Page 34 of King of Pain

I smile and nod, following Luke to the counter where he pays the bill. Walking outside, he helps me up into his truck. But I don’t stay on my side.

By the time he climbs in, I’ve already slid over to the middle.

He gives me a one-sided grin as he wraps a hand around my thigh. “You weren’t jealous of that waitress, were you?”

I wince and then shrug, knowing that I’m being totally obvious.

He only shakes his head. “Kate, sweetheart. There are a million girls like that. I’ve only ever met one you.”

“Oh,” I whisper.

“I don’t give Vincent Vendetti credit for much, but even he could tell you were special.”

I don’t know about that, but I lean my head on his shoulder anyway as we back out of the spot and start down the road.

One stop for gas and another at this town’s drugstore and we’re off. The windows down, we cruise along the highway.

I try to tell myself that this time, I’m just going to relax and enjoy whatever time I get with Luke Kincaid.

But my heart already aches a bit. He’s going to be a tough man to let go.

CHAPTER TEN

Luke

We stopmidday to refuel the truck and grab some road snacks.

I love Alice, but the gas is seriously eating into the budget.

When Kate goes into pay, I pull out my burner and call Kincaid Enterprises. I get the front reception.

“Kincaid Enterprises, how may I direct your call?”

“Mason Kincaid,” I answer, blowing out a long breath.

“One moment, please.”

I hear the line connect. I know I won’t get Mason directly, but I know all three of his assistants.

If any one of them answers…

But no one does. My brow furrows. What the fuck is that about? Instead, I go to voicemail. “This is Luke. I need Mason and I need him now. He can call me at…” Fuck. What was the burner’s number?

Kate comes back out, carrying a bag of food as I hang up the phone. “Hey…” I wave the phone. “Know how I find the number to this thing?”

“Who’re you calling?” she asks, tossing the snacks behind the seat and pulling out my Walmart bags, finding the box for the phone.

“My family.” I hit redial and get the operator again.

“Mason Kincaid,” I repeat, pulling the truck out of the spot.

I once again go to voicemail. “Hey. It’s Luke again. Here is the number.” Kate holds up the box. “Can you read it to me?” I ask.

She does, me repeating the numbers one at a time. “Call me ASAP.”

“You think your family can help?” Kate asks as I toss the phone on the dash.

“Definitely,” I answer without elaborating. My family being mega rich isn’t a secret. But right now, we’re in this bubble. I like it. I could have been this guy.

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