Page 43 of King of Deception

“You’ve got a lot of information on this one,” Tris cocks his head.

“That’s my job,” I answer evenly.

“You know a lot, even for you.” Tris suspects the truth. I’ve got an insider. Actually, I’ve got two.

I push to standing again. “Either way, the engagement is dissolving as planned, which means Mason is about to make a move. We need to be ready.”

Tris stands but his gaze is skeptical. “You said you had multiple plans.”

We stare at each for several beats before I finally pull my shoulders straighter. “I’m considering marrying Arabella myself.”

Both my brothers explode at the same moment. I can’t hear what Killian says over the phone because Tris is loudly spitting a wild string of curses.

“If Preston Wingate can do it, why can’t I?”

But Tris shakes his head, giving me a skeptical glare. “You were acting weirdly possessive at the benefit. You haven’t… developed feelings, have you?”

“I don’t have feelings,” I reply. “I’m like Killian, only sane.”

“I resent that,” Killian grumps back. “I have loads of feelings. It’s controlling them that I struggle with.”

Both Tris and I look down at his phone, as Tris scoffs. “I suppose anger counts as an emotion.”

“Fuck you both,” Killian says and hangs up.

“You pissed him off.” I’m trying to change the subject.

“Everything pisses him off,” Tris answers. “I’d rather talk about you. I don’t think this marriage plan is a good idea.”

“It’s an excellent idea. It’s why Wingate proposed.”

“Yeah, but…” He leans forward. “You’re too invested.”

“How the fuck would you know?”

He drops his chin, his gaze narrowing as his lip curls. “Let me marry her instead.”

“Fuck that.” The words are out before I can stop them. It’s a mistake. I should have played it like I didn’t care, but I can’t. The very idea of my brother touching Arabella has me crawling out of my skin.

Tris shows his teeth. “You are catching feelings. How the fuck is that possible?”

I could deny it. But instead, I stand, “I’ve got a handle on this. We’ll get what we need. You know you can always count on me.”

Tris starts to argue but I’m done talking. Did I say the noose was tightening around Arabella’s neck? I’m no better.

Plans and allegiances are shifting on every side. But that’s all right.

I was made for this. I don’t know how I’m winning yet, but I will. Because it’s never been more important that I don’t lose. It’s not just my life at stake, but Arabella’s too.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Arabella

The sun ishot and even after dipping into the pool, I’m starting to sweat. I’m just about to go inside when my phone rings.

My eyes widen in surprise. It’s Gris. “Hey.”

“Hey, gorgeous, where are you?”

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