Riled (The Invincibles 4)

I was back to being annoyed with him. “Who told you?”

“I get briefings.”

“From?”

“You’re not going to like the answer.”

“Teagon?” I gasped.

“No. Not exactly.”

“One of the other guys?”

“I’m copied on the reports that go to Z.”

“Is Teagon aware of this?” Now I was pissed.

“She is not, and that was Z’s decision.”

“She’ll be as furious as I am.”

“It will continue to happen whether she’s aware of it or not.”

Something occurred to me. “How often do you get these reports?”

“Sometimes twice a day, why?”

“Is that why you’re here now? You knew Linc and I were going to lunch?”

“No. That was an honest coincidence. I did plan to contact you today, though.”

I folded my arms and looked away from him. “Why?”

“I have to go out of town.”

His words pained me. Why should I know whether he was in or out of town? When he put his hand on my arm, I jerked it away.

“I realize you got approval from the Queen before returning to London. I have little recourse in that regard if I want to remain in her good graces. However, if it had been up to me, you would still be on Mallorca.”

“And you would be here in London?”

“Not necessarily, no.”

My head began to ache. Had I made a terrible mistake by leaving too soon? I turned back toward him. “Do not read my thoughts!”

He smiled. “I’ve told you time and again that it doesn’t always work that way, Kensington. Especially if you don’t want me to know what you’re thinking.”

“What if I’m too late, and I think it before I realize I don’t want you to know?”

He leaned into me so our arms were touching. It made me want to crawl into his lap and kiss him.

“You know what it’s like when your emotions are moving faster than your thoughts. It’s the same for me. You affect me as much as I do you, my darling. I cannot always think clearly in your presence.”

“Don’t call me that,” I whispered.

“I’m sorry. There are times I can’t help it.”

“Why would I still be on Mallorca?”