They were in Manhattan before Tor broke the silence. "I am taking you to my apartment."
"Okay." Blythe had no other words.
She'd followed him from her own home like a lamb, she wasn't about to start demanding explanations now. Whatever was going on had to be important, or Tor would never have come for her. Blythe was positive about that.
He stared at her, shook his head and then uttered a four-letter word she'd only heard him use a couple of times all the years of their acquaintance.
"What?" she asked, emotions too close to the surface.
"We've wasted a year."
"What? I don't understand."
"You did not want to break up with me."
She opened her mouth, but he put his hand up. "Do not say anything if it's going to be another lie."
"I did not lie to you." Indignation gave her volume when maybe nothing else would have.
"You did." He glared at her. "I repeat, you did not want to break up."
"Of course not." Was he stupid, or something?
"We are not hiding our relationship anymore."
"We don't have a relationship."
"Have you had sex with anyone else in the past year? Have you even gone on a date?" he demanded, like he knew her answer before she gave it.
In that moment, she really wished she could lie to him, because Blythe so would. "No."
"Me either."
She knew that. His father was furious that Tor wouldn't even try dating any of the appropriate females he brought to his son's notice.
"You're supposed to."
"Am I?"
"You know you are. You have a responsibility to your family. You are a prince."
"The only woman I am dating is you."
"It's impossible."
"No, Blythe. We're done."
Her heart felt like it was in vice grips. "You just said…"
He shook his head. "How did I believe you a year ago?"
Before she could reply he leaned toward her, his intent clear, but he paused a breath away.
He was waiting for her consent. She wasn't going to give it. They could not kiss.
Her body and heart were in direct opposition to her mind.
Her brain had won for a year and all that had gotten her was loneliness and pain.