King of Sloth (Kings of Sin, #4)

by Ana Huang

discovered the name of, only to stumble upon it again years later.

Surprise rippled across Sloane’s face. “How did you know that?” “I had to confirm their whereabouts before I did this.” I opened the door. Sloane stepped inside, but she only made it two steps before her jaw dropped. “Pen?” The brightest, most precious grin lit Pen’s face. “Surprise!”

“Before you worry, I also checked with Pen’s doctor,” I said, closing the door and taking a spot on the second couch. “He said it was okay for her to come, provided we keep physical exertion to a minimum.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Kensington bought your excuse about Annie. Thank you for doing that.” “You don’t have to thank me. You wouldn’t have been in that situation if it weren’t for me,

and I should be the one thanking you.” Sloane’s voice caught. “For everything you’ve done for me and Pen over the years.”

“My apologies.” I suppressed a smile. Her sassiness reminded me of a certain other blond. “Who’s your favorite player?” “Asher Donovan,” she answered without hesitation. Typical. Girls of every age loved him, even if they weren’t into soccer the way Pen was, but I’d give credit where credit was due—the dude was talented.

didn’t consider myself a kid person. I liked them fine, but I couldn’t relate to people more than half my age. However, Pen was awesome.

“Are you in love with her?” “I…” A bead of sweat trickled down my back. I couldn’t believe I was getting interrogated by someone who came up to my hip. “I care about her a lot.” I care about her more than I’ve ever cared about anyone.

“Don’t hurt her,” Pen warned, her little face fierce. “If you do, I’ll sic Mary on you.”

like I said…” My tone gentled, turning serious. “I would never hurt Sloane. She means…” The world. “Too much to me.”

“Good,” she said, her voice small. “Because she’s been hurt enough already.”

“It’s okay. You’re the Vincent to my Asher. I’m just better than you.” “Okay, that’s it.” I rolled my sleeves up. “No more going easy on you. Now it’s really on.” We traded insults and banter as the second half ticked down.

“I…” I don’t want this day to end. I don’t want you to leave. I don’t think there’ll ever be a day when I want you to leave.

It lingered for a beat before it dissolved into the memory of Sloane sleeping in my arms. She’d curled into me, her body pressing against mine, her face free of any waking worries. I’d forced myself to stay awake just a bit longer so I could listen to her breathing.

But there was something about the way he held and looked at me…He

I’d never felt safer than when I was in his arms.

When I looked up again, Xavier wasn’t staring at me in shock like I’d expected. The bastard was laughing. Great, rolling waves of silent laughter shook his body and sent a rush of heat to my cheeks. “Luna.” Mirth gleamed in his eyes. “Are you jealous?” “No,” I snapped. “It was merely an observation.”

“Sloane.” He didn’t sound amused anymore. Soft footsteps preceded the clean scent of his cologne; firm hands turned me around. “Look at me.”

“Look at me.” Fingers grasped my chin and notched it up. Xavier’s eyes bored into mine, stripping me bare. “You have nothing to be jealous of. I mentioned Ayana because I was just talking to Luca and that was at the top of my mind. It doesn’t have anything to do with how I feel toward her because I don’t feel anything.” “She’s a supermodel. Everyone feels something toward her.” “I don’t,” he said. “I don’t care how beautiful or famous someone is, Luna. None of them hold a candle to you.”

“You always know what to say.”

“It’s easy when it’s the truth. Now…” He leaned down and gave me a soft, lingering kiss.

proper h...

I was a bit embarrassed by my uncharacteristic outburst of jealousy, but I was too pleased to see him to care.

“Jillian needs to stop telling you my schedule, and I’m not hungry.” “No.” Xavier’s voice turned to silk. “But I am.”

I wasn’t sure of anything at all, really, except for the fact I never, ever wanted this to end. Not with him, and not with us.

The firestorm inside me finally erupted, and this time, I heard my cry before a hand clamped over my mouth, muffling my scream.

“That was a preview. The next time you doubt how much I want you…” Xavier drew my bottom lip between his teeth and nipped.

“Remember this.”

My mouth dried. “What—” A piece of duct tape sealed over my lips, cutting me off. “In case you scream again. You don’t want people hearing, remember?”

How much I liked the tiny loss of control because it meant I didn’t have to think; I could just feel.

“Hilarious.” My voice didn’t sound like mine; it was too hoarse from…A blush worked its way over my skin, and Xavier’s satisfied grin widened. “I’ll have to postpone my meeting. I can’t discuss media strategy looking like I’ve…” “Been freshly and thoroughly fucked?”

My blush deepened at Xavier’s smoky drawl.

Xavier was the only person who could make me forget about my rules and like it. It was disturbing.

“You can put it any way you want, Luna, but it’s the truth.” Xavier’s lips touched mine. “For the record, you look beautiful when you’re freshly fucked.”

I should pick up the phone and reschedule my two-o’clock meeting, but I wanted to stay in his arms a while longer.

Good wasn’t adequate, but unlike other words, saying it didn’t freak me out.

His palms braced the desk on either side of me, and as we smiled at each other, the silence soft with contentment while we savored our last moments before reality intruded, another word surfaced in my mind.

Happy. Simple, basic, but no less true.

And two, where are we going for dinner? I’m starving.” “Oh, now you’re hungry,” Xavier teased, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. The warm weight sent a swarm of butterflies diving and whirling in my stomach. “Yet you kicked me out when I tried to take you to lunch.”

“I’m aware.” Xavier’s drawl went molten with desire. “You look good bent over your desk, Luna. Especially when your pussy is dripping with my⁠—” “Xavier.” The flush escalated to a five-alarm fire.

“Fine. I’ll save the dirty talk for the hotel.” The hotel? “Where exactly are we going?” I asked, my voice rife with suspicion. “You’ll see. Ask me another question.” “I hate your evasiveness.” “You love it because you love surprises.”

“Ask me another question, Luna,”

“That was my mistake. I appealed solely to his business side and forgot about the heart.” I smiled. Vuk wasn’t the only passionate one; I’d never heard Xavier so fired up about something until the club.

“No, but I distinctly remember a pile of discarded bar sketches in Colombia. They’re a start.” “They’re also in the trash. In Colombia,” he pointed out. “I’m guessing if you had them there, you’ll have some lying around here.” I arched an eyebrow. “I’ve seen your house. You still have a trophy for winning Biggest Flirt at prep school.” “Hey, that trophy is made of solid fake gold. It’s worth its weight in sentimentality.” Xavier’s teeth flashed white against his tanned skin. “But you might be right about some old sketches lying around.” “That’s why people pay me the big bucks,” I quipped.

“One more thing before we go in.” His face sobered with a touch of nerves. “I booked the hotel for the night in case you’d rather stay here. With me. Their suites are beautiful, and⁠—” “Okay.” My heart thudded out another response. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Surprise flashed in his eyes, followed by a slow smile that sent a cascade of tingles down my spine. “Okay,” he repeated. That was all we needed to say.

The businesswoman in me said he shouldn’t be splashing money around like this when the fate of his inheritance hung in the air. The romantic in me said to shut up and enjoy the experience. For the first time in my life, the romantic won.

“Probably not,” Xavier admitted. “I didn’t know what dishes you like best, so I ordered a bit of everything.” Another peek of his dimples.

What do you have against those poor nuts anyway?” “They look like brains. It creeps me out…Stop laughing.” “I’m not laughing,” he managed through gusts of laughter. “I just didn’t expect that to be the reason.”

but Xavier’s amusement was too infectious, and a smile eventually cracked my frown.