Page 133 of The King's Maiden
I huffed and scooped out another spoonful of ice cream. “So, what? You think I should go back there?”
“I think you should do what you set out to do, without giving a fuck about what any of those hot assholes say or do. And you went to win. So, your vagina was an idiot and grew a heart for the Tin Man, and he didn’t get one himself. He lied to you while harping on and on about trust, and I know that stings. But don’t let it make you doubt yourself. Trust that you can still win and take all their money. Honestly, I think it’s even more reason to go see this through.”
I thought that over as I licked my spoon clean, grumbling because she was right. “I did tell him I wanted to win more than anything or anyone.”
Gia nodded, looping her arm around my shoulder. “So, go prove it.”
“You’re right.”
She tossed her hair. “I know I am.”
A knock sounded on the front door. Gia and I shared a look before I pushed up from the couch and went to open it.
Landon Scott stood in my doorway, dressed in his usual sleek black attire and looking as put together as always. Which made me painfully aware of the state I was in—hair a mess, makeup probably smudged under my eyes from crying, and ice cream staining my shirt.
If that wasn’t just fucking perfect.
My hand clenched on the doorknob, and I let it go before I could slam it in his face. “What are you doing here?”
“I came to get you. And I came to explain.” He stepped toward me, halting when I reached for the door. “What Vivian said?—”
I propped my hands on my hips. “Was she lying? Or are you?”
He ran a hand over his face. “She wasn’t lying. But things between us…” Amber eyes jumping between mine, he searched my gaze for an answer I didn’t have yet. “Things changed, Quinn. You know they did.”
“So, you’re fine withtaking me for yourself,knowing someone loses everything? You or him—I don’t even know what the hell Vivian meant.”
He stepped closer to me, tipping my chin up and holding my gaze. “You don’t have to worry about that. Whatever the fallout may be, I can deal with it if it means you get a choice.”
“And what about you? Do you have a choice? Or did Kingston put you up to this, too?”
“This is my choice, Quinn. I choose you.”
Well, shit.
“Oh, damn…” Gia whistled. “He’s good.”
I stepped back, needing to keep my head clear and unable to do that while he touched me. He’d crumbled my walls a bit with that response, but I didn’t want to give in too easily.
“You still lied to me.”
“I know, and I’m sorry.” He nodded, releasing a sigh. “This is…It’s new to me, Quinn. And I’m trying to figure out how to choose you without hurting my best friend. I promise I’ll tell you everything I know, and I’m sorry I didn’t start there.”
I huffed, feeling more of my anger deflate. Turning away from him, I faced Gia.
She gave me a sympathetic smile from the floor, seeing how hard he was making it to stay mad at him.
Stupid, smooth-talking butthead.
When I faced him again, but still didn’t say anything, he scratched behind his ear. “You know, some might say I simply delayed your satisfaction in receiving details.” His hands shot up when I glared at him. “Sorry, okay. Not a good time to joke.”
“You think?”
“But still.” His tone shifted into the firm one I associated with my Knight. “You’re not quitting The Quest, Quinn.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. And even though I had just decided to go back, my stubborn pride dictated my immediate response. “And what if I want to quit, oh gallant Knight of mine? Are you planning to force me to go back?”
His eyes narrowed, searching my face before flicking over my shoulder to Gia. A quick assessment of her returned his pointed stare to mine. “You already decided to come back, didn’t you?”
