Rise of a Queen (Kingdom Duet 2)

“Are you at your relatives’ in Birmingham?”

“We decided against it. We didn’t really want to bring them trouble.”

“Then where are you?”

“Somewhere better than Johnny’s hotel.”

“Where?”

“He came over as soon as we arrived here and told us we were welcome at h

is mansion. Told you, he’s Daddy. Hold on.”

Oh, God. No, she didn’t.

There’s a rustle at the other end of the line before a smooth, familiar voice filters in. “Hello, Aurora. How have you been?”

Before I can even attempt to greet Ethan back, Jonathan sits up, his arms enveloping me from behind as he snatches the tablet from my fingers. “What the fuck are you doing, Ethan?”

“Oh, Jonathan. What a surprise.” He doesn’t sound surprised at all. “I invited Layla and her family to stay at my Birmingham residence as long as they please. It’s the least I can do to help Aurora in these difficult circumstances.”

“Thank you,” I say, even though I’m secretly planning to kill Layla.

Jonathan’s eyes fix on me before he focuses back on the tablet. “Harris will come over to take Miss Hussaini and her family to the hotel.”

“No, can do. We’re cool right here!” Layla’s voice comes from the background.

“You heard her,” Ethan says. “I’ll see you when you return. You, too, Aurora.”

He hangs up before Jonathan can say another word. His hold tightens on the tablet and I suspect he’ll somehow bend it in two.

The tension radiating off him could break something. He doesn’t like that Ethan is meddling, and I guess Jonathan will always see him as some sort of a threat — even if he’s helping.

“Are we alone here?” I ask to divert his attention as a wild idea springs to mind.

“Yes.”

“What about Moses?”

“He stays near the plane landing.” He pauses. “Why are you asking about him?”

I stand up and pull the dress over my head. I went commando, so when I let the cloth fall on the chair, I’m completely naked.

My nipples instantly harden; it’s less to do with the air and more to do with the way Jonathan straightens, his entire focus zooming in on me.

His jaw clenches as he removes the shades, uncovering his darkened gaze. “Is that an invitation, Aurora?”

“No.” I walk backwards towards the beach. “I’m going for a swim.”

“A swim?”

“Catch me if you can, old man.”

“Old man?” he repeats slowly.

“Yeah, show me your stamina.”

“I did, not too long ago, and you were so exhausted, you fell asleep on me, remember?” He stands anyway, pulling his T-shirt over his head, then yanks down his shorts.