King Me (King Me Duet Book 1) Read online

  “What about your uncle?” If one was rich, it stood to reason the other brother was too.

  “The reason my parents met was because my father came to town and got my uncle to sign away his rights to the family fortune. Still, I knew my uncle would help me financially with school if I asked. My father’s rejection made me want to make my own way. So that night, I announced I enlisted in the Air Force. They offered money for college. I knew how to fly. Win-win.”

  He stood up so abruptly, the table shook. “All of that judgement made me lose my appetite. Excuse me.”

  I scrubbed my hands over my face. Did I really do that? Crap. I pushed my hair back from my face. Why was I so harsh? His situation was totally different from mine. Besides, just because I would have handled his problems differently, didn’t mean my way was right.

  The problem was I’d felt so comfortable with him, I spoke my truth. That didn’t give me a right to judge him.

  My legs were stiff when I stood from all the tension in last few minutes. I grabbed his plate of cake and ice cream and headed to the bedroom. I knocked but he didn’t answer. Lucky for me, when I turned the handle, it wasn’t locked.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have judged you,” I said. “Don’t miss out on this yummy cake.” I set the peace offering on the bedside table. He didn’t look at me. “By the way, I saw your brother and his wife in the hospital. They have a son.” I left with my tail between my legs.

  Back in the living room, I curled up on the sofa and stared at the TV, not really watching. I’d totally bungled everything. This was why I never had a boyfriend. Not one for any length of time. I was far too jaded, and I had my parent’s history I’d heard from Mom over the years to thank for that.

  When I woke up the next morning, I was dressed in the same clothes I’d fallen asleep in. Though my shoes were off, a pillow was beneath my head, and a blanket covered me. Liam had taken care of me.

  Had I completely screwed things up? Because the attraction was still there. It was probably the reason I sabotaged things so I wouldn’t admit to him I was still very much into him. I guess time would tell. After his comment last night about me ghosting him, that morning I left him a note before I left for work.

  Eight

  Liam

  Snow was coming down hard when I got up late in the morning. I didn’t want to think about Natalie and if she’d made it to work okay, but I did.

  I’d decided after our talk yesterday, there was too much of a divide between us for even friends with benefits status. She’d apologized for sure and even left a note this morning with her phone number scribbled at the bottom. I didn’t give it much consideration.

  It wasn’t until I’d gotten the call from Kalen that I did consider using it. I could’ve been a dick. In the end, I texted her that I wouldn’t be there if she decided to return. I couldn’t be sure because each day she’d left with all her things.

  Later that day, I finally reached Grant, but the connection was bad. I’d gotten to tell him I was alive and had made it before losing the connection.

  Kalen arranged a car for me even though I told him I could drive. He insisted. When the car pulled up in front of the massive skyscraper with the marquee of King Enterprises, I thought about everything Natalie had said. She’d been right about a few things. I was still here not only for vindication, but the money too. Mostly because it would hurt Royce to part with it, and then, I also didn’t want my mother to have to worry about money ever again. However, money was far my main goal.

  Security let me through and gave me a temporary badge. I was escorted to the top floor and into a conference room with a stern warning not to leave. What did Kalen think I would do?

  Pent up emotions kept me on my feet doing a slow circle of the room. The walls were made of glass and there were only few people in the office even though it was late afternoon.

  I caught Kalen’s approach. The man had swagger, that was for sure. Confidence exuded out of him. Maybe he thought I would back down, but I’d made up my mind. This day was a long time coming.

  He blew in the door like a hurricane but didn’t speak until we were sealed inside alone and after he set papers down on the conference room table.

  “How much will it take to get you to let this go?” His words were thick with Scottish brogue.

  I’d expected something like this, but not exactly. It was too damn easy. “Nothing.”

  “You’re willing to submit to a DNA test?” he asked, looking mildly surprised.

  My gaze was firm on his when I spoke. “Yes.”

  “What is it you want?”

  “I want him to admit he was wrong.”

  He laughed. “Aye. I must say, you’ll be waiting a long time. Even if you’re his, he’ll never admit it.”

  “Even if,” I said, annoyed he suggested my mom was wrong.

  “Let me tell you about the man you want to call father. He’s made it clear he has two children by choice because he’s very careful not to leave a seed where it shouldn’t be. Apparently, my grandfather made that law he wasn’t to bring bastards in the world.”

  “Well, he fucked up,” I said. “My mother isn’t a liar. She hadn’t been with another man for a long while before she crossed paths with Royce King.”

  “I’m not calling her liar. I’m just warning you, laddie. The old man’s no prize. In fact, I wouldn’t be here if not that Connor didn’t want to take over the business. Be prepared, he’s clear on his favorite son.”

  “Connor owns a sex club,” I said, with a small grin of victory when I startled him.

  “Connor has other interests. But make no mistake, he’s more than capable of running the business. He chooses not to.”

  Well, that was interesting. Kalen and Connor had different mothers and didn’t grow up together from what little I found on the web. I would have guessed them rivals except in the company of others. But Connor wasn’t here and Kalen was defending him.

  “When do you want a sample?” I asked, wanting to let him know I was serious about getting this done.

  “In a minute. I’ll have a nurse come in and then you’re free to go back to Maryland.”

  I blinked, hoping the shock didn’t show on my face. They must have done some digging on me since our first meeting.

  “I’m staying until we have a result. I would prefer to watch a sample being taken from our father.” I’d purposefully called him that instead of Royce or Mr. King.

  “What difference does it make? If we wanted to fool you, we could have a lab give us the result we wanted. Know this, mate, it makes no difference to me if you’re his or not. Whatever Royce leaves in his will won’t change my way of life. I’m a self-made man. I have more than enough money to take care of my wife and family.”

  He had kids too. Interesting.

  “Are you putting me out?” I meant the hotel. Though I didn’t say that, he understood.

  “I would, but it would upset my wife. And I wouldn’t do anything to upset her, especially when she’s pregnant.”

  I almost blurted a ‘congratulations’ for Connor’s son but stopped myself. I didn’t want to explain how I knew. Instead, I asked, “How is Lizzy?”.

  “She’s fine. They have a son.”

  “Tell them I said congrats. Does he have a name?” I asked.

  “He does.”

  “You’re not going to tell me.”

  “I’m not. We don’t know you. Not yet. You might sell that to the tabloids. If Connor wants you to know, he’ll tell you when we meet in a few days to hash out the details. Meanwhile, fill this out.” He shifted the papers in my direction and tapped on one of the papers that was on the table. “It’s a non-disclosure agreement.”

  “Why would I sign this?”

  “Because you showed up at our house and wanted answers. This is how you get it. You’re welcome to read it. I’ll send in the nurse. My admin will show you out and the driver will take you back to the hotel.”

  “How will I get in c
ontact with you?” I’d received the call for this meeting through the hotel phone.

  “We’ll be in touch. There is an additional form with all your contact information. Goodbye, Liam.”

  With that he walked out.

  I wasn’t sure how I felt things went. I also wasn’t sure about what I saw when I returned to the hotel room.

  Nine

  Liam

  My sexy little nurse couldn’t have been sexier if she tried as she danced around the room wiggling her ass in penguin covered pj bottoms. When she turned, I got the show I hadn’t gotten the other night. She had fantastic tits and if I hadn’t already made up my mind about us, I might have allowed my mouth to water.

  Though there was no one in the hall, I quickly stepped fully in the room, allowing the door to close. No way did I want anyone to get the show I got.

  She was still cute as hell when her eyes widened at my sudden appearance. I quirked a brow.

  “Had a good day, did we?” I asked.

  In under a second, the carefree woman that was dancing her butt off removed her earbuds and dissolved into tears. I had a weakness for crying women and moved quickly to wrap her in my arms.

  “Do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

  She cried a little longer, clinging on as if she didn’t want to let go. When her tears subsided, she pulled back and I let her go.

  Sniffling she said, “I watched a woman die before she could hold her baby.”

  Feeling her hurt, I reached for her. She allowed me to have her hand but didn’t move closer. “The woman came in alone. Her situation was so critical, we didn’t have time to get any of her information before she was gone. Her daughter was brought into the world a minute after she passed on.”

  I didn’t know what to say and just rubbed her hand as she continued.

  “They found out who she was from the wallet in her purse. When I left, they hadn’t found anyone to contact let alone the father’s name. The baby will be transferred into care if there are unable to locate a relative when it’s time to release her.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said at a loss for words.

  “It’s not just that, as bad as that is. It hit home, you know. It made me realize if I lost my mother, I would be as alone as that child. However, that child will likely get adopted by a family that will love her. Me, I’ll be all alone.”

  “You don’t have family?” As much as we’d talked, I didn’t know that answer.

  Her hair fanned around her head as she shook it. “My mom was orphaned when she was five. Her parents were killed in a hiking accident. No one came forward. Mom was too young to remember if she had family and grew up in the system.”

  “Your father?” I asked, knowing she didn’t care for the man, but he was family.

  “As I’ve said, I wish I didn’t know the man. He conned my mother into a relationship with his pretty lies while married to another woman. They met where she was working at a law firm with hopes of becoming a paralegal. She knew he had legal troubles but not the extent. She only found out he was married when he was on the news and had his wife by his side. When Mom was finally able to confront him, he warned her never to leave him. That’s when she got us out and moved us to a small town and changed our names. The last thing I want is that man in my life, and he wouldn’t be if I had a choice.”

  I had no idea. Now it made sense why she had been so upset over my situation. We moved over to sit on the couch, and she curled up next me.

  “You’ll never be alone.” I didn’t know why I said, yet I meant it.

  She leaned up and pressed her lips to mine. I could’ve sunk into the kiss, but slowly backed off.

  “What?” she asked.

  “I can taste the wine on your lips.” There had been an open bottle on the table when I walked in. “We aren’t going there while you’re like this.”

  “Why not? Drunk girls can have fun too.”

  “Drunk girls have regrets,” I said.

  “I never regretted what we did. I was surprised and embarrassed by my actions. In fact, I bought condoms.”

  “It’s not going to happen.” I held firm on my decision even though her grin was an invitation.

  “Even if I told you I bought them yesterday not today? Sober, I’d thought maybe and I wanted to be prepared.”

  Though I felt like a shit for what I was about to say, it had to be said. “I think it’s best we just stay friends.” She scooted away like she’d been burned. “Natalie, it’s not that I don’t like you.”

  “Please don’t say it’s me and not you. That would just add to my already shit day.” She got to her feet.

  “Where are you going?” I asked.

  “Nowhere, because I have nowhere. If I could, I would leave.”

  “Natalie,” I said, again.

  She shook her head. “Don’t. It’s fine. I should be used to it. If you don’t mind, I’m going to grab a shower.”

  It was the right thing, I reminded myself. I had no idea where my path was leading me. I couldn’t, in good faith, start a relationship when I didn’t know where I would be in a week let alone a few months. It wouldn’t be fair for either of us.

  Ten

  Natalie

  By the time I exited the bathroom, Liam was nowhere to be found. He did leave a note saying that he was going out and to order room service if I was hungry.

  If it hadn’t been humiliating enough, he turned me down. Having him feel the need to avoid me was worse. It was a good thing I had contacted my agency for help to find a roommate. They were now aware of my predicament. I’d given them heads up that I might not be able to stay if I couldn’t find accommodation.

  The only reason I didn’t go back home at that very moment was because of my shift. The hospital was understaffed with people turning up sick.

  I dialed Jody and luckily, she picked up.

  “Why are you calling me when you’re with that delicious boy?”

  “I messed up,” I admitted.

  “Oh boy. Catch me up. Tell me what happened.”

  Jody was the only person in the world I could tell the complete story to without fear of judgement. I told her about the first night when I practically begged him to screw me all the way up to today.

  “Cheer up. You can’t win them all. I’m proud of you for trying. And if he doesn’t see what a catch you are, his loss.”

  I smiled though I didn’t feel it as much as I wanted to. “You have to say that as my best friend.”

  “No, as your best friend, I have to tell you the truth and get you through it. You’re gorgeous and smart. You can cook too.”

  “And apparently, I can’t keep a guy interested.”

  “Everything happens for a reason. Maybe this is for the best.”

  The last thing I wanted to do was wallow in self-pity. “How about you? How’d your date go?”

  “Well, let’s see. As soon as we met at the restaurant, he was ready to leave. Saying, how about we take this to my place instead. Like I didn’t know what he meant. I talked him down from that, but he kept checking the time on his phone, though he pretended not to. I convinced him to stay since we had gotten a table, we might as well have the meal.”

  “Did he agree?”

  “He did. But once it was over, he mysteriously had to go. Turns out, he has a fiancé. I should’ve known. Senator’s son dating a mixed-race girl. I’d thought, oh, how progressive he was, considering his father bats for the conservative team. I was wrong. He has his perfect family approved fiancé waiting to be the mother of his two point five kids and live in some mini mansion in Potomac or Great Falls. Not that it matters. The restaurants are all closed now. No more dates for this girl.”

  “Sorry, Jody.”

  “What’s to be sorry about? I’m beautiful and I got it from my black mother and my white father. I’m damn proud of who I am and won’t apologize for it either. I spent too much of my childhood trying to fit in. Now I’m just going to be me, love it or hate it.”
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  “I love you,” I said. “You’re my forever sister.”

  “I love you too. I couldn’t have asked for a better sister.”

  “Love is thicker than blood,” I said.

  “Abso-fucking-lutely.”

  It was then, I knew I would never be alone. I had Jody and she had me. I didn’t need or want a man to complete me. It wasn’t just about a boyfriend or a future husband. It was also about my father. It was the reason I’d taken this job. I hoped to somehow pay Daddy Dearest back so I wouldn’t owe him a thing.

  After our call, I felt somewhat better. I ended up falling asleep on the couch without dinner. I felt sick myself but only emotionally. A meal just wasn’t in the cards. In the morning, I left with a note saying I was going to work. I added the words Thank you, just in case. I planned to spend lunch looking for a hotel room of my own.

  As required by the hospital, I was changing out of issued scrubs when Ms. Allen approached me.

  “I heard you needed a place to stay.”

  I’d been working with her every day and had established a good rapport. “Yes.”

  “My son is in the service. You can use his room if you’d like.”

  As much as I wanted to, I didn’t want to impose. “I couldn’t take your son’s room.”

  “He wouldn’t mind. And to be honest, it’s a little lonely without him.”

  Inwardly, I was hopping on my toes and clapping. Outwardly, I tried not to sound too excited. “We should talk about rent. I can only afford so much.”

  “It’s a room in my house, so it’s not as much privacy as your own place. Plus, I would ask for you not to have overnight guests.”

  “No problems there,” I said.

  The rent she quoted was less than half of what I had planned to pay at the original place. I agreed on the amount and asked, “When can I move in?”