Page 38 of King of Justice

I looked up and saw a couple of people walking it. “Yes, please! I’ll have a mocha.”

“Good choice.”

Forcing a smile, I nodded and looked back down, swiping across my phone to do nothing in particular. Was Travis dangerous or was he simply a classic old romantic? He’d never revealed that side of his personality before, so I was beyond perplexed.

And then my eyes caught another news headline about Nathan on my phone, and my confusion doubled.

twelve

The Biting Cold

Nathan

My phone wouldn’t stop ringing. I was invited to several parties, and even though I was forced to decline, some of the hosts insisted on asking again in the morning.

After ending the third call, I began to wonder if Sophie had made up her mind about being my date tonight. Scrolling through the website of my favorite dress boutique, I smiled as I pictured Sophie in a one-shoulder number adorned with silver sequins. I then launched the messenger app and texted her.

Good morning. Say that you’ll come tonight, so I can send you the perfect gown!

She didn’t respond.

Getting up, I took off my boxer shorts and walked into the shower, turning on the hot water. As steam filled the air, I stepped under the soothing stream and closed my eyes. The welcome heat that covered my body reminded me of our sweaty encounter under the dark light. I felt my insides contract as I thought about how it felt to be with her on the floor. Nothing but raw desire and… no, that wasn’t right. It wasn’t nothing—it was more.

The soft lather of the shower gel tickled my skin with aromas that invaded my senses, overwhelming me as I tried to discern my feelings for that beautiful little rascal.

“Don’t give me this look. Don’t fall in love with me. We won’t survive.”

Was it all because I had money and she didn’t? Because that would be the most ridiculous thing I’d ever heard.

Stepping out, I pulled my robe off the hanger and put it on, noticing drops of water that landed on the shiny tiles of my heated floors.

Was it all about heat with this one? Was her desire for me a pure animalistic urge with no deeper meaning? Did she not feel the way I did during our time together in the storm?

As I tied the rope around my waist, I went downstairs to an empty nest. Gunnar and everyone else were off today, and I was all alone. Peeking outside, I saw the dark clouds forming and wondered what Sophie was doing now.

Mindlessly, I tossed a handful of greens into the blender, followed by a banana, some berries, and nuts. My finger hit the button, and the deafening noise of everything coming together halted my thoughts for a few seconds.

When the smoothie was ready, I finished it off with some coconut milk and resumed blending. As I watched the colors merge, a crazy thought occurred to me; I could surprise Sophie at home and take her away. We could sail on my boat, just the two of us, and spend the last hour of the day watching the rain from inside the cockpit.

The ringing of my phone interrupted my daydream, and I saw Abel’s name on the screen.

“Hello,” I cheerfully answered.

“Why are you up so early?”

“What an interesting way to start a conversation.”

He chuckled. “Chad wants me to make sure that everyone’s getting enough sleep. His DJ friend is flying in from Ibiza and should start around eleven o’clock.”

“When did you become the mother hen of the group?” I mocked.

“Since I gave up a very important party at a senator’s house so I could be with my friends.”

“You’re not the only one. The mayor and his missus are still on my case about tonight.”

“Ouch.”

“I know, but my mind’s made up.”

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