Page 56 of Sold to Three Alpha Kings

She looks absolutely stunning in her golden robe, the hem sweeping the floor behind her as she moves. The sun is setting across the horizon, its warm, golden glow spilling over everything it touches. And when it hits her skin, it highlights her beauty in a way that makes my heart skip a beat.

“They just accepted me, Sinth,” she says, walking beside me, something like wonder still lingering in her voice. “Nobody asked if I was shiftless. Nobody cared.”

“That’s Wayne’s people for you. Loud, accepting, entirely too fond of a good time,” I keep my tone light. “Besides, there’s no reason why anyone in their right senses wouldn’t accept you.”

Her cheeks flush at my words, and she tucks her hair behind her ear.

I watch her for a second, savoring her beauty.

Then she breaks the silence between us. “One of the children asked if I was going to be their Queen.” A quiet laugh falls from her lips. “Can you believe that?”

Of course, I can. Who wouldn’t see you and think you’re not royalty? You’re my Queen. You’re our Queen.

I don’t say that out loud, though. Instead, I ask, “What did you say?”

“Nothing.” She shrugs her shoulders. “I just laughed it off. The question took me off guard, you know.”

I don’t push further on that, though something in me quietly notes the honesty of it, the fact that she didn’t deny it outright the way she would have weeks ago.

“Can I ask you something?” I stop in my tracks.

She does the same, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes as she stares at me. “Sure.”

I hesitate. “Why’d you run away that night?”

Color drains from her eyes, and her smile slowly vanishes. In my head, I’ve messed up; I’ve sent her back to a memory she probably doesn’t want to remember.

“I’m sorry,” I apologize immediately. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No, it’s okay,” she says, reaching out to touch my chest for no apparent reason.

I like the feeling, though.

“I’m glad you asked, actually.” She locks eyes with me and sighs. “I’m sorry I ran. I was just afraid of being rejected all over again.”

“Rejected?” I step forward, closing the gap between us. “By who?”

A pause. “I don’t know—the three of you maybe?”

“Charlize.” I take her hand, my gaze unwavering. “We’ve all accepted you, and in fact, if anyone should be apologizing, it’s us.”

A small smile plays on her lips.

“You do not have to be afraid of rejection ever again,” I say, meaning every single word.

She swallows, refusing to look away from me. “Do you promise?” Her voice is barely above a whisper.

I pull close, my arm around her waist. “Cross my heart and hope to die.”

Her eyes search mine for a moment as though she’s looking for any sign of insincerity.

“You’re ours just as we’re yours,” I assure her. “And nothing’s ever going to change that.”

A moment of silence.

“Thank you,” she says softly.

I reach out with my other hand, fingers in her red hair, stroking her strands.