Page 112 of The KING Review

“I was fine before Neve,” I mumble, but it’s only half defensive. “I had everything I needed.”

Cade watches me. “Yeah, I was fine before Fia. Happy, even. But… were you?”

The silence stretches. My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. I nurse my drink, and Cade just nods, like that was all the response he needed. I suppose it was, since we both know the truth.

No, I wasn’t happy.

We drink in silence after that, until Cade drains his glass and taps his knuckles on the counter before moving to the sink to wash up his mixer and jigger. “I gotta go.”

I quirk a brow. “That’s it, huh? They’re cutting budget on guy talks or something?”

He turns, grinning. “You’re just my first stop of the night, man.” He tips his head to the door, hair falling in his face as he rolls his cocktail kit back into his tote. “Next stop—soon-to-be sister-in-law.”

I huff a laugh. “Fia’s not with Neve?”

Cade smirks, slapping the back of my shoulder as he passes. “Fi hates girl talk—besides, she’s got somewhere else to be, too.”

My mouth opens, but he’s out the door before I can ask him what the hell he means.

Chapter Thirty-Four

For Strong Bones and Also for Fun

Neve

Me:

are you okay?

did you eat dinner?

please tell me you did not just eat dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets with Sera?

I need to know you both got something green into you

Professor Daddy:

I plead the fifth. Sera says, “they’re for strong bones and also for fun.” Also, it’s really sexy that you care about our nutrition.

Me:

she’s not wrong

and of course I do

how was bedtime?

Professor Daddy:

She fell asleep on my chest before I could finish the second dinosaur book. Not to brag, but I think I’m her favorite pillow.

Me:

you’re my favorite pillow too

Professor Daddy:

Stop it.