Page 29 of King of Desire (Kings of Las Vegas #2)

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Honeyeh

I sit in Darius’s room as he shows me the third game from his new game console.

I’ve never been interested in video games, but I nod and smile for his sake. I love that Triston has given him this chance to do something that excites him. There’s been so little of that in Darius’s life lately.

He finally puts the controller down and turns to me. “So, when did your boss become your boyfriend?”

“What?” My heart jumps into my throat. Darius must have realized I slept in Triston’s room last night.

“That’s what he told his brothers. That you were his girlfriend.”

My mouth opens and closes, my heart beginning to pound in my chest. I never asked Triston to put a label on what we’re doing. In fact, I really dislike that he did.

It’s not that I wanted to be his paid bedmate. It’s just…

As much as I like Triston’s assertiveness, enjoy how he eases the burdens of my life, and I find him wildly attractive, I cannot afford to have feelings for him.

Because what I need even more than I need help with Darius, is a person who wants to stick around in my life.

My father just up and left…and when he did, our lives fell apart. I’m still picking up the pieces.

I think about Triston’s promise to make my life better no matter how long he’s in it. But leaving, that always destroys. It doesn’t cure.

And everyone knows that Triston doesn’t keep a woman around for long once he’s romantically involved. I cringe, trying to decide what to say to Darius. “Listen. I know how that sounds but he’s the kind of guy who has a lot of girlfriends. We probably shouldn’t get too comfortable.”

Darius gives me a skeptical look. “He packed up all our clothes. Seems like he plans to have us stay for a while anyway.”

My heart twists. Because I’m just realizing that Darius will have to break up with Triston too. It isn’t just me.

I should have thought about that before. It’s just been so crazy the past few days and I wanted to hide in Triston, take a break from the burdens. Not that I’m making excuses. I got caught up in Triston’s magnetism. And I can add this whole thing to my list of failures.

But right now, I have to think about what’s best for Darius.

Triston appears in the doorway. “What are you two up to?”

“I’m showing her some of the games I’ve been learning,” Darius calls over his shoulder as he fires the console back up.

My hands press together, my eyes casting down. What do I say?

“I’ve got a call to make and then how about the three of us head out to the pool?”

“Awesome!” Darius answers before I can.

I stand, smoothing the skirt over my hips. “You don’t have to come out with us if you’ve got other things you need to do.”

Triston stares at me a moment before he reaches out a hand to me. Drawing in a deep breath to steady my nerves, I start toward him. Reaching him, I slip my fingers into his as he pulls me close. “With you is exactly where I want to be.”

My insides melt. Which I know is part of the problem. When Triston’s not around, I tell myself all sorts of things. But once he’s near, I turn into clay for him to mold. “Did it go all right with your family?”

I feel his moment of hesitation. “Most of us are on the same page, so that’s good.”

“Win?”

I could tell that Triston’s older brother did not like me. After yesterday, I’m not sure I blame him.

“He’s not happy with me, but then again, it’s pretty much his full-time job to be dissatisfied.”

“Because of me.” I shake my head, wincing.

Triston’s arms come around me as he pulls me close. “All of my other brothers understand. Trust me when I say, this is a Win problem, not a Honeyeh problem.”

“I’m not so sure,” I whisper, breathing in his scent. “If Darius and I are causing trouble…”

“You’re not.” He squeezes me tighter. I was trying to give him an out. Instead, his lips brush over my temple. “Give me ten minutes and then we can head outside.”

I let him go then, but follow him out into the hall to cross to the bedroom to change. That’s when I see his brothers and Mason filing out of his office.

Mason waves and winks. I give a small wave back, but my bottom lip is still between my teeth.

Win’s clear dislike of me has made me question how the rest of these men might view me. Do they think I’m a shameless social climber? Or do they just see me as Triston’s latest conquest? I wince at the thought.

The group heads down the stairs to the foyer while Triston goes back in his office. I only have a minute to decide, but drawing in a deep breath, I start down the hall to the stairs.

Triston’s brothers, along with Mason have reached the front door when I’m halfway down the stairs. “Mason?” I call out before he can leave.

They all turn to look at me.

“Hey, Honeyeh.”

“May I have a word?” I ask before I can lose my courage.

They all stand there waiting and I hesitate. Triston’s brothers have been nothing but nice, but I was still hoping to have this conversation a bit more privately.

“Of course,” Mason answers, but his eyes crinkle at the corners as he stares back at me in question. No one moves. I guess I’m doing this…

“I…I wanted to thank you for hiring me for that waitressing job.”

Mason smiles. “It was my pleasure. I’m sorry you weren’t in my employ longer.”

That makes me relax the slightest bit, but my hand still flutters. “Thank you for that. I really appreciate it because I was hoping to ask…”

His brow furrows.

“If…when…things…” I wave my hand around Triston’s house. “Should I find myself in need of a job again…”

His brows lift. “You’re always welcome to call me, Honeyeh.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, relief making me limp.

“Worried about Triston?” Gris asks, making me stiffen back up.

The answer is definitely yes. But I’m not saying that. “I try to have a plan and a backup plan because I can’t afford to be without work.” I hope that sounds reasonable and not at all accusatory toward Triston. My goal is not to create more trouble. I just need to make certain I can pay our bills.

Mason lightly touches my elbow. “Triston is not going to let your bills go unpaid. But you are always welcome to come to me should you need anything.”

“Thank you,” I answer, feeling slightly better. I wave goodbye, but as I make my way up the stairs, I hear footsteps behind me. I turn to see Killian and Gris at the bottom of the stairs.

It’s my turn to be confused. What does Killian wish to say and why is Gris with him? Did I just err?

“I hope I didn’t offend,” I lift my hands up. “I don’t mean to question Triston, I just… My brother Darius. I have to think of him too.”

Killian quirks one brow. “I can’t believe more women don’t proceed with caution when it comes to dating Triston. He’s got a terrible record. If I had a sister, I wouldn’t let her anywhere near a man like him.”

I relax, a smile playing about my lips at having the subject stated so openly. “Thanks for being direct.”

Killian laughs. “Most people hate it.” He points down at Gris. “I asked him to stay in case I made you nervous.”

That completely perplexes me. From the first time I met Killian, he’s been so open and honest. I really like him. “Why would you make me nervous?”

Gris grunts, but Killian only shrugs. “Listen, Honeyeh. We all got to watch you and Tris together at the benefit. Which is why we know, that despite yesterday, you and Triston work very well together.”

My mouth falls open. “Really?”

“But if things don’t work out, we all wanted you to know, Mason isn’t the only person you can come to for help.”

Gris raises his hand. “We weren’t sure if you’d prefer this information from Ryker and Rush, as they are single, or if the taken men would be easier to trust, but either way, just know you’re not alone. You can call on any of us.”

My heart melts and crazy emotion pricks at my eyes. “Thank you so much.”

Killian scratches at his jaw. “I also wanted to ask you about your past. Tris mentioned that your father disappeared.”

My eyes instantly drop. “I don’t like to talk about it. But yeah.”

“Do you know his name?”

“Darius Karimi Senior. Darius is named after him.”

Killian asks me several more questions, his interest making me nervous. “That’s all in the past,” I wave my hand.

“Of course,” Killian gives me a smile. “I’m sorry to pry.” And then he starts down the stairs again.

I turn back up, heading to the bedroom to put on my bathing suit.

But honestly, more questions than ever are swirling in my head. I’m in so deep with Triston, there is no avoiding heartbreak.

The promises Mason, Gris, and Killiam made are a big help. Because I have to think about how I proceed with Triston in a way that doesn’t hurt my brother.

I have to make the best decision for him, no matter what my heart wants.