Page 22 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“I don’t know about that. I guess I’m good with credit cards.” I chuckled.

“You want a ride home?” Hayes interrupted and moved to stand beside me.

“I brought her here, and I’d like to take her home, if that’s all right with you, Saylor?” Jalen asked.

“Yeah. Of course. I’m ready when you are.” I shot my brother a look to back off.

I hated that he treated me like a child. It would take time for him to adjust to me living back here and realizing I was a grown woman now.

The guilt I had regarding my brother was heavy. He’d been forced to grow up at an early age, and he’d stepped up for me. Over and over again. He’d taken on a parental role when we were young, and I think he’d found it difficult to accept that I didn’t need him to do that for me anymore. But as much as his being overly protective bothered me, it didn’t compare to the fact that my brother had been robbed of a childhood in order to preserve mine.

So, at the end of the day, I could tolerate him being ridiculous at times, because he was the only family member I had who had showed up for me without fail, time and time again.

I ran my fingers over the dainty gold evil eye necklace that he’d gotten me before I left for college. He’d said it would keep away all the bad guys when he wasn’t around, which had made me laugh. But I’d worn it every day since, because I loved it, and I loved him.

We said our goodbyes, and everyone walked out together. I watched as Selena linked her fingers with Kingston’s, and for whatever reason, my hands fisted at my sides. I was used to seeing him flirt with women, and I knew that he was not the settling-down type, but I didn’t like seeing someone hold his hand, which was outrageous of me.

I had no claim over this boy.

This man.

I never had.

I never would.

six

Kingston

I’d droppedoff Selena at her house after she’d pushed hard to come over and spend the night. She’d said she wanted to take care of me. I was probably confusing the hell out of her. I was always upfront about what I had to offer.

But I sure as hell hadn’t delivered on that this time.

We hadn’t had sex, which was usually all I was offering. A fun night, which often meant dinner and drinks. A few laughs. And a good fuck.

I loved pleasing the lady I was with.

Hell, it was my calling.

My gift.

There was nothing hotter than getting your woman off. Making her feel good.

If there was a professional sport for that, I’d be the talk of the town.

They’d call meThe Orgasm MVP.

It was a title I’d wear with pride.

But lately, I just wasn’t feeling it. Tonight, I’d used the excuse of the bee sting when I’d taken her home. I’d said I just wanted to be by myself and thanked her for the offer.

I grabbed a beer and dropped to sit on my couch before taking a long pull. Thoughts of Saylor flooded my mind, because I was a needy bastard when it came to her. The way she’d pursed her lips and blown that warm breath right above my dick nearly had me coming in my pants like a fucking horny prepubescent teenager.

I wondered if she’d gone home with that douchebag in a Speedo.

I reached for my phone.

Thanks for pulling the stinger out of my groin.

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