Page 69 of King of Deception

But first… “I can’t stay long this morning, the meeting at Kincaid Enterprises is at nine.”

“What’s the meeting for?”

I grimace into her hair. She doesn’t need to worry about that. “I’m sure your brothers just want to know my intentions.”

“Then I should come with you.”

My body hardens as my hackles raise. I know her family would not hurt her, but it feels like a war zone, especially with Triston also joining, and I don’t want her near that shit. “I think some ugly things are going to get said. I don’t want?—”

“No one knows my brothers like me. And honestly, if they get that nasty, no one is better at telling them to shut it than I am. It’s part of the little-sister gig.”

She turns over then, her front pressing to mine, her thigh hooking over my hips. If she’s trying to soften me up, it’s working. “Arabella.”

“If we’re going to be partners, we go into this like we are. And honestly, I want my brothers to understand it’s me and you. They’re going to need to see it.”

It’s not that she hasn’t made some compelling points. “Members of my family will also be in attendance and I’m not sure it’s the best place and time for you to meet them.”

“All of your brothers?”

“Just Triston, I think. We’re twins, actually. Don’t know if I mentioned that.”

Bella gasps, her eyes widening. “You have a twin? How could I not know this?” Then she frowns. “Will he not like me?”

“I think he’ll like you just fine. But he can read me like a book. He’ll know my allegiances have changed.”

She kisses me then. “And you’re afraid he’ll be angry with you and unkind to me?”

“Maybe.” Probably. And things have been difficult enough for Arabella the past few days. What I’d like to do is spare her some hurt and make certain she’s welcome in my family. We’re a hard enough bunch, without adding in the fact that Arabella is from a rival family, and I was supposed to use her for our benefit instead of making her my queen.

But she’s throwing the covers back and sauntering naked toward the shower.

“Where are you going?” I growl out, following.

“To the shower. Coming?”

“Is this the part where I tell you that you shouldn’t come with me and you do anyway?”

“Yep,” she replies smiling over her shoulder. “Don’t worry about me and your brother, I’m not intimidated by grumpy men. That, I’ve been well-trained for.”

I follow behind her, staring at her ass. Which is fucking perfect. And I just know, I’m in so much trouble because, much as I want to, I can’t say no.

We shower, which takes a long time because I’ve got my woman in the shower, but by the time we get out, I’m cutting it close. “I’m going to run back to my place and dress. I’ll come back to pick you up in an hour?”

I don’t live more than ten minutes away and it won’t take me long to get on a suit.

She nods, and then kisses me, clad in nothing but a robe. “Hurry back.”

Is she worried I’ll linger away from her side? She shouldn’t be. I’ll be back before she can curl her lashes.

I get ready in record time and drive back to her place. Coming down the hall, Mrs. Gillette opens her door. “Lot of noise yesterday.”

“Sorry about that Mrs. Gillette,” I give her a wink. “Your call was very helpful.”

She smiles back. “Good. You kick that other guy out? Never liked him. Stick up his butt.”

“Isn’t that the truth. And yes. You won’t see him again.”

“Good,” she harrumphs, as she reaches into the pocket of her bright floral housecoat. She pulls out her phone, holding it up. “I recorded some of the noise if you need it for the police. Arabella’s a good neighbor. Quiet. Goes to bed early. Doesn’t make a lot of noise. But that guy…”

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