Page 36 of King of Deception

“Nope. Virgin, remember? Preston has not seen the inside of my bedroom and he won’t today.”

“What a fucking d-bag.”

That makes me smile. The word d-bag sounds so strange in his accent, and my lips are still turned up as I leave the bedroom and close the door behind me. Padding in my bare feet, I unlock the door and open it.

Preston looks absolutely livid. “What the fuck?”

“Good morning to you too,” I huff back.

“You are supposed to be at the airfield, flying to Colorado with my mother.”

Shit. I completely forgot. And also… I drop my voice to just above a whisper. “I’m supposed to go plan a wedding we just called off?”

“Don’t be stupid. I didn’t mean it.”

I stare at him, shaking my head. “I meant it, Preston.”

He absolutely glares at me as he takes out his phone, pushing a few buttons before he brings it to his ear. “Mum, go without Bella. She’s not feeling well. High fever.”

My mouth drops open. “You’re not being serious?”

“We need to have a talk,” Preston pushes his way past me and inside the apartment.

“We already talked.”

“I was just annoyed with you. I didn’t mean the words.”

“You don’t even like me,” I reply, and the truth of those words settle over me. Why haven’t I said them, thought them, much sooner? “Whatever initial spark there was between us died before we even got engaged.”

Preston stares at me, his eyes widening. Did he not expect me to argue? Whatever he’s thinking, he steps up to me, wrapping his hands around my upper arms. I try to jerk away but his gripis tight as he pulls me close, his hands painfully squeezing my arms as he spits in my ear. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that. I’ve told the whole world we’re getting married, and you will not embarrass me now.”

He gives me another hard squeeze, a cry falls from my lips, and then he finally lets me go and strides toward the door without another word. Just before he leaves, he turns to me. “Don’t make me get Mason involved in this.”

“My brother is your big threat?” I cross my arms, hugging myself. I don’t know when Preston decided he trumped me in my own family, but if that’s where he wants to take the fight, I think I’m ready.

He slams the door as he goes.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Gris

I pushout of the bed, sliding on my boxer briefs and walk toward the door. I can hear the low thrum of voices but not the words.

Bella is speaking softly, but Preston’s voice grates down my spine as I hear him say, “Don’t make me get Mason involved in this.”

I know Mason, so I know that he loves the women in his life. He treats his wife like a goddess, and he’s gone to great lengths to keep his sister out of this life until now.

Which is why I suspect he’s so eager to have Preston join the family. Luke isn’t seeing it, but I think Mason wants Preston to run Bella’s shares as an insulator.

It’s even occurred to me a few times that Mason is going to use Preston’s contacts and then dispose of the man in some way, shape, or form. Maybe he’s a scapegoat…

Because that’s the other thing I understand about Mason. He’s a man who gets the job done by any means necessary.

And then Bella’s front the door slams. Loudly.

I’m out of the bedroom and down the hall in a flash.

Bella’s back is to me, her arms wrapped around herself. One hand lifts and she swipes at her eyes.

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