Page 8 of King of Deception

“Preston’s parents have decided to come to Vegas to meet all of us. They’re going to attend the charity event tonight for our new nonprofit, which is perfect, but it will require your attendance.”

I let out a long breath of air. With each passing day, I get caught a little deeper in the web.

I try to remember how Preston and I ended up here. Not how we got engaged. But the first few dates. He seemed interested the first few times we went out, but when he made a major move on dates three and four and I resisted, he seemed to lose interest.

I honestly thought he was getting bored, but when I was called back to Vegas by Mason, and we faced a long-distance relationship, he proposed instead of breaking it off.

At first, I was thrilled. But instead of growing more invested, more loving after the engagement, I swear, he likes me less and less.

I’d only met his parents once in the short time we were dating, and I did not get the impression they liked me either.

I’m sure they consider my family nouveau riche at best.

“Preston’s parents?” I ask shaking my head.

“That’s right. It’s ridiculously important this goes well. His father has the kind of friends…”

“Why…” I ask, ignoring Mason’s networking opportunities. I’m tired of hearing about them. “Didn’t my fiancé call me to tell me about his parents’ visit?” I’d just looked through my list of missed calls. Preston was not one of them.

Not that I needed another reason to know that my engagement is all wrong. I stare down at the ring on my finger.

Maybe Mason can end this engagement for me. If he has to call me to tell me the Wingates are visiting, perhaps he can also call Preston and tell him we’re not getting married. It seems fair.

“I’m the one ordering the jet,” Mason answers as if that explains it. He must know it doesn’t. He recently married and no other man, not even Charlotte’s family, would care for Charlotte’s needs in place of Mason.

He loves his wife to the point of distraction. It consumes him.

“Listen, Mason…” I start, my breath shaky as I draw in a lung full of air. “I don’t think this?—”

“Just come home. We’ll talk about it when you get here.”

I hang up, taking several deep gulps before I call to order breakfast and then head into the bathroom.

That’s when a knock sounds at my door. Turning I see my friends standing outside my room, looking irritated.

Cici’s got her hands on her hips and Maggie is glaring.

Shit.

I wave them in, Cici opening the door. “What the fuck?”

I wince. “Sorry.”

Maggie’s shrewd gaze travels up and down me. “You just did the walk of shame.”

“What?” I gasp, knowing I’ve been caught. My college girlfriends would do this sort of thing all the time. Meet a guy, go home with him, come home the next day in the clothes they’d worn out the night before.

But they aren’t engaged with their family business tied to their impending marriage. I’m the worst kind of person.

Cici’s mouth falls open… “But you don’t have sex. Have you and Preston even…”

Maggie cuts her off, flipping her auburn hair over her shoulder. “Preston doesn’t matter.” Then she turns back to me. “But where you slept last night does. Spill it.”

“It’s not like that,” I push out weakly. But I’ve got to get it together. No one can know about last night, not even my friends. “Preston and I haven’t, and I certainly didn’t give my virginity to a stranger at a hotel.”

Maggie looks skeptical, but Cici smiles in relief. She pulls her blonde hair off her neck. “I didn’t think so. You’re so lucky to have Preston, why would you cheat?”

Maggie snorts. She’s a tall, gorgeous redhead that men fall over themselves to be with. “Preston is lucky to have her. Not that he seems to notice.” I can tell she wants to say more. I’ve been sensing that Maggie doesn’t like Preston, but she hasn’t told me why and I haven’t told her about my fears and reservations over the marriage. Once I let those words out, there will be no taking them back.

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