Page 104 of Coldhearted King

“Do I have to go?”I moan. It’s two weeks later, and my hotel designs have been officially signed off and submitted to the King Group’s in-house construction planning team.

In a rare show of appreciation, Cole is hosting an extravagant dinner tonight to celebrate the team’s hard work, but I claimed a migraine and came home instead. Paul tried to strong-arm me into attending, but I refused. It’s bad enough I have to see Cole tomorrow at this award ceremony. The thought of sitting across a table from him for hours tonight is intolerable.

“Yes, you have to go,” Alex says, bringing me back to our current topic of conversation. She gives me a firm look. “Don’t let him win. You will walk in there with your head held high like the brave, beautiful, talented woman you are.”

I slump back on my bed while she marches to my closet and starts brusquely sorting through my dresses, of which I don’t have many appropriate for the occasion. She makes an approving noise and pulls out one, holding it up with an assessing eye. Then she turns and thrusts it toward me.

“You will wear this. You will look stunning. You will make him swallow his tongue. And you will make him regret every single decision he’s made in the last month. Hell, maybe in his whole life.”

I take the dress and look at her. “What if he doesn’t? What if he looks at me, then looks at Jessica and thinks, ‘Thank god I made the right choice’?”

Alex comes over, takes the dress out of my hands, and lays it carefully on the bed before wrapping me in her arms.

“It doesn’t matter, Dee, because what he thinks is inconsequential. You have so much in front of you, and since he’s an asshole and obviously not your person, that means you still have your great love ahead of you. One day you’ll meet the man of your dreams and Cole will be a distant memory. He’ll be married to that bitch and living a miserable existence.” She gives me a fierce smile. “Just hold that in your head, act as if he doesn’t affect you, and realize you will get through this and come out stronger on the other side.”

My spirits lift and I give her another swift hug. “Thank you so much.”

“Anytime, babe.” She sits down next to me. “I know this probably isn’t the best time, but I’ve got some good news.”

“I can do with some good news, so hit me.”

Her smile is bright. “Jaxson called this morning, and he and the guys have decided not to move to LA. They’re going to base themselves out of New York.”

“Oh my god, Alex. That’s fantastic!” This time it’s me throwing my arms around her.

Her laugh sounds slightly giddy. “He told me to get my ass in gear and find us some apartments to check out.”

I’m so happy for her, I really am, and I make sure to hide just how much my heart is breaking. Even though the pain in my chest is overwhelming at the moment, the smile on Alex’s face gives me a glimmer of hope that one day the hurt will ease, and I’ll know the same happiness as Alex.

Hopefully that little glimmer is enough to get me through tomorrow.

* * *

My hand shakesas I steal a glass of champagne off the waitress’s tray. Well-dressed men and women fill the ballroom, flitting around, talking architecture. At any other time, I’d love to network and discuss the ins and outs of sustainable design, but waiting for the moment when Cole and Jessica make an appearance has me twitchy. I’ve yet to see them, and any bravado that Alex instilled in me has already begun to drain away.

“Hello, Delilah.”

I spin around and frown. “I’m really not interested in talking to you, Paul.” I look around. “Where’s Philippa?”

He scowls. “We’re not together.”

I don’t feign interest. “What a shame for you.”

“Don’t be like that,” he says, stroking his fingers down my forearm. “She was never you. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“I do. You were thinking you could have your cake and eat it too. You were wrong. Now I’d appreciate it if you leave me alone.”

“Delilah,” he starts, but before he can continue, a large figure slides between us.

My heart jumps when I think it might be Cole, but golden eyes meet mine, not blue.

“I think the lady has made herself clear, don’t you?” Tate’s cold voice and large presence are enough to intimidate Paul, whose eyes dart between us.

He lets out a bitter laugh. “Wow, were you sleeping with all three brothers, or just the two?”

Tate doesn’t move, so it must be his expression that makes Paul shuffle back a step.

“I should be so fucking lucky,” he growls. “And you know it, too. Which is why you’re trying to worm your way back into her life. You had your chance and you screwed it up, so how about you go sleep it off in the bed you made for yourself.”

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