Page 18 of Dark King (Advantage Play 2)

I let go of her knee and raise her chin to make sure I have her full attention.

“I think you keep them to remind yourself of all the things you’ve overcome. You’re a survivor, but you’re a fighter too. Facing Burlone and beating his ass was the only revenge you could inflict on him, and the cards were your weapon.”

With a nod, a speechless Ace stays motionless beside me as I realize she’s the strongest person I know. Instead of running from her past, she embraced it and swore not to let it break her. I know a lot of men who would’ve crumbled under easier circumstances. But not her.

Releasing her chin, I tuck a stray piece of her soft, brown hair behind her ear and cup her jaw. “You’re strong. And smart. And so fucking gorgeous. I’m glad you’ve kept these cards, and I’m glad you’ve told me about your past. I’m in awe of you, Wild Card.”

Sealing my declaration with a kiss, she returns it with so much passion and fire I’m surprised we don’t both combust from its heat. When she pushes away from the table and tugs me toward my bedroom, she whispers, “Truth.”

And I couldn’t agree more.

Chapter Ten

Ace

“Any chance you’d let me go to the grocery store today?” I ask, hating how desperate I sound as I hover near the entrance to Kingston’s office.

Looking up from his computer, King states, “We have food. Go check the cupboards and the fridge.”

“Yeah, but—”

“No. I have too much going on to take you, and it’s not safe for you to go by yourself.”

To say I’ve been going stir crazy since the night I got beaten up is a massive understatement. I don’t know how much longer I can take it. It doesn’t matter how opulent his home is, staring at the same four walls is slowly driving me mad.

Walking toward him, I bypass the chair across from his desk and sit on his lap before wrapping my arms around his neck. His eyes widen in surprise, but he doesn’t ask me to stand up, so I’m going to take it as a win.

“I need some normalcy. Please, please, please?” I beg, sticking my lower lip out for good measure. With a soft laugh, an amused Kingston leans forward and sucks my lip into his mouth before giving it a playful bite. Giggling, I shove him away and wait for my answer.

“Fine. Go buy your groceries, but take D with you.”

My shoulders slump at his attempt to compromise. “I feel like D is getting sick of playing my babysitter. I’m pretty sure he has better things to do than tag along on my errands, Kingston.”

“He does have better things to do. But you want to go out, and I’m too busy to take you. D is the only guy I trust. If you go, then he goes. Once things calm down, it’ll be me escorting you to the grocery store, but for now, Diece will have to do.”

Caving to his demands, I give him another kiss. This one is softer, slower. It’s more intimate than playful, and I love it to my core.

“I’m excited for this shitstorm to pass,” I whisper against his mouth.

“Me too,” he confides. “We’ll get through this. I promise.”

My heart stalls at his assurance, and I don’t miss the way he says we, either. I know he’s told me that I’m his. I know he’s shown me that I matter to him. I know Diece has assured me that Kingston’s feelings for me are the real deal. But still, none of the evidence seems to quiet the voice inside my head that tells me to be careful. Dreams are dangerous for a girl like me, and they’re slowly starting to revolve around the man in front of me and the future we can build together.

“You sure you won’t get sick of me by then?” I whisper.

With a teasing grin, he smacks my butt then lifts me to my feet.

“Not a chance. I’ve already told you that you’re mine, and I don’t get rid of things once I’ve claimed them. Now, get out of here. You’re distracting me. I’ll send D a text, and he’ll meet you in the garage.”

I blow him a sweet kiss, nearly skipping to the door as I call out, “Thank you!”

* * *

Twenty minutes later, I’m perusing the grocery store with a red plastic basket hanging from my arm while D trails behind me like a sad little puppy.

“Shoot! I forgot the cauliflower. Will you go grab me one in the produce aisle? I’ll meet you by the milk.”

With a grunt, Diece follows orders with the promise to meet me in a few.

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