Page 119 of Unmasked

“God.” My feet braced on the bed, and Vaughn lowered, softening the kiss as I rocked faster against the thrusts. “We really shouldn’t.”

“We aren’t. You are.”

My lids opened, and the anger was immediate. “You mean we weren’t going to—You just mean to get me off? As if I can’t function without having an orgasm?” An incredulous laugh left me. “Or maybe you think if you can keep me blissed out, I won’t have to find it somewhere else? Is that it?” I used my foot to push down on his arm so that he wasn’t inside of me anymore. “Maybe I don’t want to have pleasure if it’s not going to be with the real thing.”

“Jesus,” Vaughn growled out. “It’s barely been two weeks. You’re still bleeding. We can’t—I won’t risk you or another child until I know you’re both safe.”

“So wear a condom like any normal, sane person.” I pushed him off me, standing to grab my panties and slide them on. “Not that you’ll have to because I won’t be here, like I said. I only came back to get my stuff. I’m temporarily moving to Rosemoor. I have to focus on the trials and my estate.”

“Penelope.”

The warning was thick in Vaughn’s tone.

“Maybe next time you come to visit, it’ll be to see me. Don’t worry, the king has already left. He’ll only be stopping in on occasion to check on things. But just in case you want to make sure I’m telling the truth, not to mention appease your stalkerish tendencies, the head of security at Rosemoor is expecting your call. If you’re going to watch, you might as well see everything.”

“You’re not leaving.”

“Oh, I am. And if you want to stand any chance of me forgiving you, you’re not going to fight me on this.”

His jaw repeatedly flexed.

“Stay at our home. The tunnels are finished. I’ll give you space. You can train here. I’ll have you flown to Rosemoor if you need to go there.”

“Fly on your helicopter?”

“It’ll be a quick flight.”

“Vaughn—"

His head shook. “Don’t go. I’m sorry. After what he’s done, what his family has done, I hate him… I can’t stand this.” His head shook. “You can’t leave with us fighting like this.”

“You’re the one fighting. You’re the one who is acting like a child and can’t see.”

Seconds passed, and he blinked hard. “Don’t leave. I—Make me see. Don’t go.”

“You want to see? You want to really see? I’ll show you. Call The Reeve and have the guard be ready in the Throne Room.”

Vaughn grabbed his phone, and I didn’t miss the conflicting expressions. He was trying so hard to process and accept how King Lawrence was now in our lives.

I headed for the adjoining door, throwing it open and making my way to the closet. I grabbed a pair of black leggings and a black, fitted long sleeve shirt, putting them on. When I slipped on a pair of black sneakers and headed for my vanity, I didn’t miss Vaughn’s watchful gaze from the doorway. I pulled my hair back, twisting it in a bun to rest at the nape of my neck.

“Let’s go.”

I opened my door, not waiting for Vaughn as I headed down the hall at a quick pace. He easily caught up, staying silent as we made our way. Guards were lining up as we entered, taking their place as we walked to the front of the room. Where Vaughn went to sit on his throne, I paced. I took in every guard, down every row. Back and forth, I walked the long length of the room, waiting until every last one was in attendance. When I got back to the Reeve, I gave him a look, nodding.

“As many of you know, I have spent the last two days with King Lawrence.”

I let my voice carry the length of the room as all eyes stayed on me.

“What I have learned in that time is extremely disturbing, and I am not happy about it. We have a problem. A very big one.” I turned, watching Able swallow hard. “How many times have the alarms gone off in the last two weeks? Since I’ve been back from Scotland?”

His eyes lifted through his thoughts.

“Four.”

“Four times. And has anyone been apprehended or questioned concerning these breaches in security?”

A pause. “No. They’re usually gone before we get there. I don’t think⁠—”