Page 144 of Unmasked

Power.

Mine…

“You’re right. Thank you for letting me know. Will you at least call me after the fight and let me know if she’s okay?”

Hesitation.

“I’ll call.”

“Thanks.”

I hung up, knowing to keep my mouth shut. I lowered to my desk, holding my hand up to George as I began to write.

You will take Penelope from her home soon.

Blackwood House

17 Whitmore Terrace

Kensington

He nodded, and I continued writing.

You will await my instructions. In the meantime, prepare my private cottage in Esher.

More details soon.

Again, he nodded. I crumbled the paper, heading over to the fireplace and throwing it in.

I was done playing games. Soon, I’d have Penelope to bend, break, and create, and she’d be better than the original. Better than she was now. I’d make her perfect, but first… I’d make her pay.

CHAPTER 46

Vaughn

“Shh. Shh, love. Don’t move. It’s okay. Lord Oxley is just putting in a few stitches. You’re doing great.”

A sob shook Penelope and her head tried to lift, only to fall back to the table we had her on.

“Stitches. How bad is it? I… I think I passed out.”

A small cry left her as she jumped at the needle piercing her skin again. I lowered, crouching so our faces were even.

“It’s bad. I’m very proud of you for standing up to them. You answered correctly. I think they expected you to fall into their trap concerning me. It made them angry when you didn’t, but you were right, and they knew it.”

Penelope sniffled. “The numbing was a godsend. I know I was given something. I still feel the pain, but nothing like I did before.”

“I’m glad it’s helping. The lashing part is over.” I brushed back her hair. “You’ll have to fight next. Penelope….”

I couldn’t say it. I couldn’t think it. But I was, because I was terrified.

“I’m not calling it quits, Vaughn. If I stop, I fail.”

“Failing is better than dying.”

Her head shook, turning more into the table. She grew still, her eyes still closed. Even though her lids were lowered, I didn’t miss the tears that escaped. They rolled over the bridge of her nose, soaking into the wood. Slow, deep breaths left her. Penelope forced her head up, flattening her hand on the table for balance.

“Do we know who I’m fighting? Have I already asked that? I’m a little foggy.”