Page 26 of His Queen

There’s a sudden gnawing at my spine, my insides churning with worry. “What’s going on?”

“You know I can’t give you details.”

I step back. “I know you’ve been going to the club during the day to handle business. But going to sex parties and entertaining is something else entirely.”

“We won’t be hosting the parties. We just have to make an appearance, show our faces and then we’re out of there. Believe me, I don’t want to be doing this either, but it’s only temporary until we figure shit out.”

Right now, his eyes look like the ocean before a storm—dark, deep, and mysterious. He knows I need specifics, that I need to know more. But he can’t reveal more, and he’s asking me to take a leap of faith and trust him. To not make this more complicated than it already seems to be. How can I stand here and demand things of him when I know what this life is all about? When I’ve grown up in this world and know that nothing about our lives is simple? My husband is required to do questionable things, to be a ruthless man while he rules alongside his brother. It’s the way of this world, and I knew all this when I fell hopelessly in love with him. So, who am I to expect him to live by different rules now?

“Okay.”

“Okay?” he repeats wearily.

“Okay,” I repeat with the sincerest smile I can muster, clutching my robe tight.

“You sure you’re okay with it?”

“No. I’m not okay with it. But I choose to think that you’d much rather be here with me at night than at that club.”

“That’s the truth, baby girl.”

He takes me into his arms and holds me close. I can’t help but hope this isn’t a permanent thing. His kisses are sweet and slow, deep with unspoken promises of safety. I just have to trust him—trust that he’ll come back home to me every night until everything is resolved at the club.

“Thanks,” he murmurs as he tightens his hold around me, pressing me against his chest.

“For what?” I ask, breathing in deeply, letting his scent envelop me.

“For choosing to trust me.”

“You’re not just my husband, but the man I’ve loved my entire life. I’ll always trust you.”

“God, I love you so much, Hummingbird.”

“I love you, too.”

We remain still for a few heartbeats more, and I try to ignore the tightness of dread and uncertainty slowly seeping into my chest. I can only hope that, in the end, it will all be okay.

“So, what will you be cooking for us tonight?”

I keep my arms around him as I lean my head back, staring up at him. “I don’t know yet. But you won’t be around, anyway, so I’ll do it another night.” I try to move back, but he pulls me closer.

“What time is dinner?”

“Nicoli—”

“What.” He clutches my chin. “Time?”

I lick my lips. “Seven.”

“I’ll be here. I’ll just tell Alexius I’ll be a little late.”

“Okay.” I smile. “You have any special requests?”

“Please don’t poison me.”

I jab my elbow playfully into his side. “Play nice.”

“When am I ever known to play nice?”

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