Rise of a Queen (Kingdom Duet 2)

A huge grin pulls at my lips. “You did?”

He nods.

The overwhelming joy is crushed by a dooming realisation. My smile drops as fast as it appeared.

Our agreement said that he’d only transfer the stocks back at the end of the six-month period.

Those six months are almost over.

No idea why I thought that didn’t matter anymore. I swear it’s because that dick Layla has been ramping up my hopes. Two weeks ago, when I went back to my flat to get some of my things, we discovered that Jonathan now owns the building. Actually, he bought the thing soon after the start of our agreement.

The fact that he was able to waltz into my flat that day I fainted made more sense. Then Layla told me that if he bought the fucking building I live in, Jonathan has long-term plans for me.

Apparently, that’s not the case.

“So what now?” My lips tremble as I drop my hands from around his neck. “Is this my ticket to leave?”

“Your ticket?”

“Well, aren’t you giving me back the stocks so I’ll go?”

“Is that what you think?”

“Isn’t that why you did it?” My voice is broken and hurt, even to my own ears.

He grabs me by the waist and tugs so that I end up sitting on his hard thighs. The position has become too familiar. The thought of never having it again is more painful than being stabbed.

Jonathan’s fingers dig into my hipbone, tender but firm. “It’s the other way around.”

“The other way around?”

“I gave you back the stocks so you wouldn’t stay just because I’m holding them over your head.”

A deep breath heaves out of my lungs as his grey eyes hold mine hostage. “Does that mean you’re giving me the opportunity to choose whether I leave or stay?”

He gives a sharp nod. “But if you do choose to leave, I might not play fair.”

“When have you ever?”

“You already know my methods, so choose wisely. I’ll give you some time to think about it.”

“I don’t need time.”

He narrows his eyes, fingers tightening into my hip. “If you’re in the mood to be chased, I’m happy to oblige.”

I lean over and whisper in his ear, “I’m not going anywhere.”

“No?”

“I’ve kind of gotten used to you. It’d be weird to get a different roommate.”

“Is that so?”

“I think so. I love you, Jonathan.”

He smiles, a genuine one that lights his grey eyes and threatens to stop my heart. “You do, huh?”

“I do. I thought I was incapable of love after losing Dad and Alicia, but you wrenched it out of me so easily. In the beginning, it was frightening, but it soon became exciting. I’m so glad I met you — or more like, re-met you.”