Page 24 of Tantalizing Kings

My eyes practically pop out of my head. I mouthI’m going to kill youto Alice before spinning around to face Declan.

“Hi,” I say, willing the blush on my face to go away. I love these girls but sometimes... sometimes I just wish they would be quiet for once.

“Ready?”

“Yup!” I say, way too quickly as I grab my bag. Declan looks at my friends with curious eyes before giving me a small smile. I follow after him as he heads toward the exit. I make sure to flip all my friends off as I pass, and the fuckers bust out into laughter. They are lucky I love them.

“I got you this,” Declan says, handing me a box.

“Oh. You didn’t have to get me anything,” I tell him as I take it, but on the inside, butterflies are swarming my belly. I open it and smile. “A cupcake?”

“Yeah, the kitchen made some for the staff. I snagged one for me and thought you would want one too.”

“Thank you. I love red velvet.” He’s so good to me for no good reason.

“I know,” he replies, flashing me a small smile. This man is too cute for his own good. He’s like a sexy nerd. I know he’s crazy smart when it comes to school. He has these white, round glasses that give me hardcore Milo Thatch vibes. He’s tall and lean but still has some muscle to him.

He stops me when we get to the Host Club doors. “Listen, about the deal,” he starts, looking adorably nervous.

“Are you having second thoughts?” I hope he’s not. I’ve come to accept this, to want this without wanting to run away.

“No. I mean, look at you.” He waves his hand at me. “Anyone would be crazy to not jump at the chance to be with you. The thing is, I know there are rumors going around that the Host Club will... go above and beyond their normal duties if the client pays the right price. It’s not true. At least, not for me or Grayson.”Why does that make me so fucking happy?“However...” He looks toward the door.

“It is for Preston,” I finish because I’m not stupid. I know he fucked that girl yesterday.

“Yeah. Not often, but... yeah.” He almost looks hurt by the admission. “But we get tested every month.”

“Why would you need to get tested if you don’t...” I look around to see if anyone is watching before finishing my sentence. “Sleep with your clients?”

“Ahhh, that’s something I can’t tell you quite yet,” he responds, scratching the back of his neck. “But you will know when it’s time for us to start our end of the deal.”

“Okay...” I narrow my eyes. “Not suspicious at all.”

He smiles. “We’re not bad guys. You’ll be fine.”

“Okay,” I say again, eyeing him as I take a bite of the cupcake. He chuckles, and I like the sound.

“I just wanted you to know that we don’t normally accept deals like this.”

His eyes fall to my lips as I lick the cream cheese frosting away. “So what you’re saying is, I’m special?”

“Yeah.” His voice is soft. “You are.”

I’M HATING THIS HOSTClub shit. The amount of stink eye I’m getting from the clients is annoying. It’s like they’re jealous, but why? All I’m doing is getting them drinks and refreshments or cleaning up after them. Are they envious that Preston ordered me to go get him a coffee from the café even though they have an espresso machine in their room?

The only one I can understand is Grayson’s client. Just like yesterday, he can’t seem to keep his eyes off me. And I like it. Too much. You know who didn’t like it? The blonde girl who was three seconds away from strangling me with her own two hands.

The bell chimes, and I let out a sigh of relief. I swear if they start asking me to get their dry cleaning or give their dog a bath, I’m putting my foot down.

I gather the empty cups on a tray and take them to the back of the room to put on the trolley when I hear a phone ring. All the guys look around, confused.

“It’s the classroom phone,” Preston scoffs, looking at them all like they’re idiots. Preston goes over to a vintage-looking phone and answers it. And of course, I eavesdrop. “Why are you calling me?.... You could have come found her yourself... Whatever... Yeah, I’ll tell her... Fuck you too,” he growls before hanging up.

He lifts his gaze to mine before narrowing his eyes. “Eavesdropping could get you in hot water. Curiosity killed the cat, Kitten.”

“I wasn’t eavesdropping,” I deny lamely.

He quirks a brow before shaking his head slightly. “Whatever. You’re wanted in the guidance counselor’s office.”

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