Page 38 of Triumphant Kings

We’re perfect together, despite what assholes like Tina think. She doesn’t know them, no one does. Not like I do.

When I feel I’m good enough to leave the bathroom, I head towards the Host Club room. The halls seem more empty now, and no one gives me a hard time on my way there.

Ignoring the looks I get as I walk through the room, I head to the back where the guys and I normally hang out, finding all of them but Collin already there.

“There you are,” Preston says as I throw myself into the empty chair, letting out a heavy sigh.

“Are you okay?” Declan asks, concern lacing his words.

“I’m fine.” I roll my head to the side against the back of the chair and smile. “Just tired.”

“That's not all,” Preton says, leaning forward in the spot he’s sitting, next to Declan. “What else is wrong?”

I close my eyes as I look away, opening them to stare up at the ceiling. “Just assholes doing what they do best. People have made it known they are not too happy about my new husband and how I did my boyfriend dirty,” I mutter.

“Fuck,” Preston mutters.

“Come here,” Declan says, patting his lap.

I look at him for a moment, hesitant because there are people in the room. But we’re hidden away from everyone else, and only we’re allowed back here.

Biting my lip, I pull myself to my feet and over to Declan. He pulls me into his lap and I go willingly, straddling his thighs. “Their opinions don’t matter,” Declan insists. “I don’t care what they’re saying.”

My eyes flick between his. “Are they saying things to you, too?”

“Kind of,” he admits. “Only mine aren't nasty words, just a lot of pitying looks.”

Guilt swirls in my stomach. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, the need to cry again hitting me hard.

“You have nothing to be sorry about.” He slides his hands up and down my thighs. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Really?” I raise a brow. “I married another man when the whole world knew I was dating you. I think I did a pretty big thing.”

“They don’t know the truth. But I do. And that's all that matters.”

“You don’t have to keep your relationship a secret.” Collin’s voice surprises me, my eyes flicking to the side. He takes a seat in the chair I was just in.

“What do you mean?” He’s so damn handsome. He’s dressed in one of his suits, hair slicked back. Tall, dark, and sexy.

“Nothing has to change between the two of you, and the world knows about you both. I’d just be added to the equation.” He shrugs, as if it’s really that simple.

“Would you get backlash? Your wife having a boyfriend?”

“Like I give a fuck.” He huffs out a laugh. “Why do you think I’ve been so busy all week? It sure as fuck wasn’t because Iwanted to be away from you. That part killed me. I was working, seeing who would be the biggest issue if we went public with our poly relationship, and the ones who did, I cut ties with. Kept it behind the scenes. That way, when the world knows, the business side of things is taken care of.”

My lips part as I gape at him in shock.

“Damn,” Grayson says in awe. “I’m impressed. Going to have to talk to my dad about that. See what we can do too.”

“Your dad?” Collin asks. “He knows?”

“Yup,” Grayson says proudly. “Told him about it this morning. He’s all team Sadie.”

They’re having a full-on conversation, yet I’m still looking at Collin like the man isn’t even real.

“Sunshine.” Collin finds my gaze again and chuckles. “Did I break you?”

“Why?” I ask, voice cracking with emotion filling my throat.

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