Page 102 of Tormented Kings
He’s so damn beautiful. And he’s mine.
Tina’s words about the guys using me and tossing me to the side isn’t what got me so out of sorts. I know they wouldn’t do that to me. I might have believed it a few months ago before I’d gotten the chance to really get to know them. But not now? I don’t believe it, not with all the things they’re doing in order to be with me.
It’s the threat of what she is going to me that has me on edge. Not only do I have to worry about someone wanting to harm me outside school, but now I have to worry about someone within the school walls, too.
Not here, though. No one in this house wants to hurt me. I feel safe. But just to be sure, I slip into bed next to Grayson, careful not to move too much. Pulling the blanket up over me, I snuggle in, turn away from him, and close my eyes.
A few seconds later, I feel an arm wrap around me as a warm body presses against my back. “Mhhm,” Grayson mumbles, still asleep. “My Pretty Girl,” is all he says before his snoring resumes.
I smile, my heart pounding wildly against my ribs as that feeling of love, of safety, comes fluttering back. I fall asleep in the arms of my man.
Chapter 23
Sadie
After the night spent in Grayson’s arms, I choose to push down my worries about Tina and not let her get in the way of my happiness with my guys. Thanks to her, I had to wear makeup for a few days to hide the marks she left behind.
That bitch has already caused enough damage, I can’t let her take anything else from me. That’s not to say I won’t keep an eye out and avoid her with every bit of my control.
The week goes by fast with trying to evenly distribute my time out between Grayson, Declan, school, and everything else, so I haven’t had time to see Collin. He’s been going out of his mind, and I don’t blame him.
I miss him. I crave him. With his busy schedule, we haven’t been able to have any of our lunch dates in his office. Okay, more of a fuck date, but I’ll take any time with him that I can get.
Tonight, Mom is going over for some girl time with Carol and asked if I wanted to tag along.
I may have jumped at the chance a little too quickly. Mom gave me a knowing look, and I wondered how much she knew about Collin and me. She hasn’t mentioned anything about us yet, but I know Carol is aware of the very vocal claim Collin has expressed towards me.
Nervous excitement flutters around in my belly as we get to their front door.
The door opens, and there stands my man in all his six foot two, tattooed, dark-haired, sexy glory.
“Erin,” Collin greets, giving her a wink. “Come on in.”
“Collin, I’m soon to be a married woman. No need to flirt with me,” Mom teases. I sigh, shaking my head. “Plus, how do you think Sadie would feel?”
She turns to me with a wink of her own, leaving me with my lips parted in surprise as she turns and walks inside, knowing her way around this house almost as much as the people who live here do.
“Better close that mouth of yours before I give it something better to do,” Collin’s husky voice snaps me back to reality.
“Collin,” I hiss but groan as his lips crash down on mine.
“Fuck, Sunshine. I’ve missed you so fucking much. Do you know how hard it’s been to breathe when you’re not around? You're the damn air in my lungs, baby.” He kisses me again until the air in my own lungs is sucked out, and my head is spinning.
“Collin,” I say breathlessly. “Our moms could see.”
He chuckles against my lips. “My mom has known for a long time that you’re my Sunshine. It’s your mom who doesn’t know where we are right now in our relationship. But she suspects.”
My eyes widen. “She does?”
“Oh, Sunshine. There's so much you need to learn.”
“What?” My head is still spinning. “Wait, but she knows I’m with Declan. Why... what...”
I remember the wink she gave me, was she hinting at jealousy. I thought she meant I wouldn't approve of a young man hitting on her. I’m so confused.
He chuckles, grabbing my hand and pulling me deeper into the house. “Don’t worry about it. Come on, let’s go hang out. I need some time with you that’s not spent in my office.” He chuckles, stopping to pull me into his arms. “Although, I can’t say that I don’t enjoy our meetings.”
“But it’s nice to just be us,” I whisper.