Page 15 of King of Kings

“I love you, Knox, but something’s got to give. You’re letting the past––and Dad––tear your whole world apart. When are you going to let it all go?” She leaves without a second glance. She doesn’t give me the opportunity to defend myself. Although, I’m not sure I even would at this point.

I head down the hallway to my bedroom door. Our house is massive. It’s ridiculous. It’s far too big for just the four of us. It was too large for our family from the start, but my dad likes to flaunt his money, and my mom always loved to spend it.

Upstairs we have five bedrooms. The master bedroom that used to house my parents hasn’t been touched since my mother left. I choose to stay in the basement. It’s completely finished and it’s basically like my own apartment. It’s the next best thing to having my own place.

I slip my shoes off at the bottom of the stairs and toss my keys on a table. I don’t waste much time peeling my clothes off and heading to the shower.

Once inside the bathroom, I shut the door and turn the water to the hottest setting, allowing the steam to fill up the room. Leaning my head against the glass of the shower door, I allow myself a moment to think about Sophia.

The way she tasted on my lips, the way she breathlessly said my name in the heat of the moment. Before I even know what’s happening, my hand is wrapped around my dick, thinking about what it would feel like to finally be inside of Sophia.

“Fuck.” I cry out my release.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

* * *

The next morning,I groan at the sound of my phone ringing. Glancing at the clock, I see that it’s only seven in the morning. I don’t remember the last time I actually slept in.

“Yes?” I say into the phone, without even bothering to see who it is.

“Are you still sleeping right now?”

Ahh, my dad. Of course it is.

“What do you need?” I ask.

“Don’t you have things to be doing right now, Knox?”

“No. Actually, I don’t. I have a meeting at the university later and that’s all that I have on my agenda for the day.”

“Not anymore. After the meeting, I need you to stop by my office. I have some things to discuss with you.” He hangs up before I can protest.

I sit up in bed, throwing my legs over the side and putting my head in my hands. I’ve got a pounding headache today. It feels like I went on a bender last night. My emotions are out of whack after the run-in with Sophia.

After a change of clothes and a quick cup of coffee, I’m on my way to the University to meet with Mr. Rigney.

An immediate sense of calm washes over me when I pull into the parking lot. This is definitely my happy place. I’d love nothing more than to sit behind a desk here and teach a class or run the school.

My dad has no idea, but I’ve taken many college courses and secured a degree. I could start tomorrow, and Mr. Rigney would love to have me. He’s voiced his desire for me to teach here many times, I just know it’s not in the cards for me right now.

There’s no way my father would allow it.

“Mr. Kingston, Mr. Rigney is ready for you.” The secretary gestures towards his office door.

“Angela, how many times do I have to tell you, it’s Knox.” It feels weird to have someone call me Mr. Kingston. Makes me feel like my father.

After last night, that’s the last thing I want.

“Knox, hello, sit down, please.” Mr. Rigney stands up from his desk when I enter the room and we shake hands.

Dave Rigney has been the chancellor of our university for almost fifteen years now. My grandfather showed him the ropes before he retired and had planned for Dave to take over. He’s always been a father figure to me because we share so many of the same interests. He would love for me to take over from him in the next couple years, and if I’m being honest, that’s what I’d love to do also.

“How are you, Dave?” I ask after I sit down.

“I’m great. I wanted to talk to you about adding a faculty member to the board. Have you given it any consideration?”

“I have. I had Foster Adams over for dinner a couple nights ago and had the opportunity to discuss it with him. He’s interested in helping out wherever he can on campus, and I think he’d make a great asset.”

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