Chapter 12“A ball.” Jem squeaked the words out, his eyes wide, clearly appalled at the notion. “No, Byron, I can’t.” He shook his head vehemently.
“You can, you will, Jem, you must.” Byron caught hold of his friend’s upper arms as Jem backed away. “Prinz has been desperate to see you. If I’d known you were coming in tonight I’d have ensured he knew. He’s really very fond of you, Jem. He worried when you were ill and as much as I wanted to tell him who and where you were, I didn’t. Herne and I had a big argument over it.”
“No.” Jem gasped. “Byron, you really care for Herne.”
“I really care for you first.” Byron spoke softly, his gaze shifting away from Jem’s face. He couldn’t look his friend in the eye without risking Jem seeing how hard it was for him to try and push his feelings for He
