Page 102 of Kings & Queen

“For a long time, I asked myself why.” She gulped and took a deep breath before continuing. “I was feeling so broken. The hurt in Ivan’s eyes was too much. I didn’t deserve his love, definitely not his compassion. I deserved to be hurt. When he told me I could tell him what happened, god, Marcel, I never wanted to spill my heart out more than at that moment. But I couldn’t. The realization that Iwas afraid to tell him, that maybe he wouldn’t love me anymore, overrode any rational thought, and I knew the only thing I deserved from him was pain.”

“Kinsley, if Ivan truly loved you, why would his love for you change over something you had no control over?” I murmured.

“Because I’m a stupid little girl.” She had pulled back and was sobbing into her knees once more.

“Hey, I thought we established that was a lie,” I reprimanded.

“Will you tell him that I love him and that I’m sorry? I don’t expect reconciliation but would love his forgiveness, even on a small level.”

She moved back into my embrace, and we sat in silence, her head resting on my shoulder, our hands clasped.

“I’ll tell him, Kinsley, I promise.”

“You’re a good man. All of you are, honestly. I’m blessed to have been a part of your lives, even if it was only for a short time. I’ll cherish each of you in my heart for always.”

“You’ve made quite the impression on all of us as well. I don’t think we’ll ever forget you either.”

“Do me one more favor?”

“What’s that, my dear?”

“Hug him for me.”

“I can do that. I’ll give him a big, fat hug tonight. I’ll even make him hug me back, just for you.”

“I love you so much,” she said, throwing her arms around me and making me laugh.

Chapter 42

Kinsley

Whipped And Collared

Nestled with my headon Marcel’s shoulder, I startled when the door cracked open. In stepped Sophia King, her eyes widening at the sight before her. I could only imagine what she thought of me sitting so close to Marcel.

“Oh, um, sorry to interrupt.”

A frown marred her lips as she looked away. My heart thudded in my chest as I abruptly disentangled myself from Marcel. A flush of embarrassment crept up my neck, tingling my cheeks with heat. I couldn’t help but feel like I had made myself look worse in her eyes.

“It’s all right, we were just finishing up anyway. I’ll be by in a few days, okay?” he whispered to me, and I nodded and squeezed his hand.

“You won’t forget to tell him, right? And the hug.”

“I won’t.”

He winked, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. He quietly left the room, leaving me alone with Sophia, who turned to me with a small smile.

“Did you have a good session?” she finally asked.

“I did. Marcel is so amazing.”

“He is. I’m glad you have someone to confide in.”

She stepped closer to the couch and took a seat. Her face was serene, reflective almost, and I wondered at how close she was to him. She continued to look in my direction, a depth of concern in her eyes.

I’d bet Nik or Alek asked her to check on me.

“You look like you could use some cheering up,” she offered in a sweetened tone. The invitation danced in the air, and I inwardly groaned. “How about we go shopping and maybe to dinner, just the two of us?” Her face was hopeful, and my heart seized in my chest.