Page 128 of Tormented Kings

“Seeing how you’ve turned a broken boy into a lovesick puppy, yeah, I think I’d say I know.” Then she gives me a guilty look. “And I may have overheard a small bit of your conversation on Thanksgiving when I came to check on you to let you know supper was ready.”

“Oh.”

“I wasn’t eavesdropping, I promise,” she rushes out. “When I realized it was a very important conversation, I left right away.”

“So you know that both Declan and I want something with Preston.”

“I’ve assumed as much.” She nods.

“And you don’t care.”

She grabs my hand, giving it a little squeeze. “This life we’ve found ourselves in, it’s scary. I’m not going to lie. I’ve grown up around these people, so have you. You know how it can be. But you want to know the best thing?”

“What?”

“We’re not them. We’re happy with what we have. We don’t need to lie and scheme to get it. We work hard and are decent people. I’m not saying everyone is bad, but well...”

“Most are in some way?” I finish for her.

“Yeah, pretty much,” she sighs. “Money changes people. I believe the saying that says money is the root of all evil is pretty accurate in most cases.”

“But not with Mark,” I say, but it’s more of a statement than a question.

She grins. “No, not Mark. He’s a very rare gem. And because we’re not like them, we don’t need to hold ourselves to high standards like they do. We’re free to make our own choices, to be happy and live our lives the way we want. I’m assuming the boys have engagements?”

“Kind of? Declan broke his off already.” I grin.

“I’ve heard,” she laughs. “Boy, did that cause a lot of talk. But his parents seem pretty okay with his decision. I’m glad. But don’t let them talk you into taking Mia’s place.” She raises a brow.

“Don’t worry. No talks of marriage have been made.” I laugh.

It’s also something I haven’t talked to any of the guys about. The more I think about it, there are a lot of things we haven’t talked about, since we’ve been so busy and overtaken by the obvious danger lurking.

“And the others? I know Collin’s father has been after him to marry.” She laughs as if it’s a joke. “As if that man will do anything his father says.” She gives me a serious look. “Stay away from him, Sadie. Stay away from Bradly Jones. He’s not a good man. And you’re taking not only one of his sons but both.” She swallows hard, looking away for a moment, a haunting look on her face.

“Mom, is everything okay?”

She turns back with a forced smile. “Everything’s fine,” she answers. “Just make sure Preston knows what he’s doing, okay? I will be by your side in whatever you want to do. But choosing not to marry someone in this society, it’s not that easy. Their parents have these things set since birth. It’s barbaric if you askme, taking your child's right to live their own life as they choose.” She shakes her head. “Maybe that’s why I’m so accepting of whatever you choose to do. I’ve seen so many people who look hollow and fake, putting on a show for the world because they’re not happy. They’re not in love with the person they were forced to marry. Sometimes arranged marriages work out, sometimes they fall in love with each other, but more often than not, it’s not like that.”

“I know. It’s what Preston is trying to avoid.” Dread pools in my stomach. “It’s just not going to be very easy for him. But he’s trying to find a way.”

Little does she know, the man she’s warning me against pretty much has a hit out for me. If I tell her, she’s going to be against me being with not only Preston but Collin, too. It would cause a lot more complications. It’s best if I fill her in once everything is figured out.

“I hope he’s able to.” She gives me a sad smile. “I don’t want to see you and Declan get hurt.”

“What do you mean?”

“If he’s forced to marry whoever he’s contracted to, I don’t want you to be his mistress. You deserve better than that. Both you and Declan. It’s no life for anyone. It’s just filled with heartache and pain. It’s also not fun to find out the man you’re married to has another person on the side. Don’t be that person, Sadie. I might not be able to speak from experience, but I know people who can.”

Carol. Collin’s dad cheated on her with Preston’s mom.

“It’s not going to be like that,” I assure her.

“I hope not.”

It’s not, right? He’s going to leave Tina. Once their father is dealt with, he’s going to be mine and Declan’s.

Right?

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