Page 41 of Truth
“Oh snap. Twin?” Gretchen whispers as she lets out a small giggle. “This just got awkward. I’ll just get the car.” Backing away, she leaves us to speak alone. I want to grab her and pull her back, but I can’t move. I feel like I’m in shock, and the heat rising over my cheeks makes my embarrassment undeniable. I start to fidget with my clutch to manage my nerves. It all makes sense, so much so that I don’t have to question Luca’s honesty. He looks like my King, but that’s where it stops. Even his voice lacks the gravel tone King’s has. Death, take me now.
“For the love of God, I am so, so sorry. I’m horrified. I don’t even know what to say… I saw you and from far away…I mean, oh god. I just… Obviously, I didn’t realize you were twins. He said brother—in fact, he called you his little brother… I’m so embarrassed.”
“Little by minutes! He’s such a dick.” Grinning, he pats my shoulder. “Don’t be embarrassed. My brother took a lot of heat for me growing up. I made a few girls mad in my time.”
I try to laugh, but I just want to hide in the bushes.
“Plus he told me you are feisty. I think his exact words were ‘the kind of girl that could drop any man to his knees.’ I can see he wasn’t exaggerating.”
I grin, remembering when I took King to his knees. “He said that? That’s, um, sweet…” Looking down to my clutch, I fiddle with the lock. “How is he?” I can’t help myself; I need to ask.
“Stubborn.” Luca crosses his arms in a stance not unlike his brother’s.
I nod my head, understanding what he means.I won’t chase you. I won’t forgive you.His words echo in my mind.
Luca tilts his head to grab my full attention. “But he’s here, in Chicago. It’s like he’s waiting for some kind of sign. You wouldn’t know anything about that?”
“He’s still here?” My heart rate starts an acceleration to full stroke.
“Seems that the two of you may have some unresolved conversations to have. I’m no expert on love, but it’s clear to me that my brother can’t let you go, and judging by your outburst, you still have feelings for him too. You should call him—must’ve been a helluva night.” The grin runs in the family, except Luca is sweeter, less arrogant. I prefer arrogant.
“I’ll think about it. In the meantime, maybe this could be our little secret?”
“Sure.” His smile is all too sneaky, and I’m positive that today’s spectacle will make its way straight back to King. Straight back to his townhouse, in Chicago.
He’s still here. He’s waiting for me.
MY BROTHER’S PHONE CALL HASmy blood boiling. She was at my restaurant. I didn’t want her to know I was here, but Luca has done exactly what he hoped for. The little asshole has made it impossible for me to stay in the shadows, but I won’t chase her. I told her I wouldn’t. If she wants me, she’ll have to beg. The thought of her on her knees makes my dick jump and my head foggy. I want this girl more than I should. Every rational thought tells me to let her go, walk away, but I can’t. She made me feel as if the bastard I am was somehow capable of redemption.
I can’t concentrate, but I have to; I have a meeting in ten minutes with an employee I know has been skimming from the club. Sarah and I have set it up to question him and find out whether more are involved, but I feel volatile. My head’s not in the right place. I take a deep breath, trying to let out my dark thoughts as I push the door open to Church. I’m met with startled eyes. I realize I may have put more force than necessary into that opening. I stalk back to the back rooms where my office is located, barking orders along the way.
When I get to my office, I pull my phone out and hover over her name. I got her number days after she left me standing on that airstrip. I’ve wanted to call a thousand times, but each time I start to dial, I remember what she said.I won’t choose you over myself.I would have chosen her ten out of ten times. Anger rumbles deep inside me, and it’s comforting and familiar. I know how to do angry, so I’m planning to let it fester and work it through my system tonight. I’ll fuck as many women as possible. If I can’t reason her out of my mind, I’ll fuck her out of my body.
A half hour later, there’s a small knock at my door, drawing my attention from where I’m sitting. “Yes.”
“Hi, King, it’s time. Do you want him in here or the main room?” I can see in Sarah’s eyes that she is trying to assess my state of mind.
“Main room.” Nodding, she closes the door.
I take off my suit jacket, unbutton my shirtsleeves, and roll them up my forearms before I exit to join the interrogation. Entering the room, I see Sarah seated on a barstool and two of our “specialty” security holding our guy by each of his arms. This particular security team is open to thinking outside the box when necessary.
“We clear, Sarah?” I say, keeping my eyes on the asshole thief in front of me.
“Yeah, boss, everyone’s gone except us. Cameras are off.” He looks as if he may piss his pants. Then again, I don’t blame him.
Nodding my head to the door, Sarah hops off the stool and makes her way out. The fewer witnesses, the better. I look at the grown man standing in front of me and watch him trembling. His fear is palpable. I want to feel something human toward him, but I don’t. He stole from me, and I’m not the kind of man someone takes from. Loyalty is the bedrock of every relationship; once you betray me, retribution is the only measured response I know.
“Do you know why I had you brought here?” I lean against the bar, reaching over to grab a glass.
“Mr. King, I swear, I didn’t take anything. I would never steal from you.”Lies.
“So, you do know. It’s important we are on the same page.” I pour my two fingers of scotch and gulp it down, exhaling harshly at the scorch.
His pleas come out swallowed by the crying that’s begun. Men like this make me sick. He would steal from me and then cry when he gets caught.
“How much? Give me what I want, and it will play to your favor.” I already know the answer, but I want to hear him say it. I want him to look me in the fucking eye and admit he took from me.
“No, I swear, Mr. King…I never did anything…” I laugh at the pathetic display, amazed that he won’t take the gift I’m giving him. Looking to my security, I give a nod for them to let him go. The weasel adjusts his shirt and begins walking toward me. He thinks I believe him. He’s misjudging my motives, and my hand twitches as he comes closer. Today may be his unluckiest day.
