Page 48 of Savannah Royals
“Whyever not? What exactly is it about a workaholic, uptight doctor that holds your very valuable attention?”
Matthew gives me a sidelong, curious glance.
“I’m not precisely certain yet,” I answer honestly. I flick my eyes to Matthew’s face, then back to his brother. “When I figure it out, I’ll let you know.”
“Well played, Katarina. I see your time at the Academy isn’t lost on you.”
“Thank you, sir.” I mock curtsy, and Ethan’s face lights up.
“That earns you a bonus point.” He nods at my curtsy. “It’s not nearly as nice as the one you gave my father, but now that I know you better, I don’t think you drop to your knees for just anyone.”
“Unlike you, huh, Ethan?” Matthew teases, smiling wickedly.
“Oho! That’s below the belt, Matt,” Ethan declares. “For that, I’m going to ask yourfriendKatarina one final question. Don’t worry, it will be highlyembarrassing…and confidential.” He drags me away before Matthew can protest.
I swallow when Ethan leans in close. I know it’s going to be bad before he opens his mouth. I can just feel it.
“So, Katarina, tell me just one more thing, sweetheart.” His breath tickles my ear. “Have you dropped to your knees with your pert little mouth open for my brother yet?”
My jaw drops. Matthew shifts nervously from foot to foot, watching us.
“No,” I finally manage. “Perfect gentleman, remember?”
I’m blushing scarlet; I can’t help it.
“Trust me, Katarina. He’s not. None of us are.” He reaches into his pocket to pull out a cigarette and lighter. “Lucky for him, I don’t think you’re a perfect little lady either. So make it good for him when you do. God knows, it’s been a while.”
As he walks away, I move my mouth mechanically, searching for something…anything. I don’t let anyone get the last word on me, but for once, I have no comeback. Ethan thumbs his lighter until it sparks, cupping his free hand around the cigarette between his teeth. He pulls a deep drag and blows out a fluid stream of smoke. As he exhales, something in my brain clicks.
Expensive suit. Coiffed hair. A burning light.
It was Ethan DaMolin I saw last week at Astor Manor, sharing a midnight smoke with Harry. I’m sure of it. What dastardly backroom business were those two up to so late at night?
“Ah, the harem awaits.” Ethan puffs. His cigarette dangles from his lips as he gestures up the beach toward a pack of giggling girls. He gives me another wink, this time conspiratorial. In spite of myself, I let out a small laugh.
“You’re a swell dame, Katarina,” he tells me, nodding approval. “I apologize for being forward, but we DaMolins protect ourown. We have to. Should you stick around, you’ll find my bark is far worse than my bite.” Ethan claps his brother on the shoulder as he departs.
Matthew is openly wary as he walks over to me. “What did he say to you?”
“Nothing,” I mutter.
“Do I really need to call bullshit again?”
“It’s honestly not worth repeating. Trust me.”
“I want to know—”
“He asked if I’d sucked your dick,” I announce stiffly. “And then, when I told him no, he insinuated I would. Soon.”
“Oh. Mercy.” His face pales, and he looks over his shoulder at his brother’s departing back. “I’m going to murder him. Katarina, I’m so sorry. Ethan has never concerned himself with boundaries.”
“Honestly, Matthew, it’s fine. I’m a big girl. Big enough to decide whose dick I suck. And how and when it happens. Because ithashappened. Unlike my classmates, the Academy’s ivory cage means very little to me.”
Matthew’s eyes widen, surprised at my outburst. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this…” He runs his fingers through his hair, rumpling it rather adorably. “Do you really think you’re the only gal at the Academy who’s sucked someone’s dick, Katarina? You’re not. One of those girls offers to suck off mine at almost every event. Ethan’s too.”
I blink and digest this. Who—
“The real reason you’re not like those ladies over there”—he jerks his head—“is that youhaven’toffered. You don’t give a flying fuck who my parents are or how much money I do or don’t have. That is why you’redifferent.”
