Page 29 of Uncrowned

To say I hadn’t thought of her sexually would be a lie. Those visions lived in my mind. But now wasn’t the time. She was hurt, and I had to check her injuries for myself.

I took the thick strap, bringing it down as I grabbed the other. With each inch that I pulled down her gown, I felt myself fall even more. When I made it past her breasts, sweat was collecting under the mask. My fixation made it hard to breathe. I only let my gaze linger for a second before the dark bruising began to make itself known with the gown’s descent. All lust died in that moment.

“Son of a bitch.”

My throat tightened through the anger. I gently lowered it even more, pulling her gown the rest of the way off. Dark shades of purple were clustered around her ribs, leading down her side to her thigh. As I rolled her closer to me, I could see the damage extended onto her back.

I shook my head at the possessiveness that nearly choked me. I lifted her enough to pull the comforter down to cover her up.

“Let anyone think of hurting you again…”

I pulled out my phone, hitting Redmond’s number. It rang only once before he answered.

“Sire. It is done. The bodies have been removed along with any evidence that could have been left behind.”

“I trusted you would take care of it. That’s not why I’m calling. Penelope needs a doctor. I don’t like how much bruising she has around her ribs.”

“I’ll contact Lord Oxley. Is that the extent of her injuries?”

“No. He marked her pretty good. The pain was too much for her; Penelope fainted. Have Oxley contact me so I can give him the location.”

“Right away.”

I hung up, lowering to the bed to bring myself closer. Her beauty lured me in, but I quickly reached behind the mattress, pulling out the cuffs. Penelope wasn’t going to like this, but I didn’t have a choice. I could continue my analysis later. Her health was priority, and only when I knew Penelope was better, would I continue.

I picked up one of the gold cuffs that I’d had made especially for Penelope. They were intricately designed with lozenge sapphires surrounding a large sapphire heart. Speckles of diamonds decorated the swirls of gold, and I traced my finger over her wrist as I locked them in place with the special key. It had the head of a lion at the end, the same one matching my family’s crest. The chains holding them to the bed rattled as I adjusted the length. I eased my hand back, standing, and pulling out the blinding mask to fasten over her eyes. Vibrations sounded from my phone, and I took off my own mask, bringing my cell to my ear.

“Lord Oxley.”

“Sire, Redmond tells me you need my assistance. I just left The Order. I’m in my car. Where should I go?”

“No addresses. What entrance did you leave from?”

“The north entrance. I’m not far from Upper Brook Street. I’m about to turn onto it now.”

“Perfect.” I reached over, not able to stop myself from tracing the pad of my thumb over her full lips. Focus wavered. My heart raced. Even though I could almost see Lord Oxley’s location, all of my attention was on the angel before me. Penelope’s lips parted at my pressure, and a moan nearly left me. “You’re not far. Head for King’s Road.”

“Alright.”

Minutes passed in silence. It could have been seconds for how lost I became. I’d never been one to fall for appearance, but there was something about Penelope that felt so familiar to me. So… right. How many times had I watched her from her window? How many times had I followed her and her mother around the city? Seeing her from afar wasn’t seeing her like this.

“Alright. I’m on King’s Road.”

“Circle back around to Symons. Make sure no one is following you.”

“Yes, Sire.”

Time.

“Alright. I’m on Symons.”

“Take your first right. Look for a yellow ribbon on a fence. You’ll see my car just past that. I’ll meet you at the door.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

I hung up, clutching to my keys. I took one last look behind me as I headed up the stairs and to the door. Worry mixed with adrenaline, and although I knew Penelope was in rough shape, it was a beginning—our beginning.

I had her.