Page 30 of Unmasked

“I told him that you loved me without it. That I didn’t need it.”

A smile grew as I took him in. “You are an amazing man, Theodore Hart. Anyone else would have jumped at the chance. You didn’t just cave, you stayed loyal.”

“Loyalty is the only thing that matters. King Lawrence is a snake, Penelope. I don’t have a good feeling about that man. I don’t like him. I spend my days with criminals, and I’m pretty damn good at reading people. King Lawrence is not who he appears to be. Even as he was tonight…” His head shook. “That wasn’t the real him. Not entirely.”

I got quiet, going over his words.

“What did Vaughn say?”

He gave me a look. “I held back the worst of it. He’s already worried enough. I thought I’d warn you. You’re going to be the one stuck with him for four days. I think it’s a mistake. I really wish you’d reconsider.”

“And say what? Sorry, but I’ve changed my mind?”

“Tell him I said no.”

I laughed. “You sound like Vaughn. Think, Theodore. He is the king, and he’s asked me to accompany him to a Highland Hunt. That’s not a dinner date. In the eyes of the public, that’s the holy grail for a woman like me. What would happen if I said no after already committing?”

He bared his teeth in aggravation. “The press would ruin you. He’d make sure of it. They’d spin a false story, and you’d never hear the end of it. It would haunt you for the rest of your days. If Vaughn were to become king… It would be bad. They would look at you like the enemy. It would make things harder for him.”

“Yes. And what would happen if I went and made it apparent that we were not compatible? He would see it. Those attending would see it. It would be obvious, and we could part ways on civil terms.”

Theo’s head still shook. “I don’t believe he’s going to make it that easy. It’s not in his personality. I can’t see him giving you up. I just… I don’t like it.”

“None of us do. It’s four days. I’ll have Able and Mark with me. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Even as I said it, I knew better.

It only took one moment for life to completely change.

Boots pounded down the stairs and before Theodore could answer, Able headed in.

“Gone. We lost her a few townhomes down. I have The Reeve seeing what he can do to get more security that way. She knew our weak spots and she capitalized on them. She got to the back. It won’t happen again.”

“No, it won’t, because I want her at The Order before we leave for Scotland. I have enough on my mind without having to worry about her too. This ends.”

Able nodded. “I’m ready when the Unavowed gives the go.”

“He will. We’ll do this on the next Holy Night. One of you can camp out in the SUV, but Katia will believe I will leave here by myself. She won’t be able to resist following. If I can get her into the parking garage and through the door to The Order, we can lock her in. Escape will be impossible.”

“It’s getting her in that’s the issue.” Theo leaned back on the sofa. “That one is a trained assassin. She’s not stupid. She may follow you, but whether or not she’ll go through that door, I don’t know.”

“She has to. I’m finished playing her game. Holy Night is two days away. I leave for Scotland in five. I will not worry about her following or… worse.”

Silence settled, but it didn’t bring comfort. It sharpened my words, giving them weight.

Katia.

The king.

Two different threats, moving toward the same end.

For the first time, I wasn’t preparing to survive. I was preparing to lead.

CHAPTER 9

Vaughn

“I know the trials are law, but I’m asking you to consider the risk. My Intended is not safe. She leaves in five days. The king has already tried to manipulate Theodore—offering titles and trying to intimidate him. I would never ask you to make an exception—I’d never overstep—but I’m before you asking as your concerned king, work with me. If we wait, Penelope could be in danger. If she is mine in name, she has reason to refuse this trip.”