Page 11 of Tormented Kings

“He doesn’t know my girl at all,” I scoff, shaking my head.

“Your girl?” Grayson snorts. “Really now. Since when?”

“Fuck you,” I sneer.

“No, really. Enlighten us. Not too long ago, you were on our asses for entertaining someone you said, quote, was a highschool crush’. You treated her like shit for weeks, then used her as pocket pussy before tossing her to the side. Don’t forget you couldn’t even stop fucking people until it was your turn to fulfill your end of the arrangement. Now you want to change things up and call her yours?” Grayson laughs. “You have got to be fucking kidding me.”

My eyes flick over to Collin, gut sinking as I remember the deal he made with me. I agreed to it, but I was never planning on actually taking his money. It was some stupid excuse I needed for myself to stop. Collin still has the money, and it will stay that way.

I bite down on my lip as I take a deep breath.

“I know I don’t have any right to her. But the fact is, I like her, okay? Want me to finally admit it, here it is. I hate that I want her, it drives me fucking mad, but I do. And the idea of my father, let alone anyone hurting her, makes me fucking bloodthirsty.”

“You three are pains in my fucking ass,” Collin groans, dropping his head to the desk. “You were supposed to be done with her after your deal.”

“Oh, you poor, poor soul.” Grayson moves his feet off the desk to lean forward and pat Collin on the shoulder. “You're a fool to think that was ever going to happen. Don’t worry, so were we.”

“So what? You're just all gonna go against your families and end your engagements?” Collin asks, looking up. “Because that's going to go over well.”

“Even if Sadie doesn’t choose me in the end, I am.” Declan chews on his lower lip. “Mia deserves to find love. To be with someone who can make her happy. Not be tied to me for the rest of her life.”

“And what about you?” I ask. “Don’t you deserve to be happy?”

His eyes flick up to mine, and my heart stops. “That's the dream, right?” He gives me a small, sad smile. “But it doesn’t always work out that way.” He holds my stare. “Even if I can’t have Sadie, any potential person I could love... wouldn’t want me,” he whispers the last part, ripping his gaze away from mine.

I want to tell him I could. If he gave us the chance, I could. But that would be a lie, wouldn’t it? I don’t deserve him or Sadie. I’d bring them nothing but misery. Both are better off with someone who can give them everything they deserve. Not some broken soul who has no hope.

“I sure as fuck am not staying with mine,” Grayson scoffs, flicking ashes into an ashtray. “Sadie is the only one for me.”

“What if she doesn’t pick you?” Collin asks.

“Oh, she’s going to pick me.” He smirks. “I’ll wear her down, one way or another. How do you feel about Sadie having a side piece?” Grayson wiggles his eyebrows. “I make killer pancakes.” He winks.

“You know, we could always share her,” Declan suggests, making Collin laugh.

“Right. It’s bad enough you're going to defy your parents, or in Grayson’s case, grandfather. I’m sure they would just be head over heels over the fact that we’re all sharing the same girl.”

“You see.” Grayson points a finger at Collin. “That's why I plan on blackmailing dear old granddad.” He winks. “He can’t say fuck all if I have something over his head.”

“Blackmail him with what?” Collin asks.

“That I haven’t figured out yet, but I’m working on it.”

“So, you're gonna toss your name into the hat on this?” Grayson adds, and I shake my head.

“No. No point. Even if she did want me, I’m no good for her.” I laugh, taking the cigarette from Grayson and sucking back a drag before putting the butt out. “I’m just done being a dick.”

“Oh my god!” Grayson gasps, looking up in the air dramatically.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

“I’m looking for the pigs flying.” Grayson keeps looking as Declan snorts a laugh. “Quick, someone call the devil and check on him. Because Hell has to have frozen over!”

“Oh, fuck off,” I growl, shoving at him as he starts to laugh.

“You sure you're even capable of not being a dick?” Collin asks, raising a brow.

“Fine,” I snarl. “Let me rephrase that. I’m done being a dick to Sadie. The rest of you can fuck right off.”

---