Page 98 of Unmasked

“Maybe you didn’t hear me say I had the tape. I was watching live. They meant to stay to keep her safe. They did not threaten you. Not once. As for my child⁠—”

“I had no idea she was pregnant. I knew nothing of you—only the barrister.”

“A barrister you also tried to kill. You’re lucky you’re alive right now. Many in The Council are turning on you. They question whether your life is worth the trouble you’re causing.”

Repeatedly, my jaw flexed. “You will have Penelope ready for me first thing tomorrow morning.”

“I will not.”

My voice dropped in tone as the threat thickened my words.

“You will give me an address and have Penelope ready for me first thing tomorrow morning. Nine AM, sharp. And I give you my word I will return her before sunset.”

“No.”

I stood from my chair.

“If you think⁠—"

“Stop. Talking. This is what’s going to happen, Your Majesty.” Vaughn paused, and his footsteps stopped. “Penelope and I will meet you at Rosemoor.”

My head gave a jerk. “You are not coming.”

“You’re not afraid, are you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re not coming because this has nothing to do with you. Penelope is the Duchess.”

“And I will be her husband.”

I laughed. “I don’t believe I saw a ring, nor did I see an announcement of any kind claiming any rights to her. You’re not engaged, and from my research the last few days, Penelope can’t be engaged to you because she has not undergone the trials for this place you call The Order. She does have to undergo those to be your… queen… right? Penelope as your Persephone? So romantic.”

“She’s not going.” He got quiet, only to continue. “Did you really lay with her when she was unconscious… kissing and brushing back her hair?”

I bit my lower lip, not able to stop the way my body reacted to memories I longed for.

“I thought you said she was unconscious.” A low growl left him, but I continued. “Believe it or not, I care for Penelope. And believe it or not, she feels something for me, too. Maybe she doesn’t know it yet, or maybe she’s so brainwashed by her masked captor that she can’t quite see it, but she will. I’ve noticed something about Penelope that maybe you haven’t got the chance to witness. Or maybe you’ve known all along. Victims have this amazing ability to mimic emotions they’ve experienced before. Penelope is a fantastic actress. But those tears she can call out on a moment’s notice, those are real. They’re not manifesting from nothing. Those tears… they’re because of you, and once she starts to realize you’re the cause of all that pain she has locked away.” I paused, lifting my glass to take a drink. “She’ll choose me.”

“You’re wrong.”

I weighed the quiet response.

“I’m not, and we both know it. Penelope belongs with me, not you. But that’s not why I called, and we’re done arguing about it. Penelope has responsibilities. As her king, I’m here to make sure she fulfills them. You will text me an address and have her ready by nine in the morning, and as I gave my word, I will have her home before sunset.”

“And if I don’t let her go?”

“We both know the answer to that.”

Vaughn’s footsteps started again. “And if you don’t have her home?”

I took another drink.

“This is business. I’m not looking to get on The Council’s bad side. I know not to push it. I will return her on time.”

“I cannot agree to your terms. I will not.”

Anger exploded within me, but before I could say a word, Penelope’s voice echoed over the receiver.

“Hello?”