Page 166 of Lethal King

You’re late.

With a quick glance back over my shoulder, I check the clock over the television.

9:01 pm.

Fuck.

Thankfully, Dad is gone from the TV, but that doesn’t mean he’s in the clear, and it definitely doesn’t erase my anger and disappointment as I wordlessly leave the Italians at the bar.

Sure enough, they call after me. But I don’t acknowledge them. I’ll deal with them later.

My queen has arrived. And that blood-red gown makes her green eyes pop like cursed emeralds. There’s no going back. I’m trapped in her alluring gaze.

Still, in the back of my mind, I can’t forget about the balls on those pesky Italian fuckers.

They need to learn who’s in charge. And I need to teach them.

Tonight is my chance to send a message.

Rozalia is mine.

My enemy. My prey. My problem.

My future bride.

Whatever trap she has brewing for me will come when it comes. But until she springs it on me, I’m not going to waste a second thinking about that.

Instead, I’m going to focus on what matters the most.

Her.

It’s time to show off my fake fiancé.

Get ready for the night of your life, angel.

22

Rozalia

Everyone watches as the king glides through the crowded dining hall. But those ocean blue eyes never turn away from me.

Even as the crowd murmurs and points, Rian stays focused. For a moment, I feel naked. Like he can see right through this slutty dress and into my soul.

It doesn’t take long for the intensity of that attention to become overwhelming. I look away, ashamed of my weakness.

To make myself feel better, I stare out over the crowd. It helps my anxiety to look at each individual as they are, a cowed worshipper.

All the men here are obsessed with Rian’s power. The women are consumed by his good looks. Between them all, though, I can sense the shared fear, and the common respect.

This is a monster who could burn your entire world down with the snap of his fingers; a man who could change your fortunes for the better, without even trying. He’s a lover who could blow your mind.

Everyone imagines what he could do to them as he climbs the stairs and walks toward me. I don’t have to imagine. I’ve experienced all three.

The rumors are true.

He’s a monster. A beautiful, brilliant, brutal monster. Yet no one knows how cruel he can truly be. Because no one’s heart is beating as fast as mine. No one here has been made to miss him.

Fuck.