Page 20 of Truth
“Ha-ha. I called my brother and asked him to call the owner of a shop his wife frequents around the corner.” His smile is like the Cheshire cat. I’ll kill him.
“Jesus, now I am humiliated! You told your brother that I don’t have any clothing. He must think I’m a hooker.” I fall back into the bed, pulling the blanket over me to hide my embarrassment.
“God, you are fucking adorable. Come home with me. We’ll pick up food, go back to my apartment, and I’ll fuck you into eternity. Don’t say anything except for yes.”
I mumble from under the covers, “I’m too expensive for you. Now that I’m a hooker, I’ve decided to be a very high-priced one.”
I hear his steps coming closer, and then King pulls the blanket away and grabs my hands, pulling me to my feet. “Come on.”
“Okay, but I’ve never been so happy that my name is my little secret.”
“Yeah, we’ll see about that…”
“Burgers or pizza, gorgeous?”
“Is that a real question? Pizza, but where are we finding a place at this time? It’s 2:00 a.m.”
King wags his eyebrows as he leans forward to direct the driver. “I have a spot just by my place.”
The man knows the way to my heart is through a perfectly prepared deep dish. “Are you from Chicago or have you just lived here long? ”
“I don’t. I just keep a place for when I’m here on business. My brother lives here.”
“Ah, so you live…”
“In a city. Tell me your name, and I’ll tell you everything you want to know.”
“No way, not a chance. You could be a stalker.”
“Well, it’s too late now. I already plan on stalking you, so just make it easier for me.”
“Great! A lazy stalker, just my luck…I really get all the winners.”
“Speaking of losers, tell me about who gave you pause tonight? I assume there’s a jackass, somewhere, that has broken your heart.”
“Pause? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I know he’s referring to when I almost left, but I’m not getting into that.
“You really think I’m going to let that slide?”
Looking out the window, I watch the buildings pass, the blur of lights creating a moving mural, and I’m weighed down by my yesterday. “He was someone who I thought was special, so I gave him importance. Even above myself—so far above that when he looked down, he couldn’t see me anymore.”
“That’s not your role, gorgeous. A real man doesn’t require a spotlight. You’re fucking amazing—don’t forget that. I mean, we are talking about a girl who stood her ground—butt naked—just for the sake of not being bossed around.” Grinning at me, he reaches out and touches a strand of my hair. “How can anyone not want to worship her? You’re a goddamn boss.”
Laughter escapes my lips, and I throw my head back. “Thank you for that, and I agree that’s why I’m pissed I allowed myself to be manipulated. But honestly, King, I feel more myself with you than I have in a long time.”
“Sweetheart, it’s not me. Don’t ever give any credit to anyone above yourself. You’re a goddess, and if he doesn’t see that, then I’m more than happy to steal his girl.” Winking at me, he scoops up my hand, kissing the inside of my wrist and keeping them entwined.
“Drew. My name is Drew.” He squeezes my hand, and we sit in the back of his black SUV looking out the windows. It’s strange, but keeping my name from him felt unwelcome anymore. How can I deceive a man who expects me to think of myself like a fucking queen?
“My home base is New York.” His voice cuts through the silence as we sit holding hands and enjoying the view. The silence is comfortable and easy, not at all forced or awkward. It’s the kind you share when you’ve been with someone forever, not three hours.
The car slows as we pull up to the pizzeria.
“Be right back” is all he says as he jumps out to grab our pizza. It’s strange that a man who has a driver wouldn’t just have the driver do it, but he seems to be known at the pizzeria because I can see the guys behind the counter walk around to greet him. I feel an opportunity arise, so I pounce.
“Have you been King’s driver long?” I lean in, hoping to seem nonchalant so I can mask my nosiness.
“I drive for both Mr. Kings” is answered back swiftly in a very heavy Chicago accent.
