Page 11 of King of Deception

“It’s Roman and Maddie’s event, of course I know. All of Vegas is going to be there. Including Mason.”

How did I forget that? I’m falling apart. “Maybe?”

That’s when another call comes through. Roman. What’s happening? It’s like all my brothers have put me in the center of the circle. Roman is the savviest of all my brothers. “Luke, Roman’s calling. I’m going to add him in.” I could use the buffer to deflect Luke’s attention.

“Hey, Bella,” Roman says in his smooth baritone. “How are you, beautiful?”

“Sorry, Roman,” Luke cuts him off. “Bug and I are in the middle of a discussion. And I won’t be distracted. Your fiancé hasn’t told you where you’re meeting his parents?”

I’m not falling into any Luke traps. “Technically, I met them once already, back in New York, before we were engaged.”

I don’ t think they remember me. They treated me like I was the flavor of the month, Preston’s mother calling me three different names in the five minutes we chatted.

“Answer my question,” Luke rumbles.

“Luke,” Roman cuts in. “Go easy.”

That’s the problem with having a family full of successful billionaires. He isn’t letting it go. “Preston and I haven’t had a chance…”

“I’m going to the event tonight.”

“Luke.” I plead. This night is going to be stressful enough without adding tension between Luke and Mason. My breath is coming out in short huffs. The driver eyes me in the rearview, clearly aware that I’m distressed.

I can feel the walls closing in as I turn my face to look out the window. But it’s no use. My vision blurs and my skin starts to tingle.

“Bug,” Luke begins, hearing my breaths. “Bella,” his voice gentles. “I promise I won’t speak a word to Mason… tonight.”

I’m absolutely certain that Luke intends to have that discussion in the future. But if I can stretch the problems out to one at a time... “Promise?”

“Promise.”

“Luke,” I breathe into the phone. “Please. I can’t be the reason you and Mason blow apart. Don’t take up the fight. I’ll be fine. I’ve got this.”

“I don’t know about that,” Roman grumps.

“Hmm,” Luke says at the same time. I look up to realize we’re pulling into the private airstrip where the Kincaid plane awaits. “Mason can railroad the strongest man. I won’t let him hurt another woman in our family.”

“Another woman?” I ask, my anxiety forgotten with this new piece of information. Now we’re getting somewhere interesting.

But Luke is way savvier than I am. “I’ll see you tonight, okay?” he deflects.

“Tell me you’re bringing Kate at least.”

“Of course, I am,” he rumbles. “And if it’s easier to talk to her, you can tell her what’s going on so she can tell me.”

I promise nothing. “See you tonight.”

“Glad you’re going to be there, Bella,” Roman says. “Maddie and I appreciate the support.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.” But my hand comes to my forehead. This night is going to be a disaster.

CHAPTER FOUR

Arabella

My hand slidesdown the sleek black gown in which I’m now draped. Mason had me picked up at the airport and taken straight to a salon.

I should have travelled in my pajamas.

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