Page 23 of The King's Boy

As soon as I did, I lowered him to his feet, but kept a tight grip around his waist. I felt as if he was poised to run the moment an opportunity presented itself. I wasn't going to allow that to happen.

Without saying a word, I started leading Spencer up the steps to the massive black front door. It was quite impressive in size. It was also a beautiful black wood covering solid steel. I'd had it put in last week. Nothing short of a tank or a bazooka could get through it.

I lived a dangerous life, so I took my safety, and the safety of my men, very seriously. Reinforced doors, top of the line security system, and a lot of armed guards patrolling the grounds.

Spencer would have to get used to all of that.

I froze in the entry just as soon as that thought went through my mind. Why did it matter if he became used to my security measures? Was I already thinking of keeping him?

I had never kept anyone more than a few nights or weeks here and there. I had never been interested in a long-term relationship, mostly because I was afraid that person could be used against me.

I was also hesitant to trust anyone long enough to be in a relationship. I never knew who might betray me. Considering how Spencer came into my life—both times—I had no evidence that he was trustworthy.

So, why did the thought of letting him go feel like a punch to the gut? Why did the thought of never seeing him again almost bring me to tears? Why did the thought of someone trying to harm him make me want to kill someone?

Why him?

It made no sense.

"King?"

I glanced down at the man that had sent me into such a quandary. Just looking at him made my breath catch. Not from the way he was dressed or how sexy he was, and he was sexy, but the twinkle of mischief I could see in his eyes. Eyes that did not look at me with fear.

That was why I wanted to keep him.

"Are you hungry?" I asked.

Spencer blinked at me owlishly for a moment. "I could eat."

I raised my head and glanced around until my eyes fell on my housekeeper. "Mrs. Anna, could you please make us something light to eat and have it delivered to my study?"

The fifty-ish housekeeper had tried to get me to call her by her first name only, but I refused. She needed the respect of being address properly.

The housekeeper gave me a respectful nod. "Of course, sir. Give me fifteen minutes."

Perfect.

After Mrs. Anna hurried away, I escorted Spencer toward my study. I would have taken him upstairs, but I wanted him to relate his story to Malloy so we could start an investigation into who was trying to kill him.

"Have a seat," I directed once we reached my study.

Spencer huffed as he went to sit down in one of the chairs in front of my desk. "Why am I here, King?"

"You don't like it here?"

He crossed his arms and glared.

"Once my second-in-command arrives, I want you to relate everything that happened to you."

"Why?"

"Because I want to know who is after you so I can stop them."

The angry expression left Spencer's face, but it was replaced by a frown. "Why do you even care?"

"I have no idea." And that was mostly the truth.

Just not all of it.