Page 137 of Red King

“He’s…he…”

Is freaking gorgeous!

We tell each other with our eyes.

“I know,” I mouth back, and we both silent-laugh.

Dave gives us both a dirty look. “Shhhhhh,” he whispers.

Becs bites her lip, her eyes dancing.

I don’t hear even a single word for the rest of the ceremony. The back of my scalp prickles. All I want to do is turn around. I want to go to him, but I also want to run in the opposite direction.

Why did he come?

I don’t get it. This doesn’t make any kind of sense.

38

Paisley

The minister rubs his hands together, beaming at the congregation, who are standing and starting to walk to the exit.

“You may make your way into the church gardens for tea. Bathrooms are located just outside to the right,” the minister says, pointing.

My knees are shaking. My hands, too. My mouth is dry.

“Why is he here?” I whisper to Becs as we stand.

“I don’t know.” She shrugs. “He must be here to see you.”

“Who is here to see you?” Dave asks, putting a hand on Bec’s shoulder. “What are you two whispering about? Are you talking about the guy who arrived late? The suit with muscles?”

“Yes,” Becs says. “He’s the CEO.” She talks like she is letting him in on a big secret.

“Which CEO?”

“TheCEO,” Becs says with her eyes wide. “The one.”

“The CEO… Oooohhhh.” His eyes go big, and he drags out the “O,” making the shape with his mouth. “He’s the one you…you…um…”

“Had sex with,” Becs whispers and giggles. “The one who got her knocked up,” she adds, and very much below her breath.

“Shhhhhhhhh,” I say, anyway.

“Who is he?” Becs frowns. “He can’t be just a regular businessman. I have to say, you made him sound a little boring.”

“No, I didn’t. You assumed he was boring,” I say.

“Okay, fine…maybe. He’s not boring at all. Why does he have so many guys following him?” Becs scratches her chin.

“They’re bodyguards. He’s a very wealthy businessman. There was an attempt on his life a few years ago.” Again, I try to stick to the truth as best I can. “He’s important.” I shrug.

“He’s not mafia, is he? He looks like he might be Russian.” Dave looks afraid.

“No, nothing like that. He’s legit,” I reassure him.

“I don’t know.” Dave scratches his chin and looks to the area in the back of the church where Arctic and his guards were sitting not so long ago.

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