Page 9 of King of Deception

She steps closer to me, close enough, I find myself holding my breath. Then she takes a long sniff. “You smell like men’s cologne and sex.”

My eyes bug out. “I didn’t…”

“Bullshit.”

I lean in closer to Maggie, “I didn’t sleep with him. I just…”

She purses her lips. “Let’s get down to it. Is it just me or are you hating this engagement?”

The words nearly rush out of me.Yes, I hate it. I want out. I want out right now.But so much is at stake.

“Mags,” I plead. “I’m working on it.”

She lets out a giant rush of air, her shoulders wilting. “I’m so glad you are,” she whispers close to my ear. “You shouldn’t marry him, Bella, and I’m worried.”

I reach for her hand then as Cici comes to stand next to Mags. “Are you going to tell us about the guy last night, or what?”

I shake my head. I know Maggie is right. I need to find a way out. I hope I can find a way out. But it’s delicate. And if Mason or Preston learns the truth of what I’d just done, this entire situation could blow up in my face.

Mason is counting on me, and I’ve made promises to Preston.

Why did I make promises to Preston again? I rub my forehead. “No,” I murmur as I drop my hand and shake my head. The less they know the better, and maybe I’ll be able to control this whole situation.

An image of Gris rises in front of my eyes. Naked, powerful. My body throbs with need even though I just left his bed.

Oh man.

I’ve messed this one up good.

Convincing my friends to continue the trip without me, I get in the shower and get myself ready. I do full hair and makeup in case I don’t have any time when I arrive back in Vegas.

I have no idea what I’m walking into, so I put on my war paint.

My long dark hair is styled in lose waves, as shiny as I can get them.

My makeup is natural, highlighting my cheekbones, I have good ones, and big brown eyes.

I go for a soft gloss that highlights the pale pink of my lips. For a dress, I only have so many options, but I brought a black wrap and I put it on, slipping into heels right before a knock sounds at the door.

That would be the driver…

Grabbing my suitcase with a sigh, I make my way to the door.

A man in a black suit stands outside the door. He takes my bags and leads me to the discreet black corporate car that’s parked by reception. Opening my door, he helps me in before he loads the bags in the trunk.

I sigh out my irritation. I didn’t want to celebrate, but I want to go back to Vegas even less.

I’m in control of nothing these days. Maybe I never was. But when I was in New York, it at least felt like I was living my own life.

I should have known that I always belonged to Kincaid Enterprises.

That I’d have to give the company my pound of flesh. I’m sure I was naïve. But also, in some ways, it feels like I’m giving more than any of my brothers. I’m giving up my life, a chance for love, my entire future.

My eyes close, blocking out the bright sun and lush green of the island. Maybe I’ll run away. Disappear.

The jarring sound of my phone ringing interrupts my thoughts.

I open my eyes to see Luke’s name flashing on the screen. I wince. I’ve been avoiding him, and I know it.

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