Page 3 of Unmasked

I did smile at that.

“You’re positive she’s safe?”

“The Order says she’s protected, so she is.”

“Who is with her?”

I picked up my scotch, taking a sip.

“Able, The Reeve’s second. He really impressed me in Miami. I trust him. He has two teams of ten men with him. The Reeve will be supplying me with another update after dinner. I’m told she’s even going to call me tonight, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Theodore took his plate, nodding, but he was very deep in thought as he began to eat.

“Wait. You’re going to get to see her at some point, though, right? I mean, she can’t come here temporarily. How long will that last? Will you be able to go to her once they give you the address?”

“The Judic and I will be discussing specifics in our meeting tonight. Going to her too soon wouldn’t be wise. The spotlight will be on her for a few weeks until the buzz of her return fades.”

“What about me?”

I grabbed my drink, my features hardening. “The SLB suspects I’m the one who took her, so obviously they’re going to suspect you since you were the one visiting her over at Grove Square when she was with Marian. They’ll think we’re connected. For now, I think you should stop by on occasion. The media will love that. It’ll show that you’re staying true to your interest, but that you’re pulling back as well.” My head cocked to the side. “You could start dating other women in a few weeks.”

“Like hell I will.”

My brow creased. “You’re that opposed?”

“I’m not interested in dating. I don’t want anyone to think I am. With interest comes expectations. No thanks. I will take Penelope out to dinner a handful of times. With the amount of publicity she’ll be bombarded with, others will naturally flock in droves. I will break away and say it was all too much. I will wish her the best and sink back into the shadows where I can be left alone.”

“Droves,” I breathed out. “I suppose you’re right about that. She’ll have every available title coming after her now. No… absolutely not. We’ll just have to find a way to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

“Ha! Have you seen your Intended? There’s a reason why she’s the most talked about woman in this country.” Theodore ate but continued between bites. “Penelope is like… she’s… like a—” I lifted one of my eyebrows—"like a jewel. Special… hypnotizing to look at. I mean—Well, if I’m being honest—tantalizing, or no?”

“Not to you.”

“Exactly. Most certainly not to me, but if we’re talking about others, then, yes.”

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

At my look and the steady drum of my finger, he quickly shifted.

“I’m just saying⁠—”

Again, my head shook.

“She’s so fucking beautiful, and God, I do love riling you up.” He grabbed his drink, winking. “I’ll watch over her is all I’m saying.”

“And you’ll be on your best behavior, because if you kiss her again, I will cut out your tongue and it will be mine, just as she is.”

The Reeve entered, meeting my gaze. I turned back to Theodore, slapping against his shoulder hard enough to make him wince. “Welcome home. Time for us to work. Let’s go.”

I stood, and Theo and I stepped from the platform, falling in line with The Reeve as we headed for my study. When we entered, I didn’t bother to go to my desk. I stood by the fireplace, watching as Theodore took a seat in one of the chairs. The Reeve moved further into the room, turning to face me.

“I’m going to be honest, Sire. We’ve had a bit of a complication.”

My head tilted and fear pinged. “What do you mean, complication?”