Read Online Any Price by Gail Faulkner - Free Book Online Page B

More guests stepped up to them and the conversation moved to business.
    An hour later it was time to leave and Kenna breathed a sigh of relief. “I don’t care where you take me now as long as it has indoor plumbing and we get there within the next five minutes,” she demanded. This time Thomas and Yuri sat across from them in the car.
    Lore kissed the back of her hand. Pressing his lips to the warm satin of her skin had become a necessity, if only for a moment. “We’re headed to the castle. There are a couple hours to relax before the feast.”
    Turning his attention to the large brothers across from them, Lore made his instructions clear. “We need answers, gentlemen, but first Kenna and I will have some time alone.”
    “Nothing beats the need for indoor plumbing,” she stated solemnly.
    Half smiles all around the car. The light moment was short as they pulled into the covered entrance.
    The small group moved swiftly into the castle’s side entrance and down a wide hall until they came to a nondescript-looking door. The door swung open to reveal the regal-looking man who had objected to Kenna when they left the castle earlier. He was lounging on a sofa.
    Kenna gasped and backed right into Thomas. He flashed around her, placing his body between her and whatever sent the shiver of horror through her.
    The first advisor’s mouth thinned when he saw her.
    “It’s Gregory,” Lore quickly murmured to Thomas. “Something about him.”
    “Hello, Gregory,” Lore greeted the advisor smoothly while briskly leading Kenna across the room. Thomas kept pace with them, his body between Kenna and Gregory at all times.
    Yuri entered and closed the door behind him. His eyes cut around as if waiting for someone to jump out.
    “Your highness, we need to discuss some things,” Gregory greeted them, standing slowly as he watched the men subtly cater to the woman, reacting to her in a way he didn’t understand. “If you could spare a moment from your little actress friend, my lord.” His tone added no respect to his insulting phrasing.
    “I’ll be with you shortly,” Lore bit out as he ushered Kenna and Thomas into his private rooms.
    Repressing a frown, Gregory sat as the door closed behind Lore.
    The door clicked shut and Kenna swung around to Lore, wrapping her arms around his neck as he gathered her body into him tightly. Thomas immediately moved to search the rooms. Checking every closet, the bathroom, behind the curtains, under furniture, anywhere an assailant could hide. From across the room he nodded an all clear to Lore.
    “Why does he frighten me? I couldn’t control the initial reaction and I don’t even know who he is really. He is in your place while you’re out. So I guess he is…”
    Lore placed his finger over her lips. “You don’t have to explain. I can feel his attitude. He doesn’t understand what’s happening and nobody is explaining my behavior to him. Gregory is concerned and he’s pinning his concern on you. I’ll handle him, but now you need the restroom. Right?”
    Kenna nodded, the connection showed no irritation in Lore, just reassurance flowing from his soul in generous waves.
    “I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone. Thomas will remain in the room. Are you all right with that?” he asked.
    Kenna smiled. “I’ll be fine.” She felt his discomfort at leaving her with another male. “A few moments of peace will be good.” She tried to make it easier for him to take care of his responsibilities.
    Looking down into her upturned face, Lore swallowed tightly. Kenna hadn’t been out of his possession for more than a short while since this morning. Small, beautiful, priceless, how had she become all that? By being a mystery and such a guileless woman. She was also a target and his responsibility. Whatever else was happening, she belonged to him. There was no question in his mind that these things were true.
    Dark eyes cut to Thomas. “She is mine. Anything occurs she does not