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It’s been so long since he’s been this close, and I’m unable to put a halt to the volcano brewing deep inside me.
“And you are?” Kayden asks with a less welcoming tone than the one he used with me.
“Landon King,” he says as if everyone is supposed to know his identity.
The sense of narcissism in this man is absolutely mind-blowing.
“Mia’s boyfriend. Though she might prefer the term lover.”
I stare at him with an open mouth, but I quickly recover and sign, “You’re not my lover, asshole.”
“We can define our relationship in due time, little muse.”
“We can’t be in a relationship since, wait, that actually requires someone who cares.”
“I would’ve shown you my utmost care if you hadn’t shoved me into a nonconsensual relationship with your bodyguards. In case you failed to notice, they’re far from being my type.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll make sure to employ female bodyguards who are your type. Maybe that way, you’ll finally stop the stalking behavior and leave me alone.”
“Unless you’re in the mood to be a bodyguard yourself, that plan is doomed to fail. I’ve been developing a new type that only you can fit.”
My lips part and my hands remain suspended in midair.
Why the hell would he say things that he definitely doesn’t feel or believe in? What does he have to gain from lying at this stage?
“I assume he’s the one you learned those stratagems from. Am I right?” Kayden asks.
Shit. I completely forgot he was right opposite us and listening in on our conversation.
Well, on Landon, since he couldn’t possibly understand what I was saying.
“Indeed.” Landon’s grip tightens on my shoulder. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to play. You can go to Frank.”
Kayden doesn’t move, silently refusing to comply. “Why don’t you play against me instead?”
“Not interested.” He drops a kiss on the top of my head and goosebumps erupt all over my skin. “Mia is the only one I’m willing to spend my precious time with.”
Kayden remains still for a beat, but then he unhurriedly stands up. “Very well.”
I expect him to play against Frank, but he merely exchanges a few words with him at the entrance. He throws one last glance at me before he leaves.
My chin is suddenly jerked up so that I’m staring into Landon’s merciless eyes. “I’m over here, muse. You should know by now that I don’t appreciate not being the center of your attention.”
“You should know by now that I couldn’t care less. Aren’t you supposed to have gotten bored already?”
“I am, but I’ve come to the bitter realization that this is different.”
“Different because I keep telling you no and you don’t like that word? Or is it different because for the first time in your life, you won’t get what you want?”
“Different because I’m taking drastic measures I’ve never entertained before.”
“Such as?”
“One, being patient. You’ve been pushing it for a while now. In fact, you’re so past my limits that I don’t see them anymore. Two, playing nice with your brother and cousin despite the countless death threats they dropped in my inbox. Three, not kidnapping you the fuck away so you and the world will finally admit that you belong to me. In conclusion, I’m being such a good sport, and not only is it unlike me, but it’s also a first. Isn’t that absolutely fantastic?”
“Finally being decent isn’t fantastic. It should’ve been a given.”
“It’s not a given for me, Mia.” His tone darkens. “What you think of as normal isn’t in my repertoire of reactions. In fact, I learned social cues so I could emulate normal, but it remains a foreign concept to me. It’s fucking torture to go against my instincts and nature to placate you.”
