To Bed a King Read Online Free Page A

asked.
    “Despite what you think, Sanctuary was established for children such as Nalu. I felt he was reasonably happy there.”
    Reasonably happy? Raven swallowed around the newly formed lump in his throat and took a step back. As much as he wanted to blame Ghazi for his way of thinking, Raven couldn’t bring himself to challenge the man’s opinion, especially not when Nalu was in trouble.
    “May I bring him back to the palace with me?” Raven asked.
    Ghazi’s head tilted to the side, no doubt wondering at Raven’s sudden mood change.
    “Yes. If it is important to you.”
    “It is.”
    Ghazi reached out and ran the back of his hand down Raven’s cheek. “Are you okay?”
    “Yes, but we have things to discuss when I get back.”
    “Very well.” Ghazi gave Raven a quick, soft kiss. “Return safely.”

    * * * *

    TO BED A KING
    Carol Lynne
    20

    After a quick check with the harbour master, Raven was able to ascertain which yacht had rented a slip Friday evening. The luxurious boat was huge, worth more than Raven could make in two lifetimes.
    With his Glock clearly on display, he approached the gangplank. He wasn’t surprised to find a large man standing at the top with his arms crossed. On his way to the harbour, Raven had decided against a sneak attack, knowing it would only end in gunfire, something Ghazi had asked him to avoid.
    “You speak English?” he asked the guard.
    “Who wants to know?” the man asked, a sneer on his pudgy round face.
    “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Raven Stone, personal bodyguard for His Majesty, King Ghazi Zahar. I am here for the boy, Nalu.”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    Raven settled his hand on the Glock. “Oh, I think you do. You have five minutes to get the boy and bring him to me.”
    “Or else?” the man questioned.
    “Or else, jackass, I’ll call the King and his soldiers to come down and rip this fucking boat apart. Unless you release the boy, I’ll see to it that everyone on board will be arrested and charged with kidnapping.”
    The man’s eyes narrowed. “Nalu is here working for my boss of his own free will.”
    “Really? Is that why you went to his room and carried him back onto this ship the other night?” Raven shook his head. “It’s not looking good for you. I’d suggest you go get Nalu and bring him up here.”
    The man turned around to speak into a radio. The action drew Raven’s attention to the slight bulge hidden under the man’s jacket. Fuck. It was Jurru law that all visitors surrender any weapons in their possession upon arrival on the island.
    “Stay here,” the man said before walking away.
    “Like hell I will.” Raven pulled out his phone and called Ghazi.
    “King Zahar’s office,” Halim answered.
    “It’s Raven. Let me speak to Ghazi.”
    “He’s in a meeting.”
    “Interrupt it. This is important,” Raven growled.
    “So is his meeting,” Halim challenged.

    TO BED A KING
    Carol Lynne
    21

    “Get him on the fucking phone or prepare to explain to His Majesty why you did nothing moments before a gunfight broke out in your harbour.”
    Halim was silent for several heartbeats. “Hold.”
    With the phone still to his ear, Raven drew his weapon from its holster and stepped onto the yacht. With his back to the bulkhead, he tried to see inside the heavily tinted windows.
    “Raven?” Ghazi answered.
    “The goon who met me at the gangplank is armed. How is that possible?”
    “It shouldn’t be. All incoming boats are met by our patrol ships before entering the harbour. It’s policy to confiscate all weapons upon arrival. They’re given back once they leave port.”
    “Well then you’ve got a chink in your armour, because I know what a gun looks like hidden under a coat.”
    “Retreat. I’ll call the authorities.”
    “You can call them, but I’m not going anywhere without Nalu,” Raven informed Ghazi.
    “Hang on, someone’s coming.”
    “Let me speak to them,” Ghazi said.
    The