Page 52 of King of Deception

I don’t think I’m leaving my house again tonight.

Pulling into the garage, I sigh with relief as the elevator doors slide closed. I hope I did some good work with my brothers.

And as for Preston…

He can go to hell for all I care.

I head into my apartment, slipping off my strappy sandals, and make my way into the bedroom, to put them away.

My dinner will be here in a few minutes, so I take off the dress and pull on a pair of shorts and short T-shirt. I briefly consider just putting on pajamas, but then think better of it. I’ll change again after my food is delivered.

Heading out to the kitchen, I pour myself a sparkling water and then a second glass of wine. I’m celebrating tonight, and I barely had any of my first glass.

But I’ve only had the first sip when a knock sounds at my door.

Setting the glass down, I pad over, glad my sushi is a little early. I’m starving.

But when I open the door, my breath stops in my lungs, because standing in front of me isnotthe delivery guy, it’s Preston.

Shit.

I try to close the door, but he throws his hand up, inserting his body into the opening, as he pushes the door back open again. “You didn’t think you were getting away that easy, did you?”

“Preston,” I start but before I can say any more, his hand comes down hard across my cheek.

Pain explodes through my face and skull as I stumble back. But he’s on me in a second, his hand at my throat as he spits in my ear. “We’re going to finish our conversation now, you little bitch.”

I try to gasp in a breath, both my hands coming to his wrist. “Preston. Stop.”

“You want to know the truth?” He spits in my face again. “I don’t mind slumming it. In fact, I like a woman from the other side of the tracks, but you…” His face is twisted and angry. Ugly. “Are just a sewer rat who somehow still thinks she’s better than everyone else.”

“I don’t think that,” I push out as his other hand twists into my hair, pulling hard.

“First,” he says, “you’re going to let me fuck you. And then, you’re going to put my ring back on and you’re going to fucking smile when you tell Mason it’s all been a mistake.”

I try to breathe but I’m seeing stars as I tighten my grip on his wrist. I need air.

That’s when his phone rings.

“Fuck,” he grits out and just as suddenly as he grabbed me, he lets me go.

I crumple to the ground, gasping in deep breaths.

“Mason,” Preston says by way of greeting. “I’m sorry I was late.”

My brother? My brother is on the line? “Mason,” I try to cry out, but my voice won’t work. Not enough to be heard.

Tears fill my eyes as I curl into a ball on the floor. But that’s when I feel my phone in my pocket. Tentatively, I withdraw the device, trying to hide it from Preston. I can’t see, my eyes are too blurred by tears, so I push the first number in my call list. Is it Mason? Luke? I think it’s Luke.

“Bella?” I hear Gris’s deep baritone slide through the speaker, and I wilt in relief. I know Gris can’t come here. It would ruin everything. But I need help.

“I need Luke,” I whisper, my voice catching, as I cut him off.

I hear Preston talking to Mason, his back to me. “No, I’m with Bella now. Just a lover’s spat. Nothing to worry about.”

“I’m on my way, already. Almost there.” His voice is edged with steel.

I hear Preston. “I can’t put her on, Mason, she’s in the bathroom. You know women and conversations like these, she’s all teary.”

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