Titan (Dark Kingdom, #2)

by Shantel Tessier

I can’t argue with her or be mad about what Jasmine says because it’s true. I’ve never allowed myself to get too close. Not even to them. Haven and Jasmine were the closest.

“Anyway, back to you and Titan.” Haven whistles. “I always knew it would happen. You two had this crazy chemistry going on. He always wanted you.”

I’m going to own her. Just like Bones used to but only I’m not going to stop where he did. I’m going to demand more because I’m nowhere near done with her.

“Look.” He sighs, running his hand down his face. “I don’t want to tell you that Bones won’t care because that makes it sound like you never meant anything to him.”

I was going to say I’m with Titan now, but am I? I was never really with Bones. We just had an understanding. He was horny—he came to me. He was angry—he came to me. We never had a label; we didn’t need it. But when it comes to me and Titan, I’m lost. I don’t expect him to only fuck me. I’m a queen, for fuck’s sake.

My arms go up and around his neck, and I open for him, letting Dillan Reed take what he wants like he always did.

She’s so gorgeous. But Emilee York always was. She could have had any boy she wanted.

Bones and I have an understanding. He had her; I wanted her. I wouldn’t call my friend stupid, but I would say when he wouldn’t commit to her, it was a mistake. Emilee is the full package. She’s the kind of woman you use in the bedroom but parade her around as a fucking queen in the streets of peasants.

Emilee York has this effect on men. To see her want us as much as we do her makes me smile.

Fucking her like she is just another whore we found on the streets and wanted to use for the night. But the reality is far worse—we both love her. Just in completely different ways.

He was great in bed and made sure to take care of me every time, but afterward, it was like my body never really reached that high you hear women talking about.

“I was confused at first because it was just sex, but then he said that he loved me, but he couldn’t love me the way that you did.” Her soft blue eyes meet mine.

I hate to admit it, but I’m jealous when it comes to Emilee York. I would cut off a man’s hand if he so much as touched her. But Bones? I don’t mind it. Because I know that no matter what happens between Em and me, he would protect her with his life. And I wouldn’t even have to tell him what she means to me. He’d do it because he loves her. Even if he won’t admit it.

I arch a brow. “Is that what you want? A gentleman? Because I promise you, what I’m about to do to you is not something a gentleman would do.”

Either way, stepping into her, I say the first thing that comes to my mind. “You didn’t think you were special, did you?” And just like that, I fucked everything up.

I didn’t expect him to be faithful, but I did expect honesty. He made me feel worse than any client could, but maybe that’s my fault due to the expectations I had. I thought things were going to be different. I allowed myself to fall for him. And why? Because I needed someone to save me? Fuck him. I never asked him for a dime.

“I’m just speaking from experience. If you try to hide something from them, then they will go behind your back to get what they want.” His hard eyes go soft. “And that is when things can get very bad, very fast.”

She can try to hide all she wants, but I’ll find her. No matter where she goes. A King always finds his queen.

The first tear rolls down my cheek as we drive away, and I hear him calling out my name. I plan on going home and being alone for a few weeks. I’ve never needed anyone before, and I sure as hell don’t need him now.

“I let you walk away from me once, Em. I won’t make that mistake again.” Tears sting my eyes at his words. “Did you hear me? I won’t let you leave. Not me. Not this time.” He runs his thumb over my swollen lips. “Stay here with me. Let me fix it. I promise, I’ll get to the bottom of all of it.” The first tear runs down my cheek. “Let me take care of you. Let me love you.”

I didn’t ask him to save me. I stand by what I did. That house was nothing to me. My only regret is that George wasn’t here to go up in flames with it.

“I’m not trying to start a fight with you, but I also don’t want you avoiding me.” His eyes roam my face. “This is where you belong.” He cups my face again. “With me. I can keep you safe. I can give you what you need.”

“You.” It’s the only answer I can think of. I don’t need his money. This Kingdom. Just him. He lowers his lips to mine and kisses me softly. “I’m right here, Em and I’m not going anywhere.”

I miss that woman more than I’ll ever admit. A king never shows his weakness. Not even to his queen.

My fingers itch to rip her dress off like I did that first night up in my room. To throw her on my bed and kiss her, fuck her. Make her fucking mine like she was. But Emilee York will never belong to me. I got everything I was going to get out of her, so I turn to the elevator, hold up my key card, and enter once the doors open.

“Of course, it was for you.” I know the rumors that are told about the Kings and me, but we don’t kill for sport. You won’t have any clients if you kill them all off. But for her? I’d kill them all. “He hurt you.” It’s the only reason I have.

I sit back and cross my arms over my chest. “She deserves to know.” Emilee has a big heart. She wants to see the good in people. I mean, look at the type of people she has surrounded herself with. Bones, me, the rest of the Kings. She believes in second chances, and I love her for that. Without her forgiveness, I would have never had my chance with her. But her father? Enough is enough. She needs to see that he betrayed her. And it could have cost her, her life.

“You’ll never hurt her again, Nick.” I can’t take the chance of him harming her. Em is mine. We will start a family of our own someday, and I won’t allow this sorry son of a bitch to put my children in harm’s way. He has to go. Bones was right, he and I have an agreement on that situation. I slap Nick on the shoulder. “Be careful what you wish for.” And then walk out and after my future wife.

“I love you.” I say the words that I’ve never told another man. I have no regrets or second thoughts. This man is the one for me. And I hold my breath, hoping that he feels the same about me.

I want to move on. I want to be happy with Titan and let go of my father and everything that has happened since I returned from Chicago. I’m going to enjoy every second I have with this man. I saw him at his worst. He killed not only one, but two men. In brutal fashion. But he did so for me. He protected me. He cared about my well-being. Who else can I say has done that lately? No one.

I could never love Emilee like she deserved. Or any woman for that matter. Kingdom will always come first, and I know that’s not how love should be. I’ve accepted it. That’s why I’ve flown halfway around the world. I tell myself this is about Kingdom. But it’s also about the woman in that photo.