King of Envy (Kings of Sin, #5)

by Ana Huang

“Inspiring envy amongst this crowd is a talent. Embrace it, MOTY.”

“I swear you’re prouder of that title than I am.” MOTY was short for Model of the Year.

My brief bout of melancholy popped like one of the bubbles in my drink. I stifled another laugh even as I heeded Jordan’s advice and braced for impact.

“Then why are you giggling here in the corner like schoolchildren instead of hosting?” Orla clucked her tongue. “Dante and Vivian Russo are here. Stella Alonso is here. Go network. You’re engaged now—you’ll have plenty of time for couple activities later.”

“Not you, dear. Not yet.” She swept a discerning eye over me. “You look lovely.”

Compliments from Orla were rare, and I didn’t take her approval lightly.

I worried that when he finally did bring someone home, it’d be some trollop off the streets. I’m very glad it’s you instead.”

“You’re a beautiful couple. I know you’ll take good care of

Vuk Markovic was Jordan’s old college roommate and best man. I didn’t know him well, but our previous interactions hadn’t been the warmest. In fact, I was pretty sure he despised me.

“I’m kind of surprised he’s not here today.” “Are you?” Jordan sounded skeptical. “Vuk hates parties. I’m pretty sure he thinks the seventh circle of hell is a black-tie gala with live music.”

We shook hands solemnly, our mouths twitching in an attempt to hold in our laughter. “Good luck, soldier,” I said. “See you on the other side.”

before I moved toward Stella Alonso and her husband.

CHRISTIAN AND STELLA!!!!!!

A lot of people thought she was scary—which she could be—but privately, she was warmer than others gave her credit for.

where his best man loomed like an immovable mountain of muscle and scars. Vuk Markovic. CEO of Markovic Holdings, chairman of the Valhalla Club’s management committee, and quite possibly the most intimidating person I’d ever met. At six foot five, he towered over me even while sitting.

I’m your best man. That’s my job.

But the little girl was wrong. They weren’t gross; they were simply a part of him. Some people had freckles and moles; he had scars.

If my appearance disturbs you so much, we can end dinner early. His movements were sharp enough to cut glass. I wouldn’t want you to lose your appetite. Blood rushed to my face. I was mortified that I’d been caught staring—the very thing the little girl had done—but his assumptions regarding my character made me bristle.

“I wasn’t staring at you because of your appearance,” I said. “You’re sitting across from me. It’s natural that I look at you. I wasn’t even thinking about you.”

I’d never seen him out with a date, but he was rich, single, and powerful—the holy trinity, as far as half the women in Manhattan were concerned.

“That’s not really an answer.” If I had another answer, I would’ve given it.

“Do you get off on being difficult, or does it just come naturally to you?” Both.

A small growl of frustration slipped out. Vuk’s...

“Please. I don’t trust anyone else to go with Ayana, and you know how my mother is,” Jordan said. “I’ll never hear the end of it if we don’t get this damn cake.” She can take the jet. Vuk didn’t look at me. I don’t need to go with her.

His presence was like a black hole—powerful, inescapable, and so all-consuming everything else paled in comparison.

I considered touching him briefly to see if he’d melt like the Wicked Witch of the West at my audacity,

It was like he was imagining Hank’s murder because…of me?

So why did the thought of his hypothetical protectiveness send a tiny flutter through my chest?

Either act like a decent human being and pick a damn flavor, or leave. I’ll find my way back without you.

my biting response died a quick death when he reached up and brushed a thumb over my cheek. I froze.

“You can take the actual bed,” I offered. “I don’t think you’re going to, uh, fit on that.” I’m not taking the bed.

If only the greedy, selfish part of me—the one that’d foolishly wanted to be closer to her—hadn’t won out. If only.

Stop apologizing. Her eyes flew up to mine. Two sorrys in two minutes is a bit much when you don’t have anything to apologize for.

I ignored the thrill of hearing my name leave her lips and raised a questioning brow instead.

My blood burned hotter for an entirely different reason. That fucking ring.

I was loyal to the people who were loyal to me.

as much as I despised most human interactions, there were days when I craved a normality I’d never have.

Most of all, I resented the fact that he had her.

Because they were getting married. Because I saw her first. Because she was his when she should be mine.

The way he’d sat, his legs spread, his gaze cool yet mocking, like a predator lazing before a hunt. It made me envision things I had no right envisioning, if only for a moment. I barely knew him. I wasn’t sure I liked him.

“Are you sure you want to go through with the wedding?” “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” I laughed, the sound pitched a decibel too high. “You don’t sound too excited whenever the topic comes up.”

“If you need to talk to someone, I’m always here. I’m saying that as your friend, not your publicist.”

“How do you want to do this?” I asked after he was safely clothed. I nodded at the bed. Vuk gave me a sardonic look. It’s a bed. We sleep in it.

Petty of me, sure, but this way, I didn’t have to notice how irritatingly attractive he looked with a book in his hands.

Under my current circumstances? The Pacific Ocean wouldn’t be large enough. I could still feel her warmth. I could still smell her shampoo.

anything Ayana-related was mine. No one else touched it.

Yes. Hell, I’d sleep in the gym if I could. Anything to get away from her and erase the memory of her body against mine.

The only thing worse than having the woman you were obsessed with hate you was having her try to befriend you.

Some things stay with you no matter how much time has passed.

We belonged in different worlds. But there were moments—days—when I didn’t give a fuck. She belonged by my side. And she was right there, only floors away, like the universe had dropped her in my lap on purpose to fuck with me.

“Why do you hate me so much?” My question cut through the silence with one neat slice.