Page 133 of Guarded King

Dinner wrapped up an hour ago. After, the items from the charity auction went for jaw-dropping amounts. I’d be slightly scandalized if the money raised wasn’t going to a good cause.

Since then, Sophie and I have been dancing. I’d almost forgotten how fun it is to let go and enjoy myself. Knowing Dad’s being cared for at home means I can focus on the here and now.

As the evening has gone on, though, my mind has firmly set itself on… other things.

Sophie fans her flushed face. “Are you sure? There’ll be at least another hour of dancing and free alcohol to indulge in.”

I laugh. “It’s tempting, but I don’t think my feet can take much more. And if I have one more champagne, I’ll officially move past tipsy. I don’t think getting drunk at a work event is a good idea.”

With a wicked smile, she grasps my wrist and leans in. Her eyes are bright, if a little glassy, like she’s also one champagne away from passing the point of no return. “Are you going to tell me who you’re meeting up with when you leave?”

My stomach twinges. “What makes you think I’m meeting up with anyone?”

With a tug of my arm, she pulls me out of the way of the other dancers, leading me to a quiet spot near the bar.

“You made it clear that you wouldn’t be riding home with me, and the only reason for you to be so adamant about that is if you’re not going straight home.” She waggles her brows. “So am I right? Are you seeing someone? And if you are, why haven’t you given me all the details?”

I shift on my feet. “It’s very new, and… I’m not sure it’s going anywhere yet. I don’t want to jinx it.” It’s the same thing I’ve been telling Dad and Carol whenever they ask about my new boyfriend.

Brow arched, she assesses me as if she’s dissecting my every word. Am I being completely obvious? Can she tell what I’mhiding? Nerves send my pulse skyrocketing and nausea roils in my belly. I hate lying to her. Even though what I told her is technically true.

Her lips turn down in a pout, but she relents. “I get it. But I want to hear all about this mystery man as soon as you’re ready to talk about him.”

I nod. “Are you going to be okay getting home?”

She holds up the clutch housing her phone. “My Uber is already booked.” Then she gives me a hug, turns me by my shoulders, and points me at the exit. “Now go show your man how gorgeous you look.”

With a squeeze to my arms, she spins and saunters back onto the dance floor.

I’m smiling as I cross the ballroom, so thankful to have such an incredible new friend in my life.

As I approach the doors that lead out into the hotel, I pull my cell out of my clutch and, as agreed, message Roman.

I’m leaving now. I’ll see you back at your place.

I won’t be far behind you. When I get there, I want you on my bed in nothing but your panties.

An almost violent shiver races through me, and I feel that familiar clench low in my belly. I scan the room for him, spotting him standing with two beautiful women.

One of them puts her hand on his arm, causing my steps to falter for a moment. Roman smiles politely at her, then turns away, forcing her hand to drop. My heart is sinking back into my chest when my phone beeps.

Go home, sweetheart. I can’t think of anything but filling you up.

I’ll be waiting.

His eyes find mine in a flash of gray, the intensity of the look enough to cut through the space between us.

I pick up my pace, desperate to get home and strip down for him.

I arrange for an Uber of my own, and within minutes I’m in a car heading to his penthouse. Slumped back against the seat, I close my eyes and will my racing heart to steady. My skin is hot and tight, and my body is achy with need. Desire for what’s to come burns low in my belly.

By the time I step into Roman’s apartment, I’m having to fight the urge to sprint to his room, shedding my shoes and clothes along the way.

Though it takes a lot of willpower, I manage to walk through the apartment with measured calm, slip out of my beautiful dress, and drape it neatly over the back of a chair. I pad to his big bed and lie down, my heart drumming an excited beat while anticipation curls low in my stomach.

Fifteen minutes later, the elevator dings, then the deliberate pace of shoes across the wooden floor reaches me.

Just the sound of his approach has my nipples tightening and my breaths coming faster. I turn my head, eager for the first sight of him.

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