Page 115 of Unmasked

I wasn’t imagining it.

A part of her wanted Lawrence, and I couldn’t ignore that as I swung right for Able’s nose. The block came easy enough, but I didn’t stop. I was a killer with this silent suspicion. Did King Lawrence really think he could take something else that was mine and live to keep it? And Penelope… she had to know she couldn’t have us both. She said she loved me. She acted as if she did. If that was the case, what the hell had I witnessed in that underground prison she’d been taken to?

Redmond’s words came back. His assurances. Ones I didn’t want to think about. Ones that secretly haunted me.

Faster, I swung. Able blocked what he could, yelling out as I didn’t ease.

“Rise up!”

Movement settled around me. Guards closed in to protect their Reeve. To allow me my outlet by not only challenging me but offering their bodies and blood if I was good enough to spill it.

A blur of movement darted in from my side, and I swung my elbow, catching a guard in the jaw. Able rushed in, but I dipped low, blocking his takedown as another guard grabbed me from behind. I barely pivoted in time to throw him before more hands latched on to me. And more. And more. I swung. I kicked. I fought with everything I had. Pressure from my back disappeared and I spun coming face to face with Penelope. Her hands were on her hips, and her eyebrow was lifted as if she were challenging me. As if she were saying, I’m right here… what are you going to do?

“Are you finished?”

I was breathing so hard I couldn’t answer. My jaw was set and clenched, and I gave a hard jerk of my head before I knew I was answering.

“No? Alright.”

Penelope lifted the necklace, her eyes blazing with its own anger.

“I stopped by your study before I came here. Did you get what you needed?”

The deep pants were my only response.

“I knew when I woke up wearing this what you were up to. We hide things now?”

“I had a right⁠—”

“To tell me,” she exploded. “You make offers of your love with lies now?”

My lids narrowed, and I waved the guards out. “What do you expect after the last time you left with him?”

“How about the truth? How about honesty? Trust. I told you everything. I have never hid anything from you.”

“So you were going to tell me about your little stunt in the prison?”

A smile came to Penelope’s face, but not one of happiness.

“You didn’t come to put me to bed last night, did you? You came to face him. It wasn’t about me at all.”

I stepped forward. “Not true. I did come to see you.”

“And him.” Her tone was firm but loud.

“You.”

“You better try again. And. Him.”

My fist clenched. “He had to know.”

“Know what? That you were the better-looking man? That you were bigger? That you were just as powerful? Did you pull out your dick and compare those sizes too? God. To think I thought I knew you so well.”

My head cocked to the side. “You do know me.”

“Do I? I’m not so sure about that. The Vaughn I know wouldn’t have had to lie about my safety. He wouldn’t have had a hidden agenda wrapped in a surprise visit. He wouldn’t be acting like a spoiled child right now.” She gave me a look so full of disappointment that I was sure there was a tinge of disgust hidden inside. “No… I don’t know who you’re becoming. I’m not sure I want to.”

She turned, heading for the door. Before I could stop myself, I lunged forward grabbing her bicep. The hit to my pressure point was so hard and fast, my arm went numb, going limp at my side.