Page 13 of The Bodyguard Freed

My mind is filled with the images of Kayne slamming me against the wall in our bedroom. Him instructing me to show him I was wet enough that he could just enter me immediately.

The feeling of being filled by him clouds my mind. I’m listening intently to the man talking to me about agriculture, yet at the thought of being with Kayne, I’m also reminded of the battle we’re facing.

I’m going to fight for him. That is all I’m going to do.

I say goodbye to the dignitary and all in all I think it was a successful call despite me being somewhat distracted by my gorgeous husband.

There’s a flurry in my office. Margo calls on my phone and her words make me stand up from my chair.

Oh fuck.

“Your Highness, we must take this meeting. He has his lawyers with him and six freaking bodyguards. I’m sorry, Your Highness. Please forgive my language.”

Margo’s language is the last thing on my mind. She fills my ears with other details. My father strides into my office, wearing a look of concern as his gaze volleys between Kayne and me. The frown on Kayne’s face deepens. My secretary walks in next.

“Your Highness. Mr. Lars Lindbergh has requested an audience with Your Highness,” she says nervously and softly.

I swallow hard. I can’t refuse this meeting. With Kayne refusing to take on the title of the monarch, he’s regarded as a civilian of Strohamden and nothing more.

Lindberg has threatened to lay charges according to Margo. Nothing will come from it but the publicity won’t help us one bit either. I don’t have a choice but to hear him out.

Kayne will not understand that.

“Thank you, Angelique. You may bring him up.”

I’m waging war on my husband. But there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him.

I walk up to him.

“I think it would be best if you leave, Kayne. Please,” I say softly. His jaw clenches. In his mind, he’s already killed Lindberg a hundred ways.

“As your bodyguard I—”

I place my hand on his chest. His heartbeat is so controlled. Deep and steady but there’s murder in his eyes.

“As your queen… I command you to step aside. Igor will remain with me.”

He glances at my hand on his chest. The ring I’m wearing belonged to his mother. It’s the most beautiful cut of diamond I had ever seen but it’s more than that. I feel the love she had for her husband, for her family. I feel that same love. He must know this.

Just when I think he’s going to refuse, he steps away and strides out of my office. My hand drops to my side.

I know I’m going to be punished for this.

I know he’ll be waiting in our bedroom for me.

Chapter Seven

Sophia

My hands feel sweaty but they’re not. I’m flustered and worried about the consequences I’ve earned for myself when I return to our bedroom.

My mind is flooded with thoughts that drive me around in a circle, with no end, no solution.

Did I do the right thing? I second guess myself horribly.

My father squeezes my shoulder. At this point, I just want to be normal. I don’t want the stress of running a country. I don’t want the responsibility to fall on me to ensure Strohamden thrives and flourishes for its people. I just want to be a girl who hugs her father and then steps into her husband’s arms.

Oh god. The devastating thought that I made Kayne the way he is now spears me with a blunt poisoned tip. What have I done? And then I sent him away? I pulled rank on him when he is my master, the owner of my body, my heart, my soul.

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