Page 56 of A King So Savage

Her gaze narrowed. “I think he’s a very kind man who has been placed in a difficult situation.”

Kingston could not conceal his smile. “And what might that situation be, lamb?”

Ava’s breath hitched, but she met his stare defiantly. “He works for you. That can’t be easy, considering your reputation.”

“My reputation?” Kingston’s head tilted as he softly mocked her. “As a businessman, it is above reproach.”

Her chin tilted. “I’m referring to your reputation as a murderer and kidnapper.”

“Ah. That.” Amusement seeped into his tone. “You should know I’ve never taken a life without prior justification. And I told you I’ve never abducted a woman before. You are the first and last.”

Her hands twisted in her lap, consternation flooding her delicate features. “You think this revelation should please me.”

“It doesn’t?” Kingston ran a finger along the rim of one of the crystal goblets before him. A faint, melodic note rang out. “At the very least, it should ease your mind.”

Ava was prevented from replying when Neil pushed through the double doors into the dining room. Kingston noted a flash of appreciation in Ava’s gaze for the dashing figure the doctor cut in his tuxedo. An air of relief also seemed to wash over her.

“Hello, Miss Blue,” Neil said. Ava did not rise from her chair as he came forward and took her hand. He placed a quick kiss on the back of it, mimicking Kingston’s own gesture.

His hackles immediately rose.

He hated the shy smile Ava gave his friend in response. Hated the way Neil handled her so gently. Mostly, he hated the instant jealousy roiling through his body at the sight of another man handling his captive.

“Have a seat, Neil,” Kingston said in a tight voice.

Neil shot him a curious glance but did as requested. His chair was on Kingston’s right side and directly across from Ava.

As if awaiting a magical signal, Antony entered the dining room followed by his kitchen assistant, Cal. The men carried large trays laden with the first course of the meal. Bowls of delicate tomato soup with fresh basil and cream were placed before them.

Ava’s mouth drew even further into a thin line, her dismay evident.

“It is your favorite, is it not?” Kingston asked as Antony ceremoniously popped the cork on an expensive bottle of sauvignon blanc. The chef poured wine into Ava’s and Neil’s goblets while Kingston enjoyed a glass of scotch on the rocks.

“You already know the answer to that,” she replied. “Obviously.”

Kingston smirked. “Yes. Obviously.”

“Your wrist has healed nicely, Miss Blue,” Neil interjected with a determined note in his voice. The tension between Kingston and Ava was laughably evident. The atmosphere almost crackled with it. Little wonder the doctor would try diffusing it with banal conversation.

Ava favored Neil with another one of those smiles that had Kingston’s stomach clenching with some unknown emotion.

“Yes. It hardly hurts at all now.”

From the fierce glint in her eyes, Kingston knew Ava was remembering the moments surrounding that injury. And everything she’d suffered since.

“Do you live here at the estate, Dr. Abbott?” Ava asked, dipping a spoon into the creamy soup.

“I have a room but prefer living in the city. I have an apartment there.” Neil’s eyes crinkled with friendliness. “And I’ve asked you to call me by name.”

“Only if you call me by mine, Dr. Abbott,” was her shy response.

Kingston bristled. Had the two of them become so cozy that first names were now involved?

“Neil likes his privacy too much. He never stays longer than a few days at a time,” Kingston muttered around a mouthful of scotch.

Ava and Neil both glanced at him as if surprised by his terse tone.

“That’s true. My visits here are usually of a social, nature although I do technically work for our host.” Neil’s laugh was easy. “I’ve numerous responsibilities in the city, and I chair several charitable organizations as well.”

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