Page 54 of Wicked King

Jia despises me, she wants an open marriage and nothing to do with me. Why the fuck would a fifty-thousand-dollar diamond ring change anything?

The damned box burns a hole in my pocket, its weight against my thigh irritating the hell out of me. Plucking it free, I slam the little box onto the mahogany bar. The gold piping along the top glistens beneath the dim lighting. I flick the lid and the enormous princess cut diamond winks at me.

It would look perfect on Jia’s long, slender finger. My grand plan was to go back to the penthouse and offer it as an apology. Only, every minute I waited, the more nervous I became. What if she refused it? What if she refused me?

So instead, I drank more.

She hates you, you coglione.

I flip the lid shut, cursing under my breath, and bury the ring in my pocket.

A rush of female voices jerks my attention to the entrance of the Waldorf’s lobby bar. A gaggle of young women saunter toward me, inquisitive gazes latching on.

“O.M.G, it is him,” one of the girls squeals.

“I told you,” says another.

The four females in bright sundresses surround me, oblivious to my deepening scowl.

“You were in last month’s New Yorker for Manhattan’s most eligible bachelors,” says a blonde.

“Caught me red-handed.” I finish off the remainder of my drink and stand.

“Oh, no, please don’t go.” A brunette places her hand on my forearm. “We just got here.”

“And that’s why I’m leaving.” I signal to the bartender. “Put it on my tab, Sean.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Rossi.”

“Why do you have to go?” The brunette’s hold tightens.

“Because I’m getting married tomorrow.” I narrow my gaze and flash her a tight smile. “So kindly remove your hand from my arm so I can be on my way.”

“Unbelievable.” A familiar voice echoes through the foyer, and a tangle of excitement and trepidation swirls in my gut.

I push past the circle of females to find Jia with her grandfather in the lobby. She glares up at me, pitch irises smoldering.

“So this is you giving me space?” she hisses. “Getting drunk with a bunch of girls in the middle of the day?”

“No,” I grit out. “I was getting drunk by myself. They just showed up about a minute ago.”

“I bet.” She knots her arms across her chest, the disgust in her eyes palpable.

“Fuck, I just can’t win with you, Jia,” I snarl. “I’m really trying here, but you’re making it impossible.” I pace a tight circle, dragging my hands through my hair. “We’re not even married yet, and you’re already driving me crazy. I don’t know if I can do this…”

“You don’t know?” she snaps. “That’s exactly what I’ve been saying from day one. This was a terrible idea!”

“I couldn’t agree with you more.”

“Then why are we even doing this?” She throws her hands in the air, her cheeks flushed.

“Fuck if I know.”

“Mr. Rossi,” Guo whispers, “perhaps we should take this discussion to a more private location.”

I glance around the lobby and meet half a dozen curious gazes. Merda.

“And need I remind you,” the old man whispers, “this arrangement has already been finalized with a binding contract. If you’d like to discuss any of the details in private?—”

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