Page 60 of King of My Heart

Henry held Caspian’s glare for a moment before muttering, “Whatever,” and heading back to the counter.

Caspian turned to me, his jaw still tight. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” I said softly. “I’m okay.”

He gave me once-over, trying to figure out if I was truly okay, then he grabbed the basket from me, asking, “Did you get everything?”

“The milk and eggs are missing.”

“Wait by the exit,” he ordered and walked over to grab those two things before heading to the counter. He didn’t give Henry any attention but waited patiently as he scanned every item.

He grumbled the total, and Caspian threw the money on the counter before grabbing the paper bag and turning back to me. “Let’s go.”

I let him lead me out of the store, his hand on my lower back. Outside, I exhaled shakily.

“I’m sorry,” he said, voice low. “I should’ve come with you.”

I didn’t argue with that.

I could’ve done it alone if Henry wouldn’t have been such a dick.

“I’m glad you showed up when you did.”

His eyes softened slightly. “Next time, we go together.”

I smiled faintly. “Fine.”

We walked in silence, and once we got to his house, I turned to him and said, “You know, I don’t believe anything anyone says about you here. I know who you are and why you want me to stay. I don’t care about anyone else.”

He gave me a sharp nod. “Good. Because everyone here is full of shit. Especially Henry.”

I agreed, so I decided to leave it at that.

But Caspian didn’t.

Later that night, after our homecooked dinner and changing into my pajamas, I found him standing by the living room window, a glass of whiskey in hand. The muscles in his back were tight beneath his shirt, his posture rigid as he stared out into the darkness.

I approached quietly, slipping my arms around his waist from behind. He was still thinking about the interaction we had with Henry. “He’s not worth your time,” I whispered against his shoulder blade.

His hand covered mine, squeezing gently. “I know,” he said, though his jaw remained clenched. “But when I saw him standing there, talking to you like that…I wanted to rip his throat out.”

I shivered, not from fear but from the raw protectiveness in his voice. “I can handle guys like Henry.” At least, I liked to think I could.

“Yeah?” He turned around, cupping my face with one hand. “Well, you shouldn’t have to.” His thumb traced my lower lip, his eyes burning into mine. “You’re mine to protect. Always.”

The intensity of his gaze made my knees weak.

I leaned into him, tilting my head up for a kiss, but instead, he gave me another once-over—this one slower, more possessive. His mouth curved into a dark smile.

“Go to the bedroom,” he said softly, the command clear in his tone. “Undress. Get on the bed.”

I swallowed, my pulse quickening as I nodded. I turned and headed down the hall, my legs trembling with each step, anticipation drumming through me.

Whatever anger Henry had stirred in Caspian earlier had shifted into something else now. Something sharp and unrelenting.

And tonight, I knew I would feel every ounce of it.

Chapter 18

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