Page 85 of Lost Prince

Diana meets my gaze with strength, even as I see how much my words hurt her. "I just needed to know that you're okay. I'll leave like you asked, I promise. I just… I had to see for myself."

Her words break me open. Fucking hell, how I want to pull her close, to tell her to stay. But I can't. For her sake and the baby's, she needs to be as far from this life as possible.

"Stop being an asshole, Lazaro!” Lana snaps at me. “You need her.”

I clench my fists, ignoring the pain shooting through my bruised knuckles. “So what?”

I turn back to Diana, steeling myself against the hurt in her eyes. But before I can say anything more, she lifts her chin, a sad smile on her face.

"It's okay. I've always known that this wasn't my place. I'm just happy that you're safe."

I want to tell her she's wrong, that this is exactly where she belongs. But I can't. I swallow hard, fighting against the urge to pull her into my arms. "Diana, I?—”

But she shakes her head, cutting me off. "You don't have to explain. I understand."

"Stop being so damn stubborn.” Lana’s eyes flash with frustration. "You're both miserable. Just tell her the truth!"

I feel my temper rising, the stress of the day threatening to boil over. "Enough.”

But Lana isn't backing down. She steps closer, her voice dropping to a fierce whisper. "You love her, you idiot. And she loves you. Don't throw that away because you're scared."

I glance around, suddenly acutely aware of the audience. Elio, Piper, Henry—they're all watching this unfold with varying degrees of interest and concern. Even some of the staff are peering through doors to catch snippets of our heated exchange.

The weight of their stares is suffocating. I need Diana to understand, but not like this. Not with the world hanging on every word and reaction. I’m not a fucking reality show.

"I'm not doing this here," I growl, my patience finally snapping. "Not in front of everyone."

Without waiting for a response, I turn to Diana. "Come with me," I say, my tone leaving no room for argument. "We’ll talk. Privately."

I don't wait for her response, simply turning and heading for the stairs. As I climb, I hear her soft footsteps behind me, following me up to my room.

I close the door behind us as we enter my room. Diana stands before me, her arms wrapped around herself as if for protection. The sight of her vulnerability makes my chest ache.

God, I want her. I love her. I feel like my world exists only for her. How can I make her go? "Did you mean it? When you said you loved me?"

Diana’s sweet face watches me. "Yes, I meant it. But I know you don't feel the same way."

"Is that what you think?" I demand, frustration seeping into my tone.

She simply stares at me. Of course she thinks that. I never told her I love her.

I run a hand through my hair, exasperated. "I remember you saying you were looking for your place in the world. I wanted to be that place for you, Diana. But all I've brought you is danger and grief."

Diana's eyes sharpen with a spark of defiance. "That wouldn't matter if you loved me too.”

Her words hang in the air between us. I stare at her, my heart pounding in my chest, torn between what I want and what I believe is right. If I tell her, I won’t be able to do right by her and the baby.

She gives me a sad smile. “I’m glad you’re okay. I’ll go, and I don’t need anything.”

Fuck. I can’t let her go without a means to raise the child. I’m paralyzed as she heads to my door. My heart races, and I know I can't let her walk out that door without telling her the truth.

"Diana, wait.”

She pauses, her hand on the doorknob, but doesn't turn around.

"I love you.” The words tumble out. "I went to that café because I couldn't stand the thought of living without you. I thought I'd go crazy if I didn't see you again."

Diana slowly turns to face me, her eyes wide with disbelief. "But you told me to leave.”