Page 64 of Unmasked

Panic built at the thought that he might go through with it. I couldn’t lose Theodore. He trusted me. He was more than my friend. She had to be wrong.

“Answer the fucking phone.”

“Ring.”

“This is Theodore Hart. Leave a message⁠—”

I hung up, cursing as I called Able. He answered almost immediately.

“Sire?”

“Find Theodore Hart right now. I believe King Lawrence has put a contract on him. I want him brought here immediately.”

“Right away, Sire.”

I dialed Theodore’s number again, feeling my stomach tighten and twist as fear nearly crushed my chest.

Ring.

Ring.

Ring.

Ring.

“This is Theodore Hart. Leave a message⁠—"

CHAPTER 20

Penelope

I was good. No… I was great.

After the full night’s rest, I felt refreshed.

No morning sickness.

No fatigue.

I was thriving and in love with not only how I felt, but how I looked.

Out of anything I’d ever bought, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the outfit I’d had made for the hunt.

Everything.

Was.

Black.

The structure of the coat I wore was sharp, fitted, and longer in the back. A slim leather belt accentuated my waist, cinching the coat tight to show off my curves. Beneath, I wore a high-neck black silk blouse. The riding breaches were just as fitted and tucked into the tall black boots.

I held my gloves, loving the way I could feel the panels of the coat shift behind me as I took control of the lounge area. The guests turned at my entrance, some smiling, some’s stares taking me in longer than what was appropriate.

King Lawrence was in the middle of speaking with Lord Summerlyn when he mindlessly glanced over. He stopped mid-sentence, not moving or speaking as I walked deeper into the room and approached.

I could feel my power. My influence. And I was not letting him best me today. He had to see what he was doing was unacceptable, and I wouldn’t stand for it.

“Your Majesty. Lord Summerlyn.”