Page 38 of Kings & Queen

She nodded, her expression holding a mix of acceptance and a touch of sadness. “I understand. As long as she’s good to you. Is she good to you, Pasha?”

“Yes, mostly. Again, it’s complicated. Nothing like yours, though.” I narrowed my eyes.

“Tell me about it,” she murmured. She shook her head as I threw mine back and laughed. “Well, since I only have a limited amount of time left with them, I guess I can share all the sordid details with you.”

“Sordid, huh? I’d say more like salacious. Come on, now, I’m your oldest friend in the world. If you can’t tell me, then who can you tell?” I teased.

But I was nowhere near prepared. My jaw may have hit the floor. Imagining her being intimate with any man, let alone three, left the strangest sensation in my stomach.

I studied her and once again chose my words carefully. “It’s odd, not going to lie. Is Ivan upset because he wants you for himself?” I struggled to understand the tension.

“No, I did something stupid, and now he’s upset. He’ll never get over it, and when and if he does, it’ll be too late. I can’t change it, so I have to move on.”

I was left to ponder what on earth she could have done. She was already sleeping with two other men—his brothers, no less—so cheating probably wasn’t what she meant. The look on her face spoke volumes, but I wouldn’t press her about it. She was entitled to her secrets. If she wanted me to know, she’d share.

“Well, I guess if nothing else, it gives me something to work with. You’re an amazing dancer, but your heartache is intense. And I’m not ashamed to say I fully intend to capitalize on it.” I rocked my body into hers.

“Wow, thanks,” she said sarcastically, causing me to chuckle.

“Yup, think of it as payback. Now come on, let’s go through it one more time. I want to change something.”

I pulled her up and back onto the dance floor. We worked for another two hours, and by the time we were done, I’d made sure she was exhausted. Oncemore, a rush of emotions overtook me as we headed to our rooms to shower. I had to find a way to get her to come with me when I left on tour.

Chapter 18

Kinsley

Promise?

As I walked throughmy bedroom door, my emotions were all over the place. Dancing with Pasha was like breathing. There was a comfortability between us that allowed us to move so well together, and the beauty of it went down to the marrow of my bones. He would always have a special place in my life. I was beyond thankful for the time I had with him and that, with his social media and videos, I’d always be able to watch him, even from afar.

I hummed as I moved toward the bathroom. But right then, the maid, Eloise, emerged from my closet, and my heart skipped a beat as my eyes widened. I stumbled backward, my muscles tensing in response.

“I’m sorry to startle you, Ms. Taylor,” she said, sensing my fear.

In her outstretched hands, she presented an exquisite gown. Its shimmering fabric cascaded like moonlit waves, flowing effortlessly from her fingers. The sight of it pulled my attention away from the rhythmic echoes that still resonated within me from Pasha’s song choice.

“Alek called. He’d like you to get ready for dinner with the guys. He specifically asked for this dress. I hope that’s okay?” Her voice was timid, like she thought I might argue with her.

“It’s perfectly fine. Did he say what time?”Damn, I wish I had my phone. I looked over at the clock on the wall and made a mental note to ask for my phone so I could communicate directly with Alek.

“Yes, five thirty.”

Sighing, I realized I only had about an hour to get ready. She delicately placed the dress on the bed and then excused herself. The shower helped, at least a little—steam easing the tension in my shoulders as I worked through hair and makeup on autopilot. I applied a generous amount of my signature honeysucklebody spray, letting it settle along my neck and between my breasts like a whispered promise.

When I finally stepped out of the bathroom, the air felt cooler. Time to get dressed. My gaze dropped to the gown. It was a seductive masterpiece in black and a part of Alek’s collection. The elegant, floor-sweeping dress had the signature daring thigh-high slit he was so fond of. It was going to tease at the boundaries of convention, and it made me wonder where we were dining. The front was low cut, and the back revealed an intricate lacing of satin ties. I was practically ready when Nik waltzed into my room.

“Jesus, malyshka, you look beautiful.”

“Thank you. You look amazing yourself.”

His tailored suit fit him perfectly. Every contour of his physique was accentuated, from the broadness of his shoulders to the tapering of his waist. He was clean shaven, and his chiseled jawline emphasized his good looks. With every step he took toward me, my heart beat harder inside my chest. He was so captivating, my baby-faced King.

“Would you help me, please?” I turned around so he could lace up the back.

“I’d like to take it off, but since we don’t have much time, I suppose I’ll do the right thing,” he grumbled as he caressed my back. Then laced the dress up and tied it. His hand dropped to my waist, then slid around the front, finding the slit. “Nice, really nice.” He brushed my thigh before moving up.

“Where are we going? I thought it wasn’t safe for me to go out in public right now.” Anxiety clawed at my throat at the thought of being out again.