Page 69 of King

He’s bought me beautiful jewelry and surprised me with a glittering gold dress which he told me brought out the gold in my eyes. He’s booked a romantic dinner for us, so that I can dress up and enjoy a night out with him - which we’ve never had before because he wanted to keep me a secret in the past.

For the first time I feel like he’s proud to be with me. I’m not a hidden treasure, or a dirty little treat that no one else can know about.

My confidence has grown, I feel stronger and prouder and like I have more power than I’ve ever had in my life. With him supporting me - I have strength no one can match.

Santino no longer looks at me with hatred. He speaks to me with respect, so does Romeo. I’m still wary of them, watching closely in case it’s an act, but overall - things have shifted drastically and the house is far less tense that it was before.

I’m in the kitchen, making something rich - with velvety, chocolate layers - because I want to surprise Giovanni with something sweet after dinner.

When his hands brush over my waist I scream in fright and jump so high I almost ruin my carefully poured layers. The concentration was more intense than I realized, and I forgot I wasn’t alone in the house.

“Nooo.” I laugh. “You weren’t supposed to see this yet.”

He chuckles, and it vibrates against my back as he leans over to see what I’m up to.

“Damn, that looks good.” He says, his voice low, the same seductive note he uses when he’s turned on. He reaches around me to try to dip his finger into the chocolate and I slap his hand away.

I look over my shoulder to glare at him. “Excuse me. Don’t talk about the desert as though you’d choose that overthis—” with a cheeky smile I arch my back and press my ass into his cock.

“Mmph.” He huffs loudly and his hands tighten around my hips as lust shoots through him. The deep growl that rumbles from him is one of desire - and the difficulty to fight for control over it.

“Sweet, little firefly.” He growls. “I will paint that chocolate over your body and lick every drop off with my hot, skilled tongue?—”

I push him away and turn to glare at him. “So youarechoosing the chocolate.” I say in horror.

He packs up laughing, adjusting his semi hard on trying to hide it. I grin. Stepping close to him again. “Ok, I forgive you. You can lick it off me.” I whisper, standing on my tip toes to kiss him.

I lift the spoon against his lips, and he takes it into his mouth, closing his eyes as chocolate flavors coat his tongue. “Wow.” He murmurs.

I kiss him again and the chocolate spreads over my tongue as well.

“Wait.” He says, “I actually came in here to tell you something important.” He kisses me again.

“What?” I ask, not pulling away.

He laughs and steps back, holding his arms up in defeat. “This really is important.”

I lean against the kitchen counter, still smiling, but giving him the space to clear his thoughts.

He slides his phone from his pocket. Shaking his head, not looking up at me in case I’m too much of a temptation.

He flicks through his phone and looking at whatever he wants to show me he is reminded of how serious it is.

“It’s very important.” He sighs, his face tightening as he waits for me to read the message on the screen.

Artimis: Inside your kingdom, there is someone plotting to betray you. Keep your eyes open King. Your house of cards is about to fall.

I read the message twice.

“Who is Artimis?”

“A rival.” He says, taking his phone back. “One of my enemies.”

“If he is your enemy, and he knew someone was plotting to take you down - wouldn’t he rather stand back and let it happen, instead of warning you.”

“I was thinking the same thing, but then again, if I’m taken down, he is notguaranteeda better standing in life. The person who takes over might not be someone he gets on with.”

I sigh, agitated. Why is it always bad news?

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