Beyond Black & White Book 2: King
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A. Duncan
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"I’ve never asked you to try and look at me any other way. And when you’re ready, I need you tell me everything that is scaring the hell out of you, past, present and future, so that I can fix it. There’s no way you will go unprotected being the mother of my child.”
He’s rough edges and dark stares, the man everyone warns her about. But when his gaze lands on her, all he sees is the woman who steals his breath and sets fire to his resolve. She’s all emerald eyes and secrets that could shatter them both. Fear lingers behind her beauty, rooted deep in wounds she never speaks of. Yet the pull between them is impossible to deny, a hunger that only grows stronger the more they fight it. He craves her trust as much as her touch, vowing to protect her from every shadow of her past. But can she let down her guard long enough to believe him?
Chapter 1
Book 2: King
KING
In a sea of black hair and emerald eyes, a siren calls my name. A lake of beauty and grace, hiding secrets at every turn. Fear swirls within those emeralds—fear that’s deep-rooted and not easily forgotten.
“Let me drive you home, angel.”
I wasn’t sure if she would allow it. We’ve been sitting at the hospital with Kallie for ages, waiting for her to wake up, waiting for something to let us know she’s still here with us.
Dammit, Kallie, wake up.
Fear surged through those green eyes when she looked at me. I can’t say I blame her. I’m all her nightmares come to life.
But she’s the last person I would ever hurt, and I would do anything to protect her. She deserves that, at least. I don’t know her past, but I can tell by the look in her eyes she still fears it, still dreams of it.
I wish I knew those deep-seated secrets.
She must see something in my own eyes. Maybe it’s the weary dread of possibly losing a loved one, or the beaten-down tiredness of being the boss. Either way, she nods, and I lead her out to my car and into the dark night.
The drive is nothing but silent. Only the reflection in the window lets me know she’s still awake. Her arms are uncrossed, but her hands are tightly hidden under her thighs.
My own hand grips the steering wheel as her scent wafts through the car. As soon as I park, she has her door open like the car is on fire.
“I’m good here, King.”
“Nonsense. I’ll make sure your place is safe before I leave. Give me that, at least.”
She snorts a laugh but opens the door and ushers me in. Then she heads toward the bathroom.
It doesn’t take much to look around when it’s just a studio apartment. It’s completely open, with most of the furniture from Bishop’s old apartment in Seattle.
There’s a large bed in the middle of the room, along with a small kitchen and an area for entertaining.
I decide to wait for her to come out when everything seems to hit me all at once. My breathing starts to make my chest heavy. I’m tired, and it’s not just my body.
I feel the weariness all the way to my bones.
Sitting on the edge of the bed in the middle of this large room, I lean over with my elbows on my knees. I lay my head in my hands and wonder if I’ll ever find a semblance of peace. Just a sliver.
It’s not like I’m asking for a lifetime of it, because I know a man like me will never end up happy.
I feel her gentle fingers glide over my wrists and up toward my hands, then thread through my hair on the top of my head. My body automatically starts to react to the heat of her standing in front of me.
In her sanctuary, it seems her fear of me is gone. Or maybe, in my weakened state, I seem safer.
“King? Are you okay?” she inquires.
My arms unfold, and I wrap them around her waist, laying my forehead on her stomach. She doesn’t stiffen up and she doesn’t push me away.
I take a deep breath. She smells like lavender and feels like home. Just for a moment, I can breathe again.
Feeling her fingers running through my dark hair, I close my eyes and let go, letting the feelings take over. I feel the light scraping of her nails on my scalp, the chill bumps they inflict.
The smell of this woman, the softness of her against me—I forget everything waiting for me in the morning.
There’s no paperwork, no meetings, and no phone calls to prepare for. There are no businesses to check on, no men to keep in line, and no tough decisions to make.
Kallie isn’t trying to leave us, and my brothers are both fine. Just for a moment in time, there’s nothing needing me.
My shoulders are free of responsibility.
“Let me take care of you, King.”
I just nod into her abdomen and feel her hands slide down my back, grabbing the hem of my shirt and pulling up. She forces me to pull back and look at her, forces me to stare into those entrancing eyes, but I can’t help but question her.
“Are you sure about this? Because this is all I can give.”
“I’m sure I shouldn’t, but I need to anyway. You’re not the only one who needs relief.”
No words were ever better spoken. But as soon as I tasted Laken Nash, I knew I was in trouble.
There’s no more fear in her, for now. Just the comfort of each other’s bodies and the solace of our souls. All it does is spark a craving in me, deep down, that will never be sated.
***
Ever since we got Kallie back, our lives have been about dealing with the aftermath of the shit show the Governor and Soren caused. The cleanup that only our dark kind can handle.
Soren will never be found, and Kallie’s father took care of James Ashford.
On top of that, we’re still dealing with the side effects of the head trauma Kallie endured. Headaches that debilitate her and send her to a dark room for hours on end.
Luckily, they’re few and far between now, but they still hit at the most random times. Yet, who are we to complain? I’ll take a headache over a funeral any day.
I just got back from checking on some businesses that seem to be slacking when my phone keeps ringing. I’ve already sent it to voicemail several times.
Never a peaceful moment. Someone always needs something. I’m already in a pissed-off mood and pick up my blasted phone without even checking, figuring it’s one of my brothers.
“This is King, make it fucking fast,” I demand.
“King, it’s me,” Laken says hesitantly.
“Laken, is everything all right?”
“We need to talk. It’s about the night we were together.”
“Laken, as much as I enjoyed that night, I don’t think it’s wise for us to do it again. I don’t do relationships.”
She snorts. Seriously, she snorts like it’s the craziest thing she’s ever heard.
“Me either, King. Even though that night was enjoyable for me too, trust me, that’s not why I’m calling. You left something important behind.”
“I’m pretty sure I didn’t.”
“Oh, I’m positive you did.” Her voice is stronger now.
“And you’re just telling me this now? That was months ago.”
“I just found out.”
“Fine. What is it?”
“King, I’m pregnant with your baby.”
“Fuck! You sure I didn’t just leave behind my wallet?”
Bishop once told me fate and free will work together. Life changes depending on your choices.
But destiny? She’s an absolute bitch. She’ll hunt your ass down and change everything you had planned. Don’t even try to fight her on it.
The outcome will still be the same.
My name is King Constantine. I’m the Don of the largest syndicate in the US.
And I’m not afraid to tell that bitch, Destiny, to fuck off.
