Page 52 of King of Depravity

“Huh,” I say, trying to figure that one out. Killian isn’t chatty, but he’s not silent either. We actually talk a lot more than I ever imagined. “Interesting.”

Rush crosses his arms, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he gives me an appraising glance. “Does he talk to you?”

I’m not sure how to answer. I mean the answer is yes, but I have no idea why Rush is asking, why he’s here, or what Killian would want me to say to his family. “He’s not much for discussing the weather, sports, or politics.”

Rush chuckles. “No. I’d imagine not.”

I clear my throat. “Killian texted you were coming but he didn’t say why.”

But before Rush answers, another text from Killian pops up on my phone.

Is he there?

“Is that Killian?”Rush asks. I nod and then text back.

“He was worried about leaving you alone,” Rush supplies, moving into the loft. But he stops as he catches sight of my painting. “Holy shit.”

My skin heats. “Yeah. Sorry. Is it weird? I don’t usually show people my stuff, I…”

“Chloe, it’s amazing,” he stares at it, his gaze narrowed in focus. “I mean, I can’t believe…how serious are you and Killian?”

That last question catches me off guard. “I guess it is weird that I’m painting him after only knowing him for a short time, but he’s kind of an anomaly in my life.”

“Killian is definitely an anomaly. But that wasn’t what I was talking about. I can actually feel the emotion just from looking at your painting.”

Was I blushing before? I must be scarlet now. “He hasn’t seen it,” I whisper. “I asked him not to look.”

Rush turns to me then, his brows raised in a question like he can’t figure out what’s going on between me and Killian. I can’t even remember what the question he asked me was, though, so I step around him, picking up my palette again. “Why did Killian send you here?”

Rush shrugs. “He’s worried about the Russians.”

“Coming here?” I know what Alexander did at the piano bar. And I appreciate Killian not wanting me at my place. There is no one to protect me on the off-chance Preston or Alexander figured out where I lived, or followed me, though I don’t know why they would.

Honestly, it all seems kind of dramatic, but since I’m really enjoying my time here, and I want Killian to feel at ease, there doesn’t seem much point in arguing.

“Yeah. Something like that.” He moves toward the couch. “You don’t need to entertain me. I’m just going to hang out while Killian finishes up with Triston and Mason.”

“Mason? But he’s not part of your company, is he?”

Rush shrugs. “Yes and no. He built this tunnel under Vegas, and everyone wants to connect their casinos to the tunnel, including us. Though, we’ve already accomplished that goal so it’s a matter of ironing out the details with him and deciding if we do even more business together.”

I set the brush I’d raised back down. I’d seen the billboards for the tunnel project. It’s the latest greatest way to drive foot traffic. “You have access?”

“Yep,” Rush winks at me. “Thanks, in part, to Gris’s marriage.”

“Do the Russians have access?”

“No.”

I think I’m starting to understand all the connections of the people I’ve met. “And Preston was Arabella’s fiancé, but when they broke up, he…”

“Started hanging out with the Russians.” Rush says the words, but I can hear his tone get more clipped, like he doesn’t really want to discuss these details.

I’m not sure why the Russians would want Preston around since he isn’t part of the Kincaid family anymore, unless he knew stuff about them? But I doubt Rush is answering many more of my questions on this subject.

He’s been way chattier than anyone else, which I appreciate.

I raise my brush instead, understanding better that I’ve stepped smack in the middle of an existing feud. “How long has all this been going on?”

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