Page 79 of Captivating

Now we’re getting somewhere.

She’s not talking about tonight’s fight.

“I guess it’s good that we learn from each fight then. It gives us a chance to understand what happened, so we don’t make those same mistakes again,” I counter, and a predatory grin spreads on Scarlet’s face. “He never told me what happened in high school,” I admit, showing my hand, unwilling to play this game of words with Killian’s mother.

“But you know now.”

“I do. And we worked it out between us, which is exactly where it’s going to stay,” I warn, because I’m not sure where she’s going, but if she’s about to try to warn me off her son or tell me I’m not good for him, she’s about to have a hell of a fight on her hands.

She blows out a breath, appearing almost regal.

Like a queen readying for battle.

“He may be the fighter, but you’re the stronger of the two of you. I’m going to need you to remember that. You will be his home. His anchor. You’ll be his why. That’s a heavy crown to wear. But you were born to wear it, Lilah. Your mother and I had many nights with many drinks over the years, and we knew it back then too. Don’t give up on your love, and don’t let him either.” She runs her hand over the cool window, then turns to look at me. “I hate what you both went through in high school, but you both needed to see what was out there in the world to know you were what each other needed.”

“I hate that I couldn’t see what was right in front of my face,” I admit, disappointed in myself. “I wish I could go back and stopit from happening. I hate that she got away with it. She should have hurt the way we did. She should have hurt worse.”

“Oh, sweet girl.” Scarlet wraps an arm around me and lowers her voice. “She didn’t get away with anything. Like I said, you’re the stronger of the two of you. And so am I. We women generally are. And no one will ever hurt my family and get away with it. That goes for you too. You’re part of the family now. And we’re more powerful than most people could ever fathom. If you need anything at all, you ask. Do you understand?”

“No,” I whisper, shocked by her confession that’s also a non-confession.

Scarlet skips over any mention of Gia Petrillo. “You know King Corp. is always looking for good investments, and I heard you may be shopping for a new label.”

“What— How...?” I swallow and fight to keep my breathing steady. “Huh?”

“I’ve always loved music. We should talk before you leave on your tour. Stop by my office Monday. Bring Noah if you want, but leave your manager at home. This is between family. If you want to involve her later, go ahead.”

“I don’t understand,” I whisper, not comprehending what she’s trying to tell me.

“Lilah, I’m going to give you the opportunity to own your music and your label and your future. A partnership. If you’re going to be a member of my family, no one should ever have the right to dictate your life to you ever again. You’ve earned that, Kingston or not. I’ve followed you. I know your numbers. I know your worth. I want to make sure you know it too.” She tugs me along as she starts to walk. “Come to the offices Monday. My morning is open.”

We walk, arm in arm, out of the music room and follow the sounds of celebration back to the others. “Oh—and Lilah...”

I stop and look at my future mother-in-law, a little shaken.

“Don’t even think about eloping. I have one son, and I want to dance with him at his wedding. You’ll understand one day.” She leans in slowly and kisses my forehead. “Welcome to the family.”

Holy. Shit.

Ipick up the last of the glasses and add them to the dishwasher as Killian yanks the garbage bag from the cabinet, sulking.

“It’s not that late,” I giggle, and he drops the bag and storms across the room like I just rang the bell at the start of the fight. He lifts me up and plants my ass on the counter, then steps between my thighs.

“I asked you to marry me six fucking hours ago, princess. I was supposed to be buried inside you four fucking hours ago. Only I’ve had to play nice with my parents and yours. Our friends. Our cousins. Fuck. Half of Kroydon Hills was in your house tonight, cockblocking me.” He looks pitiful as he pouts and is still somehow the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.

“Our house,” I correct him, then wince. “I mean, I’d like it to be our house. I love this house and hoped when I built it, I could make it feel like home. I didn’t know that what it needed to feel that way was you. But it did. You make it home, so I’m kinda hoping since you’re stuck with me forever, maybe you’d agree to live here... with me?”

I drag the tip of my finger gently over the bruise blooming on his jaw, then run my lips along the same trail.

“So long as you’re with me, I don’t care where we live, Lilah. Where you are, I’ll be. Whether that’s here or on a tour bus. No more distance. We’ve done that. It’s you and me now.”

“Killian,” I sigh as he leans in and licks up my neck. “You can’t go on tour with me. You’ve got a life and a job and training. It’s two months, and I can fly home between a few of the stops.”

I whimper when his teeth scrape my rapidly racing pulse point.

“Want to try that again? Because you can bet your perfect little heart-shaped ass you’re not going on this tour alone.” Killian plants a palm flat against the counter and dares me to challenge him as his other hand slides up the leggings I changed into once we got home.

God, I love this man.

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