Page 145 of Kings & Queen

“Alek seems to think so, dear,” he said smoothly. They held the door for us and accompanied us inside. When Christopher gave them his name, the maître d’ informed us we had been upgraded.

“I think you must have the wrong reservation,” Sophia politely told him.

“No, Ma’am, we were informed that you would need the private dining room this evening. It’s already been arranged by Aleksandr King.”

Sophia looked like she was on the verge of losing it, but whatever Christopher whispered in her ear softened her features instantly. A hostess appeared, guiding us to one of the private dining rooms tucked away at the end of a gilded corridor.

The moment we stepped inside, light wrapped around us. It was gentle and golden and filtered through a luminescent, graduated oval curtain that gave the illusion of being sealed in a dream. I couldn’t help but stare, wonder curling in my chest. Sophia caught my expression and grinned.

“It’s inspired by traditional couture techniques, in homage to the world’s leading fashion houses of Mayfair.”

It was beautiful. The table was surrounded by shimmering optical fibers, which dropped dramatically from the ceiling. It gave the perfect balance, offering us an opportunity to enjoy the ambiance and buzz of the restaurant while being nearly screened from view.

“Ms. Taylor, we will be right outside, should you need anything,” Samuel said.

“Thank you,” I said, feeling foolish.

True to Christopher’s word, it was a dining experience. Right before we moved to leave, Mark, the other guard, asked to speak with him privately. When he returned, his jaw was tight, and he said we needed to leave immediately.

The ride home felt awkward. His body remained tense, shoulders rigid and eyes scanning the road, and he didn’t start to relax until the gate closed behind us. As I stepped out of the car, Logan grabbed my hand, and an evil grin filled his face. I tried to ignore the knot in my stomach, but as he caressed my palm, there was no mistaking or overreacting this time.

I sharply pulled away and hissed, “Don’t touch me.”

“Don’t be like that,” he whispered.

“You coming, dear?” Sophia asked as I picked up my pace and joined them.

I thanked them both and darted to my room, locking the door behind me. Pulling out my phone, I texted Alek, letting him know I was home.

REAPER:

Thanks for texting me, kitten. Be a good girl and get some sleep.

KINSLEY:

Yes, Sir. Did something happen tonight? Your dad got weird after talking to the guards you sent. Thanks for that, by the way.

REAPER:

You’re welcome. Anything for my girl. Everything’s fine. Promise me you will not leave the house again, though.

KINSLEY:

Alek, you can tell me. Has he found me again?

REAPER:

Sweetness, I need you to trust me. Don’t worry about things outside your control. I’ve got you, and I’ll be home soon. You’re safe.

KINSLEY:

Yes, Sir.

I left it like that and pushed the thoughts from my mind. A girl could never be too careful, though, so I still put my gun under my pillow, just in case.

Chapter 55

Mikhail Romanov