Page 117 of Unmasked

“And you got me back with that bullshit you pulled on him. Fuck, Penelope. Did you not see how close he was to—” My eyes bore into hers. “He wanted you. Had his guards not walked in… What would you have done if he would have tried to kiss you? Had he tried to fuck you? If he would have raped you?”

My voice grew in volume with every question.

“First off, it wouldn’t have gotten that far. Had he wanted to rape me, he would have done so at Glenbrae. He didn’t.”

“But he kissed you, and he was so close to kissing you again. Is that what you wanted?”

“Of course not.”

My hand V’d at her chin as my fears turned into a desperate panic. “You sure as hell fooled me. Maybe this time you wanted to be completely conscious for it. Maybe you wanted to kiss him back.”

Her hand locked on my wrist, tightening as she glared up at me.

“Had I wanted to kiss him, I would have done so. What I did do was peel back layers of a king I’m not so sure we can overthrow. I uncovered that we have a rat in our midst. I let myself believe that the man I love actually gave a damn when he didn’t. Now let me up so I can go to my room.”

My head shook back and forth.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

“Vaughn. I’m done being nice with you.”

“So don’t be.”

Blue eyes darkened, and I was ready for her speed, just not her moves as she used her weight and hold on my arm to push up against my elbow. I shifted to ease the pressure, but that only had her wedging her legs between us. The hit to the pressure point under my arm had my arm locking up again, distracting me as she twisted and slammed her knee into my ribs. I grunted, forcing my own weight down as I fought to contain her.

“You’re going to regret this.” A small sound left her as I stopped her hand from slamming up into my face.

“No, love. I don’t think I will.”

She screamed, throwing her weight to the side. I quickly slid her back underneath me, reaching her wrists and pinning them over her head. My lips crushed into hers, and an angry sound left her.

“You want him.”

Penelope wrestled against my hold, glaring up at me.

“Take it back.”

“You want him. I saw it.”

“Do you think I’m stupid? Do you think I’ve forgotten what he might be responsible for? What you saw was me taking charge and manipulating him. I was playing the game, just as you should be.”

Her words barely registered through the mass of emotions. Through the need to lock myself in her heart so she could never force me out.

“I’ll never give you up. I’ll never lose you to him.”

“You’re not listening to me.”

I forced her legs apart, settling between them.

“And you’re not listening to me.” The words came out deep. Calm but crazed. “I’m never… letting… you go. Never.”

Silence. I took in Penelope’s expression.

“You think I’m weak for my threats. I’m not telling you this to threaten you or to instill fear from wanting another man. I’m being honest. You can hate me. Try to escape me. Try to kill me.” I rocked against her, moving my lips to hover just above hers. “And I will love you to the death. Yours. Mine. Or ours. There was never an escape from this life for you. So if I’m right… if you feel anything for King Lawrence… you better kill that temptation inside you now, because that is a path you will quickly regret taking.”

More silence.

Penelope’s arms twisted, and I let her break free of my hold.