Page 18 of Triumphant Kings (Boys Of Kingston Academy #3)

Sadie

S o much has happened in the few short weeks since winter break, and I’ve hardly had a chance to breathe and process all the new changes.

It’s like one thing after another, and I can’t keep up. Not all of them have been bad, but most have contributed to some sort of stress.

Since talking with the guys about being more open with our relationship, all I can think about is what everyone is going to think.

Not that I necessarily care, but if they’re acting the way they are thinking I dumped Declan to be with Collin, what are they going to do when they know I’m dating both of them, not to mention my stepbrother?

Things have just calmed down regarding my marriage to Collin. This is opening up a whole new Pandora’s box.

But hey, I’m used to living life like I’m on a roller coaster at this point, why not continue the ride?

I don’t want to keep hiding, even if it adds another round of drama to my life. It hurts me more to pretend the men I love aren’t mine than it does to listen to the harsh words and judgmental looks I get from everyone.

The only reason why I’ve resisted since we had the conversation in the Host Club room last week was because I don’t feel right about being out in the open with Collin, Declan, and Grayson, but leaving Preston out.

He’s going to have to watch us all be how we want, when he’s having to keep playing the friendship game.

At this point, I don’t think anyone is going to believe I'm not involved with him too; they’re not stupid or blind. People will put two and two together, but without an outright acknowledgment, Tina can’t run to Preston’s dad and get him in trouble.

I know Preston wants to tell his dad to get fucked and cut him from his life, but I know he’s holding back with me in mind.

Collin insists that Bradly won’t do anything because Collin thinks I’m untouchable, but I don’t think Preston believes that. Preston, out of anyone, would know his father best. He lives with the monster, spent his whole life under his roof.

So if Preston isn’t ready to call things off with Tina officially because he wants to keep me safe by keeping his father happy, I understand.

I don’t like it, but I do see where he’s coming from

Everything will happen at its own pace, as long as he doesn't touch her. That’s my main worry, not that I think Preston would ever cheat on me or Declan.

But I’ve seen the lengths he was willing to go to keep her from fucking with his life more than she already has.

“You look like you’re going to be sick,” Mia points out, eyeing me with concern.

“What?” My eyes jerk up from where I’ve been staring blankly at the table, my knee bouncing as nerves flutter in my stomach.

“You look pale, babe, are you okay?” Emma asks. “Have you eaten today?”

Licking my lips, I nod my head. “Yes. It’s just nerves. I’ll be okay.” The last part is the truth. I haven’t eaten today. I’m not much of a breakfast person. I was going to have something for lunch, but that's off the table because if I try to eat right now, it’s all gonna come back up.

“Nerves for what?” Alice asks.

Chewing on my lower lip, I look around before bringing my attention back to them. “I’m going to stop hiding my relationship with the guys.”

“What?” Mia gapes.

“Really?” Emma grins.

“Even Preston?” Alice questions.

“No.” My body slumps. “Not yet.”

“Still worried about that slimy bitch?” Alice asks in annoyance.

“Not her per se, more how his father would react. I know he wants to keep attention off of me. And if Tina goes running to Preston’s dad about breaking off the engagement, I know she’s going to throw me under the bus.

After the stunt Collin and I pulled, I wouldn’t put it past him to lose his shit, and all hell would break loose. ”

“Stupid rich people,” Mia mutters.

“Ahh, we’re rich,” Alice points out.

“Yeah, but not that kind of rich. We’re nice. They suck.”

Emma snorts. “I mean, you're not wrong.”

“So what are you going to do? Just walk up to the guys and kiss them all?” Mia asks, raising a brow.

“No.” I groan, putting my head in my hands. “I don’t know. I don’t want to make a big show of it, but I don’t want to hide it. I don’t know. I did just text the guys telling them that we’re not going to hide anymore. So maybe I just let it happen? Like, naturally or something.”

“Well, that's not fun.” Emma sighs like she’s disappointed. “I’d be up on the table, screaming it to the rooftops.”

“I don’t want any more attention than necessary.” I roll my eyes.

“Well, brace yourself, bestie, because my ex is coming your way.” Mia grins, looking over my shoulder.

My eyes widen as my heart starts to race. “Hey, sweetheart,” Declan says, leaning in to press a kiss to the side of my cheek. “Grabbed this for you.” He places a piece of pie on the table in front of me. “If you have time, stop by the Host Club room. If not, that’s okay too. I’ll see you later.”

“Okay,” I tilt my head back to look up at him, letting him see my wild, panicked eyes. He smiles softly and leans down, his lips brushing against mine.

“Breathe, Sadie. Everything will be okay. No one matters but us, okay?”

“Okay.” My heart does a silly little flip when he gives me a soft, lingering kiss.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Good, now eat.” He leans back with a sweet smile.

“Okay,” I say dumbly, and he chuckles.

“See you later, girls.”

“Byeeeeee.” They all say playfully at the same time.

“Bye, sweetheart.” He kisses me again before turning around and leaving the lunchroom.

“I think I’m going to be sick.” I groan, looking at my friends in horror.

“Everything is fine.” Emma laughs.

“That was so cuteeee,” Mia teases.

“Is everyone looking at me?” I ask, unable to take my eyes off Alice.

She looks around and nods her head. “Oh yeah.”

“I’m going to puke. Fuck me.”

“Breathe. In and out. In and out,” Emma says, humor still in her voice. “It’s not so bad. It’s the same way he told the world about the two of you before. He’s just reminding everyone.”

She does have a point. But still. “If I did that, it’s only going to lead me to hyperventilating," I groan, closing my eyes.

“Welp, that's one boy down, one more to go,” Alice helpfully points out.

“Don’t remind me,” I mutter.

Thankfully, my friends take pity on me and suggest we finish lunch outside, an offer I eagerly take.

After lunch, we all head to our next class. One that we all have together this semester: art.

“I’m so excited for a nude model.” Emma claps her hands excitedly.

“You have a boyfriend. Don’t be so excited over seeing another man naked.” Alice laughs, shouldering her playfully.

“I can look as long as I don’t touch.” Emma grins. “And don’t tell me you're not excited to see some man meat.”

“Eww.” I laugh. “Man meat, really?”

“What?” Emma laughs. “I mean, that's what it is.”

“First of all, never say that again. And second, no, I don’t care about seeing naked men. I have my eyes on someone else.”

We don’t miss the way Alice looks at Mia.

“Can we just admit to at least between us, that you two are dating?” Emma begs. “It’s so obvious. We’ve caught you making out more than once.”

Both girls stare at one another, then at us. “Okay, fine, we’re together. But can we not scream it to the world? We are in the fun stage and don’t need this school of judgmental fuckwads getting involved.” Mia looks at me with a pitying look. “Sorry, babe.”

“Hey, I’m all for it. If I could just enjoy a peaceful life, I would. I say take it for all you can.”

“You two are okay with this?” Alice asks.

“Babe, we’ve been okay with it for years.”

“Years?” Alice looks concerned while Mia looks at us, horrified.

“Never mind. Let’s go see some naked men!” Emma pushes the classroom door open as she says it. The whole room turns to look at us, and we stumble to a halt.

“Oh my god,” Emma gasps.

“Please, tell me my eyes are not playing tricks on me?” Alice asks.

“Damn, babe.” Mia laughs, clapping me on the back. “If that thing is that big soft, I pity your pussy when it’s hard.”

I stand there, gaping in shock.

“Hey, Pretty Girl,” Grayson says smugly from across the room. “Want to come over here and help me out? The teacher says she wants me in all my naked, erect glory, but seeing how my cock only gets hard for you, I need some encouragement."

Kill me. Someone kill me now.

My face turns beet red as everyone in the room starts to whisper.

“That man sure does know how to make a show of things,” Emma says.

“I’m going to kill him,” I hiss as reality snaps into place.

My feet start to move forward, and before I know it, I'm in the front of the room and in Grayson’s face. “What are you doing?” I hiss. Because what the fuck is my boyfriend doing naked in front of all these people?

“Look, before you chop my dick off, remember how much you love it.” He flashes me one of his charming smiles.

“Grayson,” I growl, feeling the weight of all the stares in the room.

He holds his hands up. “I signed up for this last summer before we started anything.

I completely forgot about it until I got an email a few days ago, making sure I was still on board.

I was going to tell them no until I saw that it was one of your classes.

And seeing how the idea of you staring at a naked man for hours to draw his body made me want to find whoever that model would be and kick his ass, I felt like it was in everyone's best interest if I did the naked modeling.”

“So you thought it was a better idea for you to be naked, in front of all these women, staring at your body for hours, than for me to stare at another man?” I glare at him.

His lips part as that bit of information sinks in. “Okay, I maybe... didn’t think of that.” He rubs at the back of his head.

“Well, it’s too late now. They’ve already seen you.

” Jealousy hits me harder than I’d like.

I know this man wants me and only me; he’s shown just how true that is.

But still, Grayson is sinfully hot, and I don’t like the idea of other people seeing him like this.

He’s mine. And the fact that I’m sure a good amount of these girls have already seen him naked in a more intimate way doesn’t help.

“I can see you're three seconds away from killing me.” He bites his lower lip. “But is it wrong that your jealousy is making me hard as fuck right now?”

“What?” My eyes widen, snapping down to see that yes, he is very much erect. “Grayson!” I hiss, grabbing my bag off my shoulder and shoving it in his lap so no one sees his hard dick.

“Oh, my sweet best friend.” Emma groans from behind me, making me jump. “Your poor pussy.” So someone saw.

“Emma!” I gape at her in horror.

“Thanks,” Grayson says smugly. “ But this dick is the sole property of Sadie Killian,” Grayson says. “You hear that all you thirsty bitches, this dick belongs to this woman right here.” He points to me.

My face is burning so hot right now that I’m surprised I haven't burst into flames.

“This can’t be happening right now.” I close my eyes and pray the world swallows me whole. “You're in so much trouble, you know that?”

“Please, don’t be mad.” I open my eyes to find Grayson pouting. “I mean well.”

And I know he does. “You know what, fuck it. I mean, why not show the world what they’re never going to get?”

He gives me a mischievous smile. “You’re so fucking sexy, Pretty Girl. Want to help me with this?” he asks, raising a brow while pushing my backpack away.

“I am not fucking you right now.” I slap at his chest. “Stop it.”

“Okay, okay.” He laughs.

“If you’re done flirting with my wife, mind if the class gets started?” My whole body flushes as I break out in a sweat. Turning around slowly, I find Collin leaning against the wall in the back of the room.

“You did say you wanted to be out in the open.” Emma laughs. “I think that’s been accomplished.”

“She’s my girlfriend too, you know,” Grayson mutters. “But fine. Let’s get this show on the road. The less time I have to be naked for this class, the more time I can be naked with my girl.”

“And, I’m out.” Grabbing my bag, I head towards the exit.

“Where are you going?” the teacher asks. “Class just started.”

“It’s okay,” Grayson says. “I’ll give her private lessons. She’ll still get the project done.”

“You’re dead, Taylor!” I shout, still dying of embarrassment but also not that upset about it, smiling as I throw the door open.

“Love you too, Pretty Girl!”

“You okay?” Collin asks as he follows me outside.

I spin around to face him. “Really? You're asking me if I’m okay after you call out the fact I’m your wife in the middle of all–” I wave my hand towards the door. “That?”

“I was just speaking the truth.” He shrugs. “You're my wife.”

“I know I am. Trust me, you love to remind me any chance you get.” I sigh.

He steps forward, pulling me into his arms. “I’m sorry,” he murmurs, leaning down to kiss my lips. “Do you want me to kill him?”

“No.” I sigh. “I did say we’re good to stop hiding what we are to one another. And the fact is, Grayson was just being Grayson. I can’t be mad at him for it.”

“Yes, but he didn’t have to out your relationship like he did. He could have done it more subtly like Declan.”

“This is Grayson we’re talking about, since when has he ever been subtle?”

“Good point.” He chuckles. “But are you really going to skip class and leave all them wandering eyes on your man? I think you should walk back in there, take a front row seat, and show everyone just how much that man is yours. Let them see just how crazy he really is about you, and only you.”

My belly flutters for a whole new reason this time as I look towards the door. “You think?”

“It’s up to you, but if it were the other way around, I know he’d be there.”

Looking up at Collin, I smile. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, Sunshine.” He leans down and kisses me until I’m a dizzy mess. “Now go draw your man naked.” He slaps my ass and nudges me towards the door.

Laughing, I shake my head at how crazy all of this is and push the door back open. I ignore the whispers and stares as I head down to the empty chair right in front of him, my friends left open for me.

Sitting down, I ignore the thundering of my heart and look up to find Grayson smiling at me with so much love. This moment doesn't feel real at all, forgetting about the fact that he’s naked.

You know what, fuck it. My life is what it is. Best to just embrace it rather than fight it.

“Alright then,” I say, opening my sketch book. “Let’s draw that dick.”

“Your dick.” Grayson winks. “Only for you, baby.”

And yup, I swoon. What a weird fucking day.