Page 148 of Guarded King

“It’s not hard to see if you know what to look for,” Violet chimes in. “Especially if you’ve been through it yourself.”

“I—I…” My ribs tighten, making it hard to breathe. What am I supposed to say?

“Don’t worry.” Delilah gives my arm a gentle pat. “I don’t think anyone else knows. Your secret is safe with us. Hopefully Roman will wise up and realize where his priorities lie soon.”

A surge of defensiveness rushes through me. “I don’t expect him to change his priorities. I know what’s important to him.”

The two of them exchange a look.

“Heads up,” Violet says.

On instinct, I turn and find Roman striding toward us. His eyes are stormier than they have been all day and for a moment I wonder if he’s annoyed that I’m holding Lottie.

But when he gets to us and focuses on me, his expression softens.

He reaches for her, leaning in close, and as he takes her, he murmurs, “You look good holding a baby.”

My heart stops and my cheeks flame. I take a step back, worried I’ll do something stupid like kiss him right here in front of everybody.

Movement in my periphery catches my eye, and I find Katherine watching us, her lips pressed into a thin line.

I back up another step, my pulse racing. My reason for being here is flimsy enough. I don’t want to give anyone ammunition to hurt Roman or his family. Not when I’m the one who made a big deal about accompanying him.

Roman’s eyes pierce into mine as he holds Lottie against his chest, the baby tiny against his big form. Violet and Delilah watch on, both wearing far too knowing looks.

“I—uh, I’ll go help Sophie and Samson.” I turn and immediately bump into someone.

Roman’s mom’s cool blue eyes assess me as she steadies me with her hands on my shoulders.

My heart races, my body flushes hot, and the tears that have been threatening come dangerously close to welling. Each reaction is more ridiculous than the last. What happened to my professionalism?

As I address Roman’s elegant, aloof mother, I do my best to school my expression into a professionally apologetic one. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. King.”

A faint line appears between her brows. “You’re a very dedicated assistant to be here for my son.”

I swallow hard. After everything her late husband did, what must she think of me?

Shame churns in my gut. “I’m just doing my job.”

“Of course.” She lets me go, and I prepare to bolt—in the most professional way, of course.

“I’m glad he has someone to take care of him,” she says. “He deserves that kind of dedication. All my sons do.”

I stare at her, unsure whether I should take her words at face value. From what Roman has told me, she’s never been the warmest of mothers. Is she really that concerned about the dedication of her sons’ assistants?

“Um, thank you. I should probably…” I point in the direction of the cemetery gates, and she nods.

I catch Roman watching me with a furrowed brow. Tate and Cole are standing next to him now, Cole having taken possession of his daughter.

Katherine hasn’t moved, apparently still focused on me. I give her a tight smile before walking away from all of them.

Although it feels more like running away.

CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

ROMAN

“Care to explain?” Tate shoves the tabloid in front of my face.

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