Page 32 of Kings & Queen

“Not true, Brother. You love and you love hard. It’s multilayered, though, both beautiful and equally terrifying. It’s a part of being human. And it’s okay to be afraid. Do you think I’m not? Look at her.Reallylook at her.”

“I have, and it scares me to my core. It’s so different with her. My feelings go beyond anything I’ve ever felt before.”

“Can I tell you something, Nikki?”

The use of our childhood nickname had me feeling like we were eight years old again, whispering secrets in the dark of our shared bedroom instead of grown-ass men. The nostalgia was so thick I choked, losing the ability to speak. I could only nod.

“Love has a way of breaking down walls, forcing us to confront our vulnerabilities. It’s also the greatest strength one can possess. Do you think either Mum or Dad could have survived Vanya if they didn’t possess an unbreakable love for one another?”

“I feel like I’m being consumed, and it scares the fuck out of me. What if something happens to her again? What if I fuck up? What if—”

“Nikolai, love isn’t meant to be feared, controlled, or suppressed. It’s meant to be felt and embraced. Tell me you didn’t feel her love tonight in the deepest recesses of your soul? Tell me the two of us working her body in tandem didn’t work its way here.” He slammed his palm against my chest, right over my heart.

“But what if it’s not enough? What if I’m not—”

“Love requires courage, Brother. Take a leap of faith, let your heart guide you, because you’re one of the most courageous motherfuckers I know. She’s everything we’ve needed and more.”

“Ivan?” I whispered.

“He’ll come around. How can he not? We just need to be patient.”

Kinsley whimpered in her sleep, and both of us shot to our feet and were by her side in seconds.

“Ivan, please no,” she murmured, and I took her in my arms. Her eyes shot open, and I caressed her face, brushing back the tears. She leaned into my chest, letting go.

Alek mouthed that he was going to shower, giving us some time alone. I nodded and turned my attention back to Kinsley.

“Shh, malyshka. Tell Daddy what’s wrong. Did you have a bad dream?”

“Ivan, he got married, and not to me,” she replied, sobbing uncontrollably.

“That’s not going to happen. Alek and I won’t let it. Okay?”

“But he doesn’t love me anymore. I know you said he needs time, but I don’t have that.”

I tightened my grip on her and let the pain and tears run their course until she once more drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 16

Kinsley

All That Is Beautiful Is Fleeting

Alek woke me withkisses on my neck the next morning. Memories of last night had me flushing in embarrassment, but we were alone now, and he took full advantage. Pressing his hard cock against my pussy, he pulled my leg over his and slipped inside me. He made slow, sweet love to me. It was tender and magical all at the same time. Our eyes interlocked as our bodies moved together in a new way.

Each caress from him created an invisible rope that wrapped around my soul, and I matched it with my own, binding us irrevocably to one another. This man had no idea of the tempest of emotions that were running through me as I clenched his cock between my legs and let go. Soaring to new depths, I surrendered everything to him.

“My sweet little pet, what are you doing to me?” he breathed, moaning my name over and over in my ear.

I longed to answer him in words, to tell him I loved him, but couldn’t. To speak the word aloud would make leaving that much harder, so instead I cried. After soothing my tears, Alek pulled out of me.

“We should shower and go downstairs for breakfast. As much as I hate to leave this bed, I’ve got to oversee some things at the club. You’re going to be so fucking sore. I’m going to be inside you every chance I get.” He pulled me to my feet. And damned if he wasn’t lying; I was incredibly tender. Would I ever adjust to their sizes?

“Pump your breaks, old man. Until Ivan forgives me, I’ll have every third day off to rest.” I smacked his ass lightly. He whirled around and grabbed me in a bear hug.

“Did you really just smack my ass?” he growled, trying to sound mad.

“Maybe. It’s a really nice ass, you know. I’m fond of it.”