Page 135 of Uncrowned

“Fuck you. You’re not taking Marian anywhere.”

Doors from multiple rooms opened, and my tactically dressed men moved in, all pointing weapons at the stranger. I approached from behind, leveling my gun even with his forehead as I headed around to face him. With every step I took, the circle of men got closer to him and Marian.

“Very interesting…” I took in his build and size. Then, his face. He was tall, like me. Easily a few inches over six feet. And he was lean but muscular. “You’re not the woman’s guard. We killed him yesterday. You’re not Bastian.” My head cocked to the side. “Yet…here you are, a stranger to me, trying to escape to save her.” I paused. “Or are you kidnapping her? Who are you?”

“I work for Bastian⁠—”

“Lie.” Dale stepped forward, jerking his gun up to the man to emphasize the truth. “You’re not one of Allard’s men. Who are you?”

“Who the fuck are both of you?”

Dale looked at me, his lids narrowing. “We don’t have time for this. Let’s kill him and leave.”

He gripped tighter to Marian, taking a step back, only stopping as a muzzle pushed into the back of his head.

“Last chance. Answer the question. Who are you?” I opened my jacket, holstering my gun.

“Last time,” he repeated. “Fuck all of you.”

I paused, trying to place his voice. It was familiar. Surely, it couldn’t be… Or maybe it was…

“Brave. I like that. You’re not like Bastian at all.” I shrugged to Dale. “He’s got a mouth, but he’s not a threat. Maybe he’ll make my day and prove me wrong. … We’ll see.” I stepped closer. “She seems important to you, one way or another. I hope you come for her. I really hope you do.”

I made a small circle with my finger, and the guard behind him brought the butt of the gun down hard against his head. The man holding Marian’s knees buckled, and my guards dove in, taking her limp body from his grasp as he hit the ground.

“Let’s go. Money will be in your account shortly.” I nodded Dale away, and we split up, keeping a steady pace to the elevator. I didn’t give the man a second glance as we headed down the hallway at a fast pace, turning right. I didn’t have to hit the button. One of my men was already holding the doors to the elevator open and ready for us.

When the doors shut us inside, I breathed in a deep inhale.

“Great job, men. Take her with you. I’ll see you on the plane.

The door opened and all three SUVs were waiting in a line, ready to go. I went to the first and opened the back passenger door, feeling myself pause as I came face to face with Penelope in my seat.

“Wrong side,” she bit out.

When she didn’t move, I cursed, heading around the damn SUV. I did not have time to wrestle her over. I got in, slamming the door as I cut my gaze to her. She wasn’t even looking at me. She kept her stare to the window, and her arms over her chest. I turned to Keith.

“Which was it? Did she run or fight?”

He glanced at her. “Neither, Sire. She wasn’t happy, but she followed me out. She kept her vow.”

My pulse hit hard into my chest. I wanted to kiss her, to pull her onto my lap. Penelope’s words doused the thought.

“Tell me I didn’t see your men carrying Marian into their SUV.”

“Oh, you saw correctly.”

She finally looked over, the anger replaced by fear.

“What are you planning to do? Marian wasn’t part of this. She helped me.”

“She kept you from me. She pays.”

Her mouth opened, only to close as she took in the men in the front and back. A good minute passed, and I couldn’t stop staring at her. I took in the black, loose dress, laughing under my breath.

“Some things never change.”

Her lids narrowed as her gaze came back to me.