The King (Gentlemen Rogues 2)

Saint clapped me on the back. "Let's go get some food."

I didn't know what possessed me, but as I walked by her, I could feel Saffron stiffen, and I couldn't help but ask, "Any other pointers for me?"

“Work harder,” she said.

“Okay, maybe something more specific? What do you say maybe we grab a bite to eat, and you give me some pointers? Or are you a robot and don't eat?"

Her smile was beatific. “I know you don't like being beaten by a girl, but you'll have to get over it. I'm just better than you are."

I blinked rapidly. "That's not what this is. I was just inviting feedback. You’re meant to be training me."

“You think you're just making an invitation. I get it. But you don’t listen, so why waste my time? You can’t ruffle me, King."

“I do like how you say King."

"The only capacity you will ever hear me say King in is as your trainer while I'm kicking your arse and trying to make you into anything other than a billionaire baby with a bad attitude."

I stiffened at that. "Well, tell me how you really feel."

She sighed. "Look, it's not personal."

“It feels personal. Go ahead and tell me. Why do you hate me so much?"

"Mr. King, your mistake is in assuming that I think about you at all. I don't."

I could hear the words she was saying, but the way her gaze flickered to my lips said otherwise. And it made the blood in my veins run hot and liquid. I leaned in, not too close, but just enough so only she could hear me. “You like me. You just don't want to like me. That sounds like a you problem."

"My only problem is overgrown children who think they matter to me at all."

I grinned. “I'm wearing you down. Might as well give in, because everyone likes me."

"Aw, then you should prepare for disappointment. Your first rejection. I am so happy to be able to pop that cherry."

I blinked as she sauntered out of the room, and Saint and Rook ran over and jabbed me in the ribs. Rook was cackling. "Oh God, the two of you. Why do you keep trying to rile her? She's stone cold."

“It's fun."

Saint just chuckled. "Maybe your ego can take that beating, but mine could not. You should give up, because even if she gave you the time of day, Gabe would kill you."

I nodded. “I'm not touching her. But mark my words, before this is all said and done, she will like me."

Saint shook his head. “If you insist."

I did. Everyone liked me. What would I be willing to do to make her like me?