It’s the first time I’ve seen her so lost, so scared. Cecily has always been the most confident one, the assertive one, the crash-into-the-problem-head-first one.
But she looks so terribly confused that I want to hug her.
“What is it? Tell me and I might be able to help.”
“It’s—”
Her words are cut off when I feel a presence behind me and then my nostrils fill with his distinctive scent mixed with adrenaline and sweat.
A strong hand wraps around my waist and I shiver as I’m slammed against his side, where his body heat overwhelms mine.
“Hi, Creigh,” my friend murmurs, then slides her dejected attention to me. “I’m going back.”
“Cecily, wait,” I call after her, but she’s already gone.
I glare up at Creighton’s gorgeous face with the thick brows and busted lips, and it’s hard to be mad at him. “Ces was going to tell me something and you screwed it up.”
“Don’t get involved in Cecily’s business when she doesn’t even know what she wants.” He pushes a stray hair that the wind stuffed in my face behind my ear. “Were you hiding, little purple?”
“I didn’t want to see you guys fighting.” I swallow. “Who won?”
“It was a draw.”
“Thank God.” I release a breath.
“We’ll have a rematch next week.”
“Seriously?”
“Next time, don’t hide or I’ll draw it out more.” He flicks my forehead teasingly and I massage the spot, glaring up at him.
“Aww. And I’m so going to hide again.”
“Don’t be a brat.”
“Oh, please, you love it when I’m a brat.”
“Seems the appetizer from earlier didn’t teach you a lesson.”
“That was…just an appetizer?”
“More or less.”
“What’s the main course then?”
“You’ll find out if you’re a good girl.”
My panties soak at the promise in his voice. I love it when he keeps me in the dark about his plans and then I find myself all tied up and fucked to within an inch of my life.
Or when he introduces new toys that I swear are manufactured so he can torture me with them.
“Will you take a picture and post it on IG this time, too?”
“No. They only need to be reminded in another two weeks or so.”
“You’re so over the top, but I still love you,” I whisper. “So much, it’s insane.”
“Good, because I’ll make sure you always love me as much as I love you.”
And then he’s lifting me by the waist and kissing me.
EPILOGUE - CREIGHTON
ONE YEAR LATER
Whose idea was it for us to come here?
Right, my brother’s.
I’m left wondering why I haven’t punched him in the face as I glare at him from across the table and he smiles widely, even winking like the little twat he is.
The thing is, we’re at a family dinner, as in, with Dad and Mum. We finished eating, but there’s still dessert.
The worst part? This is only the first season. Tomorrow, in part two of this family saga, we’ll be joined by my three grandfathers—who like to bicker for sport, Nan, Uncle Levi, and Aunt Astrid. The twins and Glyn may join, too, since it’s a holiday.
If—when—Glyn brings Killian along, we’ll have a bloody circus on our hands. One, Lan still can’t stand him, Uncle Levi barely tolerates him, and Grandpa Jonathan still views him as the thief who took away his cute granddaughter. Two, Kill and Eli have grown a bit close, demolishing all the parents’ attempts to keep them apart, and, therefore, are always stirring up trouble.
I’m definitely kidnapping Annika the hell out of here before the circus begins.
If she hadn’t been so quick to accept my parents' invitation, we wouldn’t be here in the first place.
Thing is, it was hard getting my folks to warm up to her entirely after the shooting episode. Mum was a bit difficult at the beginning because she couldn’t stand the thought of anyone hurting me.
Annika actually spent months on end bribing her, calling her, and talking to her about everything and nothing. She even offered to be her designated spy in college.
Dad, on the other hand, was suspicious of her, considering her background. He didn’t believe she or her father wouldn’t hurt me. Not to mention that Dad and Adrian met exactly two times, and everyone in the room had to stop them from murdering each other.
The fact remains, after I got back from the island, Dad said he was proud that I went after what I wanted, because that’s the right ‘King’ way of doing things.
However, no matter how many difficulties Mum and Dad posed, my girl still managed to win them over with her cheerful personality and ability to empathize with anyone.
Besides, unlike her father, who acts like he doesn’t like me—but deep down does—my parents are happy when I’m happy. No questions asked.
I tilt my head to the side and watch as she helps Mum clean the table. We have staff, but Mum dismissed them today because she wanted the ‘homey’ experience. This time, Dad cooked—thank fuck.
My gaze follows Annika as she moves with the grace of a feather. She’s wearing a purple-and-white floral dress, and her hair is held up in a ponytail with a fluffy purple butterfly that matches the ones on her flats.
Annika always complains about how I tear her clothes, but I can’t resist when she looks like a present I have to unwrap. And I’m too impatient to do it properly, so her clothes have to pay the price.
The more I watch her, the harder my cock strains against my jeans. I discreetly readjust myself and force my gaze away from her.
And that’s when someone hits me upside the head. “Pussy-whipped.”
I glare up at my brother. “Sure you want to say that?”
His eyes darken, but he soon smooths his expression and runs his fingers under my chin. “Did I mention you’re so adorable lately?”
I try to push him away, but he’s no different from a parasite sometimes. I have a deep appreciation for my relationship with Eli and how he’s always been there for me, but I can’t get used to him being a wanker whenever he pleases.
“Leave your brother alone,” Dad chastises as he strides from the lavatory and sits at the head of the table.
Eli squashes my face between his fingers. “Look at his adorable cheeks.”
“He’s not a baby anymore.”
“Unfortunately.” Eli lets out a bored sigh and releases me, then focuses on our father. “And don’t be jealous, Dad.”
He gives him a blank stare. “Of what?”
“Our beautiful relationship.”
Dad snickers and Eli’s eyes narrow. “What was that for?”
Dad says nothing.
“What was it for?”
“Are you guys bickering again?” Mum strokes Eli’s hair and touches my cheek, then she kisses Dad on the lips. “Can we not? Just for tonight?”
Dad wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her against him. “Do I get a reward later?”