Tormented Kings (Boys Of Kingston Academy #2)

Chapter 11

Sadie

“How come you're not in the Host Club room with your men?” Emma asks, leaning back in her chair as she sips at her soda.

“I don’t know,” I mutter, picking at my food. “They still have a job to do. It’s only been a few days since we’ve talked about being something more.” I make sure to keep my voice low so people around us don't hear.

The idea of having a secret relationship isn’t ideal. I’d love to be able to just hold their hands, cuddle, and kiss them whenever I can, but it’s not that easy. It’s not just one guy, it’s three. And one of them happens to be my teacher... kinda.

And the other is my stepbrother.

The only one I’d be able to really be with out in the open would be Declan, but that's also not possible because he’s still engaged to Mia.

My best friend, who’s sitting across from me. It’s still weird when I really think about it. But this whole world is odd and complicated. As much as I don’t want to be a part of it, it seems I have no other choice. Between my best friends, Collin and Preston’s father and his bullshit, and the fact that the men I’m choosing to be with are heavily in this world, I’m not expecting it to change anytime soon.

“They’re still working in the Host Club?” Alice asks. “I mean, like, taking clients?”

“I guess? I haven't really asked or thought about it.” I blink, looking down at my food. Why didn’t I think about this before? The idea of them spending time with women, flirting with them, and letting them even think they have a chance with my men doesn’t feel good.

“Your men are in a club meant to entertain other women,” Mia huffs. “I say you go in there and stake your claim. Tell them to quit.”

“I can’t, and you know that.” I give her a look. “Don’t make it sound worse than it is. It’s not like they’re cheating on me. None of them do more than just flirt. And even if they kissed their clients in the past, I know Dec and Gray won’t do that.”

“Sure.” Mia nods. “My man is crazy about you.” She grins widely.

“Please don’t say it like that,” I groan. “I already think it’s weird.”

“Don’t worry, any day now, that boy is going to call up my parents and break the news. I just know it.”

“You think?” I chew on my lower lip.

“I do.” She nods.

“And you're okay with that? It’s not going to go over very well for you, is it?”

“Declan actually came to see me last night.” She smiles softly. “I told him that I wouldn’t let him go down alone. But he insisted.”

“Okay.” My brows furrow.

“He plans on taking the blame.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s going to tell my parents he wants out of the marriage. That I’m a nice girl, just not the girl he wants. That way, my father can be upset with him, thinking he’s the one who doesn’t want me.”

My heart fucking melts. This man is amazing. My man is amazing. My man. Holy shit, this is getting more real every day. Declan is actually going to do it.

I know he said he would, but hearing words and seeing actions are very different things.

“Wouldn’t your dad just find you a new man to marry?” Alice asks.

“Probably. But I don’t think he’s going to do it overnight. He would need to take time to see what families would be a good fit and if they even have a son they could offer up.”

“You're not playing cards,” I mutter. “They can’t just trade you in.”

“Ah, my sweet girl. If only that wasn’t true.” She gives me a sad smile.

I feel bad for my friends. Their parents might not be monsters, but they’re forcing these kids to live by archaic standards. Everyone should be able to choose how they live their life, what they want to make of it. Who they want to love and spend it with. Not have it all planned out for them before they’re even able to walk.

It makes me happy to have a mom like mine. That’s all she ever wanted for me, to be happy, to make good choices, and be a decent person, That's all she expected of me.

When I told her I wanted to take over the business when she retires, she made sure it was something I wanted to do, not something I thought I was obligated to do.

I told her it was my choice, what I wanted. She was happy, but she made sure to tell me that she didn’t expect me to.

I knew that. I’ve always known that. If my father was alive, I think he would have the same views as my mother. He seemed like a good man and someone who was down to earth.

His life here was a lot like mine. Not born into it. Mom said he wasn’t like the men in this school.

I can’t help but wonder if he would be disappointed in me for the choices I made, not about school or my future career, but about the men I chose to love.

“You need to take your food and go into that room. Even if they’re working, there’s nothing wrong with you sitting there reading. Maybe you have some homework to do.” Emma grins.

“Yes! Guys love it when their girls get all jealous and possessive over them.” Mia nods.

“Aaah, no, they don’t.” Alice frowns. “One of the main things men complain about is their girlfriends being clingy.”

“Oh, hush.” Mia waves her off. “You're not helping.”

“You're a lesbian. How do you even know what guys like?” Alice asks.

Mia gives her a glare, and the two of them have this little standoff. There’s tension between them, and it’s getting thicker and thicker with every day that goes by.

I’m afraid that when they explode, it's going to be the best sex either of them has ever had; that or it will destroy everything.

“Look, your relationship is new and exciting. At least, it’s supposed to be. You should be spending time with them whenever you can. With school and their work, how much time have you seen them this week?”

“Not much,” I admit. Since Declan and Grayson walked me home that day, and we ended up... well, you know. I haven’t seen them outside of school. While Declan hasn’t been working at the Club, Grayson has.

Collin had been dealing with stuff regarding his father, and I haven’t seen him since our little lunch date. I’d be worried if it wasn’t for his all-day texting. Everything seems to be fine, but Emma does have a point.

“We’re going to be here, babe. Besties for life. We’re not going to be upset if you spend a little less time with us and more time with them. Plus, we have Halloween Horror nights this weekend and the party next weekend,” Emma reminds.

“I’m excited.” My face lights up. “This year is the year, I can feel it!”

Alice laughs. “You say that every year, but you still haven’t found a haunted house that could make you scream or even jump.”

“Not true. Last year there was that one house that made me jolt,” I correct her.

She gives me a deadpan look. “Oh, I’m sorry. You jolted,” she says sarcastically. “Meanwhile, these two screamed bloody murder while you're laughing your ass off.”

“Don’t forget her big smiles and waving to all the cast members.” Mia laughs. “I don’t get how you’re not afraid.”

“Seeing how if we pop out around a corner, you scream like a little bitch,” Emma teases.

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “I think it has to do with the fact I know going in that there will be people and other things jumping out at me. I’m on high alert. Also, if the scare goes off before us, like with the people in front of us, it loses its shock factor. With you three, I’m not expecting it, so, yeah, you scare the shit of me.” I laugh.

“Okay, so what you're saying is the three of us need to plan a surprise for you with the sole intention of making you piss your pants in terror.” Mia nods as if she’s answering her own question.

My eyes widen. “Hey, hey, hey.” I hold out my hands. “How about we don’t do that? Why would you want to do that? That sounds like a horrible time.”

“We’re just teasing.” Emma grins. “Or are we?”

Alice makes a ghost sound, and I chuck my piece of bread at her, making the three of them burst into laughter.

“I’m leaving and going to hang out with people who only want to protect me, not scar me for life.”

“Yeah, baby, get it,” Mia shouts, and I shoot her a panicked glare.

Grabbing my things, I make a hasty exit. I love them but, god, sometimes they are a little much.

Shoving my things into my bag, I head towards the Host Club room. But I stop when I get to the doors.

This is a bad idea, right? I don’t belong there. I should leave them be and let them do their own thing.

Then again, I’m dying to see what they do now that they have a girlfriend. I mean, it’s not too weird, my being in there, right? I was there for weeks before the agreement ended.

“Fuck it,” I mutter before pushing the doors open. I regret my decision immediately because the room is packed.

People look my way as I step inside, causing my stomach to become a bundle of nerves. My eyes flick across the room, searching for Declan and Grayson, but I don’t see them.

Turning around to leave, I grip the door handle to pull it open when a hand moves above my head, holding it closed.

“Where are you off to in such a hurry, Kitten.” My eyes flutter closed at Preston’s low, deep voice.

Taking a shuddering breath, I answer. “I was leaving.”

“But you only just got here. You're not afraid, are you?” he asks, taunting me. I spin around to give him a piece of my mind, but he doesn’t move away, and his body is practically pressed against mine.

My eyes flick up, my lips parting as my breathing quickly picks up. I hate how much he affects me.

I also hate how much I wish he would wrap his hand around my neck and call me his dirty little slut. I’m so fucked up. I really need to start booking appointments with my therapist again.

“W-what are you doing?” I whisper, my voice trembling. “People are staring.”

“So.” He raises a brow. “Let them look.” Still, he pushes off the door and takes a step back. “I’m guessing you're here to see Declan and Grayson?”

I nod my head.

“They’re with clients right now, but if you want to wait in here, you can.”

He turns around and takes a few steps forward. When he sees I’m not following he looks over his shoulder with a raised brow. “Are you coming or what?”

“Oh,” I mutter before my feet decide to finally work. I follow after him, my eyes flicking around the room. I must not have done a very good job looking because this time I find them easily.

Declan is sitting in a chair next to one of the bookshelves. He’s got a girl sitting next to him on a separate chair, a table between them. But what has me trying to suppress a smile is the way Declan is sitting.

He’s smiling, chatting with this girl, but he’s leaning as far away from her as he can get without being too obvious.

Biting the inside of my lip, I look away, only to spot Grayson. He’s sitting next to a girl on one of the couches. She is chatting away.

Her body is angled towards him, but his is facing forward, leaning his weight on the arm of the couch away from her. The position looks casual and not suspicious at all. But there’s a pillow he has placed between them, almost like a barrier.

As if he can sense me, Grayson’s eyes find mine. My heart skips when his lips twitch with a smile, and gives me a subtle wink before turning his attention back to the girl.

I feel stupid now for allowing any doubts to creep into my mind. They’re being nothing but gentlemen right now. Of course, they wouldn’t continue to do the same things they’ve done before. If this is going to work, I’m going to need to trust them.

Only it’s not as easy as I’d like it to be. There are so many factors that feed into my insecurities: my toxic past relationship, the fact I was cheated on, and seeing how these guys lived a promiscuous life before me are just to name a few.

I should just leave, but it would look bad, and I do want the chance to see them before heading to my next class. I miss them, their touch, their smell... the way their hands feel on me.

My mind drifts back to the other day at my cottage, and my belly heats. Now is not the time to be remembering sexual dreams, Sadie.

“You can sit wherever you want,” Preston says, bringing me into his little space at the back of the room, tucked away from everything else. “Want anything to drink?” He goes over to a tray with a teapot and cups.

“No. Thanks,” I reply softly, taking a seat on one of the couches.

Not looking at me, Preston nods and pours a cup for himself before taking a seat at his desk.

“How have you been?” he asks after a minute of silence. He stares at me, and my eyes snap over to him in surprise. “Oh. Ah, okay, I guess.”

“For someone in a new relationship, that doesn’t sound very good.” He raises a brow, taking a sip of his tea.

“It’s new.” I shrug. “And life doesn’t stop because of changes. We’re still in school, the guys still have lives, and there is the fact that your crazy dad wants me dead.” I give him a sweet smile.

His face falls at my words. “Yeah,” he sighs. “ Him .”

I look away, down at my hands, as I pick at the pillow I’m leaning against. “How have you been?” I ask.

“Surviving.” His tone has me looking back to him. It’s now that I see he looks a little different. He looks... tired.

“What does that mean?”

“Exactly what I said,” he mutters, leaning back in his chair. He closes his eyes, and for a moment, I think he’s fallen asleep before he speaks again. “Been staying at the club.”

“Why?”

He laughs, but there’s no humor in it. “Because I’m afraid of what I might do if I’m around my dad.” He moves his head forward to look at me. “He threatened you, Sadie. It’s not something I can just let go.”

“Why?” This time I whisper so low, I’m not sure he can hear me. My heart thunders in my chest as we share a moment.

“Despite how I treated you at the club, I don’t actually want you to be harmed, Sadie.”

The urge to say ‘Could have fooled me’ is on the tip of my tongue. But he’s never shown any indication he wanted bad things to happen to me. He’s said some mean things, been a giant asshole, but I never felt unsafe around him. I mean, like, truly fearful for my life.

So, I say nothing and look away, his words making me more happy than they should.

“You have nothing to worry about,” he breaks the silence again.

“Huh?” I turn back to him.

“With Gray and Dec. They won’t do anything with their clients. They like you too much for that. They’ve made it clear they only have eyes for you.” He huffs out the last part as if that bothers him. Why would it? Is he jealous of Declan? Why does part of me want that? I’m not stupid, I've seen the way they look at each other when they think no one is watching. “We’ve brought some new members in this year. Once they’re trained, the guys will be taking a step back, only doing admin stuff for the club.”

What? Is he for real? I can’t help the smile on my face as I look away. God, I really am stupid, aren't I? I had nothing to worry about.

“What about you?” I ask before I can stop myself. He cocks a brow. “How come you’re not with a client right now? Are you taking a step back?”

He’s quiet for far too long, his eyes boring into mine. I feel like I’m trapped in his web, unable to look away even though my heart is racing and my head feels dizzy.

“You could say that,” he says, breaking the spell as he looks away.

I take a breath, trying to steady my breathing.

“Why?”

He sighs. “You're full of questions today, aren't you, Kitten?” he mutters. “Ever heard that curiosity killed the cat?” he asks, dragging his gaze back to mine.

“Preston,” I whisper.

He swallows hard. “Yeah?”

“You don’t need the chapel, you know.”

I let my words hang heavily in the air. I hope he knows what I mean by them. That the chapel doesn’t have to be his only escape. I’m here no matter what.

He breaks eye contact, licking his lips as he stands. “Stay as long as you want. They will be done soon,” is all he says before he leaves me sitting there in the back corner all by myself.

I’m not crazy, am I? The Preston that was with me just now, that's the nicest he’s been since... well, ever.

Is he dying or something? Because there has to be a reason he’s being nicer than normal.

His words from the party filter back to me. He hates that he wants me. But the key part in that is he does, in fact, want me. And this little change in him, it’s something.

Will it ever become more? I don’t have high hopes at the moment, and honestly, I have other things I need to worry about. Like building a relationship with the men I have.

Grabbing my phone, I play a game while I wait for lunch to be over. My belly growls, but I ignore it. I’d have to leave if I wanted to grab something to eat, and I don’t want to go until I’ve seen the guys. I should have just eaten my lunch with the girls.

“There’s my Pretty Girl!” Grayson’s voice has my eyes darting up from my phone. He walks over to me, a swagger in his step and a confident smile that has my belly-warming.

“Hey.” I smile as I get to my feet. Grayson pulls me into his arms, spins me around, and presses me against the wall, away from prying eyes.

“Do you have any idea how much I want to fucking devour you right now?” he purrs, brushing his lips against mine.

I swallow down a whimper, my thighs pressing together, loving the idea of that all too much.

Grayson chuckles and it does nothing to help. “Did you come here to see us, Pretty Girl?”

“Yes.” I lick my lips. “I–I missed you.”

He groans, and I sigh as he brings his lips to my throat. My eyes flutter closed, reveling in his touch. “I fucking missed you too. Would it be too much to say I wish I could be with you twenty-four seven?”

“No.” I can’t think straight when his lips are on me like this.

He chuckles again. “You know, you’re welcome here any time.”

“I am?”

“Of course.” Grayson pulls back, but he doesn’t let go. “Just because the deal is done doesn’t mean we are. We’re never going to be done with you, Pretty Girl.” His fingers tangle in the stands of hair hanging over my shoulder, giving them a little tug. “We’re yours now. Do with us as you please.”

“Okay.” I have no idea what to say to that. But I do love the words he’s speaking.

“Were you jealous?” He grins. “I saw that look in your eye earlier.”

“Maybe.” I swallow hard. “For a moment. But I should have known better that I had nothing to worry about.”

“No.” He shakes his head. “You shouldn’t have. You’ve gone through some shit in the past, and you have every right to feel how you do because we haven’t proven ourselves yet. But don’t worry, we will.” He grins again. “Although, the idea of you getting all jealous and possessive over me does make me hard.” He grabs my hand, placing it on the bulge in his pants, and I suck in a breath.

“Alright. Enough.” Declan laughs. “I draw the line at anyone else but our little group seeing our girl in the throes of pleasure. Step away from the girlfriend before you fall and slip your dick inside her.”

I laugh, smiling over at Declan, cheeks flushed. “Hi.”

“Hey, Sweetheart.” He playfully pushes Grayson away and pulls me into his arms. I sigh as he slides his fingers into my hair and presses a kiss to my lips. “I’ve missed you.”

“Me too,” I sigh, taking another kiss for myself.

“Throes of pleasure?” Grayson scoffs. “What are we, in the eighteen hundreds?”

Declan just smiles and shakes his head.

“Girlfriend, huh?” I ask, biting my lip. “Is that what I am?”

Declan’s eyes widen slightly. “I sure hope so,” he says, sounding a little panicked. “Did I not make that clear enough when we had our talk? Because I want you to be my girl. My girlfriend.”

“Relax, man,” Grayson chuckles. “I think she just means we haven’t officially put labels on things. Not that labels are needed. But yes, Pretty Girl. We’ve come to claim you as our own. Would you, Sadie Evans, do us the greatest honor imaginable by throwing a couple of poor chaps a bone and be our girlfriend?.”

I laugh, pure joy bursting through my heart at his playfulness. “I’d love nothing more.” I shoot him a wink, earning myself a blinding smile that does things to my soul.

“You hear that?” Grayson tosses his arm over Declan’s shoulder. “We just got ourselves the hottest chick alive. How the fuck did we get so lucky?”

I’m so giddy in this moment; every shitty feeling and nagging worry I had before is gone as I look at my two goofy boyfriends.

Declan gives me a sweet smile that melts my heart. “I have no idea.”

Neither do I.

The rest of the day goes by well. For the most part, I can’t get the guys out of my head. But I’m still able to focus on my classwork and get it done.

It’s the end of the day, and I’m on my way out to meet the girls for a night of watching movies when Collin comes out of his office.

My heart beats a little bit faster as our eyes lock. I smile, unable to hold it back. The corner of his lip twitches and the way he looks at me has me reminding myself there are students around.

He clears his throat as if he realized that, too. “Ms. Evans. Could I speak with you for a moment, please?”

My eyes widen slightly, and I nod. “Yeah, of course.”

Nerves hit me hard as I step into his office. Is this good or bad? Knowing my luck as of late, probably bad.

Collin closes the door behind him, and the moment it’s shut, I’m pushed up against it, Collin’s body pressing against mine. His lips are on mine in an instant, moving frantically against one another. I whimper, grabbing onto his shirt and clinging to him as he deepens the kiss.

My head spins, my body hums, and all I want is for him to bend me over his desk and fuck me. Once isn’t enough with this man. I need more. I have to have more.

“Fuck.” He rips his mouth off mine, eyes wild, chest heaving. “As much as I want to bury my cock deep inside you right now, we need to talk first.”

My breathing is labored as I blink out of the brain fog. “That’s what every girl loves to hear.” I laugh awkwardly.

“This is not a breakup conversation,” he promises in earnest. “Trust me, Sadie, there’s no getting rid of me. Even if I die, I'll haunt your sexy ass.”

I huff out a laugh. “Good to know. But you don’t sound like you have good news.”

He takes a step back, a very noticeable bulge in his pants as he blows out a heavy breath, running a hand through his raven hair. “Because it’s not. When it comes to my father, it never is.”

“Oh.” And just like that, the happy little bubble I’ve been in all day pops. “Is it bad?”

He looks at me with a grave look. “Yeah, it’s bad.”

Worrying my lip, I take a seat at the chair in front of his desk as he perches on the edge of it, facing me.

“After I dropped you off the other day, I got a call from my father. Long story short, he asked me to meet with him. Threatened you if I didn’t. So I went. I met up with him in a sketchy parking garage, where he proceeded to tell me that if I don’t marry Connie on February twenty-fourth, all hell will break loose. Also, I’m to stay away from you outside school or family friendly functions. If he finds out I’m still seeing you, he’s going to make sure I pay by using you against me.”

He’s snarling by the time he’s done, and I feel like I’m going to be sick.

“What does this mean?” I whisper, not sure if I even want to know.

“For us? Nothing. You are mine, Sadie. I’m not marrying that woman. The only woman that will be wearing my ring is you. The only woman who will have my babies is you.”

“But if you stay with me, nothing good will come of it.”

Just when I think life is finally giving me a break, it pulls the rug out from under my feet.

“He won’t know we’re together. It’s going to be hard, but we’ll have to keep our distance until he’s dealt with.”

My eyes start to water. “So what, I don’t get to see you anymore?” my voice cracks as I try to hold myself together.

He moves to crouch down in front of me. “I will do everything in my power to see you as much as I can. We'll have to be creative to find ways to see each other. Weekly counseling meetings where no one has to know what is actually happening here. And your mom comes over all the time, you can just start coming over with her. It’s not going to be too different from how things have been. We’ve been keeping things professional at school already, we just won’t be able to go out and have public outings like we did the other day.”

By professional, if he means fucking me in the closet at school, then sure, yeah, totally professional.

“I don’t want you to be my dirty little secret,” I whisper, closing my eyes to combat the wave of water that is stinging my eyes. “I knew being with all of you wouldn’t be easy. But I can’t even hug you, kiss you, or just be with you when I want?”

“Would it be easier to postpone things between us and the other two until everything is figured out?” he asks, voice filled with a vulnerability I’m not used to from him.

Panic fills me at his words, and my eyes snap open. “What? No.” I shake my head. “I don’t want to pause anything. I don’t think I could stay away from all of you for that long. And the idea of seeing everyone every day and not being able to be with you sounds like a fucking nightmare.” But isn’t that what it’s going to be like with Collin now? “Is that what you want? To take a step back until your father isn’t an issue anymore?” I ask, the sadness clear in my words now.

“Fuck no!” he growls. “I've been waiting long enough to make you mine, Sadie. I’m not denying myself any longer. I just want to do what's best for you. If you wanted to, then I’d respect your wishes, but I sure as fuck wouldn’t like it.”

“I don’t want that,” I sigh.

“I’m working hard on this, Sadie. I’m going to do everything in my power to bring him down. It won’t be like this forever.”

“And what happens if you haven’t found a way to get rid of him by the date he’s set?”

Collin grits his teeth. “I don’t know,” he admits. “But what I do know is, I’m not going to marry her, Sadie. I need you to believe me.”

“I do,” I whisper, giving him a soft smile as I reach up to touch his face. “I don’t know what's going to happen or how this is going to work. But I do know I love you,” I vow. “And I want to try.”

“Me too.” He leans into my touch, kissing the palm of my hand. “Me too.”

Life isn’t easy; it was never meant to be. It would get boring fast if it was. They’re worth fighting for. If they’re going to cause waves with their families to be with me, then I can make some sacrifices for them, too, right?