Page 104 of Uncrowned

“I didn’t even ask what you wanted. Did you see something you like?”

I could barely focus on Marian’s question. The man was still looking. Still talking to the guard as if he were determined to get in.

“I’ll get what you’re getting.”

Marian turned towards the door where I was looking, catching exactly what I did.

“Don’t worry. It’s pretty common with being downtown. People always try to get in, whether it’s for the restroom or Martha’s. Elliot, my bodyguard, he stays on top of security here.”

“You have a bodyguard?”

Marian nodded. “I don’t have much need for him when I’m in the building, but when I leave, yes. My parents.” She again rolled her eyes at the mention of them. “I hated it at first, but I’ve gotten really close with Elliot over the years. You’re safe, Penny, I promise. The man probably has the wrong address. It happens all the time. If he’s not meant to be here, they won’t let him in. Each person on this floor is monitored and watched at all times that way no mistakes can be made.”

“Oh.”

The man forced a smile, keeping his eyes mostly on me as he nodded to the guards at the door and headed to leave.

Could Marian be right? Was it a case of the wrong address? Or did it have to do with Vaughn?

As Marian ordered for us, I felt sick. I wanted to run after the stranger. To ask him why he was here. The ability to stand still was almost impossible.

Paper rustled from the shop’s bag, and the volume around me increased in odd surges of tones. I pulled at the collar of the dress, feeling sweat beginning to collect against my skin.

“Hey, are you okay?”

The rise and fall of my chest increased. “I’m good. I just... I think I’m going to maybe call it a day. I’m suddenly feeling a little off.”

“Okay.” Concern was in Marian’s tone as she took the bag from the cashier and put her arm around the back of my shoulders. As she led me out of the shop, I scanned the large glass walls to the sidewalk outside. The crowd stayed steady with businessmen and women rushing by. And in a sea of suits, anyone could have been the taller gentleman who’d kept my stare. If he was out there, I couldn’t see him anymore, and that didn’t fare well for the woman who was homesick for cement walls and darkness. At this point, I’d take the stone walls of The Order. Home was with Vaughn, and I prayed that he was already opening my package and trying to piece the clues together.

“I shouldn’t have brought you down so soon. I’m sorry, Penny. I’ll take you to the apartment and get you settled. Do you want me to call Cassandra and tell her I’m not coming back? I can stay with you⁠—”

“Oh, no. Please don’t do that. I’d feel so guilty. It wasn’t being down here, Marian.” We got on the lift as I tried to explain. “I actually feel better down here. I needed new scenery. I haven’t been eating very well. I think it’s finally caught up with me. The muffin will help. And I’ll get some rest while I read more from those history books I borrowed. By dinner, I’ll be back to normal.”

“Are you sure?”

I hit the floor to our apartment, pushing in the one for Marian’s office.

“I’d tell you if it were too much. I’m doing great. I just need a little break to collect myself, that’s all.”

“You still have the nightmares.”

I nodded, not able to hide from the rapes that tortured me in my sleep.

“About that. Marian… I know this is going to sound silly but…” The words wouldn’t come as I took in green eyes.

“Nothing is too silly. Ask me, Penny.”

“I’d like to learn how to defend myself. I think it might help with the nightmares. I have some skill, but I want to learn to fight really good. I want to take a class. Would Katia allow me to do that? I mean, how long am I supposed to stay inside? I’m really sort of getting itchy to be out in the breeze. To feel sunlight.”

Marian got quiet. “I’m very knowledgeable in self-defense and can help you. Elliot, too. But I’ll talk to Katia and see what I can do about getting you in a class. I can’t make any promises though, Penny. I’m not sure she’ll go for it. My instructions were to not let you leave.”

“Not let me leave? At all? For how long?”

Worry clouded Marian’s face, and we stopped as we reached the floor to her office. “Until they find him, Penny. For however long that takes.”

CHAPTER 35

Vaughn