57. King Lawrence
King Lawrence
Small.
I wiped the blood from my cock, smiling. That showed her how small I was. Who was the one injured? Hurt?
It wasn’t me.
The satisfaction immediately faded. I turned back to her, heading over and wiping my cum off her stomach and breasts. Heavy-lidded blue eyes tracked my every movement, holding so much hate for me. Or… could it be sadness? Disappointment?
“Don’t look at me like that,” I snapped. “You did this.”
She didn’t speak as I pulled the blankets down underneath her, covering her up. I headed over, pulling out a pair of pajama pants and sliding them on. My victory over finally having her was leaving a sour taste in my mouth and I couldn’t stand it.
Why did she have to ruin our moment? Why—
I fucking knew why. Because even though it was Penelope, Vaughn was still in the room.
He controlled her, which meant I had to control him.
But to do that, I had to realize it wasn’t Penelope at all.
She was there underneath his indoctrination; I just had to find her.
I wouldn’t be able to do that if I kept being aggressive with her.
I had to control the real me until I found the real her.
She was innocent in all of this. I had to remember that through Vaughn’s attacks.
I sat on the edge of the bed taking in blue eyes that left me wanting to look over my shoulder as if someone was behind me.
“It wasn’t you who lashed out. It was Vaughn. I see that now, and I apologize for taking my anger out on you. It won’t happen again.”
Tears formed from the glare, and her face slowly turned away from me as a sob left her. My lips pursed, and I leaned in, moving to hover over her as I brought her gaze back to me.
“I’m so sorry, Penelope. I didn’t want our first time to be like that. I wanted it to be good for you. And I let him ruin it. Next time will be better. You’ll see. Give me an hour. We’ll try again.”
Another sob, but I didn’t miss the glare that returned or the anger radiating from her as I stood and walked away. Vaughn. Penelope. I could see them both in her, as if she were two entirely different people—broken woman—psychotic killer. It caused me to pause as I took her in.
I opened the door, closing it behind me as I headed down the hall and into the decently sized living area.
For a cottage, it wasn’t very small, but it was in comparison to the other properties I owned.
And I liked this one. It had oddly always felt like home.
It was the reason why I chose to bring Penelope to this place.
“Your Majesty.”
George stood from watching the television, and Dr. Ayden turned from the window as I walked forward. The doctor took in my bare chest and pajama bottoms, immediately lowering his eyes. George didn’t skip a beat as he headed forward.
“The palace has issued a statement on your behalf. It would appear the news is going crazy over the events of the ball between you and Mr. Masterson. People are saying the two of you are feuding over your titles. Other reports are speculating it’s over Ms. Penelope.”
“Lady Penelope,” I corrected. “She’s of noble blood. A duchess. Her relinquishment was Vaughn’s doing and can’t erase the truth. It doesn’t matter. Let them speculate. It’ll look better when they find out she’s with me.”
I spoke the words, but it didn’t stop the odd trace of uncertainty that sparked.
“What of the patrols?” I continued. “Do we have enough men keeping an eye on the perimeter? I don’t want any mistakes. No one is to know where we are.”
“We have it covered. What about on your end?”
I paused. “What do you mean? I told them what they needed to know. Nothing. I said I was leaving for a small vacation, and I would keep in touch and return when I was ready. They know I have detail with me. They’ll take care of the press.
In the meantime, phones stay off. For everyone,” I threatened.
“I will not have Vaughn Masterson or The Council finding me before I’m ready.
When I return, it’ll be with Penelope… and she’ll be married to me. ”