Page 59 of Unmasked

“Fine. Lesson learned. Next time, I won’t take my time.”

“That is not fair. When you have this baby, then you can become creative. Take days. Months. I don’t care. Until then, I’m calling the shots.”

“Fine.”

Silence.

I softened my voice, feeling myself turn pouty as my anger faded.

“Will you tell me, again?”

A deep chuckle sounded through the phone.

“I love you. More than the sun, the moon, the stars… more than the air I breathe. More than all the water in the sea. More than money or gold. More than anything in this world.”

Seconds passed before he continued. “There is someone who is running a very close race with you though, and I fear…” His voice practically purred in the deep silkiness. “I fear although I just only learned about them, the competition is on your heels. You may become my second love. I already miss seeing them. And talking to them. And knowing they’re there.” I smiled as he paused. “How can twenty-four hours completely change a person’s life?”

I slid under the covers, sliding my hand over my stomach.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

“I’ve never been so happy or so scared in my life.” He exhaled. “I want you both home. I want you here.”

“Soon.”

“Not soon enough. Get some rest, Penelope.”

“I will. Have fun without me.”

“Impossible. I love you.

“I love you, too.”

Hanging up, I smiled, placing my phone on the charger resting on the bedside table. I turned off the light, watching the shadows dance across the room from the fireplace.

I should have been angrier about Katia after what she did, but I wasn’t. Maybe I was too tired. Maybe I trusted that Vaughn would make her suffer enough for the both of us.

All I knew was one thing. Tomorrow I’d do my best to get through the hunt, and then I’d start plotting a way to leave earlier than expected.

The king was not safe to be around. His boldness grew with each meeting. Call or knock…

If I was going to get out of Scotland unscathed, I had to come up with a plan. One that would deter his interest for good.

CHAPTER 18

King Lawrence

So… She’d been telling the truth. She loved another man. From her side of the conversation I’d listened to, it was genuine.

It didn’t.

Fucking.

Matter.

There was never a question on whether or not Penelope would be mine.

She already was.