Page 87 of King of Sinners

The gazebo is decorated with a gauzy fabric that floats in the morning breeze while white chairs are set at perfect angles.

A little sigh escapes my lips. I might be cautious around the Kincaids, but I’m still a bit jealous about the way they live.

Still, I’m going to hold to the plan for a little while longer to make my dreams come true.

A soft knock sounds at the door, and I get up to answer it, tightening the lush robe around my waist, before I crack the door open.

Mason is standing on the other side. He’s the picture of business casual masculine elegance this morning. With his pressed slacks and his white shirt, tucked in but open a single button at the collar.

I’ve never been into guys who are that perfectly coiffed, not a hair out of place, but I can’t deny he cuts quite the figure.

Charlotte did well. Though, I always knew she would. Stunningly gorgeous, quiet and shy, she has this demure grace that makes men like Mason froth. Charlotte and I waited tables together at a Bar called Rebel’s. The serious businessmen who came in always gave Charlotte a long look.

“Morning,” I whisper.

“Good morning,” he murmurs back. “Charlotte still asleep?”

I nod. “Yeah. I can wake her if you want.”

“No,” he shakes his head. “I just wanted to know how she slept.”

Man oh man, this guy’s got it bad. I duck my head to hide my smile, a different touch of envy settling in my chest. What would it be like to have someone care for me like this? It makes me ache deep down to think it.

But with my gaze cast down, I almost miss the fact that Leo has appeared until he’s right next to Mason. I feel a blush climb my cheeks as our gazes connect.

If Mason is too coiffed, Leo is the exact brand of sexy that makes my brain fritz. He’s got on a fitted T-shirt and tight jeans, the kind that show off his many, many muscles.

Bulkier, rougher than his brother, he looks like trouble in the best way possible. Not that I’m looking for problems, but if I were…

My gaze snaps back to Mason, who is scowling at Leo. Charlotte mentioned tension between the two brothers, and I feel it now.

Clearing my throat, I give Mason a bright smile. “We went to bed early, promise.” I draw an X over my heart.

His gaze returns to me, softening. “Thanks, Kim. Don’t forget to go to the desk and get a key for your room tonight. I’ve also arranged for a car to take you to the airport tomorrow morning. If there is anything else you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”

I nod as I look the other way, not meeting the eye of either Kincaid brother. “Thank you, Mason. I really appreciate it.” My dad was never around, I was raised by my mom, and she worked three jobs just to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.

“Not a problem at all.”

I swallow down a lump. I won’t ask him for hotel money for New York, I know he means if I need anything for this wedding, but I briefly wonder if I should give dating another try.

I’ve had one boyfriend in my entire life, and it was an underwhelming and somewhat humiliating experience. But it would be nice to have someone look out for me now and then. “I’m really happy for you and Charlotte.”

Leo has been silent next to his brother, his dark brown eyes assessing me. My skin goosepimples as I turn to meet his gaze again.

Did I call the Kincaids dangerous? Leo’s eyes alone are downright lethal, and my gaze drops as I nip at my lip. I’ve never had a reaction like this to a man and I’m not quite sure what to do with it.

“Morning, gorgeous,” he says with a one-sided grin that makes my stomach do somersaults.

He’s got this stubble that’s not quite a shadow but it’s not a beard either, and it only highlights the fullness of his mouth and the square jaw that makes him look all man. His hair is a bit mussed, but somehow, it only adds to his appeal, like he just got out of bed…

I clear my throat. “Good morning.”

Mason scowls at Leo. “Your dress should be delivered in the next half hour. I took the liberty of choosing a pale green that should complement your hair and eyes.”

I don’t even ask how he might have gotten the size correct. Something tells me it will fit perfectly. “I’m sure it’s lovely. Thank you again, Mason.”

Leo’s smile grows and I shift in the doorway.

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