Reign of a King (Kingdom Duet 1)

“No.”

“No?” I repeat with a confusion that must be written all over my face.

“You’ll end whatever business venture you have with Ethan.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because I said so, wild one.”

Is he fucking kidding me? He’s not. I know Jonathan isn’t the type who jokes around, but does he honestly believe I would follow simply because he ordered?

So what if he has power? It’s not absolute. Nothing and no one is.

I lift my chin. “And if I say no?”

“Then we’ll do it my way.” A small smile lifts his lips. His sensual, well-proportioned lips.

And now, I’m staring at his lips.

Stop staring at his lips.

I lift my gaze to his and the whole image is clear. He’s not even smiling, and it’s downright menacing. This is the look of a man who’s preparing for a battle.

A man who’s so used to war that peace bores him.

And I’m another battlefield in his path of conquering.

So no, it’s not a smile. It’s a declaration of something sinister and potent.

“Why would you care who I do business with, Jonathan?” Last time I checked, he wasn’t my guardian.

“You think you can skip me in my own territory and choose someone else to do business with? And not just anyone, but Ethan. What’s your message there? Are you trying to challenge me?”

“No.” That’s the last thing I want.

“Then why didn’t you come to me?”

“I don’t like mixing familial affairs with business.” And I hate him for the way Alicia died. If I didn’t know he would overpower me, I’d punch him in the face and relieve the tension I’ve been carrying for eleven years.

“The only family I have has the King’s last name. You’re not my family, wild one. Never was. Never will be.”

“Mutual.”

“Glad we agree on that front. Now, you’ll cut off any contact or communication with Ethan — including Agnus.”

“That would be a no.”

“Did you just tell me no?”

“Yes, Jonathan. I don’t know what your deal is, but you don’t get to tell me what to do.”

Silence.

He watches me with that hollow expression that I’m now certain harbours a monster. “Is that so?”

I keep my chin held high, not cutting off eye contact.

Jonathan takes a step forward. My back flattens against the metal of the car door as his chest nearly touches mine. My bare skin tingles, goosebumps erupting at the surface and I have no idea why.