Page 60 of Kinks of a Billionaire
“She died,” he answered flatly. “Suicide.”
I bit my lip, sorrow washing over me. It was another example of how lucky I was. My parents were… well, normal. Yes, we’d had our ups and downs, but our relationship didn’t hold a candle to the Ashford family drama.
“I’m sorry,” I murmured.
“I’m sorry too,” Royce murmured, and when I chanced a glance at him, I saw genuine remorse floating in his eyes. Both men had lost their mothers—I could only hope that maybe one day they’d bond over it. “I am curious about one thing.”
“What’s that?” Asher asked.
“Why are you working as a captain for Amon Leone? It’s obvious you’re loaded,” Royce said, swiftly changing the subject. Knowing Royce, he’d wait to explore this newfound half-sibling relationship until he spoke to Aurora and his brothers.
“I’m not at liberty to disclose that,” Asher answered.
Royce shot him a disapproving glance, but I bumped my shoulder against him, giving him a pointed look. He couldn’t exactly blame Asher for being distrustful. I could imagine trust was hard to come by when you grew up watching your father carry on living his privileged life, appearing like father of the year.
“Well, if you ever need help, you got my number,” Royce said reluctantly. “Although, the next time you set me up to transport your illegal goods, I’ll have to shoot you.”
And just like that, the tension eased up.
Taking my hand from the crook of his arm, Royce led me down the elaborate staircase. A tender, sorrowful Chopin melody filled the air, the piano notes slowing down, then speeding up only to slow down again, but it was all just background noise as I focused on the man at my side.
“You okay?” I whispered under my breath, throwing a look over my shoulder to ensure we were alone. Asher disappeared after receiving a call, and we were steadily making our way toward this…immersiveparty. “If you want, we can leave.”
“Fuck no. The guy had us smuggling goods for him. The least he can do is provide us with a good time.” He bent his head, his mouth brushing against my ear. “Besides, I’m curious to see your reaction.”
My stomach dipped at the dark gleam in his eyes, the very same one he wore when he fucked me, and a small burst of excitement washed over me.
“Willow, if you keep looking at me that way, we’ll never make it to the party.”
I laughed, bumping my shoulder with his. “Sorry, I should try to keep my naughty thoughts off my face.”
“Want me to do naughty things to you, wife?” he drawled, the smooth timbre of his voice sending a warm shiver down my spine. Combined with the cum I could feel trickling from my core, tonight was shaping up to be a long night.
“If I knew you were this insatiable, I would have thought twice about marrying you,” I teased, lying through my teeth, but suddenly his expression turned serious and his steps halted.
“Am I being… too much?”
I shot him a surprised look, my humor evaporating. His expression was guarded, but vulnerability shone through, and suddenly, I saw him a little clearer. Saw things I’d missed over the last decade. I took his big, veiny hands into mine and squeezed.
“I was teasing. You could never be too much, Royce,” I said, locking eyes with him. “You’re just enough. I’ve had a crush on you for years. Since high school, actually.”
His lips lifted. “I was too old for you.”
“Our age difference hasn’t changed.”
“But we have.”
“We’ve changed.” I nodded. “But there’s one thing I want you to know.” He stilled, waiting for me to continue. “There isn’t a single part of you that I don’t love. You’re perfect the way you are,” I breathed, emotions suffocating me. “You’ve always been perfect.”
“I’m not,” he rasped, emotions swirling behind those dark eyes.
“You are to me.” He cupped my face, his rough palms gentle, and he bent his head down to brush the tip of his nose against mine. I breathed a sigh, loving his closeness. “I don’t want you to ever hold back with me, Royce,” I told him seriously, pressing my lips to his and hoping I could make him understand without having to say it outright. “I want you to do itallwith me.”
He looked at me with reverence and his sensual masculinity set flame to my blood like a match in gasoline.
“I love you, baby.” My heart took flight and I feared it’d never come back to earth. I felt light as a feather, watching his dark eyes sparkle and dance. Memories spanning back to the first time we kissed flashed through my mind, and I sighed when he said, “You and this baby are mine. It took me too long to see it, but now, I’ll shout it from the rooftops. Nothing will keepus apart anymore. You and I, baby, we’ve been a decade in the making.”
Tears blurred my vision as I lifted on my toes and pressed a kiss to his mouth.
