Page 58 of King of Deception

Gris loosens his hold, enough so that Mason can turn my head this way and that, inspecting all the bruises. “How long until the doctor gets here?”

“A minute. Two,” Luke answers. “Gris, maybe we bring Bella into her room so she can lie down? We’ll bring the doctor in when he gets here.”

I shake my head. “No.”

“It’s a good idea,” Gris follows up, giving me the lightest squeeze. “You should relax, stretch out your muscles.”

That sounds amazing but I’m afraid to let Gris out of my sight. “You’ll come with me?”

“I think I might need to speak with your brothers.”

Fear skitters through me. I need him in bed with me tonight. “Don’t leave,” I beg, tipping my head back. “Promise.”

“I’m not leaving.”

“Promise.”

“I promise.” He runs his thumb over my bottom lip before he drops a light kiss on my mouth.

I stare into his eyes for another five seconds, searching for the truth.

Finally, I nod. He lifts me into his arms, carrying me into the bedroom.

“Gris. Whatever they say, please say you’ll stay with me tonight.” I need his arms around me.

“I’m not going anywhere, princess.” He kisses me again and then he gently lays me down on my bed. “I’ll stay for as long as you want me to.”

I barely bite back the one word that threatens to pop out of my mouth. Forever.

That’s how long I want him to stay.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Gris

I tuckArabella in and then head back out to the family room. But I don’t stop at Luke and Mason.

Instead, I enter the kitchen, picking up the bag of sushi. Taking it out, I inspect the contents.

It’s mostly salvageable so I place the container in the fridge.

“What are you doing?” Mason grumbles, his arms crossing over his chest.

I close the fridge. “She hasn’t had dinner. I was checking her food.”

“Food?” His eyes narrow. “You’re concerned about her calorie intake?”

Luke’s brows are arched as he stares at me too. I dust my hands, ignoring the silent question. So he asks one out loud instead. “You’re really comfortable in her place, aren’t you?”

Mason glares from one of us to the other. “So clearly you’re involved with my sister, and Luke was already aware. I want details.”

Luke lets out a long breath. “You’ve already guessed.”

“Tell me anyway.”

“I convinced Gris to romance Bella,” Luke answers, turning toward his cousin.

Mason’s answer is to pop Luke in the jaw with a quick right. Noted. Mason might not be as bulky, but the man can hit.

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