Page 124 of Unmasked

“Lawrence.”

“Lawrence. No. Go to bed.”

The line disconnected, and my eyes flared as I pulled the phone back and stared down at it in disbelief. She hung up on me? She told me no?

I threw my legs over the side, stopping myself from surging forward to get dressed.

There was no way I could just show up at Penelope’s home. Her home with Vaughn. I didn’t want to think about how I’d learned that only this morning. It was the entire reason I’d brought in the woman that looked like her. I’d meant to take my anger out on her, but that had backfired in my face.

“Fuck!”

I brought back up the phone, dialing her number again. The voicemail had me gritting my teeth. At the beep, I tried to control the anger in my voice, but I knew I was failing.

“You will come to the palace tomorrow. I don’t care what time. You will come, and you will meet with me.” The anger grew. “Don’t make me find you.”

CHAPTER 40

Vaughn

“What do you mean, provide entertainment?” My eyes rolled. “Mr. Wexler, I am the High Master. I am not a host. I am not a babysitter. My Masters come to buy slaves. They don’t need a fancy party or game night at The Order to get what they need.”

“Don’t you enjoy your position at least a little?”

A deep breath left me as I looked at the time. It was late. Too late to be talking about this. “The Order is not like The Garden of the Gods. You chose your position. You were groomed for it. I did not choose this. I accepted it. We are not the same.”

“No.” He sighed. “I suppose we’re not. How are your numbers? Is inventory going well?”

“For the most part, but I’m seeing an issue when it comes to the port. Transport hasn’t been the best. The captains are rebelling. I’m told it’s not just with me. It’s happening all over.”

“I’m hearing the same thing.” Elec paused. “I also hear the king is throwing you a Halloween ball. The costume is going to be everything. You know that, right? What are you going as?”

“I really don’t like you.”

“Because I asked⁠—”

“Because you know too much.”

He laughed. “He wants Penelope. I hear that as well.”

“He’ll catch my blade before he gets what’s mine again.”

A pause. “Go as a dead king. A knight with dark armor and a crown. No jewels, just sharp points. Have them going up and down and have the crown fit over the top of the hooded robe. Make the mask that covers your face threatening. A skeleton like your captor. Wear a cape. Capes are badass. There are no weapon restrictions for you, I hear. Carry a sword. Swords are also badass. But keep a gun on you because sometimes they’re more effective. Don’t have Penelope match you. It’s too cliché, and she’s too damn pretty. You want her to shine without taking away from your statement. I’ll have a picture made and send it to you. I know the perfect person who can make it. If you like it, they can have it to you before the week is out.”

My head shook. “I’ve been trying to figure out what to wear now for days. I feel like I should pay you.”

He laughed. “Pay me by getting Marian off my back. She’s trying to find me a wife. I’m not interested. An heir, yes. A wife, no thanks.”

“How is Marian?”

“A force of nature. Not to mention a pain in my ass. But she’s great. She’s come around. You didn’t break her, if that’s what you were wondering. You created a monster.”

“Good. That’s what I was hoping.”

Elec paused. “…Speaking of heirs. I’m really sorry about your loss. I heard The Council was turned upside-down from what happened.”

“Thank you. I should have known you’d know about that too. I swear, I stay in a state of wanting to kill King Lawrence. If I had evidence this would be a different matter completely. As it is, I don’t.”

“If only I could help you.”