Page 114 of Reckless King

“Something like that.” He huffs a sigh. “How are you holding up?”

“Not well. It’s only been three fucking days, and I want to go over to her place, throw her over my shoulder and haul her back here.”

He chuckles. “I never thought I’d see the day that Tate King would go all caveman over a woman.”

“It’s funny what love does to you.”

“Love? Is that what it is?” Reid’s voice is pitched high in surprise.

“That’s exactly what it is.” I may have to hide how I feel from the public, but that doesn’t mean I have to hide it with my friends.

“Does she feel the same?”

I blow out a long breath. She hasn’t said the words. Though neither have I. But her actions and her openness with me over the last few months make it possible to believe that she does. “I fucking hope so. Otherwise, I’m going to end up hurting like a bitch at the end of this.”

When he speaks again, his voice is gentler. “I guess I better light a fire under my guy’s ass, then. So you can get your girl back and ask her the question.”

Squeezing my eyes shut, I shove my hand through my hair. “I’d appreciate it. I’ve got to go out tonight and pretend I actually want to socialize with people who would turn their backs on me in a second if my last name wasn’t King.”

“I get it, man. That’s why you’ll never see me at those events.”

“Maybe when this is over, I’ll retire. We can co-manage Onyx.”

“If I thought for one second you meant that, I’d get an office set up for you right now. But we both know your relationship with your brothers will keep you on the top floor of that monstrosity for as long as they’re there.”

One corner of my mouth ticks up. He’s right. Cole and Roman stood beside me without question while we made thisplan with Reid. Hell, Roman didn’t even hesitate to offer his help when I explained the situation to him. That simple act soothed something inside me that has craved a better relationship with my eldest brother for most of my life.

Now as long as I can ensure Eric can never threaten Violet again, I can turn my efforts to getting her back. If, by some miracle, she forgives me, then I’ll have everything I never knew I wanted.

That thought sobers me. “I’ve got to go show my face. Keep me updated.”

“You’ll know as soon as I know.”

Twenty minutes later, I climb out of the car and shove my hands into my pockets, steeling myself for what happens next. The press are lined up on either side of the entrance, so I make sure they get a good long look at me walking along the red carpet by myself.

“Tate! What happened to your fiancée?”

“Mr. King! Over here, Mr. King. Did you end it, or did Violet?”

This is what I want, but it’s like rubbing salt in an already open wound. I ignore them and keep up my stride until I’m inside and working my way through the glittering crowd, heading directly to the bar. A drink is definitely needed if I’m going to get through this night.

I order a whiskey from the bartender and scan the space, looking for Roman. Instead, I spot a photographer working their way around the room, and as they near, I look for a likely target and quickly catch the eye of a familiar face. Perfect. Missy Myers, the daughter of a hedge fund manager. She’s a socialite with a strong social media presence. Despite the way my stomach roils as I do it, I give her a thorough once-over, then let an inviting smile crook my lips. Just as I hoped, she returns my smile and makes her way over.

“Tate,” she purrs as she reaches my side. “I’m surprised you’re here all alone.”

I’m surprised she hasn’t heard the news. After taking a slightly too-long sip of my drink, I shrug. “You’ll see a lot more of it going forward.”

Her eyes widen. “What happened to your little shop keeper?”

I clench my whiskey glass in my hand at her tone. “Things didn’t work out.”

She affects a pout that isn’t remotely sincere. “What a shame. Can I ask why?”

If this story were true, I’d let her know exactly what she could do with her curiosity. But since I want news to get out, I go along with it. “Unfortunately, this life isn’t for everyone. And I suppose I didn’t prepare her well enough for the pressure that comes along with being a King.”

The sincerity in my voice is partially real, since there’s a hint of truth to the statement.

Missy’s mouth forms an O of surprise. “So,sheleftyou?”

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