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“The usual amount and yes,” Wilder says, following his father’s gaze to look at me. “Desmond, why don’t you take Ms. Kane to have dessert in the garden? I’m sure she would appreciate the view there instead of having to bear through what I’m sure is a boring discussion to her.”
Desmond looks at the king. “May I be excused, father? I have nothing useful to add to the conversation. My brothers have everything handled. I'm just to do as I’m told like you’ve always said.”
King Winston opens and closes his mouth, looking like he’s ready to argue, but then his face smooths out, and a smile crosses his face. “That sounds lovely. I’m sure you would be interested in the little plaything that Enzo has collected. She’s probably a lot of fun and more suitable for you.” What a fucking asshole.
If my head would stop spinning and I could rely on my mouth not to say anything that would get me killed, I would respond to him. Enzo must sense how uncomfortable I am, because he stands up, eases my chair back, and takes my hand, walking me all the way around the long table and to where we meet Desmond at another doorway across from where the servers come through from the kitchen.
I wobble on my heels, and Desmond tightens his arm around my waist, securing me to his side. Enzo kisses my temple, and I allow Desmond to guide me from the dining hall and away from the suddenly bellowing voices breaking out behind us. I’m nearly certain the king was only remaining in control because of me, because he doesn’t truly know me. He assumes I’m not from this territory and wouldn’t want to risk saying too much or doing something that could spread word elsewhere.
“You did amazing, Kinsey,” Desmond says, leaning into me. “My father won’t question anything.”
My tongue feels heavy, and I lick my lips and bob my head, the intoxication controlling me.
“I’m drunk.” I don’t know why I say it, but it’s the only thing that my brain will allow to escape my mouth, probably as a way to protect me from saying something stupid. Though, it’s not like declaring that I am intoxicated is smart either.
Chuckling, Desmond spins me around, testing my balance in the process. I teeter over and screech, nearly falling forward. He catches me and lifts me into his arms, cradling me like a blushing bride.
A smile brightens his face, his mellow attitude easy to devour. He doesn’t find me a mess. He finds me amusing, and I appreciate him not getting mad. I know some packs would. I’d be considered an embarrassment.
“I bet you are. You know, we only served you two glasses, but you took one of Enzo’s. Have you ever had alcohol before, Kinsey?” he asks, nuzzling his nose to mine.
“Yeah...but not like this. Fuck. The world is spinning. Make it stop.” I rest my head to his shoulder and close my eyes, praying that I don’t get sick.
“I got you. Don’t worry. It’ll help if you eat something. I saw you didn’t touch anything on your plate.” Desmond carries me through the palace, keeping me steady without jostling me around. I don’t get a good look at where he takes me, because of my blurry vision, and I can’t even focus.
The world shifts and the fragrant scent of jasmine and rose permeate the air, awakening my senses. I open my eyes, blinking at the beams of bright sunlight cutting across the pebble walkway leading to a huge gazebo with vines of ivy twining around it. I had only glimpsed the outside of the palace with Wilder when we went to the Gutter District, but now that I have a chance to look around? It’s stunning. I wish I could see more of it outside of the secret passageways and the rooms.
Desmond carries me the entire way, greeting another server, already rushing to set up a table of desserts in the shade. A fountain showers water into the air, and the soft splash helps ease the erratic beats of my racing heart.
After finally setting me down, he cups my face and looks me in the eyes. “I’m sorry about the king. This was not supposed to happen. He surprised us.”
I dip my chin, rubbing my lips together, my throat dry. “You don’t have to apologize. Just help me sit down and get some food in me. I drank too much.”
Desmond chuckles. “Anything for you.”
Desmond sits down and pulls me into his lap, hugging me from behind, the sensation of his steady heartbeat against my back helping to settle my nerves. He reaches forward and picks up a square of cheesecake, bringing it to my lips.
I take a bite and savor it, my whole body humming, loving the closeness after such a stressful lunch.
Desmond offers me another bite. “Good, huh? I bet—”
The sound of gunfire startles me, and I throw myself forward, my fear controlling me. Desmond lands on top of me protectively, covering me like a shield.
“Stay down. Get under the table. Don’t move.” Desmond brings a chair and blocks me in, reaching into his suit jacket, pulling out his own weapon.
He aims somewhere to the right, pulling the trigger.
A man screams, and Desmond shoots again.
Silence fills the air.
Chapter 15
Enzo
Attack
Istareatthesecurity feeds on my phone, watching as Desmond shoots a man in the chest and then in the head. I can’t believe this fucking shit. Protocol says we need to move to the panic room with Dad, but there’s no fucking way we’re taking him there. We did not work hard on keeping Holly hidden just to have him realize what we’ve done, betraying our entire pack in doing so. He’ll have our heads. He’ll disown us and ensure that we never get power...putting a different alpha in our place. A fucking cousin or ally, someone else just to spite us. He’ll maybe even kill us.
