Page 58 of Unmasked

“How?”

“What we say cannot be heard, but he may have a camera in your room. I do. Not to mention on my men so I can keep tabs on your safety.”

More, my mouth opened. I swallowed the million things I wanted to say, clearing my throat instead.

“How are you? I’ve missed you.”

“You know the answer to that. I’m fuming. You’re smart to leave early. After what I just heard, I don’t know how I’m not heading for my jet right now.”

“Right.” I let out a deep breath knowing I had to continue in case someone was listening or watching. “I will undergo the first hunt tomorrow. I’m excited. Although, I haven’t ridden a horse in years, so I believe I’ll just take it slow.”

“Too dangerous.”

“It could be,” I breathed out. “But I may not have a choice. I don’t want to talk about it. Tell me about you. How did your day go?”

“Miserably.” His tone softened. “The Duchess of Rosemoor. I can’t believe it.”

“It was always mine,” I said softly. “But you know that. You feel it.”

“I am happy for you, although… your family did betray mine.”

“Hey. That wasn’t me.”

Vaughn laughed, and I couldn’t keep the smile from coming.

“You’ve made up for it, I suppose. I mean, you are facing the trials to be my queen. That seems like a good enough apology.”

My chest fluttered and longing registered. All I wanted to do was curl in Vaughn’s lap. To hold to him and be far away from King Lawrence.

“… Do you love me?”

“Do I not declare that the stars, the moon, and the sun are yours?” He let out a small breath. “I love you in a way that makes existing without you feel impossible. I don’t know who I am without you.” He paused. “I never want to know.”

Tears filled my eyes, burning as I tried to get control of my emotions. My lips trembled, and it was impossible to stop the tears from racing down my cheeks.

“Me either. I love you, too. More than anything.” I quickly wiped away the wetness. “I wish we were together.”

“Me too, love.”

He got quiet, and I slid off the heels, heading to the closet. I unzipped the dress, letting it fall to the floor as I reached for the black silk nightgown with a matching robe.

“You’re so upset. I’m sorry. What will you do for the rest of the night? I’m getting ready for bed. I’m tired, and I have a big day tomorrow.”

More hesitation.

“I’m going to kill Katia.”

I jerked to a stop from slipping on the nightgown.

“Oh.” I forced the material over my head, quickly pulling it down to settle over my curves. I dropped my voice so low, it was barely audible. “Kill—But I wasn’t done.”

“You had your revenge.”

“It was nothing. I was only just getting started.”

“You are in no condition to put your body through so much stress. Do you not think it speaks for itself? You could barely function by the time you left. You’re finished. Now it’s my turn, and I’m ending this. I’ve already gotten permission from The Collective High Council. They were not happy about it, but after I showed them the evidence there was nothing they could do. Katia belongs to me, and I’m killing her tonight.”

My body sagged through the exhaustion. I carried the robe with me back to the bed, tossing it to the bottom.