Page 61 of King of Kings

“Everyone has a past, Sophia,” he says.

“I know that, but not like this. I kept something from him that I should have told him about,” I admit.

“I’m not going to lie to you, Soph, he’s not going to forgive easily. Knox takes everything to heart, and he locks it up inside. If it’s as big as you’re making it out to be, it might ruin him.”

“It’s already destroyed him. That was evident with the way he looked at me when he found out.” I wipe the tears falling from my eyes.

“If anyone can get to him, it’s you,” Kai says, turning his blinker on.

“He wouldn’t even let me explain. He just left,” I say, sniffling.

“Put yourself in his shoes. If the roles were reversed, how would you react?” he points out.

I’d be devastated. Just imagining Knox married to someone else and keeping that from me would kill me.

“You’re right,” I say, leaning my head against the window.

We pull up to the Kingston house and see that Knox is standing in the driveway. When he sees the two of us, his face is full of rage.

“I’m starting to think it would have been a better idea for me to walk,” I mumble.

“Don’t be ridiculous. The past is the past. I’m madly in love with Ivy.” Kai scoffs.

He doesn’t see the pain and anguish in Knox’s eyes like I do. The betrayal. The hurt.

“Of course you fucking called him,” Knox yells when I get out of the car.

“Thanks for the ride, Kai, but you better go,” I lean into the car and tell him.

He looks at me, concerned, but nods before backing away.

“You left me there. I had to call everyone in my phone.” I throw my hands up.

“He just happened to be your knight in shining armor, huh? Did you tell him you have a fucking husband?” he asks.

“No, I didn’t. Are you going to let me explain?” I cry.

“What the fuck is there to explain? How could you not tell me you’re off limits? You’re fucking married, Sophia.”

“There’s more to the story. You need to let me explain,” I beg.

“I don’t have to let you do shit. I don’t give a shit about your explanation. This meant nothing to me anyway,” he says, gesturing between the two of us.

I won’t lie, his words are crushing to my soul.

“Don’t pretend like this doesn't mean anything to you. I’ve been here too. I’ve seen the way you look at me. It means more to you than you want to admit.”

“Don’t get it twisted,” he growls, stalking towards me, shoving me against the pillar on the porch. “I don’t let myself get too deep. That’s how you allow people to hurt you.” His hand snakes up around my neck.

My breathing is rapid. I should push him away. I’m pissed he won’t let me explain anything. He’s angry with me and he’s saying things he doesn’t mean, but I’ve never been more turned on in my life.

“Liar,” I whisper, tears stinging my eyes.

Our lips are so close that they’re almost grazing. I want to kiss him so badly it hurts.

“Fuck you, Sophia,” he growls before pulling away and stomping inside.

I immediately fall to the ground; sobs rack my body. It feels like I’m going to die.