Page 38 of Making the King

Bending down, he fuses his lips to mine. His tongue licks at the seam of my mouth until I open for him, and snake my tongue around his.

Kissing Rocco is the sweetest addiction, and I almost forget where we are as he tilts my head back and deepens the kiss.

“Behave,” he rasps as he pulls back, shooting me a wink before he leaves with Cain.

I walk over to the bar, greeting Tex as I sit down on one of the tall barstools. “Hi.”

“You’re the wife?” he asks as he looks up from the glass in his hand.

“That’s me,” I confirm.

Without asking what I want he starts to mix me a cocktail. I don’t know what it’s called, but it’s pink and fucking delicious.

I quickly learn that Tex isn’t one for small talk, and that suits me just fine. Turning on the chair I watch the strippers on stage. There are five of them, and while some interact, others do their own thing.

The room isn’t as full as I had thought it would be on a Saturday, but with how many people who come up to the bar it looks like business is booming. Maybe it’s because it’s late. I don’t know when the club’s prime time is, but I suppose it’s possible it’s earlier in the evening.

“Are you Cara?” a woman asks as she comes up to me.

“Alana,” Tex says, greeting her.

I nod at her. “That’s me.”

“There’s someone here to see you.”

At first, I don’t understand. But then I remember that young homeless looking guy, Gray mentioning he might see me around here, and I assume it’s him. If it is, I’ll offer him a fucking haircut, so he doesn’t look as unkempt as he did last night… err… this morning. Shit, it’s all blurring together, making today the longest day.

When I get off the stool, Tex says, “Stay nearby so I can keep an eye on you.”

“He’s just right over there,” Alana says, pointing toward the nearest alcove.

I follow her over, and as she pushes through some of the guests, my blood runs cold. “Mateo,” I gasp. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

My twin looks more haggard than the last time I saw him. His eyes are wild, and there’s a welt on his arm.

“I came to see you, of course.” The smile on his face sends chills down my spine. “How are you doing, dear sister?”

Taking a step back, I eye him cautiously. “You have no right to check up on me,” I hiss. “You need to leave. Now. Before Rocco sees you.”

Mentioning the man who bought me doesn’t deter my brother in the slightest. He shrugs like it’s of no consequence to him. “You’re family,” Mateo insists. “Why can’t I just come and see you? I’ve missed you. We should catch up.”

As I scrutinize him, I can’t decide if he’s lying or not. Mateo has never been sentimental, which would suggest he isn’t being honest. But… what if he is?

“I-I…”

“Come on, Cara. Me and mom are the only family you have left, and we want to start over.”

The words pluck at my heartstrings.

Family…

How often have I wished mine was different? That I was loved rather than used. This could be my opportunity to get what I’ve always wanted.

Just as I think that, Julietta’s face pops into my mind. It’s too late. The family I wanted included her, and she’s gone. Killed by a cold-blooded fucking monster.

“No,” I snap.

“Please, Cara,” Mateo begs, something I never thought I’d hear.

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