Page 80 of Guarded King

Before I know it, we’re standing in front of the glass case housing the world’s most famous piece of art.

For a long moment, Chloe studies theMona Lisa. Eventually she gives a little shake of her head. “It’s funny how such a small thing can leave such a large mark on the world.”

“Mysteries and what ifs will always intrigue people,” I say. “It’s our curiosity that hooks us.”

Her lips curve up. “We all want to know what’s behind her smile.”

She may want to know, but for me, it’s much harder to force my attention away from the soft wistful smile on Chloe’s face than the enigmatic painted one.

“I never thought I’d see this in person,” she murmurs. “It’s almost like reaching back in time and feeling a connection to a person who lived centuries ago. History come to life.”

Her lashes flutter, and her eyes go glossy with an emotion that conjures an answering ache in my throat. When was the last time I was truly moved that way? When was the last time I appreciated an opportunity like this rather than dismiss it as a mere interruption to my goals?

I flash back to the conversation we had during her first week with the King Group when she told me that being rich isn’t everything. That it doesn’t guarantee happiness. Words I’ve heard so often that they slide off me without any impact. Usually because they’re said in voices brittle with envy.

For the first time the reality of those words strikes me hard enough to pierce.

Her happiness in this moment has nothing to do with the private jet we flew in on or the luxury suite I’m paying for. My money may have gotten her here, but it’s this moment of human connection that’s brought her true joy.

And it’s reflected in the smile that plays on her lips.

There’s a twisting sensation behind my ribs, and a wave of disorientation that has me clenching my eyes shut.

“Roman?” A soft touch on my arm centers me, loosening the screw in my chest.

Her face is lifted to mine, ridiculously pretty eyes watching me with concern.

Without thinking, I raise my hand and skim my knuckles along her jaw. “I’m fine, sweetheart.”

Her pupils dilate and her lush mouth parts in response, and once again, I’m dizzy, this time because of the force with which blood rushes to my dick.

Teeth gritted, I shove my hands into my pockets, determined to keep them away from her. “There’s a lot left to see. We should keep going.”

She blinks, then, with a visible swallow, she turns and moves on to the next painting.

As she goes, I drag my hand down my face.Stop touching her. More than ever, I need to remember who and what I am—and whatthisis.

Once I’ve reined my urges in, I catch up to her. At first, the atmosphere between us is thick, and she seems reluctant to meet my gaze, but eventually, she relaxes and once again reads aloud from the plaques and points out the details she loves about each piece.

And even if I stand a little closer to her than necessary, I manage to keep my hands away from her.

We spend the next few hours meandering through the museum, taking in the paintings and sculptures, the ancient artifacts in the antiquities section. It’s been years since I spent this long not thinking about work. I should be on edge. I should be checking my phone for messages and emails. But I’m too fucking enamored with watching Chloe to care. I’m too entranced by the way she blossoms in the atmosphere of the museum like a too-beautiful flower in the sunlight.

“Are you hungry?” I ask just before closing time.

She laughs. “I’ve just realized I’m starving.”

“I booked a table for a late dinner.”

Brows knit together, she frowns. “You must be tired. I can get room service if you want to get an early night.”

“I think I have enough energy to eat.”

“I forgot,” she says, with a mischievous smile. “You have stamina.”

There’s no stopping the slow smirk spreading across my face. I know it’s wrong, and I’ve been keeping myself in check for hours, but I can’t resist tilting my head closer to hers. “You have no idea how long I can last.”

She inhales sharply. But before I can regret my words, she turns so her lips almost brush my cheek. “I think I’ve witnessed firsthand how long you can last.”

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