Page 23 of Tormented Kings

“Right.” I clear my throat.

Climbing off Declan, I smile as he tries to hide his obvious hard on and straighten out my skirt. Turning to Preston, I ask before I lose the nerve because he hasn’t said anything at all. I don’t know where he stands.

“So, you're not calling off your engagement?” I ask, licking my dry lips.

“Oh, I am.” He laughs, but it’s not filled with humor. “I’m not sure when and I don’t know how, but I sure as fuck know I don’t want to be shackled to that bitch for the rest of my life. I’d rather chop off my own damn balls.” He sighs, running his hand through his sandy blond hair. “I’d rather be miserable and alone than empty and with her.”

But all I hear is that he’d rather be miserable and alone than be with me.

And it fucking hurts more than I ever wanted to admit.

Chapter 6

Sadie

“Can I walk you home?” Declan asks.

“I can.” Grayson jumps to his feet.

“For fuck’s sake,” Preston mutters. “Both of you go because you’re going to be useless to me here anyways, acting like love-sick fools.”

His words would come off like an asshole to anyone else, but there’s something about him that’s changed. It doesn’t hold its usual harshness.

“Fine then,” Grayson concedes, hooking one arm into mine. “If we’re going to share, we may as well start now.”

“Not so fast! If you want to do this, by all means, go for it,” Preston says, standing and walking to us. “But the fact is, something like this is going to cause waves. You can’t, at least not right now, be public with your relationship. The school already seems to know we’ve been sleeping around, let them continue to think it’s all just fun and games. In private, do as you please, but be careful.”

“I hate that he’s right,” Grayson sighs. “Okay, fine, we can’t scream from the top of our lungs that you're our girlfriend or that we’re fighting to make you ours.” Grayson moves to loop his arms around my waist, pulling me close. “Because know this right now, Pretty Girl. That’s what you are to me or will be.” He grins.

“Grayson, we forgot about one thing,” I whisper, and he cocks his head to the side. “The little fact that our parents are getting married in December.”

Mom called the house phone last night, excited that she and Mark have finally picked a date. December seventeenth, herbirthday. She wants a winter wedding, and I know it’s going to be nothing short of a winter wonderland. I’m excited to start planning with her, but it doesn’t change the fact that Grayson is about to become my stepbrother.

“So?” Grayson cocks a brow.

“How are you so relaxed about the whole step-sibling thing?” I huff.

“Because it’s hot.” He smirks. “The whole forbidden thing makes my cock hard. See?” He rolls his hips, and I bite my lip, holding back my reaction.

“Grayson,” I warn.

He sighs. “It’s another thing we will have to work out. One thing at a time, but it changes nothing for me.”

The door opens, and the Host Club members start to pile in. A few give Grayson and me a second glance, which makes me step back.

“Come on,” Declan says as we follow after.

“What are our plans for tonight?” Grayson asks me as we walk down the hall.

“I wasn’t aware we had plans tonight?” I laugh.

“Well, if not with me, then with Collin or Declan.”

“Why?” I ask, brows furrowed.

“Because we can’t leave you alone,” Grayson says it so simply.

“Why not? I’ve been living alone for weeks. I’ve been staying home alone since I was twelve.” I laugh. “I think I can take care of myself.”

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