Page 133 of Uncrowned

Marian wrapped her arm around me. “Is that what he wore?”

I nodded, pulling free and smoothing down my dress, embarrassed.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” she rushed out. “I should have warned you. There was a mask or two at the last convention. I completely forgot to prepare you.”

We started to walk again but only got a little further before I stepped right into Marian, reaching back for her hand. My heart exploded and I knew…

My time was up. There was no escaping the powerful body under the suit. Vaughn had come for me, and he was headed our way.

Marian began to look around, seeing what I did. The room was suddenly full of readers wearing the same mask. It left me confused. I started doubting myself.

“Marian—”

She quickly spun us for the main doors.

“Let’s just go grab a snack. I was getting hungry anyway.”

I nodded, barely able to control the fast breaths leaving me. We kept looking over our shoulders. I couldn’t stop the anxiety. I was practically running. He wouldn’t come. This wasn’t him. But the size… the expensive suit…

If… If it was him… No. I couldn’t mess this up. I had an image to uphold. I was the scared mouse to Marian. I had to keep pretending to be.

“I don’t know w-what’s—I just need—Wait…” My blood went cold as I searched the big room. “Where did he go?” I looked around wildly as I slowed, letting out a small cry as I turned. My hand rose to my chest, and I swallowed hard, shaking my head in denial. “That wasn’t him. It wasn’t. And he’s gone.” Deep pants. “I’m not afraid. I’m… I’m not. It wasn’t him. I just… I have to go.” My eyes finally tore from the room to come to Marian. “Maybe you should stay.”

“What? No way.”

Marian led us to the double doors, but I pulled back knowing there was a chance. If that was the case, I had to prepare for that too.

“I just want to go to the room. You’ve been planning this for months. I won’t ruin that. Stay here.”

“I’m not leaving you alone. You’re terrified.”

Her voice was stern. I was about to argue, but before I could continue, a man I quickly recognized stepped in from not two feet away. My eyes burned. My heart ached. I held in the tears, forcing myself to face Marian. The irritation she had when she looked at him… I knew she assumed he was one of Bastian’s guards.

“I just want to be alone. I know it wasn’t him, but the thought startled me. I’m already getting better. I just want some time by myself.”

“I can take Ms. Taylor back to the room. I can stand outside the door and make sure she’s alright. And she can call if she needs you.”

Marian’s lips parted in confusion even though she was already shaking her head.

“Thank you for the offer, but I can take Penny to our room.”

“No.” My hand settled on her shoulder. “Stay, Marian. I’m getting tired anyway, and I need to process. We’ve been walking around for a few hours now. I think a nap and alone time would do me good. Have fun. Tell Jenn I said hello and that I can’t wait to read Blake.”

“Are you sure?”

My face softened. “You take such good care of me. I’m okay. I promise. I need this time to myself. Please.”

She forced a smile. “Alright. But I’m not staying long. An hour. Two, tops.”

“You’ll stay until…” I glanced at the guard—from The Order—only to turn back to her. “Stay as long as you need.”

My eyes met familiar ones. It was Keith, the man who’d saved me from the rapes. The one I’d exchanged vows with. As I turned and headed for the door, I quickly wiped the tear that escaped. My hand was shaking. My heart was racing. He opened the barrier, and I moved in close, hiding behind his wide form as we passed the area where Bastian Allard sat.

“He’s here to take me.”

It wasn’t a question.