Page 79 of Uncrowned

“You don’t mean that. You can do it. You just have to want to. Don’t you want to be with me, Penelope? Even a little?”

I pushed against his chest. “To be with you, I’d actually have to have you. I don’t.”

“That’s not true.”

He was stepping back into me, pulling me back against his body.

“You’re never here anymore.”

“I am⁠—”

“You’re not. You don’t touch me. You don’t kiss me or tell me how you can’t breathe without me. How you can’t think because it’s me who steals your thoughts.”

“You do. God dammit you do! Penelope.”

I wiggled, feeling Vaughn clamp on even tighter. My blood surged and lust begged to push him further.

“You used to be ravenous for me. To kiss me. To touch me. You couldn’t get enough. You’re not the same.”

“I’ve never wanted you more. Why do you think I stay away? I can’t—If I kiss you. If I really kiss you⁠—”

“You’ll what? Scare me? Hurt me?”

“I won’t stop, and that will scare you.”

“Because I’m weak, right?” I stepped closer to him. “Admit it. You think I’m weak. That I’m not strong enough to be queen.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You could if you wanted to.”

“But you think I don’t, so therefore, my weakness comes from… my lack of want?”

“You want to leave. You said so yourself.”

Slowly, my head nodded.

“So, you admit I am weak.”

Vaughn’s lips parted.

“No, I’m saying if you truly wanted to be queen, you’d put in more effort.”

“Right. Because a crown is what I’ve always wanted.”

I turned, heading for the bed. I sat at the top, leaning against the headboard.

“Don’t you have laws to discuss or something?”

“Not tonight. You’re ready for me to leave that bad?”

“Well, you have no plans to stay, do you?”

Vaughn glanced to the side of the bed he used to sleep on, taking a step back.

“I didn’t think so. Just leave.”

Tears burned my eyes. Of course he had no plans to sleep here. He hadn’t since after the week of the rape.

“Penelope… I’m sorry. I just can’t.”