Page 35 of Protect Me
“And risk bringing a war to our doorstep?” Duncan questions. “I won’t let them get their hands on her again, either, but if we can avoid a war, then that’s what we need to do.” He shakes his head. “We need to hide her better, and I have an idea. Let’s go to D.”
I nod in agreement, but as I study the card in my hand, I can’t help but wonder if perhaps the dominos have already started to fall—pushing us directly into the line of fire.
Chapter9
Sway
What the hell am I thinking? Letting Killian and Bracken steal kisses from me is one thing, but I started it this time. And if I’m being honest, I’d do it again too.
Ugh.
I came to the circus for refuge, not …sex. But the longer I’m left alone to relive that kiss between me and Killian earlier, the more I’m forced to admit that I don’t regret it. Not with Killian and not with Bracken either.
In fact, I’m mostly left wondering what kind of kisser Duncan is now too. Would he be passionate? Gentle? I reach up and gently touch my lips. Honestly, he strikes me as the type of man who remains so buttoned up during the day that, when he finally does snap—it’s gloriously passionate.
Warmth swirls in my belly at the mere thought of him, and then there’s the comments that both Killian and Bracken have made that make it seem like they want me to play this game with all of them. Shouldn’t they be jealous of one another? Instead, they’re acting like they hope I find out just what Duncan is capable of behind closed doors. All while continuing … whatever this is with them.
Robert wanted me to himself. So much so that he’d imprisoned me out of reach of anyone else. But Killian and Bracken seem oddly all right with sharing me.
If their kiss-a-thon competition is any indication, anyway.
Three hot-as-hell lions.
All of them protecting me.
All of them wanting me.
Well, I haven’t seen any evidence of Duncan’s interest, but Killian and Bracken act like it’s only a matter of time before he makes a move, too.
Just the idea being with the three of them—at once—sends a thrill of excitement pulsing through me. It’s not something I’ve ever considered, but with them, I can’t seem to stop the mental images once they’ve started.
Shaking the thought away, I force myself to focus elsewhere. Like my performance. If Killian was telling the truth, then the Ringmaster has deemed me good enough to stay. I won’t be able to relax until I confirm that, but I have a feeling marching down to the Ringmaster’s office myself isn’t the best move.
The minutes tick by, and Killian doesn’t return. None of them do. Not that I expected them to, but, well, apparently, I’ve grown used to them checking in on me every ten seconds.
Finally, I give in to my growling stomach and go in search of food. My ankle is still tender but nothing serious. If I’m careful, it should be back to normal in the next day or two. It was a stupid mistake on my part, anyway. If I’m going to perform here, I’ll need to get used to the noise of a crowd. Besides, stupid ankle pain aside, the thrill of having people watch me up there is something I’ll never forget. I can’t wait to experience the thrill of a packed house, all of them watching me.
I’m just exiting the stairwell when I nearly run into someone.
“Oh, sorry!”
Liv smiles as I jump out of the way, avoiding a collision with her very pregnant belly.
“Hey,” she says, “I heard your performance was a slam dunk earlier.”
“I guess so.”
“You guess so? D says you’re a natural.”
My brows shoot up instantly. “The Ringmaster said that?”
“He’s not as mean as he looks,” she says in a conspiratorial whisper. “But don’t tell the others. He doesn’t want to lose his street cred.”
I grin at that, and she links her arm through mine. “Come on. I was just coming to find you. Hungry?”
“Starved,” I admit.
“I know just the place.”