Chapter 18
Kinsley
Promise?
As I walked through my bedroom door, my emotions were all over the place.
Dancing with Pasha was like breathing. There was a comfortability between us that allowed us to move so well together, and the beauty of it went down to the marrow of my bones.
He would always have a special place in my life.
I was beyond thankful for the time I had with him and that, with his social media and videos, I’d always be able to watch him, even from afar.
I hummed as I moved toward the bathroom. But right then, the maid, Eloise, emerged from my closet, and my heart skipped a beat as my eyes widened. I stumbled backward, my muscles tensing in response.
“I’m sorry to startle you, Ms. Taylor,” she said, sensing my fear.
In her outstretched hands, she presented an exquisite gown. Its shimmering fabric cascaded like moonlit waves, flowing effortlessly from her fingers. The sight of it pulled my attention away from the rhythmic echoes that still resonated within me from Pasha’s song choice.
“Alek called. He’d like you to get ready for dinner with the guys. He specifically asked for this dress. I hope that’s okay?” Her voice was timid, like she thought I might argue with her.
“It’s perfectly fine. Did he say what time?” Damn, I wish I had my phone. I looked over at the clock on the wall and made a mental note to ask for my phone so I could communicate directly with Alek.
“Yes, five thirty.”
Sighing, I realized I only had about an hour to get ready.
She delicately placed the dress on the bed and then excused herself.
The shower helped, at least a little—steam easing the tension in my shoulders as I worked through hair and makeup on autopilot.
I applied a generous amount of my signature honeysuckle body spray, letting it settle along my neck and between my breasts like a whispered promise.
When I finally stepped out of the bathroom, the air felt cooler.
Time to get dressed. My gaze dropped to the gown.
It was a seductive masterpiece in black and a part of Alek’s collection.
The elegant, floor-sweeping dress had the signature daring thigh-high slit he was so fond of.
It was going to tease at the boundaries of convention, and it made me wonder where we were dining.
The front was low cut, and the back revealed an intricate lacing of satin ties.
I was practically ready when Nik waltzed into my room.
“Jesus, malyshka, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you. You look amazing yourself.”
His tailored suit fit him perfectly. Every contour of his physique was accentuated, from the broadness of his shoulders to the tapering of his waist. He was clean shaven, and his chiseled jawline emphasized his good looks.
With every step he took toward me, my heart beat harder inside my chest. He was so captivating, my baby-faced King.
“Would you help me, please?” I turned around so he could lace up the back.
“I’d like to take it off, but since we don’t have much time, I suppose I’ll do the right thing,” he grumbled as he caressed my back.
Then laced the dress up and tied it. His hand dropped to my waist, then slid around the front, finding the slit.
“Nice, really nice.” He brushed my thigh before moving up.
“Where are we going? I thought it wasn’t safe for me to go out in public right now.” Anxiety clawed at my throat at the thought of being out again.
“Dinner with the parents. Welcome home party. The Caruso family will be there. You’ll finally get to meet Bella. She doesn’t talk much, but she’s only a few years older than you.” He sighed as he tenderly caressed my pussy.
“Bella, the one and only who has my Kings’ heart, huh? Now I’m really feeling anxious. How beautiful is she? Tell me now, Crow, do you love her?”
“She’s gorgeous, stubborn as all get out, and I do love her,” he murmured, making my heart sink.
“Like a sister.” A shiver ran through me at his growled words and the possessive way he grabbed my pussy.
“God, I’m not going to be able to keep my hands off you tonight.
I wish we were staying in. Damn parents. ”
Heat filled my cheeks, and he kissed my neck once more before pulling away.
Taking my hand, he led me down the stairs and through the house, my heels clicking on the expensive flooring.
We met up with Alek and Marcel in the foyer, but Ivan was nowhere to be seen.
It was both a relief and a disappointment.
The drive over was peaceful, and my anxiety died down until we reached the gates of their parents’ home.
It was magnificent, nestled in the countryside.
The imposing wrought-iron security gate stood tall, and two guards dressed in sharp uniforms greeted Marcus.
As one of them waved us through, I spotted not one but three cameras mounted in strategic locations.
Marcus brought the car to a stop and stepped out. A tremor of apprehension coursed through me. I didn’t even want to think about his parents and what they thought about us. I cast a fleeting glance at the imposing mansion before Alek offered me his hand and helped me from the car.
Sensing my apprehension, he called my name. “What is it, sweetness?”
“I’m not sure if I can do this,” I whispered. He and Nik exchanged a look.
“You can, kitten. I know it. Nik knows it. We will be with you the entire time.”
“Promise?” I asked, needing their strength, remembering how the last dinner with their parents went.
“Promise,” they both said. I straightened my shoulders and walked toward the door.
The doorman, clad in a crisply tailored uniform, stood at attention, his presence imposing.
With a gracious nod, he opened the door and extended a gloved hand, ushering us inside.
It was as if I were in a movie, the home’s opulence even more evident as I walked in.
I wanted to sit and take it all in, except his parents were standing there.
The scrutiny in their eyes was almost unbearable.
His mother narrowed hers as if she were examining me under a microscope, searching for my flaws. A knot formed in my throat, and I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her silent judgment and disapproval. She sighed heavily, her hatred of me obvious.
“Father, you remember Kinsley,” Alek said, smoothly reintroducing us.
I tried not to stare too hard; he looked so much like Alek.
His silvery-blond hair was perfectly in place.
His blue eyes studied me, holding a slightly more friendly look than his wife.
He was tall and built like Ivan, all muscle, and carried himself with an air of authority.
I’d bet he was every bit as dangerous as his sons.
He stuck his hand out, which I took, noting the immaculately trimmed nails and how it engulfed mine.
“Hello. You look beautiful this evening.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, turning to Mrs. King. “Mrs. King, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Thank you for allowing me into your home.”
As another sigh escaped her, the weight of it settled upon my heart like a heavy stone.
Despite the sinking feeling in my stomach, her smile remained as she kept up the facade.
With an immense amount of grace and politeness, she extended me a warm welcome.
The tension was momentarily broken when the door swung open, and the same doorman ushered in another couple. Sebastian made his way over with them.
“Mother, Father, this is the girl I was telling you about. Kinsley, these are my parents. Bella pulled one of her—”
Sebastian’s mother cut him off. “Son.” The warning was clear.
“I’m sorry our little Bella wasn’t feeling well this evening,” Mrs. Caruso said, giving her son the side-eye.
I wanted to laugh at the grin he gave her but refrained.
She was a beautiful woman, petite like me, with dark hair and bright blue eyes like Sebastian.
“It’s quite all right. I hope to meet her soon,” I said politely.
Just as we prepared to move to the dining room, the door swung open for a third time, and I wanted to die. Ivan sauntered in, his chest puffed out and an easy grin covering his handsome face. On his arm was none other than Allison, the cock-craving whore.
My heart plummeted, sinking into my stomach. Waves of anguish crashed over me, and I wanted to crumble to the ground. The sight of them together was almost worse than the words he’d spoken to me earlier.
She looked gorgeous, a vision of beauty.
Her long, slender legs seemed to stretch for miles.
Her complexion was flawless, and she was radiant.
Every strand of blond hair fell into place.
And the golden tresses cascaded around her shoulders, framing her delicate features.
Standing next to Ivan, she looked like she belonged, as if she was destined for him somehow.
The sight of the two of them so perfect together increased my desire to escape, to vanish from the room and sob hysterically in a corner somewhere alone. If he could read minds, he’d tell me I was being dramatic again.
A warmth lit up her face as Ivan introduced her to the Caruso family.
I couldn’t get over the lightness emanating from him tonight.
He was practically like his old self. At first, I thought he was oblivious to the turmoil churning within me, but then he let his eyes linger on mine for a second.
My heart was shattering, yet he appeared at ease, almost reveling in my anguish.
His oceanic eyes portrayed a hint of sadistic pleasure.
Ignoring me completely, he relished the power he held over my emotions. His indifference sharper than the blade I knew rested snuggly on the back of his belt buckle.