King Me (King Me Duet 1)

“He said without hesitation that I was his. The man can be a royal pain in the ass. But he’s not a liar. Not about this. He says without a doubt you aren’t his. And he had the opportunity to say the same about me.” I opened my mouth to say something ugly, but he continued. “I believe your mother believes that Royce is your father. But maybe she’s wrong.”

“Royce,” I spat and pointed a finger at his face, “took care of you for years. His ego wouldn’t allow him to appear duped by your mother. Of course, he claimed you.”

“I am his son,” he said. “The results were conclusive. He was right even though there was damning evidence otherwise. I don’t want you to be caught blindsided.”

I dropped my hand. “You don’t have to worry. As much as you don’t like the idea, I’m your brother. I hope you’ll accept that when the test proves it.”

“Brother or no brother, I do believe we are related. If I didn’t think strongly on that point, you wouldn’t be here.”

“I don’t need your charity. I can find a place to stay. I have enough savings to take care of myself.”

“We know exactly what you have. You said yourself, we did a thorough background check. We all agree you have the right skills in the right moment. The offer and its compensation reflect that.”

That was true. They hadn’t lowballed me. In fact, they’re paying me top dollar. “What is your point?”

“Only that Royce is the client. Treat him any less and this is over. Neither of you has to like it, but this is the best for everyone. Grant is an awesome pilot. He came through for me a few months back in a big way. If his father, my uncle, taught both of you, I can trust you with all members of my family, including my father. Or can’t I?”

I ground my teeth. “You can. I’ll keep it as professional as he does. However, if he says shit about my mother, all bets are off.”

He nodded. “I’ll give you that. But you get him there and back safely regardless.”

“Fine.”

“The helicopter is on the roof. We’ll take the elevator,” he said.

Rich people. An elevator in a private residence and a helicopter just waiting on the roof.

After he closed us in the two-person contraption, I said, “Didn’t want to parade me through the house?”

“I know you have a chip on your shoulder but keep your sour sauce to yourself. Riding the elevator was the most expedient way. You’re wearing a coat, jogging up several flight would warm you up only to step out in cold air.”

“Thanks for your consideration,” I said, the words bitter on my tongue.

I didn’t want to like this guy after he suggested my mother didn’t know who she slept with. At the same time, he’d been incredibly honest with me. Though what he’d said was compelling, I held firm. “Who will be going with us?” I meant Royce and me. Connor said before a third person would always go.

“His nurse. Kalen’s at the office and I’m holding the fort here. She’ll bring him out once you confirm all is well with the helicopter.”

I’d been given the make of the helicopter I would fly in advance. It was a standard one used by most private citizens who could afford such a thing. My uncle had a similar one in his fleet. It was a clear day, and I didn’t anticipate any problems after I reviewed the flight plan. I didn’t know the area, but I could follow navigation and landmarks, like notable skyscrapers.

The doors opened to a terrace. After we exited, I turned and there was one of the most beautiful birds I’d seen. The matte black helo appeared brand new. Each step closer brought excitement I hadn’t felt since leaving the Air Force.

Connor stood out in the cold as I did my preflight check. I gave him a thumbs up when I was ready. He put his phone to his ear and spoke. Shortly, Royce King was wheeled out. It was hard to imagine this man who appeared so diminished causing my mother to cry. But then, karma was a bitch.

After Connor got Royce in, I realized, I’d be forced to get him out once we reached the hospital. The upside was with my helmet on, I could ignore my passengers.

Even if Connor hadn’t warned me otherwise, I treated Royce with the respect he didn’t deserve while helping out. His nurse took over once the man was in a hospital-issued wheelchair.

I followed them and was met by a hospital administrator when I got inside.

“Mr. King has given us your contact information.” I took that to mean Connor. “We will let you know when the elder King is ready to leave.”

“The helicopter?” I asked.