Beautiful Lover (The Masquerade Series) Read online

  After sitting with Kline a bit longer I go by the grocery store to stock up on tampons, wine, chocolate and Motrin—the PMS essentials. I head over to my mom’s house before going home to face Royce.

  Chapter 18

  Kingsley

  My mom has been checking in with the police regularly and they are doing a full investigation but they aren’t telling my mom much information right now. Mom says that Royce saved Kline’s life that he was following him to the drop off, he pulled my brother from the car and did CPR on him until the ambulance was near then he fled the scene. He wasn’t sure what to tell the cops. Then he discovered I was gone. He knew Parker had me and just had to wait for things to unfold.

  “Baby, Royce would do anything for you. That man loves you so much. We told the cops that Kline was driving Royce’s car because the two of you borrowed his truck to go on a romantic camping trip. We felt it best not to bring up your brother’s illegal fights and Royce says you never know what cops are on the take for the Garretti brothers.”

  “You did the right thing mom. I’m so worried about Kline. You know he and I have always had this bond where we can feel each other. I can’t feel him and it scares me.”

  “Honey it is probably all the medicine they have him on. He’s going to bounce back, he always does.”

  I leave my mom’s house feeling a little better, but I am still confused about Royce and Parker.

  When I return home Royce is sitting in the same spot waiting to talk to me as promised.

  “I see you are still willing to hear me out.”

  “I am, but first I need wine and chocolate, then you may speak.”

  “Okay,” he laughs softly. His eyes bore into mine and I know that no matter what he says or how much I love him, it won’t be enough to save us from all that has happened. My love for him is the only reason I am allowing him to have his say. We both need the closure.

  Pouring myself a glass of wine and grabbing my chocolate I join him in the living room and get comfortable. I get the feeling this is going to be a hard conversation for the both of us.

  The look of hurt and betrayal in his eyes makes my heart weep.

  “Royce, I’m sorry. I-“

  **

  Royce

  She came back to me…she still loves me.

  “Don’t apologize to me. It’s okay I don’t like it and thought of you with him is enough to make me want to kill a man. But don’t be sorry. I blame myself. I did this by not being honest.”

  “You can’t blame yourself for my poor judgment. Now I want to know Tiffany’s part and if you aren’t going to tell me then…this conversation is through.”

  “I told you it isn’t my place. But if I must tell you I will. Tiffany has a thing with Jake. She was in on the plan. She took your jeep on purpose so she could help stage her being taken. She’s been in a suite at the casino the whole time.” I smooth her hair and wait for her to get angry and deny that Tiffany would ever do those things but she doesn’t. She looks at me with love and trust.

  “Go on, I need to know the rest.”

  **

  Kingsley

  “Brad and Jake work for Parker, I cut my ties with the mob after Elizabeth died. I do work in security, but only for Johnny Magic. Jake and Brad double crossed me, I don’t know how deep Tiffany was in you will have to talk to her and make your own judgment.”

  “The guy that does all those illusions?” I ask with a smirk and raised eyebrow. The idea of Royce working for him makes me snicker. I did not see that coming. “That explains so much. I was beginning to believe the magic man had a crush on me. It was you sending me those tickets to his show.”

  “Yeah laugh it up, I know you want to. I wanted to see you so I sent you tickets to where I’d be. Even if I was working it meant you were near me. Anyways things are about to get confusing. So if at any point I lose you just tell me to stop.”

  “Okay…” I’m not sure how I can be anymore confused than I already am.

  “When you started working at Parker’s club I knew it were only a matter of time before he would see you and without a doubt see your striking resemblance to Elizabeth. I didn’t want to go through it all again. My heart couldn’t take it. I have been working with the detectives who handled Elizabeth’s death. They have been trying to bust Parker and his family for years. I had to break up with you for the case. I’m sorry. I knew there was a possibility Parker could hurt you. I hope you can forgive me baby. I wanted justice for Elizabeth and the child I might have raised. The cops assured me nothing bad would happen—that you wouldn’t be hurt. But then things happened with Charlie and Kline that put you in danger and I had to step in. I couldn’t chance losing you. I saw you and I saw him—Parker watching you that night after I fought Kline. It made me angry. I was jealous so I walked over to you, because I wanted him to see that I knew you. All the old feelings came back to me. I got a rush from knowing I had something he wanted. And then everything went to shit. I became blinded with getting back at him. I blame Parker for Elizabeth’s death just as much as he blames me. I’m sorry I used you Kingsley, but I mean it when I say I love you.”

  “But you loved revenge more.” I cock my brow out him daring him to tell me differently. I appreciate his being truthful but it doesn’t make it any easier to hear it. Pulling from his arms, I need to get away from him. I don’t any longer feel the need to hear the rest. It doesn’t matter who did what. Parker and Royce both played an equal part in this sick and twisted game. I was merely a play thing for both of them, but not anymore.

  “Royce I would like you to leave now and I don’t want you to come back. You…Parker, I feel sorry for both of you. If the two of you either come near me I swear to you I will kill you both. The mob or my brother will be the least of your worries. Tell Parker you both have about a six month head start, because I can’t answer for what my brother will do once he has recovered.” I am holding the door open for him; it’s the last courtesy I will ever show him.

  **

  Royce

  She doesn’t mean it. She needs time and I will give it to her. I fucked up. Kline was never meant to be hurt in this. Now he is fighting for his life, if he dies I don’t think Kingsley could handle it. This time the police will do their job and Parker will pay for hurting the people I love. I just have to figure how best to proceed from here. I know the first thing I need to do is get all of Brad and Jake’s shit out of my house and I need a new car. Kingsley will forgive me…she has to. I won’t lose her.

  **

  Parker

  “Motherfucker!” I watch Royce leave Kingsley’s apartment. It’s over he’s gotten to her and now I’ve lost her again. I smack my chest, fuck it hurts so bad. Royce should be dead right now. I did everything right this time, but still shit didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to. I even took Kingsley to make sure she wouldn’t be in his car. Brad and Jake fucked that up too. They were never supposed to hurt her. Then I had to drug her to keep her from waking up too soon.

  If I could have had more time with her she’d be with me. Fucking Royce, he is always in my way. I never should have took him in. I treated him like family and he repaid me by fucking my girl. I should be the one holding her—Kingsley’s— hand and reassuring her that everything is going to be okay. The cops haven’t come for me yet but I am sure it is only a matter of time before they make the connection. I never meant to hurt Elizabeth. She wasn’t supposed to leave. Royce should have died not her and the baby.

  And now this time Kline got in my way. Why was he in Royce’s car? That motherfucker won’t die. No matter how hard I try or how well I plan he won’t fucking die! Maybe if I talk to her one more time she will give me a chance.

  Chapter 19

  Kingsley

  Knock…knock…knock. “Royce, I told you I don’t want to see you again.” I throw open my door angrily expecting to see Royce groveling for another chance, but instead I am face to face with Parker and the look on his face is scary.

/>   “Wh-what are you doing here Parker? You shouldn’t be here.” I try to close the door on him but he shoves his way inside. I wish now that I hadn’t kicked Royce out.

  “I needed to see you,” he drops to his knees and wraps his arms around my waist. Oh my, is he crying right now? I don’t know what to do….I just know that I don’t want him here in my home, touching me.

  “Elizabeth, I’m sorry.” He squeezes me tight and I can’t breathe.

  “My name is Kingsley.” I whisper. He has lost it. Parker thinks I am his dead girlfriend…he needs help.

  “Please tell me you don’t love him. Tell me you never loved Royce… Tell me it was all a misunderstanding. Why did you leave me? Why did you get in his car? I need you.” Tears are leaking from his eyes and he looks like a lost little boy right now. I hate him for hurting my brother, but this is a man clearly in need of help.

  “Parker, you are right I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done those things. I never loved him you are right. I was weak that’s all, but now I am going to be strong for us.” I don’t know what I am doing. I am just hoping to say whatever I need to get him calm enough so I can call the police.

  “You killed our baby Elizabeth. I-I killed you and our baby. I’m so sorry baby. I loved you so much I couldn’t let him have you. I loved you…I lost you…I need you…” His confession about brings me to my knees. Royce was telling me the Gods honest truth and now I am here with this dangerous man.

  “It’s okay,” I stroke his cheek with a shaky hand. “I love you. I forgive you.”

  “You’re a liar and a whore. It’s his baby isn’t it? Tell me…say it… You deserved to die. You are his dirty whore.” Parker punches me in the gut knocking me onto my couch.

  He has completely lost it and he is going to kill me. I know it. I can feel death coming. My phone starts ringing and Parker seems to snap out of whatever is going on with him.

  “Kingsley?” he looks at me like he doesn’t know how he got here. I take advantage of his confusion and grab my phone. It’s my mom calling me.

  “Hello,” I answer my phone and hold my finger up to a confused Parker. I power walk to my bathroom and lock myself inside just in case he snaps again.

  “Kingsley, I need you to come to the hospital. It’s Kline, he’s not good baby.”

  I hang up with my mom not believing what she just said. I had seen my brother earlier. I spoke to the nurse he was getting better. He can’t die. Sobs pour out of me. My chest is burning, I want Royce. I need Royce. I dial his number and he picks up. “Royce, I need you. Parker is here and he is being really weird. He was calling me Elizabeth. My mom just called me and I need to get to the hospital…”

  “Is he still there? I’m coming back; I’m just down the street. I’m calling the police.”

  “I’m in my bathroom, please Royce. I’m so scared.”

  A few minutes later Royce is knocking on my bathroom door. “Baby, open the door it’s me.”

  I unlock the door and Royce takes me in his arms as I melt into him. “Where is Parker?”

  “I don’t know. When I got here the front door was open and he was gone. The police are on their way. I know you need to get to Kline, but you need to tell the police about Parker. Did he hurt you?”

  “No…my brother I need to get to Kline.” A pain shoots through my chest. I feel like I am having a heart attack.

  “Kline!” I scream out his name, he’s gone, and the pain in my chest just now— that was my bond to my brother ripping apart. I don’t know how I know but I just do. I can’t do this. I faint as the call comes through… I can hear Royce talking to Charlie in the distance as the police come barging into my apartment. My world is crashing down all around me. A half of me just died…Kline… I can see his face in my mind. He looks so peaceful. Is he trying to tell me he is okay? Nothing in my life will ever be okay without him.

  **

  Royce

  “I understand Charlie. I will keep an eye on her. I will bring her over to your place in the morning. The police are here. I need to hang up and answer their questions. I’ll explain everything tomorrow when I bring her over. I’m so sorry about Kline. I can’t believe he’s gone.”

  I look down at my angel lying on the couch. I think she is in shock. I know her and Kline have always shared a unique bond. I can’t imagine what she must be feeling right now. I do my best to answer the detective’s questions. Kingsley becomes responsive and is able to answer a few questions about Parker. When she tells them what he said and did to her it makes me so angry. She is hurting enough as it is right now without this shit being thrown on top.

  The police are looking for Parker and now with what Kingsley has told them and with her brother dying, there is no way he can get away with this twice. I’m just sorry it cost my sweet pea her brother. I don’t know how she will come back from losing him—Kline that is…

  The police leave for now. They are satisfied with what Kingsley has been able to tell them. They understand that she isn’t in shape to do this properly right now given the circumstances. I try to get her to let me take her to my place in case Parker tries to come back, but she is refusing to leave. She is lying in Kline’s bed right now curled up in one of his shirts. It’s killing me to see her in so much pain and unable to take it away. I don’t know what to do for her besides just be here. There’s no way I am leaving her alone, even if she doesn’t want me here I am staying.

  After hours of crying Kingsley finally passes out from exhaustion. I take the blanket from her bed and cover up. I don’t bother trying to put her in her own bed. I know she needs to feel close to Kline tonight. I lie down next to her and wrap my arms protectively around her. She looks so fragile. Nothing bad will ever touch her again.

  Early the next morning Kingsley’s phone ringing awakens me. I take it upon myself to answer it. One of the detectives from last night is calling to let us know that they have Parker in custody. I curl back up with my girl and rest a little easier knowing that Parker is finally where he belongs. I hope that Elizabeth and Kline get the justice they deserve.

  **

  Kingsley

  I can’t believe my brother is gone. All of my life my brother has been my protector. He was always looking out for me. But who was looking out for him? I let him down. My brother is dead and it is my entire fault. I can’t eat…I can’t sleep. Every time I close my eyes I see Kline’s face all bloody and battered in the hospital. I didn’t get to say goodbye. His life was cut way too short at the hands of a man who claimed to care about me.

  Parker is in jail and being charged with my brother’s death. They found video evidence of him tampering with Royce’s car. An anonymous witness turned a tape over to the police that showed Parker messing with Royce’s car outside of the warehouse where the fights take place about an hour before my brother wrecked. Our attorney says that Parker is claiming temporary insanity. With his connections and money he will serve five years at the most and as little as two. The case won’t go to trial for quite a while.

  The media has had a field day with the story. There wasn’t any evidence to link parker to Elizabeth’s death, even with my testimony of his confession it wouldn’t be enough to stick he charges. Today we lay my brother to rest. We had to delay his services for two weeks thanks to the media circus. My mother had my brother cremated and she has agreed the Kline’s ashes should go to me. My mom loved my brother, but I know he would want to be with me. Royce has been amazing. He has taken care of me these past few weeks. Tiffany tried to come see me but I couldn’t face her. I know it’s not her fault, but she played a part. I know it isn’t exactly fair of me being that Royce had a bigger role than anyone besides Parker, but I can’t help that I harbor bad feelings towards her for being involved with Jake.

  My stomach rumbles and Royce tries to make me eat. “Babe, I couldn’t eat right now if you force fed me. I can’t seem to hold anything down. I think I’m coming down with a virus or something.”

  “It is probabl
y just your nerves, but I would feel a lot better if you would at least try to eat a cracker.”

  **

  The ceremony for my brother is small. It is a few of the guys from the gym and Sug. Tiffany wanted to be here but Royce told her it was best she stay away for now. Sug gives me a kiss on the cheek and hugs me tight.

  “Girl, the club isn’t the same without you.” Parker’s family took over his assets while he is in jail. I could still have my job if I want but I don’t want to have a part in anything connected to his family.

  The past few weeks have been the worst. I don’t know how to go on when half of me is missing. There is a memory board featuring pictures of my brother at the front of the room on an easel by his urn. Most of the pictures are of him doing what he loved most—fighting. There is one photo that stands out to me the most. Kline and I are maybe three and he is trying to feed me dirt. For someone who irritated me so much, I sure miss the shit out of him. I have slept in his bed every night since he died…I need to be near him…but I can’t feel his presence anymore and that makes me so sad.

  Royce and some of the guys have organized a cage match tonight. All of the proceeds are going to a charity started in Kline’s honor. Al lot of people wouldn’t know that Kline spent a lot of his free time training kids for free. He said the gym is what saved him and it was his way of doing for other kids what was never done for him. The charity will pay for underprivileged kids to get to participate in sports that their families wouldn’t be able to afford to pay for them to participate in. Kline would love this.

  I am sitting and talking to my mom and Charlie about the charity when I am approached by Tony. I’m not sure what he is doing here. We only know each other from the club and I don’t think he ever met Kline. “Can I talk to you for a minute in private?” he looks really uncomfortable and he isn’t looking me in the eye. I’m not sure what he could need to say to me in private, but Tony has always been sweet to me so I follow him outside.