Page 67 of Thrones We Steal

The kid grimaces and digs his phone out of his pocket. After placing it in Henry’s hand, he says, “I didn’t mean any harm, Your Royal Highness.”

It’s surprising the guy hasn’t toppled from the weight of Henry’s glare. He shoves the phone into the pocket of his jacket.

“Don’t you ever,” he says, his teeth clenched tightly, “take another photo of her, or I’ll see to it you lose both thumbs.” He shoves at the same time he releases his hold, and the kid goes stumbling back the way he came.

Tension rolls off of Beck in waves. This is his worst nightmare. He won’t even ask for an adjustment of his receipt at the grocery store if they charge him for two gallons of milk instead of one.

“Henry, don’t you think you’re being a little dramatic?” I say. “You didn’t have to threaten him.”

“You’d prefer I left him to sell the photos to the highest bidder?” He levels his gaze on Beck. “It’s time for you to leave.”

Beck leans toward my ear. “Do you want me to stay?”

I hesitate. I don’t relish the thought of seeing the two of them duke it out in the middle of Winchester Park, and if the look on Henry’s face is any indication, it’s liable to happen if Beck sticks around.

“Do I need to get a box of crayons to spell it out for you? I said, it’s time to go.” Henry’s voice is thin ice.

“You’d better go,” I say and squeeze Beck’s arm. “I’ll call you.”

He looks down at me, and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. After a few more seconds, he pulls away and disappears down the path, leaving me in the company of a volcano on the brink of eruption.

“Was that really necessary?” I move to edge past Henry, but he sticks out his arm.

“Not so fast. First you can explain what the hell you’re doing.”

“I don’t have to explain anything to you.”

“On the contrary, I think you do. You lied to me,” he says through his teeth.

“You never would have let me come if I told you the truth.”

“You’re bloody right I wouldn’t.”

“I did what I had to in order to make my meeting.”

“A meeting with Harrison? Or with the tosser taking your photo?”

“Don’t be stupid.”

“I guess that means I saved you twice.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Come on, Celia. He bores you and you know it.”

My hands tremble in fists at my side. “How dare you talk to me like that.”

“Because it’s the truth, but you’re too scared to admit it.” He takes a step toward me, and his dark eyes probe mine like he’s looking for something.

“Don’t make assumptions about how I feel.”

“Assumptions?” He scoffs and shakes his head. “God, C. I know you better than you know yourself.” His voice is the richest velvet. “I know that the last time we were together you scared so badly you’ve done everything in your power to keep away from me ever since. Because you’re terrified.”

“I hate you.”

“I know that too. Now, why don’t we talk about what was happening before I walked past the trees?”

“There’s nothing to talk about. Why did you follow me anyway?”

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