Page 115 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“Little baby Kings could be running around, looking for Uncle Hayes,” I said, and I jumped to my feet when he lunged at me, and we both bellowed out in laughter.

“How about you wait until she’s ready, and you start with a proper proposal when the time comes?” He raised a brow.

“Should I come to you for permission?” I asked, my voice teasing.

“Well, you kind of fucked that one up the first time when you kept your relationship a secret. So, yeah, you better ask my fucking permission if it gets to that. And I’m going to be a real asshole. Make you mow my lawn and polish my shoes. Really put you through it.”

“Really? Those shoes?” I asked, quirking a brow as I looked down at his dusty cowboy boots.

“These bad boys could use a shine.”

“You know I’ll do it if it means I get your blessing.” There was no humor in my voice because it was the truth. It meant everything to me.

“King,” he said, his voice hard.

“Yeah.”

“There is no one I would trust my sister with more than you, knowing what I know now. You are my brother in every way, and hearing you say that you love Saylor—that’s all I needed, man. Had you come to me and told me that, I would have given you a hug. Instead, you made me punch you first.” He chuckled. “But as much as it pissed me off, I kind of like that you did what she asked you to do by keeping it a secret.”

“Why?”

“Because it shows me that you’re her little bitch, and I think I’m going to enjoy this.”

Laughter filled his kitchen, and he pushed to his feet and pulled me into a hug.

“I love you, brother.”

“I love you, too.” I cleared my throat and stepped back. “I just love your sister a little more than I love you.”

More laughter.

His phone vibrated on the table, and he held it up for me to see.

Romeo

What’s happening, boys? I’m getting married in two days. Have we buried this shit yet?

“How about we have a little fun with them before we tell them we’re good?” Hayes said.

“They don’t call me Good Time Pierce for nothing.”

“Nobody calls you that. Do you just make this shit up as you go?” He chuckled.

“Damn straight.”

I pulled my chair over beside him and watched as he typed.

Hayes

Buried this shit? Sure. I just dug King’s grave. I’ll be burying him in my backyard so I can take a piss on him every morning.

“Dude. That’s harsh.” I shivered dramatically.

“Relax. This is going to be fun.”

Nash

You need to talk to him. It’s not what you think.

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