Reign of a King (Kingdom Duet 1)

The fact that he’s pausing isn’t good. Please don’t tell me he’ll act as if he’s seen a ghost like his daughter and Aiden did.

“Ms Harper.” He takes my hand a places a kiss at the back of it, never cutting eye contact. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Phew.

“The pleasure is all mine, and please, Aurora is fine. Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding, Mr Steel.”

“Ethan is fine. Agnus tells me you sell watches?”

Thank you, Agnus. I throw him a grateful glance and focus back on Ethan. “Yes. In fact, it’s my passion.”

“How so?”

I motion at his wristwatch. “That must’ve cost a fortune, but do you know why?”

“The brand.”

“Yes, brand awareness. But also, the work the brand established to have said awareness. Your watch is custom-made to fit your wrist size and be comfortable, even if you spend twelve hours in the office and then a few more hours at dinners or parties. It’s there to help you get through your day, but it remains unnoticed. Almost like background motivation.”

“Impressive.” He glimpses at his right-hand man.

“I told you,” Agnus says with the same blank face.

“Let’s make a toast.” Ethan raises his glass. “To background motivation.”

“To background motivation.” I raise my flute in return, a wide grin on my face.

I did it.

I’m saving the company.

All I have to do is keep up with pleasantries, offer him another custom-made, and move on to business talk.

I have no time to waste. Countless people in H&H look up to me and I will not let them down.

“I’ll go get another drink.” Agnus nods at us before disappearing out of view.

That leaves only Ethan and me. I smile, even though I prefer having Agnus around. He’s a great backup, considering he did most of the work for me. I may not click with him emotionally, considering he doesn’t really have those types of connections with women – or any human being, but I’ll be forever grateful for the help he offered.

Ethan leans closer, his features welcoming but concentrated. “Tell me more about the business side.”

As I’m about to start, my mind rushes with all the pitches I’ve spent a long time preparing.

I lift my head slightly and my smile disappears when my gaze collides with sinister grey eyes.

Killer eyes.

His presence rips me from the now and slams me to eleven years in the past.

I’m back to that day, catching my breath at the side of the road. I broke to pieces and I’m still unable to pull myself together again.

He is one of the reasons I never will.

Jonathan King.

A ruler in this world.

An actual king who holds more power than the queen herself.