Page 23 of Triumphant Kings

She smiles. “Do you want me to be upset or something, Sadie? Because it’s sounding like you're trying to convince me to be against this.”

“No.” I shake my head, holding up my hand. “No, no, no. Nope, I’m more than happy that you're okay with all of this. Just a little surprised, I guess?”

“I got over it after finding out about Declan and Collin. I wasn’t surprised to find out you’ve also been seeing Preston and Grayson. I see how those boys look at you. Not a single bit of ‘I want to be just friends’ in their eyes.” She laughs. “I’m not sure how my sweet, sweet husband hasn’t seen it, but Grayson isn’t exactly subtle when the two of you are in a room together.”

“Huh.” I let out a breath as I lean back into the couch. “Yeah, when you think of it that way, I could see that.”

“I just want you to be careful, okay? I know why you married Collin. And while I don’t agree with the circumstances, that was your choice to make. And I support you. I just don’t want you to weave yourself into this big web of lies or stress yourself out with all these secrets. I highly suggest you don’t keep this from the world for long. Don’t be ashamed of your love. Yes, I know thissociety isn’t very open to situations like this, and they have ways they want things done, but I know you and these boys aren’t really into that, are you?”

I think about how Preston is still with Tina. And how it’s not that easy for him to rebel against his father like it is for Collin.

“I do ask one thing.”

“Okay.” I nod my head.

“Grayson has to tell his father about the two of you. I will not keep this from him. It was different when I just had speculations, but now that you’ve confirmed it and I know, I won’t keep this from my husband.”

“That's a fair ask,” I agree. “And I don’t want to sneak around behind Mark’s back. I like him. I respect him. I just–” I look down, picking at my pants nervously. “I don’t want him to hate me.”

“What?” Mom gasps softly. “Sadie, Mark could never hate you.”

“I’m dating his son.” I look up at her. “And Grayson is going to call off his engagement because of me.”

“Mark doesn’t believe in all of that.” She waves it off. “That’s all Grayson’s grandfather. I know Mark will be there for his son in any choice he makes. And if that means being with you, so be it.”

Tears sting the back of my eyes. “You think?”

“I know.” She nods firmly. “Now, go have that talk with Grayson. The sooner the better. He just came down for something to eat, not too long ago, so he should be in his room still.”

“I love you.” My words come out a little choked.

“I love you, too, sweetie.” She gives me one of those mom hugs I didn’t know I needed so badly, before we part ways.

Jogging up the stairs, I head for Grayson’s room. The door is closed, so I knock, just in case. I mean, I’d hate for someone to walk in on me doing something personal.

Although it would be pretty hot to walk in on him pleasuring himself. He looks pretty sexy when he cums.

“Stop thinking about sex, Sadie,” I scold myself, shaking my head.

When no one answers, I knock again and wait before opening the door.

“Huh.” I frown, seeing that the room is empty. Did he leave without Mom seeing? Maybe he’s somewhere else in the house, like the theater room or the game room.

Taking a step into his room, I give myself permission to check out his room. Because why not? I’ve never been here alone before.

It’s your typical rich boy's room. Achievements on the walls and shelves, posters of bands he enjoys, and very nice, expensive things to fill his room. He even has a gaming setup in the corner.

I move slowly as I take in details, eyes roaming around every inch. Moving to his dresser, I run my fingers over the contents. A watch, a nice clock. When I get to the wooden box that stands out from everything else, my interest is piqued. It looks like a jewelry box. His mother’s, maybe?

With careful hands, I slowly lift the top open. “Huh.” There’s jewelry in here, but that’s not all.

“Hold up.” I pick up an earring that looks eerily like the one I lost. “Is this mine?” I look at the other items, shifting through them. “Holy shit,” I whisper, eyes widening when I find a bracelet, a hair scrunchie, a ring, and a plethora of other things.

They’re all things that once belonged to me, that I lost. Or so I thought.

“That sneaky little shit.” I laugh. I should be mad, confused, maybe weirded out, but honestly, I find it kind of endearing.

He liked me enough to want to keep tokens of me.

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