Page 17 of Ruthless King

“Hear me out. She’s fine, physically. I know that Knight told you that stuff about her past, and I just wanted to make sure you understood not to bring it up, but seeing as how you’ve been ghosting her, I guess that won’t be a problem after all.”

He was right. I hadn’t tried to contact her. Although I was worried about her, Jackson kept me in the loop regarding her recovery. Just knowing I caused her heartbreak made me determined to stay out of her life.

“You are right, Ben. It won’t be a problem, but tell me, why are you worried? Molly is a big girl who seems more than capable of taking care of herself.” I hoped my tone came off the way I intended, blasé.

He drained the rest of his drink and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Have you ever heard of a man named Lucas Morgan?” He narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice as if the mere mention of this name would bring hell down on the place. I opened my mouth to answer, but nothing came out. Shaking my head, I found my voice.

“Yeah, I know Morgan. The question is, how do you know him, brother?”

“That’s the thing. I don’t, but Knight said he came into Cooper’s a couple of days ago and was chatting up Molly. He said he was visiting a friend and wanted recommendations on lodging and restaurants in the area. Molly, being the good girl she is, indulged him, and by the time he left, he had secured a hotel room and a dinner reservation with his best employee.”

“What?” My voice remained cool and calm despite thoughts of murder coursing through my veins. I didn’t know much about Lucas Morgan, but I’d bet all my millions he didn’t know anyone in Stone Creek, which meant he had an agenda for being there.

“We had business dealings, but other than that, he’s a nobody.” I knew he wasn’t exactly happy when King Enterprises staged the hostile takeover of his dead father’s business, but that’s exactly what it was: business, nothing personal. If this motherfucker thought he would swoop in and steal what was mine, he had another thing coming. I had to find out exactly what Lucas Morgan’s plans were and make sure Molly stayed safe, even if I had to do it from a distance. Over my dead body would he touch what was mine. We both finished our drinks, said goodbye, and I booked the next flight to South Carolina.

Chapter 13

Molly

It had been three weeks since my mega meltdown on that hotel room floor in New York. I guess Martin Charnin was right when we wrote, ‘The sun will come up tomorrow.’ Unfortunately for me, it came up the next morning and every morning since that fateful night.

I vowed a long time ago to guard my heart because it was my most precious possession. I thought I had done a good job protecting it, but I never thought it could be capable of shattering more than once in a lifetime. Courtland King had brought me back to life only to kill me again, all in the span of four short weeks.

After much begging on my part, Knight finally allowed me to come back to work. It was light duty, but I took what I could get. If not for the distraction of work, I would go insane. Luke Morgan came in a few days ago and asked me to dinner. After working through some reservations, I accepted. It was time to get on with my life. Mom and Dad let me move back into the Bluebird, and tonight, I would, once again, be tickling the ivories at The Lux.

I needed to congratulate myself on making it four whole days without bursting into tears at the drop of a hat. Tess and Lucy had kept vigil every night, feeding me Ben and Jerry’s and pineapple pizza. Beer had been our drink of choice, and it seemed we were getting hammered every night. I would try anything to pass out without the fear of navy eyes and strong hands invading my sleep, and the Dos XX always did the trick.

I woke up this morning to a text from Julia. She was coming for an impromptu visit this weekend, and I couldn’t be more excited to see her. She had been traveling from the Big Apple regularly since she started dating Ben King, and she should be here by the time I got off work. I would see her tonight at The Lux. I had only spoken to her briefly since I left New York. She knew I was going to confront Courtland and supported my efforts, despite her better judgment. I didn’t give her the complete play-by-play, but she suspected my untimely departure meant it had not gone well.

I needed my friend, but I also wanted a distraction from my broken heart, so when Luke stepped into Music City the day after I returned to work, I was speechless. After that night at Club Max, I never expected to see him again. I couldn’t believe he remembered me, much less that I lived in Stone Creek. Who are you kidding, Molly? His being here has nothing to do with you. He told you he was passing through and remembered you were from here. That’s all. I had never been the type of girl to lead a guy on, but I didn’t see how accepting his invitation for dinner would hurt. It had been a rough couple of months, and I sure as hell could use a distraction. We’ve gone out a couple of times since then.

Luke Morgan was exactly the sexy distraction I was looking for with his hazel eyes and that wayward blond curl that played on his forehead. He was the type of man who could knock a girl up with only a look. I was scheduled to play at the Lux tonight but told Luke we could have dinner after my set.

I chose a navy silk halter gown with black stilettos for tonight’s performance. Lucy insisted on this ensemble since she acquired it at her last photo shoot. I had to admit, its plunging neckline does flatter my figure. My friend always says when you look sexy, you feel sexy, and I was determined to test that theory tonight. I hated that neither she nor Tess would be coming tonight due to previous commitments.

Seated at the piano as the lights came up, my eyes wandered to the crowd scrambling to take their places around black satin-draped tables adorned with delicate white rose centerpieces. The table directly front and center sat empty, but there was a reserved sign perched in the middle. As the lights flickered, signaling the audience that the program was about to begin, I glimpsed movement out of the corner of my eye. Turning my head slightly, I watched as Julia made her way toward the table. Ben and Luke were flanking her. My eyes focused on Luke in a black-on-black suit, the jacket carelessly draped over one arm. A grin split Julia’s face when she caught my eye.

Returning the gesture with a nod of my head, I took a few calming breaths as the lights dimmed again, bathing the ballroom in elegant shadows. The only light was from the spotlight that shone above the piano. Launching into the first prelude, each note took me further into myself. Lost in the music, my fingers danced across the keys as one piece effortlessly flowed into the next.

When the last chord was struck, the crowd erupted in a riot of thunder. Julia led the standing ovation as I felt the rush of heat creep up my cheeks. The stage was suddenly swarmed as I tried to politely greet patrons while maneuvering my way through the crowd. Before I reached the table where my friends were seated, I could feel his presence. The tiny hairs on my arms stood at attention, and my nostrils were consumed with his scent. Leather and teakwood filled the surrounding air.

I turned abruptly, startled by the assault to my senses, and ran into a wall. All taut muscles and deceptive eyes. The dark navy eyes blazed unusually darker in the dim light of the room. He was dressed to kill in a crisp charcoal suit that was tailored to each ridge and flex of his muscles. He looked good enough to gobble up.

Unable to move, I stood frozen, captivated by his seductive gaze. Then, remembering myself, I broke the awkward silence. “Well, look who it is. The illustrious Courtland King. Have you come up with more ways to make my life a living hell?” My eyes were on fire,

and I couldn’t get the firestorm of words out fast enough. When he didn’t answer immediately, I pushed past him and stood by the table where Luke rose to meet me. He turned to follow, but Ben stood, placing a well-meant hand to his chest before ushering him to the back of the room, Julia hot on their heels.

Slumping down in the chair, my cheeks burned even hotter. Embarrassment, hurt, and anger coursed through my veins. Luke sat back down, quietly rubbing circles on my back. “I’m sorry about that. I’m not sure what came over me.” Tears threatened to spill, but I refused to give them permission to escape. I didn’t make it a habit of airing my dirty laundry in public, and I didn’t know Luke that well, having only met him a few weeks ago.

“Hey Molly, it’s okay, no explanation needed. I mean, obviously, you two have a shared history that, for whatever reason, you deem toxic.” His tone was warm and apologetic. My smile didn’t reach my eyes as I tried to dissect his comments.

After a couple of uneasy moments, Julia and Ben returned, looking no worse for wear. Ben held her chair as she slid back into her seat. I gave her a questioning look, to which she answered with a half-hearted shrug. When he was settled at the table, he reached across and placed his large hand over mine. “Molly, I’m really sorry about that. I had no idea Courtland would be here tonight. I didn’t even know he was in town. I…”

Looking up through somber lashes, I cut him off and fixed a plastic smile on my face. “It isn’t your fault, Ben. You aren’t your brother’s keeper. I should have expected it. He seems like a bad penny, always turning up.” My statement garnered a laugh from Julia as I tried to lighten the mood that was anything but light.

We ended up sharing an appetizer as my appetite suddenly took a nosedive, and I indulged in a couple more glasses of Cabernet before a yawn split my face. “I didn’t remember how much performing drained me. If you’ll all excuse me, I think I’ll call it a night.” Luke started to rise, but I held up a hand in protest.

“Luke, I think I would like to be alone tonight. I hope you understand.” My eyes held a weak apology when he met my gaze. I tried to read his expression, but he had erected a wall I couldn’t penetrate.

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