Don't Tell (Don't 1)

“My business with Miss Washington is not for public consumption. I expect her to be in the royal residence when I’m finished with the prime minister. And I expect our security and your expertise to keep her off the radar.”

I hung up the phone before he could continue his veiled lecture on my personal habits. I don’t know which made him more nervous: my brother’s drinking, or my women.

I awoke restless. Every inch of me wanting and needing another taste of Molly.

Until I had her again, I wouldn’t be satisfied.

16

Molly

The library was more crowded than usual. I had to hunt for a space in my favorite corner. I was a creature of habit. I liked to sit in the same area. I frowned when I saw a guy with shaggy blond hair, taking up two seats at once.

I took the table next to his, casting nasty stares in his direction. I’d never seen him here before. I cracked my laptop, skimming for where I left off two days ago.

It seemed as if every time I rounded a corner of research, it only uncovered more roads for me to cover. That was my problem now. I was at a crossroads. The only way to move in one direction was if I received permission from the Literary Institute in London to examine one of the rare collections they housed. I had other options, but I knew I wouldn’t be as satisfied if I took the short cut route.

I opened the application for the London Institute and began to fill in the blanks. They were selective about who they let in to review the texts. I crossed my fingers when I hit send that I’d be one of the lucky ones.

“Holy shit,” The blond guy next to me whispered.

I looked up in time to see four men in dark suits walking toward our corner. There was something familiar about them. I didn’t have time to put it together.

They were in front of my table.

“Molly Washington.”

“Yes?” I eked.

“Mademoiselle, please come with us.”

I stared at them. The student on my right hadn’t picked up his jaw yet.

“Why? What’s wrong?” I looked around, searching for some kind of life line.

“Come with us,” he orderd.

“Who are you?” The guy finally spoke up, but I wasn’t impressed. He slouched behind his computer.

The first suit eyed him. “This is a royal concern.” His voice boomed loud enough to silence any further interference. The quiet library was suddenly like a graveyard. Everyone gawked at me.

I pulled my shoulders back. He couldn’t be serious. I was being summoned.

“What does he want?” I whispered.

“Matters of his majesty aren’t discussed in open forums. Come.” He motioned to me to follow.

I didn’t like it. I didn’t like being summoned without a reason. I didn’t like that I hadn’t heard from Damon.

I leaned forward. “No,” I whispered. “You can tell his majesty to call me if he’d like to speak to me.” I glanced at my screen and pretended to ignore them.

I was smug. A little too smug. Proud that I had fended off the royal guard. But within seconds they had closed in around me, each one pulling under my arms and lifting me from the chair.

“Hey!” I yelped. I kicked my legs. “Put me down.”

They didn’t speak, but continued to carry me through the maze of tables and rows of books.

“You can’t just take me like this,” I hissed. I looked around for a librarian or someone to stand in there, but the crowd watched in awe.