Page 52 of Unmasked

“I insist.” He licked his lips, lowering his gaze momentarily to mine. “You’ll find I can be a very generous man. I’m happy you finally accepted my invitation.” He paused, his gaze cutting back over to my men. “I’m guessing your fear is the cause of the earlier rejections? Or… perhaps it was the horrible Agent Marchase.”

My lips tightened, and he didn’t miss it.

“It wasn’t her. It was me. My loyalty is the reason. I am in a committed relationship, Your Majesty.”

“Ah.” His face hardened. “Theodore Hart. I can’t say our meeting was… productive.”

My gaze lowered. “He’s a good man.”

“But not a worthy one. Not of you.”

I opened my mouth to argue, instead, suppressing the emotion and switching gears.

“I was under the impression he came from a line of dukes. I’m not the best with history, but I do recall the Harts losing their title around the same time as my own family.”

King Lawrence’s face hardened.

“His family committed treason, along with others. It’s not a topic I like to talk about. As for your own family, I have been looking into that lately. Your ancestors claimed they had evidence of their innocence.”

“That is true. And they were ready to present it when King David died. His son, who took his place as king, refused to honor that request. Although, I’ve heard different versions. My father was under the impression King David took the evidence before he died, which is why we didn’t have it anymore. Regardless, here I am.”

“Here you are… with me.”

Silence played between us, and I wanted to shift in my chair as his intense stare stayed focused on mine. Was he studying me? Attracted to me? I wasn’t sure how to react.

“It was a letter written by Archibald Taylor.” He didn’t elaborate but he didn’t need to. He had the evidence. I was almost positive, and he was leaving the ball in my court.

“Then, I guess you know more than I do. I trust you’ll do what you must. I’m content either way.”

He forced a smile, tilting his head slightly.

“You have fire. You care, but you won’t play my game. Under that composed demeanor is a woman with bite. I see her. And she’s new. She wasn’t behind those blue eyes the last time we met. I knew she could be, but I hadn’t created her. It would see your masked captor beat me to it. I don’t mind. I can still mold you into the perfect queen.”

It took everything I had not to slap him. I lifted from the back of the seat, sitting straight and losing the softness I’d masked myself with. I paused, making him wait for my words.

“A king does not mold a queen. A queen is created from death of character. Of ego. Death of self. Only a queen is able to decide whether she has what it takes. I am no queen, but if you’re looking for one…” I kept my hard gaze focused on intimidating his. “I could help you. I’m great at reading character.”

CHAPTER 15

King Lawrence

In love with a barrister?

It made no sense.

Penelope was clearly a smart woman. And fiery. And alluring in her safe, structured outfit. The charcoal turtleneck with the high waisted trousers screamed not interested. Paired with the mid-calf cashmere coat in black… taken.

She wanted me to know it.

Even the tight, low bun and single ring and watch stated it was all business. Penelope wasn’t here to impress me. She was making a statement. Not. Interested.

But that left me even more determined. Didn’t she know how long I’d waited for her? For this?

A barrister?

It made my head shake. How? When?

I thought back to how she looked. Older. Stronger. Maybe it was the clothes or the way she carried herself now. I could be reading her wrong. Maybe her appearance wasn’t disinterest but the fear she held from her masked captor. He still wasn’t caught. And she wore her clothes like armor. It was meant to repel.