Page 25 of The King Contract
“Like how I signed my soul over to the devil?”
“You have no idea.” His eyes flicker with amusement. “I meant the physical touch parts. I’m an affectionate person and Iwilltouch the woman I’m seeing, no matter how new it is.”
“You told me that already.” I crack my neck and roll my shoulders. “I’m good with you touching me.”
Noah winks. “That’s my girl. This is going to be so much fun.”
“It hardly seems fair only one of us is enjoying this arrangement,” I grumble.
“And whose fault is that? No one’s stopping you from having fun except yourself.”
I’ve got no response as he drags me inside by the elbow.
The house is enormous, almost over-the-top in size and décor. Everything’s beige and brown, ornaments perfectly in their places, not a speck of dust in sight. At the back of the house, the foldable doors open to a lush green garden and infinity pool, overlooking views of the beach below.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Noah asks.
“The lovebirds have arrived!”
Noah pulls me to his side as a tall, broad-shouldered man with a dark blonde buzz cut approaches us. He’s gorgeous, with a cheeky smile of white teeth and long lashes framing his blue eyes. From his tan and defined arms, I’m willing to bet he’s also a surfer like Noah.
“King.” He claps Noah’s hand in that weird-bro way some men do before shaking mine excitedly. “I’m Mack. Pleasure to meet you, Millie.”
“Lovely to meet you, too.”
“Noah’s told us how smart you are. I’m surprised he’s managed to trick you into dating him.” There’s a twinkle in his eyes, as if he’s in on the secret, and I wonder what Noah ended up telling Mack about his fake-dating suggestion.
“I might be smart with books, but I’m clueless when it comes to men,” I reply, giving my best self-deprecating smile. Ironically, it doesn’t feel like a lie. I glance at Noah. “Don’t break my heart,King.”
His nostrils flare, his hand squeezing my hip in warning. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“If anything, you’ll break his,” Mack says. “You’re way too hot for him.”
My cheeks heat. Thankfully, Mack is waving someone over to us and doesn’t comment further. I know I’m not unattractive, but I’ve never considered myself too hot for anyone. Plus, Mack’s comment sounds like bullshit, considering I saw an actual supermodel walk past outside.
“Callum!” Mack calls. “This is Millie.”
Apparently, all of Noah’s friends are drop-dead gorgeous surfers with perfect teeth. Callum is no different, as he strides over with a welcoming smile. He’s slightly taller than Noah and Mack, with dark hair and kind hazel eyes.
Callum leans in and kisses me on the cheek. “Great to finally meet the woman who gave King a verbal slap in the face.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Noah argues. “I gave it back plenty.”
I ignore him. “Verbal slap in the face. I like it.”
“He needs a good slap now and then,” Callum says, smirking. “Pro surfer arrogance is on another level.”
“They think they’re God’s gifts to the world,” Mack adds, lifting a mocking eyebrow of disapproval at Noah. “I can hardly stand it myself.”
“Is that right?” I ask, smiling.
Noah sighs. “The ganging up isn’t cute.”
“Oh, but it is,” I say sweetly. “Boys, please tell me more about this arrogance.”
“I’m paying your way on the tour next year.” Noah holds his hand up and points to each of them. “Think about that before you go down this path.”
Mack leans in. “See?”
