Grayer #3
Arabella gasps, pulling me even closer. Tears gather in her blue eyes. I thumb away a loose tear that falls. I thumb it away, not wanting her to spill any tears for me.
“Oh my gosh, Grayer, I am so sorry.”
“Me too, Duchess. Me too. I will never forgive him for keeping her away from me. For not letting me say a proper goodbye. Especially since he used her death as a power move. My people knew I was the rightful heir, but he swooped in and gained the power—the council approved of this because of my age. Only until I was ready to become king. He treats my people like resources to take from and ignore. My people and the land aren’t doing so well.
Honestly, I sometimes think my father is just buying time, trying to figure out how to get rid of me, to stay king of both isles.
I think he truly loves Koi, but he loves power more.
” Her sadness turns into anger, her eyes darkening as her fists clench.
“I don’t like that asshole. How is he not imprisoned for villainy? Again, I thought the council was supposed to stop things like this!”
“I wager they just don’t want another war.
Perhaps that’s why they offered control of us to our parents in exchange for their power to maintain.
A marriage of convenience to a random woman seemed like a fair price to pay to eventually free my people and get away from him.
I just didn’t know I would meet someone who made me realize I didn’t want to just settle. To not be lonely anymore.”
Arabella moves so quickly to straddle my legs. I almost miss grabbing her, my grip holding her so tight so she doesn’t fall over the edge of the roof. My heart quickens at just how close to falling she was.
“Fuck! Don’t scare me like that, Duchess!”
“I wasn’t going to fall; I knew you had me.” She grabs my collar and pulls me in for a flaming kiss. My hands tighten on her hips.
“I’m sorry that happened to you, Grayer,” Ella says softly, her gaze locking with mine. Steady and full of something that feels too tender to name.
I don’t respond with words. Instead, I lean in, pressing my lips to hers in a kiss that’s quieter this time. Something meant to soothe the ache she uncovered with her kindness.
She must feel the effect she has on me—my body’s response undeniable—as she lets out a soft moan against my mouth, her hips shifting just enough to draw a low growl from my throat.
Reluctantly, I pull back, our foreheads still touching as I catch my breath.
“Fuck, Duchess,” I whisper, voice rough with want. Pulling back to capture the memory of her perfect face. “I could kiss you for hours and never tire of the way you taste.”
She smiles. “Then why did you stop, my dark prince?”
I put my forehead back onto hers and groan.
“Because I am an idiot who made a stupid promise to my stupid brothers that I would bring you to Big Al’s.
Sylas is fighting tonight and wants you there.
Koi is there too, not wanting to be left out.
I really shouldn’t have shared my date night.
” I gruff as she laughs her musical laugh.
We get up, tying our bandanas back on, and make our way to the fighting den, hand in hand.
The instant we walk into our private booth, Koi steals her from me.
He lifts her and walks over to the chair, placing her in his lap.
He removes her bandana, this balcony booth gives us privacy from wandering eyes.
She looks happy yet a bit wary of him being so affectionate in front of me. I slap him on the head.
“Jeeze, Koi, this is MY date tonight! Way to take over, jerk. I will remember this when you take her out.” I sit next to them, grabbing her calves to drape over my thighs. So I can still touch her. He shrugs and kisses her neck.
“Sorry, brother, I needed a dose of sunshine.”
Arabella blushes and squirms a bit.
“Uh-well-uh… You are… Are both dating me? When was I going to be informed?”
“Just now. Oh, and Sylas is a part of this, too. Archer… he needs to get over himself. He has trust issues. But he will come around.”
Arabella stares at me, shocked. Then turns to Koi. He smiles and nods, showering her with another kiss on her cheek as he locks his big arms around her.
“Do I get a say in this?”
“Hmm, good point, Duchess. Do you want to be our girl? Our future Queen? Ride on all our cocks off into the sunset!?”
She laughs so loudly her bright smile shines.
“Who could turn down that proposition?!”
I grab her hand and kiss it. She truly is perfect for us.
They announce Sylas and he enters the ring. My Duchess’s eyes heat as she sees a shirtless Sylas, also in his tight fighting shorts. Sylas looks up at our balcony and smiles at Arabella, giving her a wink through his mask.
Koi leans into her ear. “He filled us in on your crush on The Stone. Do I need to start fighting to win your affections, Sunshine?”
“Of course not.” She giggles. “Though his name is a little on the money. Sylas Stone as The Stone—could have been a little more creative with that one.” We all laugh, enjoying the ease of each other’s company.
As the fight begins, Ella worries as he takes a few punches and kicks, but we watch on as he yet again wins another match.
“He doesn’t need the money. What does he do with the winnings?”
“He gives half to his opponent. But he also walks over to the shelter and donates the remaining funds,” Koi answers.
Arabella visibly swoons.
“That’s it, I am joining Sy in the ring if it will make my duchess swoon over me too!”
Fights continue to go on as Sylas makes his way up the balcony to join us. He scoops Arabella from Koi and places her on his lap as he sits, grabbing her face to kiss her fervently. She melts into his kiss, seemingly just as turned on from all the violence. Koi huffs.
“See, it isn’t so nice when it happens to you, is it?” I joke with my brother, and a punch to the shoulder is all I get in return.
“Vixen, what did you think of the fight?” Sylas asks after finally letting our girl finally breathe. He thumbs her swollen lips, keeping his big hand on her cheek.
“You are amazing as always, but now that I know it’s you, I don’t think I can stomach watching you get kicked and punched.” He pulls her closer to his sweaty body, kissing her all over again.
“I think I need to remind you two that it is my date night with Ella!”
Sylas flips me the bird in response, continuing to kiss our girl.
We fall into natural conversations while the fights continue. And for once, almost everything seems right in the world.