasn’t like you. You’re not one to walk away; you face challenges head-on because you’re incredibly brave and caring. If you were to leave me, it would only be because you thought it would make my life simpler.”
I’m at a loss for words; his insight into my actions and motivations leaves me speechless. How did he manage to see through to the very heart of my decision?
“That’s why I had to make it clear tonight, on live TV, no less. I needed to show you that walking away is the last thing I want. What I need is you, just you, by my side.”
“What if you change your mind?” I can’t help but ask.
“What if you do?” he challenges back.
I won’t is the first thought that pops in my head.
His smile widens, and I know I don’t need to say it; he sees it—he sees me—in this deep way that only he can do.