Page 141 of Kings & Queen

“Not looking for a wife here, sweetness.” His voice made me shiver. “So how about it? Want to give my mother a grandbaby or three?” His voice was husky, and my pussy clenched at the thought of him between my legs.

“Not sure how that would work.”

Laughter erupted from him. “Well, you see, when a man and a woman—”

“You’re silly. I know how babies are made. It would be rather complicated, given our relationships. Who gets first dibs? Not to mention, did you forget I’m on the run, going to disappear into the unknown? Why am I even indulging you?” I said, exasperated with my running train of thoughts.

“How about we table this discussion until we get home?”

“We can table it, sweep it under the rug, whatever you like. Tell me, how beautiful are the women where you are?”

“Not as beautiful as you.”

“I don’t believe that for one minute. Remind Nik of our exclusivity contract. I won’t share his lap, not even for a dance. And tell my beloved that blondes don’t always have more fun.”

“I don’t know. I’ve had quite a few fun blondes. One in particular was so much fun. What was her name again? Andrea? Ashley?”

“Not nice. Now that you mention it, maybe I’ll give your mother a grandbaby, one with emerald-green eyes or one that resembles her baby.” I stuck my tongue out.

“That’s fine with me, kitten, as long as you give me one too. Now I’ve got to go. Sebastian is looking at me like I’ve lost my mind.”

“Because clearly, you have. Be safe, I miss you.”

“I’ll call you later.”

I hung up and flopped back down on the bed. Rain pounded against the window, and it matched my mood. I tried not to think about little King babies in my arms and how much I’d love that to be my reality one day. Staying locked in my room probably wasn’t a good way to get out of the funk I was in, so I forced myself to shower and get ready for the day.

Part of today’s hesitation was I was so embarrassed by my nightmare. With it being Saturday, Christopher was home, and I wanted to avoid them for as long as possible. And for the most part, it worked, at least for the morning. I went up to the ballroom and spent the morning dancing alone.

A sad, haunting melody filled the air. My body swayed as the singer sang her heart out. I tried to match the pain of the lyrics in my movement. Shifting into more intense moves, my body swayed and twisted as if the song’s heartache were strings, and I was a mere puppet being controlled by them.

I could hear Pasha in my head.“Give me more. Dig deeper, Mischa.”And I poured my heart and soul into the dance. Every step was a cry that I understood, every leap and twirl a message I wanted to convey. It was a poignant duet of light and dark, and it so closely mirrored the residual feelings from last night.

The room seemed to shrink around me as I surged to my feet, hair whipping across my face with the sudden movement. The music reached its crescendo, and I collapsed to the ground once more. My chest heaved with the weight of the emotions churning inside me. Suddenly, Christopher and Sophia erupted into applause, and I snapped my head up.

“Stunningly beautiful. That was very moving. Is that the number you’ll do for the audition?” Sophia asked, wiping tears from her eyes.

“No, that was just me trying to dance last night away.” I stood, and they walked over.

“Did it work?” Christopher asked hesitantly.

“I’m feeling much better, actually. About last night, I should have sai—”

“Nonsense. It’s what a mother is good at, soothing nightmares. You don’t think twice about it. It gave me a chance to sing an old lullaby, get my rusty pipes in gear. I hope one day to have a load of grandchildren running up and down these halls.”

I grabbed my water bottle and tried not to flush in embarrassment, remembering Nik’s comments about having this conversation with her.

“I’m sure your sons will give you plenty,” I murmured.

“Oh, by the way, Christopher and I are going to dinner this evening. We’d like you to come along. That’s why we’re up here bothering you. That and, well, we wanted to make sure you were okay.”

My face fell. “Oh. I’m sorry, but I’ll have to take a rain check.”

“Okay, if you’re sure?” she said, looking disappointed.

Damn.“Actually, could I call Alek and see what he says?” I asked, changing my mind.

“Sure, but I can’t imagine he would have a problem with you going to dinner,” she mused, looking concerned.