Page 83 of Tormented Kings

“So don’t.” I grin before grabbing his hand and spinning around to lead him towards the kitchen. With one of my men by my side, it’s time to get this party started.

An hour in, and the place is packed. The music is pumping, the drinks are flowing, and I’m having a really good time.

Yet, I still haven’t seen Grayson. Declan said that he’s walking around making sure everything goes well but will find us eventually because he wants to spend time with me.

I accepted it and allowed myself to enjoy my time with Declan and the girls whenever they come around.

Emma is glued to Brent’s side. Mia’s been dancing with a new girl every song, and Alice has been watching from the sideline, looking pissed before she grabbed a guy’s hand and demanded he dance with her.

My good night comes crashing down around me when I look over and see Preston. With Tina.

“What the fuck?” I say in shock, feeling Declan’s hands gripping mine. I look up at him, finding his eyes on Preston, jaw tightened. He’s pissed. And fuck, so am I.

Because even though he might not be mine, Tina is a fucking monster, and he knows it.

“Hey,” Tina’s voice makes every hackle I have rise. “Don’t you two look just adorable.”

“What the fuck are you doing here?” It’s not me who growls that, it’s Declan.

“Rude much.” Tina frowns. “I’m here because I was invited.”

“Bullshit. Grayson would never have invited you. I thought he made it clear at the last party, you weren’t welcome.”

“Well, my fiance was invited, and I’m his plus one.” She sneers at me, going to take Preston’s hand, but he shoves them in his pockets before she can.

She plays it off as if nothing happened, putting her hands on her hips. She’s dressed as a slutty bunny. It’s just a white bra and thong with bunny ears, really. Would be cute on anyone but her.

“You’re still not welcome. Not after what you did. You know, when you were caught hooking up with a guy in my bed. Had to burn my bed set, by the way. Thanks for that, I really liked that one.”

She runs her tongue along her teeth before making a scoff. “I’m going to get a drink. Want anything?” she asks Preston.

“No. I can’t trust you won’t drug me.”

Her eyes flare with anger, but she doesn’t say anything as she turns around with a huff and storms off.

“What are you doing here with her?” I hiss. “What is wrong with you?”

Preston is not dressed as anything. I think? He’s in his school uniform. Did he come as a Kingston student or something?

“My dad has been on my ass about me spending nights away from home as long as I have been.” His eyes flick up to Declan, then back to me. “I’m only here to shut him up. He’s freaking out about Tina’s family picking a different husband for her.”

“Isn’t that the goal?” I glare at him.

“Yes, but not before we deal with my dad. I don’t want to risk pissing him off any more than he already is. But trust me, Sadie, I don’t want to be here with her. I don’t want to be anywhere near her. It’s just for show. It means nothing.”

He says it means nothing, but it still hurts. It fucking stings, and I can tell it’s hurting Declan just as much.

“Come on.” I grab Declan’s hand. “We have a night to enjoy.”

I can’t believe that guy. Is he for real? After everything that bitch has done to me, he’s going to not only continue to be around her but bring her to this fucking party. Thrown by my boyfriend? Granted, she doesn’t know Grayson is my boyfriend because the world thinks he’s my stepbrother, but still.

Even though I’m pissed, I understand why he’s doing it. His father is a fucking menace to society. What kind of monster beats their own kid? Makes me fucking sick.

“Hey.” I pull Declan to the side, away from everyone else. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” He gives me a forced smile. “I’m fine. I’m just pissed for you.”

“Declan.” I give him a soft look.

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