Page 27 of The Heir
I look up confused at his question. "Hm?Say?"
King's eyes flash, and his stare becomes even more intense when he looks at me."When Christopher asks you to marry him.What are you going to say?"
My lips part on a breath. "I-I don't know…I won't know until he drops down on one knee."
King's fingers tighten on mine. "Even though he didn't ask you where the flowers came from that I bought you? You would still consider accepting his proposal?" His voice is upset, his tone forces me to bite my lip as a trickle of anxiety shivers its way up my spine and gives feeling to the doubts that are inside of me. "Even though you meant so little to him that he'd give you four-year old expired medicine when you're sick?" His eyes flash, and his hand tightens on mine as he leans even further into my face. "What the fuck kind of man does that,Isobel?Tell me?And why are you still with him?"
Embarrassment slams into me deep, dredging up old wounds.
Out of my peripheral I see my mother's head pop over the shoulder of one of the guards and my face pinches. "Excuse me,what?"
I ignore her, keeping my eyes on King. "Thanks," I say. "I hadn't told her about that."
He's silent, the look in his eyes something I can't quite decipher. We continue to stare at each other, and I'm acutely aware the way my hand is against his arm is inappropriate but I can't move.
The way he's caressing my fingers is inappropriate as well, however, we don't stop. My eyes lower, glued to where we're connected. He's right. I know deep down he's right. I just….can't step out of my comfort zone.
"I just want to know why," King softens his voice, drawing my gaze back to his. "You're worth so much more than him. It's beenmonthsof me raking my brain for an explanation as to why you're putting up with someone who so obviously doesn't value you."
Ouch.Jesus, King.
Heaving a defeated sigh, I wet my lips. Eager for him to understand and leave this be. "I need the dependability he gives me. I had too much chaos in my life growing up. I need a nice quiet,boringlife."
There, I said it out loud. It doesn't taste right on my tongue either. Apparently King doesn't think so either because he brings my hand up to his lips and kisses my fingertips, making butterflies erupt in my tummy.
"You're going to die," he almost whispers to me, leaning in so close that his minty breath washes over my face. "He's going to suffocate you until he chokes you out. You aren't meant for a stifling kind of life, Isobel. You won't be happy."
"I'll be just fine," I say quietly, tugging against his hold. But he just grips me tighter, and I gasp at the first wet lash of his tongue against the pad of my index finger.
"Leave him."
My eyes widen. "Are you crazy?" I whisper angrily, tugging at my hand harder but he just nips me with his teeth.
"Maybe," he says."Leave him, and take a chance on me."
"And do what, King?" I feel my nose twitch as I take an angry breath. Disbelief of what he's proposing causes my tone to elevate and become clipped."Upend my life? Leave everything I know?"
"No. Come be with me, Izzy." His eyes pierce into my soul. "Be my woman."
I'm shocked speechless, and all I can do is stand here amidst the sounds of his security speaking with my family and the sharp taps of the runners making their way by. A bird screeches above us as it flies by, but he doesn't react, and I don't either. Nothing jogs me out of my frozen state. King has me fully hypnotized with his eyes luring me into his web, and his lips on my fingers promising me just the briefest hint of pleasure.
I can't help but think,what if?
What if I left Christopher?
"You need so much more than him, beautiful."
"You don't know what I need," I snap at him. The spell broken. I pull my hand away harshly and call out to my family. "Let's go, I have a hair appointment to get to."
The guards part at King's nod. Mom and Melody step out of their circle looking a little frustrated. I narrow my eyes and wrap my arms around myself. The day has been too much and it's not even seven-thirty yet.
"Wait."King's voice is back to being stern, commanding. His stern eyes leave mine to find my mother's. "Pablo will tail you, Ms. Brookes, until we know further information on Claudio's whereabouts, and to make sure you're safe. I'll also be having a meeting with the Balducci family in order to verify a few things. I'll be in touch." His eyes slide over to the men and I see a commanding looking, six-foot four, well built man step out from the group and stand to the left of my mom and sister.
"Take care of them, Pablo. I'll be sending someone to relieve you at the end of the day, but I want your full undivided attention on both Ms. Brookes until I sayotherwise.
"Yes sir."
Catching my mom's shocked eyes I turn without a word and begin walking away. I can't even muster up a thank you or two fucks about any of this. I'm officially tapped out. Too in shock to trust myself to say anything. And not to mention I'm wiped out from my run. I get to my car and watch Mom pull off with Melody, and Pablo pulls off right after her.
