Lie (Betrothed 8)

“Anna.” It was the truth; she had mentioned him a few times when we were together, talking about her time with Liam and his relationship to the Skull King.

He continued to give me a dark look, like he was so angered with the question he couldn’t answer it. “Why are you asking?”

“I mean, people actually call him that? Is he an actual king of the city? The title seems ridiculous. I just don’t get it.”

“Not an actual king, more like a ruler.” Even though he was his enemy, Damien didn’t mock him or drag his name through the mud. He didn’t deny his credibility or pretend he was a minor enemy.

That was a little frightening.

He continued to speak. “He basically runs the country, keeps competing businesses distinct and separate so there’s no monopoly on any specific product, like drugs, weapons, women, etc. He collects a fee for his work, and he keeps the peace…basically.”

I was stunned when I heard that answer. “Really?”

He nodded. “That’s why I haven’t killed him. How do you kill someone who has everyone in his pocket? I know the smart thing to do is just let it go, but after what happened with Anna, I don’t think I can. I need to kill the Skull King.”

I guess people actually did call him that. He actually terrified people…including my brother. “I think you should let it go.”

His eyes narrowed on me.

“You and Anna are happy together. Liam kept his word. Just be happy.” I wasn’t sure why I gave Damien advice about his feud. Being around Heath made me realize he really was powerful, even though I couldn’t directly attest to his abilities. The best thing for both of them was just to move on. Maybe I had my own reasons for influencing Damien, because if there was no feud, there could be no betrayal.

He looked down at his hands and shook his head slightly. “I can’t. I just can’t.”

“But do you think you can even kill him?”

He considered the question in silence. “Yes. But it’s going to take a lot of planning. That man has wronged me so many times, continues to collect my money when it doesn’t belong to him. I can let that go, but the fact that he took Anna from her hospital bed, which could’ve killed her, makes it impossible for me to just move on. I could’ve lost her forever because of him.”

When I saw the determination in those green eyes, I knew my brother would never feel differently about the situation. If he knew I was sneaking around with Heath, it would be a personal attack, a betrayal. This was a battle that would never go away, and until Damien was the victor, the war would continue.

“She’s everything to me…and he crossed the line.”

When another week passed and I didn’t hear from Heath, I realized he’d actually listened to me. He seemed like a guy who wouldn’t care about my wishes, who would keep trying after he got his dick wet against my panties, but he’d finally backed off.

I’d be lying if I said a part of me wasn’t disappointed. When I’d first looked at him, I didn’t see anything remarkable, but then again, I was thrown into a cage and treated like a dog. Once he let me go, I started to look at him differently. Then I noticed how beautiful his eyes were, how chiseled his arms were, how deep his voice was. He was tall, big, masculine…all the things I liked in a man. He was confident and not the least bit turned off by my attitude. And most importantly, he knew how to kiss a woman.

And that dick…damn.

I really felt like I was missing out on something good. When he pinned me to the car and rubbed up against me, it was so hot. Feeling his hard dick pressed against my clit like an On button felt so good, especially with his tongue in my mouth. I knew he could’ve made me come then and there, but he held my pleasure hostage to get me to cooperate.

I hadn’t found a better man. I still went out to the bars with my friends and met guys, got a few phone numbers, but nothing ever happened. I went home alone because I didn’t want to risk being disappointed…again.

I knew where he lived, so I could stop by if I wanted to, but I knew that would be a mistake. I just needed more time to stop thinking about him, to move on and get back to my regular life. I wanted to be like my brother, loyal and strong, and sleeping with Heath would make me feel so dirty. I made the right decision. I knew I did.

So I told myself to move on.

After a performance, I went to the bar with a few friends. It was a good time with good music and good drinks, making it a night like the rest. I met a few guys, got a few numbers, and then excused myself to the restroom.