Page 15 of Royally Twisted

“When we took you in, I promised Luke I’d look out for you. You promised to look out for Luke. Seems we’re not keeping up to our promises. Want to tell me why?”

“Dammit, what do you want from me?” she cried.

King sat forward, his face inches from hers. “I want the fucking truth, and I want it now.”

God, her throat felt dry, the need for liquid courage made her wish she’d gotten a drink before interrupting what was happening. Of course, she probably would’ve thrown it up the way her stomach was cramping. “I met Tymber only a few weeks ago. He’s not part of this.”

King got in her face, the scent of beer and mint wafted to her as he spoke. “He’s a part of this as long as I say he is. Ain’t that right, Rooster?”

His words had her swinging her head around. “That’s right. Want me to make him less pretty?” Rooster asked.

“For fucksake, what did you expect me to do? I didn’t go out looking for a man. Nobody can replace Luke,” she swore.

“In that you’re correct. Let me tell you a story, shall we?” he continued without waiting for her to respond. “You and my baby brother have been together since before either of you had grown any pubic hair. Now, my brother’s dead because you decided you wanted that pretty boy, Darian. My brother couldn’t handle your cheating on him, so he took the cowards way out.” The last was said in a near yell.

“That’s not true. King, you have to believe me. Luke was my best friend, my only true friend in the world. I’d never hurt him like that.” She stayed where she was, her face mere inches from a fuming King.

“I know that, dammit. Now, why don’t you tell me what my brother was too chicken shit to do, and we’ll go from there.”

Her eyes darted around the gathered members, hating the thought of anyone but King and Duke, Luke’s brothers to hear. However, it appeared as though Tymber’s life was on the line. “King, please, tell everyone to clear out first,” she begged, her voice a small whisper.

“These are our family, Ivy. You are family. Whatever you gotta say, just say it.” King’s hand smacked the table, making her jump back in the seat.

She looked to Duke, hoping he’d step forward, and do what, she didn’t know, but if there was anything he could do, she wanted him to do it. “Duke, this is your twin brother’s personal business.”

“You know the rules, Ivy. Tell us, or that one will be sporting a new scar.”

She heard Tymber grunt seconds after the sound of what had to be another member hitting him. “Fine, you want to know, I’ll tell you. However, you need to know this isn’t something I say lightly. I promised Luke to never...” she broke off, a sob escaping her trembling lips.

Commotion behind her made her look away from King’s penetrating gaze. The breath froze in her throat while she watched Tymber grab Rooster’s wrist, twisting and turning until he was the one behind the brother, the deadly looking knife placed against Rooster’s throat. “I don’t fucking like to be choked, feel me?” He gave Rooster a little shake, keeping the knife steady without cutting the throat he had it pressed against.

“Tymber, what’re you gonna do, fight all of us?” King asked.

Tymber shrugged. “If I gotta, yeah. I’ve faced bigger shit than this.” He gave Rooster a shove.

“Wait. Just stop everyone. King, you have the power to stop all of this.” She half stood from her seat, halting at King’s glare.

“I didn’t have the power to protect my baby brother. Let’s cut the shit, and you speak,” he growled, stabbing his finger toward Ivy.

She licked her lips, her focus bouncing from King to Tymber. “Won’t you let him leave first. This is club business, and he’s not...”

“I know what he is and what he ain’t, little girl.” King placed his hand over hers, stopping the nervous twitch.

“I’m sorry, Tymber. I didn’t mean to bring you into this...mess. King, can I ask you a question?” At his nod, she inhaled deeply, the familiar scent of booze, sex, and smoke filling her lungs. “Would you love your brother no matter what?”

“Just spill it out, or so help me, I’m not going to be responsible for what happens.”

A grunt followed by cursing had her tensing, attempting to stand again, only to be pushed back down by Traeger. She glared at the big bastard, then finally, realizing there was no getting around her telling King what he wanted. “Darian wasn’t my boyfriend, King. He was Luke’s. I loved Luke, and he loved me, but it was a brother and sister love.”

Silence greeted her announcement.

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