Page 86 of King of Desire

Darius will have his surgery. I feel it in my bones.

But I’m not sure I’m getting my happily ever after. No matter how much I wanted Triston to be mine, he’d be a fool not to take the deal. It’s what he’s always wanted and what do I have to give him?

Nothing but my heart and a whole parcel of problems.

I reach the top of the stairs and Darius is standing in the hall, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his shorts, his shoulders hunched.

I don’t say a word as I cross to him, wrapping my arms around his thin body. He hugs me back. “Don’t worry, Honeyeh. It’s going to be fine.”

I shake my head. “Come on.” I pull him toward Triston’s room. My fiancé is downstairs planning his wedding to another woman. I’m not sure it’s ever going to be fine again.

For the next two hours, the house is silent. I know Win, Dimitri, and Triston are all still here. I’d hear the front door if one of them left.

My brother falls asleep at some point, and I marvel at his ability to sleep anytime, anywhere.

I try to tell myself that as long as he’s all right, I’ve won. And I do feel that way. But my heart is about to break, I just know it. I’m a barista. A maid.

I cover my mouth with my hand, determined not to cry, not to make noise.

I slide down onto the floor, my back against the side of the bed. I wrap my arms around myself, the tension so tight inside my chest, I think I might snap.

That’s when the door opens and Triston appears.

I shoot to my feet, the blood rushing from my head, as I swallow down a lump of fear.

Triston is by my side in a second, his arms around me, “Sweetheart.”

The sob I’ve been holding in threatens to break from my lips, as I wrap my arms around his neck. I know I’m only making it worse, holding onto him for comfort, but I just need to borrow a bit of strength before I learn the truth.

I press my cheek to his bare chest and close my eyes. I can’t even bring myself to ask the question.

“Just a warning, the house is about to get very busy.”

“What’s that mean?” I tip my head back, confusion trumping every other emotion.

“Ryker, Rush, and Win are all staying. Killian and Gris will disappear with their brides to keep our family diversified and their women safe.”

My brow furrows. “Safe?”

“We made a deal with Dimitri, but who knows if he can be trusted. And Mason is furious…”

My knees grow weak and my throat burns. “You made the deal.”

He’s looking down at me, but I can’t see his expression through the mist clouding my eyes.

“I think Win’s a fool, but yes. We made it.”

I don’t understand what he means as I step back, my stomach churning with nausea.

I reach for my finger, pulling the ring from my finger.

“What are you doing?” he asks, his hands covering mine.

My eyes clear as I snap my chin up to look at him. “Giving you the ring back.”

“Why?”

“Because…” I shake my head. “You made the deal. You’re marrying?—”

---