“Not to me,” Regina offered. “He’s always been genuine and kind to me.”
“If you say so,” Reigna huffed. “Just know I don’t believe you.”
Her sister’s dismissive tone continued to rub something raw inside Regina.
“If he were being mean, would he ask to keep seeing me?”
That wasn’t exactly what he’d asked. But there was no way she was telling Reigna the real request Aléx had made of her.
“And you told him to go to hell, right?”
Irritation swelled up inside Regina, instantly putting her on the defensive.
“Why would I say no without even considering his request? He’s handsome, charismatic, and a whole-ass king who is good in bed. Why would I dismiss him?”
“Regina.” The way her sister said her name had Regina perched at the edge of her seat, ready to pounce, even though she was in the apartment alone. It was condescending to say the least. The expectation that Regina would do whatever Reigna had said, simply because the older twin had said it, made her eye twitch. Even worse than that, Regina usually did give in. Not because she felt she had to, but because she knew Reigna needed to feel like she was protecting her sister. It was a remnant of being ignored by their parents. In every situation, Reigna always had to center herself to feel seen.
Usually, Regina went along to get along. Tonight, that wasn’t happening.
“What exactly are you trying to say, Reigna?”
“I’m saying,” her sister began, “the man only wanted you because he thought you were me. Why on earth would you want to see him, knowing that?”
Anger swept through Regina, making her hand tighten against her iPhone. She squeezed it so hard she’d be surprised if there wasn’t a crack across the screen by the time this conversation was done.
“So, you’re the only twin that can pull a king? Is that what you’re saying? Because there’s no way a man as fine and refined as Aléx could possibly want your slacking twin, right?”
“Regina.” Reigna’s voice was soft, filled with concern, and that pissed her off even more. She knew her sister wasn’t saying this to be cruel. She truly believed she was trying to spare her feelings. “That’s not what I meant. Aléx couldn’t lick your Jimmy Choos. I just don’t like the idea that he could be using you to fulfill some sort of sick twin fantasy he has in his head. That’s why I think it best you stay away from him.”
Knowing her sister was concerned for her didn’t subdue Regina’s anger. Instead, it blazed as if she’d thrown gasoline on it.
“Well,” Regina spat out. “It’s a good thing I’m just as grown as you, and I don’t need you to make decisions for me. Whether I decide to continue seeing Aléx or not is on me. So if I’m just the knockoff he’s using to warm his bed, I guess that’s on me too.”
She ended the call and was about to throw her phone on the table when she saw the number from her doorman’s station flash across the screen.
“Ms. Devereaux.”
“Yes?” Her voice was sharp. She could hear his surprised intake of breath on the other end of the phone, and she mentally reprimanded herself. Poor Mr. Aires didn’t deserve her taking out her anger with her sister out on him. Realizing her mistake,she took a breath and tried again. “What can I do for you, Mr. Aires?”
“Ma’am, there’s a gentleman down here by the name of Aléx. He’s got a bit of an entourage. Is it okay if I let him up?”
Of course, the subject of her argument with her sister would show up. Because that’s just how life worked for her. When things were bad, life could always find a way to make things worse for Regina. Tempted to say no, she imagined the headlines in tomorrow’s gossip rags. “Concrete Princess Shuts Out King Charming.Read page two for details.”
Deciding she didn’t need that kind of headache, she said, “Let him up, Mr. Aires.”
Chapter Six
Aléx tapped lightlyon the apartment door, slightly perturbed that she hadn’t been standing there waiting to welcome him. She’d given her permission for him to be let in. Why play this game? There was only one reason: she was trying to exert her dominance in this situation. Too bad for her that domination had nothing to do with this situation. Outside of when they were in bed, he wanted a partner more than anything else. If they were going to make this happen, it had to be as a unit.
He might hold all the political power as king of Obsidian Island. However, for the kingdom to thrive, it took a concerted effort from the monarch and their consort to keep the country running. She had to understand that.
When he heard the door opening, he braced himself to tell her exactly that. Unfortunately, that thought flew out of his head once he saw her face.
Tight lines were etched into her forehead, her jaw, and her mouth. When he looked into her red eyes, they were brimming with unshed tears. Every fiber of his being stretched taut, demanding he pull her into his arms and protect her from whatever had her so upset. Even if that whatever was him.
He moved to step inside her door when one of his security men laid a cautionary hand on his forearm.
“Your Majesty. We need to check the perimeter before you walk inside.”
