Page 188 of Unmasked

“Those are going to be your stupid houses too when we marry. Besides, I’ve only just got started. Unless, of course, you’ve changed your mind and have decided to stop fighting me.”

“This isn’t a fight! This is you being an abusive prick trying to make me feel something for you. Let me out of these cuffs and I’ll give you a real fight.”

“You think you stand a chance against me?”

“I know I do. I’m confident in myself. Did you forget about The Trials? Take another look at my back. I fought a man that was twice the size of you. And he was a hell of a lot better fighter than you are. Why don’t you let me go and find out.”

He stalked over, gripping to my face and adding pressure as he moved in close.

“I would break you to pieces. Maybe I will.”

“Do you think so?”

The deep voice had Lawrence’s head whipping over and a sob leaving me. Slowly, Lawrence stood, fisting my hair as he did.

“Oh, I know so. Who the fuck do you think you are? Burning my palace. My properties. Wearing a crown! You are no king.”

A threatening, low laugh left Vaughn as he stepped in closer.

“Oh,” Vaughn’s hand lifted, showing the two rings he wore. Lawrence immediately stiffened. “But I am. Had you turned on your phone, The Council would have told you that you’re no longer king. You see, the second you sent men into The Order to take what was mine, you forfeited your life to me.” His head slowly shook as he continued to step to us. “And what you’ve done to Penelope, my queen… you can’t imagine the death you’re about to face.”

I cried out as Lawrence’s fist drew in and he jerked up my head higher.

“You come any closer, and there will be no queen left. Do you think I didn’t prepare for this? That I’m stupid?”

Vaughn slowed, pulling his gun free of his holster.

“We’re about to find out. You have three seconds to let her go or I will shoot you.”

“You shoot me, and I shoot her.”

“You have no gun.

Lawrence shrugged. “I always have a gun. Call my bluff.”

An explosion had me jumping. Lawrence’s left side of his body jerked back from the impact. Shock had him frozen for only a moment. He lunged for the nightstand, but Vaughn was already diving for him as he tried to get the drawer open. Boots were stomping in their rush into the room, and Wallace quickly covered me as he began unbuckling the cuffs.

A crunch sounded from Vaughn’s hit, and glass shattered as Lawrence crashed into the lamp. The roar that echoed through the room was deafening as Vaughn jerked Lawrence within inches of his face. He had his gun pressed to Lawrence’s head, adding so much pressure as he shook from rage.

“I’d love to kill you right now. I want so badly to tear you apart.” Vaughn’s grip on Lawrence’s shoulder tightened and he shoved his thumb in the bullet wound causing Lawrence to scream out. “My ancestors and Penelope deserve more than that.” Lawrence went flying towards the waiting guards at Vaughn’s push. Wallace got my hands free and moved to my feet. Vaughn lowered to the bed, and I didn’t hesitate as I launched myself in his waiting arms.

His hold was crushing, and I felt myself and the blanket pulled into his lap the moment Wallace unbuckled the last cuff. For seconds all I could do was cry as Vaughn rocked me and held on with a death grip.

“I c-couldn’t stop h-him.” I broke, wrapping my arms around his neck as I held on as tightly as I could. “I c-couldn’t⁠—”

“I know. Don’t cry. Shh, love. I got you.”

“No. I couldn’t s-stop him. He—” I choked on the words.

“It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault.”

“It’s not okay,” I sobbed. “It’s not okay.”

Vaughn’s hand cradled the back of my head. “You were bleeding… there. It was on your thighs. Is that what you mean? Did he…”

I was already nodding. “So many times. He drugged me, first. I could barely move. But I killed the doctor. I should have killed him.”

“We will.” Vaughn lifted me and the blanket, spinning. He headed forward, stopping at the dresser as he picked up my shredded clothes. “He’s going to die the most agonizing fucking death.” He opened a drawer, taking out a t-shirt and more pajama bottoms. “Let’s get you dressed. Wallace, shut the door.”