"There," he said, spreading his arms. "Decency has been restored to the kingdom...I think you just like what you see and don't want to admit it," he said.
Livia rolled her eyes. "Oh Lord help me."
Richard moved to her once more and took her hand. "The Lord is far away. Call my name instead, my darling." He winked.
"God, you are exasperating," she muttered. "Are you really a duke?"
They stepped into the corridor, and the cooler air brushed her face. She leaned a little more heavily on him than she meant to. Richard adjusted his hold without comment, letting her keep the dignity of pretending she was fine.
"Titles are just words, Diana," he said. "We are who we are underneath it all."
"Of all the whos you could be, you chose arrogant and self-absorbed?" Livia accused as they walked down the hall.
Richard glanced at her, one brow lifting. "It has worked for me all my life," he said.
"Being arrogant and self-absorbed?"
"Being unforgettable."
