Page 21 of King of Rage

Ana gave him a pleading look. “Can you sleep in the guest room tonight, please?”

Mason’s expression hardened. “I don’t want to sleep in the guest room. I want to sleep with you.”

Stella remained exactly where she was. She slipped both arms behind her head and settled more comfortably against the pillows, making it clear she had no intention of moving.

“Not happening. I’m sleeping here, so you’ll have to take the guest room, Mr. Nightingale.” She paused, then added with complete seriousness, “You need to understand that every few months, your wife is going to be mine for one night.”

Mason clenched his jaw, clearly struggling with his irritation.

“Fine. How about I stay awake until you start feeling sleepy?” he proposed. “Once you’re drowsy enough, you can go to the guest room, and I can sleep beside Ana?”

Stella immediately sat upright and folded her legs beneath her.

“Absolutely not. Are you serious? I’m asking for one night. We haven’t had a sleepover in months, and now you won’t even let me sleep beside her for one night?”

She crossed her arms. “I’m sleeping with Ana tonight. There’s no compromise.”

Mason dragged a hand through his hair and released a frustrated breath. He glanced at Ana, silently hoping she would intervene, but she only watched them with an amused expression.

He finally turned toward the door.

He stopped and looked back.

“Just one night. Tonight only. And after this, you’re not allowed to sleep here for the next six months.”

He stared at her.

Stella stared right back, her expression challenging him to make her agree if he dares.

Mason had no choice but to take another frustrated breath and turn away. If he kept arguing with Stella, he knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep anywhere in the house that night.

“Jesus Christ.” Stella shook her head as she watched him leave. “Ana, your husband is still just as stubborn and clingy as ever. I can’t believe you two have been married for so many years, and he still acts as though you’re going to run away if he leaves you alone for an hour. It’s like having a CCTV camera following you twenty-four-seven.”

Ana laughed at her words. “It’s fine. I don’t mind it. I like that he loves me. I like having his attention.”

She smiled before glancing at Stella.

“Are you sure you’re not going to sleep in the guest room tonight?” Stella’s head snapped toward her, and she immediately sat upright, her face filled with disbelief.

“Oh my God! Can’t you two stay away from each other for one goddamn night?!”

Chapter 4 I Thought I Was Dreaming

Ana immediately grabbed her shoulders and pulled her back down.

“I was joking! Joking, okay? Calm down.”

Stella huffed and folded her arms across her chest without saying another word. She closed her eyes, clearly annoyed.

Once she had calmed down, she finally looked at Ana.

“Aren’t you going to ask me why I’m here, or are you just going to wait for me to tell you?”

Ana’s expression changed as she studied her. “What’s going on? Is something wrong at home?”

Stella hesitated for a moment before answering.

“I slept with Lucius.”