Page 107 of Unmasked

“Let’s forget the past. None of that matters anymore. What’s important is right now. You’re back where you’re meant to be, and I can’t wait to see what you make of your new adventure.”

“Adventure.” The smile that came to Penelope’s face was full of happiness. Of dawning. My stomach twisted and pain webbed over my heart. “What an adventure this is.” The smile fell and her head lowered.

“What is it?”

He pushed from the chair, but Penelope’s hand came up to stop him from coming closer.

“It’s nothing. I should be going to my room. Thank you for helping me today. I truly appreciate it.”

“Of course. I’m only happy you allowed me to. I’ll see you in the morning for breakfast?”

“Yes.” She stood, taking a step back. “See you, then.”

I watched King Lawrence’s eyes eat her up as she headed for the door. She passed her guards who were waiting, and Penelope wasn’t to the stairs before my phone was ringing. I let out a breath, hitting the button.

“Hello?”

“There you are. I was beginning to worry. Is everything okay?”

“It’s great. Sorry, Mr. Prescott showed up. We’ve been busy going over everything.”

She paused from speaking, but I saw her make it to the long hall.

“Did he say anything helpful about the ball? Do you have to go?”

“I’m afraid so. He says King Lawrence was nice enough to allow me liberties to be completely masked and armed if I wanted. Only me, of course, since he knows I don’t trust him, but they don’t believe the king will have me killed. Not when he’s trying so hard to win you over.

Penelope’s steps faltered.

“You know where I stand on that.”

“Do I?”

She reached the door, opening it and disappearing into a large room. The luxury only made my anger grow for reasons I couldn’t even place.

“…Vaughn, don’t. Not tonight. I’m tired, and I’ve had a long day. You’re not going to ask if I’m coming home?”

“Why would I do that? You’d be here if you were.” I squeezed my lids shut. “I’m sorry.”

“It can’t be helped. I’m trying to learn everything as fast as I can, but if you knew the extent of the responsibilities, you wouldn’t be giving me a hard time.”

I took a seat in my chair, watching as she sat on what I knew must be the edge of the bed. A fireplace was already roaring to life, and the room almost reminded me of Glenbrae, except more elegant than the hominess there.

“Penelope…” I stopped, seeing how the camera was more pointed towards the floor. Her shoulders were hunched. She only did that when she was tired or worried. “I love you.”

A soft exhale left her. “I love you, too. And I miss you already. I hate being apart.” Her voice got so quiet, I could barely hear her. “How are we going to do this, Vaughn? How am I? Rosemoor and The Order? The drive isn’t horrible, an hour, but.” She stopped, and more, her shoulders seemed to sag. “What if I fail one or the other? What if I⁠—"

“You, fail? Impossible. If anyone could tackle this and make both thrive, it’s you. Let’s not think of that right now. You said it yourself. You’ve had a hard day. I have a better idea than going over needless worries.”

“What’s that?”

“Give me an hour… and I’ll show you.”

CHAPTER 35

Penelope

I could barely sit still as I counted down the time and paced my room. Back and forth. Back. And. Forth. I went from one side to the other until I was sure the heels from my stilettos would forever be imbedded into the wood. When ten minutes remained, I found myself bursting from my bedroom door, startling the guards who stood outside.