Page 49 of Steal a King (Five Kings 2)

“Sorry.” I shake my head. “I was just thinking about my own life. I live alone you see and most of the time it’s just me. I also work alone, so I kind of understand Lucas. It’s not what should happen. Humans aren’t designed to live alone even though I value my space.”

“Don’t you have a boyfriend?”

“No, not really. I have dated a few guys that I met either as customers or online, but they never really go anywhere.”

“And Lucas?” Tom leans forward looking interested and I blush a little, making him laugh. “It’s ok, honey, nobody would blame you for going there. After all, we’ve all had those fantasies, that man’s a god.”

We giggle and I say sadly. “We both know my stay here is temporary. Lucas has made that perfectly clear. To be honest, I’m not sure I’m cut out for this life, anyway. I like to work, live with freedom, and not have people shadow my every move. I know they’re discreet but those bodyguards follow Lucas everywhere, it’s a little overwhelming, really.”

Tom looks sad. “It has to be that way. When you’re at the top of your game, the numero uno, everyone is out to bring you down.”

He leans in and lowers his voice to a whisper. “You know, Lucas will never say, but word on the street is his folk’s accident wasn’t as it seemed.”

“Really.”

Tom nods. “Some say it was orchestrated, and they were always the intended victims. This is why Lucas lives in a bullet proof world. He’s had a tragic life, and it probably won’t get any better. It’s why we do everything we can to make him happy because it’s painfully obvious he’s not—happy that is.”

We hear the elevator and Tom stands and winks. “My cue to leave, enjoy your day, Ella, anything you need just holler.”

Tom smiles as Lucas heads into the room, and I immediately know his meeting didn’t go well by the storm in his eyes and the frown on his face.

Tom also notices and throws me a pitying look as he says pleasantly, “Can I get you anything, sir?”

Lucas looks a little distracted and shakes his head. “No, thank you, Tom, I’ll call if I need anything.”

As Tom leaves, I look at Lucas with concern as he grabs a coffee absentmindedly and looks deep in thought. Something has definitely happened and from the looks of it—it’s not good.

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