Page 130 of The King Contract
“I’m not taking any chances,” she whispers. She tilts her head to give me better access to her neck and a low moan sounds from her throat. My balls tighten instantly.
“Sure sounds like you want to take a chance.” I press my hips into her, and she moans again before standing upright.
“Keep it in your pants, King,” she warns, glaring at me over her shoulder.
I groan, adjusting my crotch unashamedly. “Still giving me blue balls a year later.”
Millie smirks before reaching for a photo on the table. “What do you think of this one? I printed it off today for us to hang at home.”
I smile at the use of the word ‘home’. Millie’s moving into my place next week. Not that much will change. We’re basically together twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. But she’ll be officially based at my house thanks to her and Ellis’ decision to sell Beans after its renovations. Ellis will pay off the rest of the mortgage for their house with the profits, and the two of them can enjoy life without being business owners. I know it’s bittersweet for both of them, but they found a young family to buy the place, who agreed to let them use the space once a month for their free coffee and haircuts events.
“So, do you like it?” Millie asks, waving the bright blue photograph in front of me. I ducked my face in the water in Fiji and blew her a kiss, which she snapped from underneath the waves. She’s getting more daring and brazen with her photography skills, training four times a week to ensure she stays fit enough and learns how to hold her breath underwater for extended periods. I knew she had it in her, but she continues to surprise herself.
“Looks magazine-worthy,” I tell her.
“I can see it now,” she agrees. “Three-time World Champion Noah King is so in love with his girlfriend it’s embarrassing.”
“Can’t be mad when they’re not lies.” I curl my hand around the side of her neck and pull her to me, kissing her deeply. She goes slack in my hands, and I smile into her mouth, knowing she’s about to cave.
A loud bang sounds across the room, and we break apart, watching as Dan barges in with such force the door bounces off the wall.
“Jesus,” Millie gasps, clutching her chest.
Dan’s gaze flicks to us, jaw pulsating. “Sorry.”
I frown. “You alright, mate?”
Dan almost huffs smoke out of his nostrils, clenching his fists by his side. “Yep.”
I give him a quizzical look as Mack and Callum file in behind him, talking loudly.
“Bro, the girls in cabin eight said I was their favourite instructor,” Mack says, heading straight for the fridge. “Face the facts.”
“Because you told them you love watching Disney movies and saving puppies,” Callum bites back.
Mack shrugs, fishing out a bottle of water. “Both true.”
“When was the last time you did either?” Callum challenges.
Mack looks skyward. “Last time was when your mum came over.”
Callum glowers at him and steps forward angrily.
“Boys,” Millie warns. “The kids love you both. We’ve nearly made it the entire week with minimal fights between us. Let’s keep it that way.”
“I’m going to smack you tomorrow,” Callum hisses, heading for the couch.
Mack sticks his tongue out at his retreating back as Gabby enters the room, flustered and holding a fat stack of envelopes. “Sorry! I’ve got the gift vouchers here.” Gabby beelines for Millie, her high ponytail swishing, and hands her the stack. When she sees the array of photos her flushed face breaks into a smile. “Wow. There are so many good ones.”
“I know, right?” Millie grins. “I hope you’re happy getting albums of photos for Christmas.” She reaches to an unsortedstack on the right and pulls out a polaroid. “Take this one of you and Dan. Dan’s actually smiling.”
Gabby takes it from Millie, the corners of her mouth tipped downward. She looks over her shoulder at Dan leaning against the far wall, jaw so tight it might break.
My sister and my best friend have known each other almost as long as I’ve known Dan. From their very first meeting as teenagers, he and Gabby have either butted heads or been the best of friends. He’s protective of her like me and Jared, can spend hours playing board games or surfing with her, but he’s also got a short fuse. He can’t always handle Gabby’s strong will as well as our family can. I’ve had my whole life to learn how to rile her up and calm her down. Watching Dan navigate that to this day brings endless amounts of enjoyment.
Gabby hands it back to Millie. “Keep it.”
Mille frowns. “You can have?—”
