King of Depravity: EPILOGUE

One month later…

Weddings are not my scene. Despite the fact that women tend to be free and easy, the emotion involved in the ceremony is enough to make me steer clear, usually. But as it’s my brother who’s getting married, my attendance is required.

“You may kiss the bride,” the justice of the peace calls out with a large smile on her face.

Killian kisses Chloe, appearing about as smitten as a man can be. The change Chloe has brought out in him is nothing short of astounding.

It’s like she’s switched Killian back on. He went from moody, withdrawn, dangerous to relaxed and happy. I wouldn’t go so far as to say talkative.

Except with Chloe. Every time the two of them are at a family event, I catch them in a corner talking and laughing, Killian more animated than I’ve ever seen him. I don’t even know that man, but I’d really like to have the chance.

She’s the perfect woman for Killian, and honestly, she’s fitting into our family exceptionally well.

My mother looks back at me from the row ahead, a smile gracing her lips. Chloe has brought Killian and our mother back together, which will likely make Chloe the favorite daughter-in-law. Not that I’ll give her any competition. I will not add another Mrs. Smith to the collection.

My brothers and I are all driven men, working tirelessly to bring our family to the pinnacle of dominance in the Las Vegas real estate market. I don’t have either the time or the inclination to date a woman with any seriousness.

In fact, I have a rule. I only ever date a woman for thirty days. Any longer than that, and they start getting ideas…

But I’m still happy for Killian and glad a few of my brothers are adding a bit of softness to the family.

Chloe calls our mother, she soothes Killian, she even baked cookies for our board meeting last week.

Watching Killian bring them to the meeting was hilarious. He’s never embarrassed about anything, but he looked slightly uncomfortable as he dropped a Tupperware container on the table. Then again, he also didn’t share any of them, eating them himself because, as he phrased it, “She’s mine to eat as often as I wish.”

Our brother Rush had quirked his brow. “You mean the food she makes is yours⁠—”

“You heard me,” he growled back.

Chloe and Killian join hands, and turning to face the crowd, they raise them above their heads, as the small group cheers.

“Woot,” I call, actually meaning it. I’m happy for my brother. I really am. And another marriage in our family has brought us closer to our real estate partners, the Kincaids. Win. Win.

We’re at one of Mason’s hotels for the ceremony and reception. Mason and I are working on the kind of deal that will bring my family to the next level. It’s a game changer.

Which is why Mason volunteered this room for Killian and Chloe as a peace offering, and as the space overlooks a lush garden and the private pool beyond, it’s a lovely setting for the twenty people they have here today.

My family was invited, a few of the Kincaids, a couple of Chloe’s friends, and Chloe’s mother.

Who is a piece of work.

She took one look at the hotel, the guests, and she has set herself to being some sort of money vacuum, telling first Killian, and then me and my brothers all about her financial woes.

I’ve seen her kind before. She’ll try to garner some sympathy in the hopes of receiving aid. What I find appalling is that she has no shame acting this way at her daughter’s wedding.

She’s in the row behind me, and she’s working Rush. “The shrimp that was served at the pre-event spread was divine. I’ve not had anything like that in ages, we can hardly afford it.”

I can hear the pout in her voice, and it sets my teeth on edge. Rush has a great deal of skill in this regard, and he makes a noncommittal sound that Barbara mistakes as sympathy.

“It’s been so hard, it was such a relief to come here even for a weekend. I’d love to stay longer, spend time with my daughter, but I can barely manage the hotel fees.”

Rush doesn’t say anything, focusing on Chloe and Killian as they pass us by on their way down the aisle.

Barbara doesn’t even look up to notice her daughter passing, as she keeps talking to Rush. “The three casinos you own, surely they have hotels attached?”

Rush shrugs. “My department is casino floor management. You’ll have to speak with Ryker about hotel stays.”

She huffs out a breath. “He said to talk to you since you comp the rooms at the casino level.”

“Huh,” Rush says, stepping past her to follow Killian and Chloe. I’d give her the room she wants to shut her up, but once you give into a person like that, she’ll come back for more until she’s run the well dry.

I step out into the aisle as well, Barbara falling into step next to me. “I bet you put your mother up in your hotels. You strike me as the son who takes care of a poor old woman.”

My brows lift, as I deftly dodge the request. “My mother doesn’t like staying in hotels, and she doesn’t wish to burden her sons, so she bought a house in Vegas for her visits.”

Barbara sniffs, clearly annoyed by my answer. I didn’t lie. My mother dislikes hotels and with the amount she comes to stay in Vegas, she thought it better to buy a home and staff it.

Killian and Chloe stop at the other end of the room next to the glass door that leads outside. We’ll have a quick drink outside while this room is changed over for the sit-down dinner.

Killian and Chloe could have made this as elaborate as they wished, but neither wanted a big event. Between all that’s happening here in Vegas and their own preferences, small made sense.

Beautiful bouquets of bright tropical flowers are brought in to match the garden outside as the chairs we just sat in are rearranged to accommodate the tables. Barbara clucks her tongue. “So tacky.”

My jaw clenches. Tacky is hitting up your new in-laws for free shit.

Chloe’s taste in flowers is excellent. She likes bright colors, artistic flare, and they match the setting perfectly. Most of the guests are already outside the now-open doors, helping themselves to champagne and oysters. A warm breeze blows into the room as I follow the group out.

Barbara snaps her fingers. “You,” she calls over to one of the set-up crew. “Is there anything to drink besides Champagne? I prefer a chardonnay.”

I turn too, to tell Barbara that the bartender is the better person to make this request. But I stop as my gaze collides with the woman Barbara has asked.

Light grey eyes meet mine, large and haunting and framed with thick, long lashes. Her dark hair is pulled back in a loose ponytail, a few tendrils framing her face.

Her features are delicate with lips so full and lush…

My eyes dart down her body, noting her slender but curvy frame, accentuated by a crisp white oxford and fitted black pants.

She looks away from me, a slight flush coloring her cheeks. “Of course, ma’am. I’ll find that for you right away.”

And then she’s gone.

Barbara makes a pleased purr next to me and then sails out into the garden, helping herself to an oyster before she picks up one of the pre-poured glasses of champagne.

I need to go out and congratulate Killian and Chloe. I’ve got a gift for them as well.

It isn’t traditional. In fact, it’s not even a present I could wrap. Instead, it’s a promise to them both. If anything happens to Killian, I will make it my first priority to see to Chloe’s well-being.

But I don’t head outside. Instead, I wait for the waitress to return.

I’ve seen all manner of beautiful woman. But there is something so vulnerable in her features, gentle in her manner, that I find myself intensely curious.

She appears again walking toward me, but stops, looking for Barbara.

“Allow me,” I volunteer, closing the distance between us. But instead of taking the glass from her hand, I reach into my pocket, brandishing a card with my personal number.

I take the drink and then hand her the card.

Her brow furrows. “Sir?”

“Call me.” I’m not even sure what I’m offering. A date. A fuck. I just know I’d like to stare into those eyes again soon.

Her cheeks turn a delightful shade of pink as she dips her chin. “I’m sorry sir, but I can’t…Mr. Kincaid has strict policies.”

Is she denying me? Mason steps back into the room. “Triston? What’s taking you so long?” Then his gaze slashes to the blushing woman.

One of his brows lift. “Honeyeh, is my business partner giving you trouble?”

Honeyeh. It sounds like Honey-ah and makes me think of licking her. I bet she’s delicious. “Honeyeh. What an interesting name.”

She slips my card into her pants pocket. “It’s Persian. My mother…” Her hand flutters delicately. Is she a dancer? “My apologies for dallying, Mr. Kincaid. I will make certain the tables are set very quickly.”

“It isn’t your fault, Honeyeh, I can see Tris was distracting you.” The accusation shining in Mason’s eyes is enough to make me pause. This woman means something to him.

I’ve got big plans. I’m helping Mason to complete a hostile takeover of one of the Russian Bratva casinos that he allowed access to his tunnel. But from there… I can connect two more of my own. It will take us from multi-millionaires to billionaires and secure my family’s legacy. But I’ll need Mason’s help.

“Actually, I wanted to offer her a job.”

This time, both of Mason’s brows lift in question. “She is wonderful. Which is why I can’t allow you steal her.” But I see the pleased gleam in his eye. I’d be helping him by hiring Honeyeh. In terms of favors, it doesn’t get much easier. “But if you must, I will allow it, for Honeyeh’s sake.”

“Fair enough,” I say, looking back at Honeyeh. Her eyes are wide, her lips parted in surprise.

My gaze slides down her body again as I consider what position I might hire her for. Maybe a maid…

I can put her in one of those French maid uniforms.

Then again, this is a favor to Mason so I’m going to have to keep my hands to myself. I’m a man of iron control.

But as I look back at Honeyeh, I have to wonder just how much that belief is going to be tested…