Page 34 of King of Desire

She leans into kiss my cheek and I give her a kiss back, thinking that Charlotte has managed to find such a wonderful place in life.

“Come meet my cousins,” Nia turns to the men behind her.

Three handsome men with dark hair and piercing gazes stand just behind her. “This is Matteo, Nico, and Lorenzo Andriani.”

I dip my chin, meeting each of their gazes, as I do my best to smile. There is an intensity to these men that I find just a bit frightening.

That’s when Triston steps up next to me again, his fingers sliding down the bare skin of my arm in a light touch that sends a message of clear possession that I really appreciate. They’re dangerous.

I want to sink into Triston and his strength.

His hand leaves my arm, but only to settle on my waist. I sink into his side. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I say, dipping my chin. “Do you all live in Vegas?”

“Born and raised,” Matteo returns, his tux and shirt black with a red tie. His looks are so striking that I drop my gaze again. “You?”

I shake my head. “I was born in Iran. My mother brought us here when I was eleven.”

“What made her choose Vegas?” Nico asks. He is less harsh-looking than Matteo, maybe because he’s younger, but he carries the same penetrating gaze.

“At the time, the casinos were expanding and there was a great deal of work.” I always thought my mother wished to hide as well. I don’t know why. Whatever secrets she carried, she took with her.

“So what do you do here in Vegas?” Lorenzo asks, the most mild-mannered of the three.

“I attend UNLV,” I answer. “I met Charlotte Kincaid my freshman year. It’s taking me longer to get my degree, but I’m slowly working my way through the pre-law program.”

Triston’s fingers fan out on my hip. “Honeyeh is her brother’s guardian.”

I feel all three of the Andriani’s soften. Is that what I’m here for? A sympathy move? I stiffen a bit. I am happy to help Triston, but I don’t want to be some dancing monkey.

But Matteo clears his throat. “It’s a blessing and curse, isn’t it?”

My head snaps up as Mason steps up next me. “What is?”

“Being a guardian to your siblings. Changes a person.”

Mason makes a soft noise of agreement. My lips purse. Looking at them, I think they were both made for responsibility. The strength rolls off them. For me, it’s been love that carries me forward. My hands fold over my stomach. “If one of you might be able to give me the secret to running a successful company, I’d be very grateful. I could use the funds for Darius’s care.”

All the men rumble out a laugh. And it was a ridiculous comment. They are successful because they are smart and driven. There is no secret. I don’t need to have their success either, I just need to get ahead of the curve that I always seem behind.

Matteo eyes me, his head cocking just to the right. “You, Honeyeh, have all the attributes you need to have endless amounts of money at your disposal. How old is your brother?”

Is he talking about my looks? One has to have time to date to utilize those, but I don’t correct him. “Darius is fifteen, nearly sixteen.”

“Nearly a man.”

My shoulder lifts. If I can get him to the age of eighteen, he will be.

Mason clears his throat. “Charlotte and Honeyeh can step out if you have more questions for us that are more of a business nature.”

“Not necessary,” Matteo shakes his head. “We’re ready to sign.”

I feel the air leave Triston’s lungs. Was this important?

The men move to the desk where they lean over the desk, Charlotte stepping up next to me.

“For whatever it’s worth, Triston touches you like you’re precious.”

Maybe I am. But I can’t afford to take a risk. And Triston is the least safe man I know.

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