Page 99 of Kings & Queen

I sat at the small table, and he brought me a delicious-looking chicken, avocado sandwich. It was mouthwatering. He also set a smoothie next to the plate. “I expect you to eat every bite,” he chided.

“Yes, of course. I’ll take it to the other room. I need to make a phone call.”

“You will not. Sit and eat. I will tell Master Nik if you don’t eat it all. I know how tricky girls can be. You can make your phone call as long as you are not overly loud.”

Tension radiated from his frame as he stood there watching me. After a minute, he motioned to eat. I moved, feeling the intensity of his stare. It was beyond delicious. Avocados were my favorite, and they were perfectly sliced.

The call could wait. For now, I focused on savoring the way the chicken practically melted in my mouth. I scrolled while I ate and then thanked him once I was done.

Chef Bonfils gave a distracted wave, already deep in a debate over garnish placement. I slipped out quietly and headed back to my room, the weight of that postponed conversation trailing close behind.

I FaceTimed Sebastian, who had an update from his guy. A final date had been set. It seemed surreal, and my heart hurt.

“You doing okay, tiny tot?”

“Not really, but I’ll manage, right?”

Over his shoulder, Ivan came into view; my breath caught in my throat. He made brief eye contact with me and then stormed off.

“How is he doing?” I asked, tears filling my eyes.

“Sometimes he seems like his normal self, and then at other times he’s not okay,” he said with a soft sigh.

“You should hug him for me, like real tight. Right now. He looks like he could use a hug.” I thought about how strong Ivan’s arms felt whenever he held me. He gave the best hugs.

“You want me to go hug Ivan? Have you lost your mind? He’d shove me through the wall.”

“You don’t have to tell him it’s from me. Actually, it would be better if you didn’t. Everyone needs a hug once in a while, though, even the big, bad Blade. Do everyone a solid and hug him for me.”

“You just going to fucking play all day, or what?” Ivan’s gruff voice shot out, startling me.

A scowl darkened his handsome face; I caught the look, and the pain sliced deep into my heart. Now that I knew the full story, it made me feel more wretched about what I’d done.

“I wish he would talk to Marcel,” I said, looking at my watch, “and speaking of him, I need to get ready to do that myself.”

“Have a good session, tiny tot,” Sebastian said, his eyes filling with compassion.

I nodded and ended the call. After several cleansing breaths, I showered and moved to the library to wait for Marcel.

Chapter 41

Marcel

Sex Or Heartache

With mounting apprehension, Iclimbed the stairs, pausing as I reached the landing. Instinctively, my eyes were drawn to the soft glow coming from the cracked-open door of Christopher’s library. And as I peered inside, my eyes fell on the delicate girl I’d come to see. She was in one of the window seats, lying on her stomach, ankles crossed, moving them side to side.

Oblivious to my presence, she was engrossed in the pages of some novel, so I observed her for a few minutes. Leaning against the doorjamb, I noticed she was barefoot. Her hair was pulled to the side and cascaded over one shoulder like a silk curtain. As I continued to watch, a flicker of concern passed through me. She was chewing on her bottom lip—her unconscious gesture that hinted at her emotional state.

“Ms. Taylor,” I breathed.

Jumping up, she ran over and hugged me. I hoped today’s session would be therapeutic for her in some way.

“You always smell so good, Marcel. Whatever you wear, it has cinnamon in it, and it makes me want to bake. I love it,” she whispered, burying her head into my chest.

“I’m a firm believer in personal hygiene, but glad you approve.” I laughed before pushing her toward a chair and establishing the doctor/patient boundary for the rest of the meeting.

“Tell me, how are things going for you here? Are you comfortable? I won’t ask if they are treating you well because I know they are, but how are you managing?”