Twisted Kingdom (Royal Elite 3)
“When does voluntary end and the obligation start?” Aiden shoots back.
They go on and on. The audience are watching the two titans clash with gaped mouths. Even the president doesn’t dare to say anything.
Me on the other hand? I’m done watching two sociopaths trying to outsmart one ano
ther.
As Asher goes on and on about legal texts and whatnot, I squeeze Aiden’s hand and whisper, “I’m tired. Let’s go home.”
He doesn’t even stop to consider it.
Still clutching my hand, he stands, taking me up with him and cuts off Asher. “My wife needs to rest.”
“Loser,” Asher mutters.
Aiden smirks. “I’m taking a rain check.”
“I’ll be here,” Asher calls to our backs as we head to the door. “Now, where was I?”
He launches into a long, one-sided argument.
“Why are you even friends with him?” I ask as soon as we’re alone.
“Because he’s fun, sweetheart. We need fun people who aren’t politically correct.”
“You mean sociopaths.”
“Every society needs old-fashioned villains.” He grins down at me, then his brows crease. “Why are you tired?”
“I’m—”
Before I can say anything, he slams his palm on the middle of my chest.
“Aiden!” I watch our surroundings. I know he’s just checking my heartbeat — like he does every day. Actually, he sometimes sleeps with his head on my heart to make sure it’s working properly.
“I told you to check my wrist pulse when we’re in public,” I whisper. “People are watching.”
“Fuck people. I’ll check my wife’s pulse any way I like.” He removes his hand and places two fingers on my neck. “Hmm. Your pulse is fine.”
“It is,” I say as we step into the cold air.
“Then what is it? Do you feel chest tightness?”
“No.”
“Palpitations?”
I shake my head.
Aiden is strict as fuck when it comes to my health. He’s more religious about my appointments than I am. He’s continuously studying about heart conditions like doctors with degrees.
He’s even considering taking a second course in medicine.
No kidding, he really is.
He steps in front of me, buttons my coat to my chin, removes his scarf and ties it close around my neck.
It smells of him, clean and masculine. I take a deep inhale, breathing him into my lungs.