Page 99 of Rising Queen (Blood Empire 1)

As I get to know her better from afar, I am able to see that she has also become a strong, powerful, and loving woman. Sure, she's unpredictable and ruthless, but she's also... kind of fun.

I’ve been second guessing my way of life, my need for control as of late. Whenever I'm around her, I feel like it’s okay to let go, to let loose, to just live in the moment, because you truly don't know if you will get a tomorrow. And that fuckingterrifiesme.

I’m slowly starting to fall for this new version of the love of my life, and I wasn't the least bit prepared for it.

She's a breath of fresh air that I didn't know I needed to take.

I want to let her in, I do, but I don't know how to. So, I just come off as this quiet asshole who doesn’t seem to give a shit about anything.

Maybe this date is a blessing in disguise. Tonight, I will have to act like we really are a couple. Maybe a few hours of acting will loosen me the hell up.

I can't give up control, though. I'm not ready for that. It’s going to take time, but I'm hoping she's the one who can help me do it, unlike the multitude of therapists who have tried before her.

Unfortunately, this new Harlow is a lot tougher, and it’s gonna be a lot harder to get through her walls. I just hope someday I can make it up to her enough for her to give me a chance, or at least forgive me.

My cousins want her, though. Neo is madly in love with her, and Cass is quickly getting there too. Axel? I really don't know what he's thinking. He is obviously attracted to her, and I don't blame him. She is one of the most stunning women I’ve ever laid eyes on. It's her face I see whenever I close my eyes and wrap my hand around my cock. The amount of jacking off Axel and I have done since she banned us from sex is unhealthy.

Right now, I'm getting ready for what is technically my first date ever. But why do I feel like a nervous virgin? This isn't even arealdate. This is business, nothing more to her.

But why do I feel like I wish it was?

I’ve picked out my nicest suit, a gray Brunello Cucinelli, with a pair of black Hugo Boss dress shoes.

I’ve slicked my dark brown hair back and trimmed my beard so that it’s about half an inch from my face. For some reason, I’m set on looking my best tonight.

Harlow did have a point. This would be a good opportunity to build our reputation back up and make a few potential future business deals. At least that’s the direction I’m trying to point my thoughts towards, instead of daydreaming about what Harlow is gonna look like tonight.

Giving myself a light spray of cologne, I head out of my room in search of my date. It’s almost 6, so at least I'm not the one who's late.

When I get to the living room, the guys are all there, sitting around laughing. When Cass sees me, he lets out an appreciative whistle. “Looking good, cousin.”

Grinning, I shake my head. “It's not all that different from what I normally wear.”

“I don't know. You look like you’re trying to impress someone,” Axel chuckles. “I can smell you from here.”

My eyes widen slightly. “Is this too much?” I ask, feeling like I may have overdone it.

“Nah, man. You look good. You're fine.” Cass claps me on the back.

“I think you look stupid. You should just stay here, and I’ll even help you out by taking your place. I look better in a suit anyways,” Neo grumbles, bitter that Harlow didn't ask her little Pet to go with her.

“Oh, shut it, Neo,” Cass grins. “You’re just sour that she didn't ask you.”

“Ishould be the one going!I'Mher bestie.I'Mthe one who rocks her fucking world with my amazing cock. But she chose YOU over ME, and she hates you?!” Neo continues to bitch.

I flinch slightly at his words. I know I'm not her favorite person, but does she really hate me?Of course, she does. I'm the reason she went through years of fucked up shit that no one should ever have to endure.She does spend a lot of time with Neo, though, and they have gotten closer. Did she say something to him about me?

Maybe I don't have a chance in hell at making amends. I just need to make her understand that I never meant for anything bad to happen to her. I just wanted her to be safe and happy. I thought she ended up with the money and took off to live a better life, without us.Oh, how fucking wrong I was.

“As much as I don't like the woman, she was right. Youarethe best person to go and represent Pentagon Industries. You’re the level-headed businessman,” Axel comments from his spot on the couch.

“Aww, I'm crushed. The big, bad grizzly bear doesn't like poor, little, old me? Whatever shall I do?” Harlow mocks in a fake southern accent, her voice filling the room.

Quickly, I turn around to look at her.Holy fuck.My knees just about buckle, forcing me to kneel before the Queen that she so clearly is.

She isstunning, standing there in a black, form fitting, V-neck dress that shows the tops of her perfect breasts. It hugs every curve in all the right places.

My cock swells at the sight of her and pulses excitedly when I see that the dress has a slit all the way up one side, stopping just at her hip bone. Fuck me... This is gonna be pure excruciating torture to try and keep my dick down all night. I know there's gonna be numerous times that I’ll be excusing myself before tonight is over.

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