Page 113 of Doubts & Fears

“Good evening, Kinsley. I wasn’t sure you were going to join us. Excuse me while I have another table placement set,” she said in response.

“I’ll go with you, Mrs. King,” Jenna offered sweetly.

“Boys, your father is in his study. He’s expecting you,” Sophia called over her shoulder. She gave them a chastising glance, lingering on Ivan. His shoulders tensed. “Ladies, the drawing room is to the left. Make yourselves comfortable,” she added.

Panic rose through me like a tidal wave, and I did everything I could to temper it. Nik gave me a gentle nudge after Alisha and Allison. I walked into a beautifully decorated room and looked around in awe. I guess it paid to be a diplomat.

“I hear you’re good at making drinks. A cosmopolitan would be great,” Alisha demanded, and I raised an eyebrow.

“Here, I’ll help,” Allison offered.

“I can manage,” I retorted, my words laced with bitterness. Immediately, I was consumed by remorse. I recognized the unfairness of my emotions; it wasn’t her fault that I was jealous.

“Interesting, no fancy necklace tonight. Those earrings, though, they look expensive.” Alisha smirked. What was she talking about? I didn’t have time to say anything in return, though, because Sophia and Jenna came back chatting happily. Their familiarity made me feel more out of place.

“Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. King. I’ve missed our chats,” Alisha gushed as soon as their mother walked back in.

“Come sit, let’s get more acquainted,” she said.

Once everyone was seated, all eyes turned to me, and Allison sighed in relief. Yeah, I could imagine how uncomfortable their conversation would be.

Why yes, I was buck-ass naked in your son’s office, doing god knows what type of training. Oh, did I mention the way his voice growled as he spoke dirty to me? But don’t worry, I’m leaving for London soon so Sebastian can fuck me.

“Tell us about yourself,” Sophia said, drawing my attention from Allison. Her tone was friendly but held a note of authority.

I cleared my throat. “Well, I’m not sure what your sons have told you, but obviously, my name is Kinsley. I used to live in Woodinville and am in between places. Unfortunately, the house I was living in was destroyed in a fire.” The words rushed out of my mouth as my heart beat like a drum in my ears.

“I heard the fire was deliberately set,” Alisha challenged

“Same. Were you home that night? That would be terrifying,” Jenna said.

“The fire was an accident, and yes, I was home.” I tried to keep my voice even, but a numbness set in.

“An accident? So that must mean it was your fault,” Alisha said.

“Alisha, be nice,” Jenna said.

“That must have been very devastating. I read it was a complete loss. I’m so sorry,” Mrs. King blurted. She was trying to cover the obvious hatred Alisha wasn’t bothering to disguise. At least Sophia’s concern seemed genuine.

“Yes, ma’am.” I didn’t know what more to say.

After a few minutes, Alisha spoke again. “I’m curious. How did you meet Alek, Nik, and Ivan?”

Before I could answer, Jenna piped up. “Remember, I told you. Apparently, Alek met her at her job where she makes cupcakes or something like that?”

“It’s Danish, although Nik likes my cupcakes, and Ivan my cookies,” I responded, my cheeks flushing at the way it sounded. I took a chance, not knowing if I was supposed to keep the real reason a secret from their family or not. I didn’t want Sophia to think I was a liar too. “Alek actually came to see me on purpose. Nikolai was hired to investigate me.” I looked at the floor.

“Investigate? What on earth for? Are you wanted or something? Should we be concerned?” Alisha asked, a sly smile on her face as she looked at Jenna. Allison shifted uncomfortably.

“Not investigating me directly. A man thought I was someone from his past, is all. Not wanted by the law, and as to whether you should be concerned, that’s yet to be determined,” I said.

I’d reached my breaking point with this woman, finding her more infuriating than Jenna herself. In so many ways, she was everything I wasn’t. With her long legs and a body a model would kill for, there was no measuring up.

However, what bothered me down to my core was she had the ability to be anything Alek needed in a play partner. Not to mention she had Marcel’s approval.

“How long have you lived in Washington?” Sophia asked, probing me.

“Quite a while now. My grandfather was a police officer.”

---