Reclaiming Tomorrow: Kingsley Series Book 3

by Thorne, Haylee

  Our eyes lock, and I am overtaken by complete euphoria. We lay back down, gazing into each other’s eyes, hands roaming and caressing. Neither of us seems to be able to keep our hands to ourselves. It feels like a dream and fuck knows I don’t ever want to wake up. I’m leaning in to kiss her plump lips when my phone starts ringing. I glance over at the bedside table, where my cell is sitting. I choose to ignore it. I’m not ready to let this moment go. When it stops ringing I pick it up to silence it, but when I see the missed call on my screen, my mood takes a dive. I try to clear the sudden thickness in my throat. Before I can silence it, it rings again. I sigh and kiss Mikaela on the forehead.

  “I’m sorry, Lady Kingsley. I have to take this.”

  “It is five in the morning. Who can it possibly be at this—.” Her voice dies in her throat as realization hits her.

  We both stare at the ringing phone in my hand. The feeling of complete and utter happiness that I was floating on just moments ago, is dragged down by feelings of intense guilt. On one side, I have never been happier. After all, I finally am able to be with the woman I have pined for. But by doing so, I just betrayed my best friend. The man whom I consider my brother. One look at Mik’s face and I know that she feels the same. Mika Kingsley doesn’t care about many things, or many people for that matter. But his twin sister Mikaela is definitely at the top of the list of the few people he does care about.

  “Don’t tell him just yet, please.” She pleads.

  I take a deep, pained breath and nod in agreement before pressing the green button to answer.

  7 years ago…

  Feeling self-conscious, I pull the sheet over me as Eric answers the phone. It sounds dumb and I know that it’s not rational. But I feel as if Mika can see me through the phone. I am not ready for Mika to know about…well about whatever this is between us. My throat feels as dry as the Sahara desert, and my stomach is churning. Eric, however, shows incredible restraint. He stands up confidently, not caring that he’s standing before me in his birthday suit. The adoring look that was plastered on his handsome face just seconds ago has been replaced with his stern attorney mask. He looks powerful and sexy as hell. He sounds composed and poised, as always. Acting like he doesn’t have his best friend’s twin sister sitting naked in his bed beside him.

  “I have already anticipated that move. And it’s in the contract, he cannot make a move without your say so.” He barks into the phone.

  I slip out of bed, pulling the sheet with me. I start to walk to the bathroom but he grabs the sheet and pulls me back toward him. He slips his arm around my waist and anchors me against him.

  “I’ll take care of it. I have some pressing matters to deal with before I can come meet you. But I’ll get to the office as soon as I can.”

  He listens for a beat. “Okay.” He says before killing the call.

  Eric throws the phone across the room and turns me around so I am facing him. “You’re not going anywhere until we talk. You don’t get to run away from this now, not now that I know that you feel the same about me.”

  He peers into my eyes, with those captivating grey irises that are like a treacherous stormy sea, and I feel like I am being dragged down into their depths. I am wearing nothing but the sheet that has dropped down and is now draped around my waist. My breasts are fully exposed, but the lack of clothing isn’t what is making me feel naked. Standing here before him, our gazes locked onto each other, I am completely laid bare. Right now, I truly believe that the eyes are the windows to our soul. Because at this moment, mine are on full display and connecting with his in a profound way. Eric rubs his thumb down my cheek.

  “Tell me what you want, Lady Kingsley.” He says, huskily.

  “Isn’t it obvious? I want you, Eric.”

  “Good, because I want you too. I’ve wanted you for a long time, Lady Kingsley.”

  A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “What’s taken you so long?”

  Eric leans in and gently brushes his lips across mine. “You have always been off limits, Lady Kingsley. Mika has always made that very clear. That, and I never even suspected for a second that you saw me as anything else than your brother’s best friend, your childhood friend. And I have kept myself away from you as best I could.” He professes.

  “So, what changed tonight?” I ask coyly.

  He chuckles. “Mikaela, it may be hard for a goddess like you to understand, but I am only a mere mortal human male. When you showed up here tonight, telling me everything I ever wanted to hear… I couldn’t hold back anymore. I love you, Mik. Always have, always will.”

  “So, I didn’t waste my V card on a one night stand then?”

  His eyes widen slightly. “This was your first time?”

  I nod.

  “I’ve taken your virginity?” he growls fiercely.

  “Um correction, you’ve not taken a damn thing. I gave it to you. I wouldn’t have given it to anyone else. I love you too, Eric. And I am yours Eric, all of me.”

  “Until the day you stop wanting me, I’ll be yours, Lady Kingsley. Fuck, probably after that too.” He tells me, his voice laden with emotion. “I’m glad I was your first, and I’ll try my damnedest to make sure to be your last.”

  He leans in and kisses me. His lips are claiming mine, fiercely and with a possessiveness that has my body responding in ways I have never felt before. A euphoric feeling washes over me. Not without difficulty, I tear my lips from his.

  “I don’t think I have ever been this happy.” I breathe, smiling against his lips.

  He pulls back slightly. “But yet, you don’t want Mika to know?”

  I shake my head. “No, I don’t, not yet anyway.”

  “Do you realize what you’re asking from me?”

  I nod. “Just for now, I want this just to be between you and me. For us to see where this can go. Without his interference. You know better than anyone how he can be.”

  I love my brother, and I know he adores me. He will do anything and everything to ensure my happiness. But quite frankly, the man can be like a bulldozer.

  He sighs. “Maybe putting off that conversation for a bit won’t be such a hardship. Mika is not going to be thrilled hearing that I took advantage of his sister.”

  I roll my eyes. “You’ve taken advantage of me? How do you figure that?” I say with a chuckle.

  “I’ve not even taken you out on a date, and yet I have taken you to my bed.”

  I am too embarrassed to admit to him how many times throughout the years after we spent time together, I’ve gotten off while touching myself, pretending it was him touching me. I can feel my cheeks flush as the thought flickers through my brain and I tell myself to get my crap together.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. We have spent so much time together over the years, if anything, we have been on way too many dates for not having slept together.” I tell him with a wink.

  He kisses the tip of my nose. “Okay,” he concedes. “We can keep this between us. For now.”

  * * *

  After we take a shower together—one that lasted a little longer than intended—Eric heads out to meet up with my brother. He left me with a lingering kiss that took my breath away, and a request to see me later tonight. I hum along to the music that is playing on the sound system as I shrug into my clothes and inspect myself in the mirror. I am staring at my fresh-faced reflection and I can’t seem to wipe this smile from my face. A glance at the clock alerts me that it is time for me to go. I make sure the door is locked behind me after I pull it shut and head to the lobby. The doorman hails me a cab and I rush to my office. I have plenty of clothes there and emergency makeup. This way, I avoid running into my brother or having the doorman tell him that I did the walk of shame. I grumble a little at the thought and I must have made the sound out loud because the driver looks at me through the rearview mirror with an amused look on his face. Embarrassed, I avert my gaze and look out the window. I spend the rest of the trip pretending to be very interested in the pede
strians we pass. I pay the man and rush into my office building. I ignore the questioning look I get from my receptionist and am relieved that my assistant isn’t sitting at her desk as I rush into my office. This whole being the boss thing is pretty new for me. While I usually keep the door open unless I have a client in my office, I shut it behind me and walk to the sample rack. I browse through my latest creations and pull a pair of off-white fitted pants with matching suit jacket and pair it with a plain white silk shirt. Luckily, I have a pair of white pumps that match perfectly and are to die for. I roll my hair into a bun and apply minimal make-up. Next, I rummage through my accessory closet and finish my outfit off with a pearl necklace and matching pearl earrings. My backside barely hits my chair when there is a curt knock on my door. In typical Mika fashion, he doesn’t wait to be invited in, and instead, my door flies open, him marching in like he owns the place. Well, technically he owns fifty percent of the building, but still, this is my office.

  “Where have you been all night?” he demands.

  “Good morning to you too, Ivy League.”

  “Well?”

  I raise my brow. “I’m sorry, I missed the part where I stopped being an adult and you turned into my parent,” I reply calmly.

  “Knock it off with the smart-ass comments, Mikaela. You know I get worried. Is it really too much to ask to let me know if you are planning to stay out all night?” he barks.

  Mika has always been overprotective. And even though at times it can be very annoying, he’s always made sure I was safe. And unfortunately, I have needed his protection more times than I care to admit.

  “I fell asleep watching a movie at Sasha’s. Her place is closer to the office so I came straight here this morning.” I lie smoothly, even surprising myself.

  “You couldn’t even bother to call me when you woke up? You were supposed to meet me at the gym this morning.”

  Crap. I forgot about meeting him to work out this morning. I can’t deny that I am more than a little annoyed with the way he stormed in here. But I don’t know how I would have survived our childhood if it wasn’t for him and Eric. So even though I know that he is overreacting, I also feel guilty for lying and I decide to give him a pass. I get up and round the desk. “I’m sorry, I didn’t plan on falling asleep there, and I’ll try to be better from now on. I know that you worry.” I tell him sweetly.

  “Okay then.” He says a little confused.

  I think he expected a little more of a fight.

  “Was there another reason why you stopped by this morning? Or was that pleasant exchange the only thing on your agenda?” I ask jokingly to lighten the mood.

  “I was in the neighborhood.” He says with a shrug.

  “Your office is on the other side of Manhattan.”

  “I had an appointment nearby.”

  I shake my head smiling. “Did you want some coffee?”

  “Are you making it? Because if so, I’ll pass.”

  “What’s wrong with my coffee?”

  “Nothing. If you are a car and need fuel.”

  I roll my eyes. “I was talking about grabbing some coffee at the café around the corner, but honestly, I am not sure if I want to now,” I respond a little miffed.

  Grinning widely, he steps forward and kisses my cheek. “Sorry sis, I have to run back to the office. But I can meet you for dinner later?”

  I can’t tell him that I am meeting Eric tonight, and I don’t want to tell another lie.

  “I am not sure how my night is looking, but I will text you when I know what my plans are.”

  “Okay, sis.” He says as he starts to stroll out of my office.

  “Bye, Ivy league.” I yell at his back.

  He stops walking for a second and shakes his head before striding out of the door. The fact that he hates that nickname is likely the reason I enjoy calling him that. I glance at the clock and see that time is getting away from me. I fire up my computer and start working. The plethora of emails that I need to answer, and the dozens of phone calls I have to return keep me busy until well into late afternoon. The next time I look up it is already a quarter to four. Mika’s driver and private security, Sean, just dropped of a cup of afternoon coffee with a note from my brother telling me he will meet me for dinner at eight that evening, and signed it “love, Ivy League.” I am still chuckling to myself when my phone chimes inside my purse, indicating that I have a message. I retrieve my phone and smile even wider when I see who messaged me.

  Thinking about you.

  I reply immediately:

  Thinking about you too, can’t wait to see you.

  I’ve barely pressed send when someone clears their throat. I look up and feel the color drain from my face. I feel like someone has pressed the pause button, because I am unable to move a single muscle. It feels as if an elephant is sitting on top of me and not allowing me to move.

  “Well, hello there, little one. It’s been a while. I see that you are making good use of the Kingsley fortune.”

  I blink. I want to scream for help, I want my brother or Eric here to protect me from this. But it’s just me and I have to be strong. He takes slow and deliberate steps forward, not once taking his gaze off of me. My eyes are glued to his every move. The rapid beating of my heart is nearly painful and I struggle to fill my lungs with air.

  “Aren’t you going to say hello to your father?” He says, eerily calm.

  I swallow hard. “Hello, daddy.”

  7 years ago…

  The happiness I am feeling right now is unparalleled, even Mika noticing a shift in my demeanor. Keeping the reason for this sudden burst of euphoria from my best friend wasn’t my choice, but I have to honor her wishes. And at least for now, until she is ready, I am happy to keep this to ourselves. We probably do need to grow together before Mika gets involved in this. I know that he won’t be pleased that we’ve kept this from him. But I am hoping that he’ll see that I really love her and that there isn’t another man that would treat her better, or be better suited for her. I am not entirely sure how I get through the day without bursting or even properly function. Since I cannot seem to focus anyway, I cut out early. It’s barely five p.m. when I exit the office building, and since I usually don’t leave the office before nine, I feel like I am playing hooky. I get greeted by the chilly Manhattan air and the smell of wet concrete. The sounds of traffic and a sea of pedestrians are drowned out by my racing thoughts. I pull my coat a little closer as a gust of wind chills me. I swiftly start to walk to the building where Mikaela’s office is. I could take a cab, but I’ll get there faster by foot. And let’s be honest here, I cannot wait to get back to her. I quickly stop to duck into a small flower shop on E 72nd St and get an enormous bouquet of Mikaela’s favorite wildflowers. I am greeted by the receptionist as I walk into Mikaela’s office building. The girl knows my face since I’ve been in the Kingsley’s orbit pretty much my entire life. We are always together in some way. I flash her a smile as she waves me through. I expect to see Mik’s assistant sitting at her desk but it’s empty. Mikaela’s door is closed and I hesitate. Maybe she is meeting with a client? Just as I wonder if I should have shown up unannounced, I can hear her voice.

  “You need to leave. Now.” The tone of her voice is hard as steel and cuts through my thoughts like a whip. Dropping the flowers on the assistant’s desk, I close the distance between myself and the door, throwing it open, not bothering with the courtesy of knocking. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I walked in the room, but this is definitely not on the list of things I would have imagined. Mikaela’s face is as pale as a white sheet and it isn’t hard to see why when my gaze lands upon Mason Kingsley. He turns at my unexpected arrival, brows raised in surprise. It’s almost disturbing how much my best friend looks like his father.

  “Ah.” He says, giving me a disapproving once-over. “It’s the other twin’s lackey.”

  Asshole.

  I’m not sure what he’s expecting from me with that comment, but I chose n
ot to respond.

  “You heard her sir, you need to leave. I have no issue with assisting you to do so if need be.”

  The Kingsley patriarch arches a brow and turns his attention back to Mikaela. “Lap dog turned guard dog? Neat trick. Does he also do tricks for snacks?”

  I can see the anger flare in her eyes and the urge to protect her multiplies by about a million. I make my way to Mik and tug her behind me. I lock eyes with Mason as he looks at me sneeringly. “Did you need help finding the exit?” I ask him calmly. “Because I can draw you a map if that helps?”

  Kingsley smiles but his eyes are empty. Devoid of any emotion at all, Mason Kingsley’s poker face is unrivaled. He holds up both hands. “Okay, okay. I get the message. I’ll leave. For now. But understand that I am back and here to stay.”

  He turns to leave but stops in the doorway.

  “Remember little one, family is forever.” He says in a coarse tone before continuing to saunter out of sight.

  I turn back to Mikaela and pull her into my arms. “Are you okay, Lady Kingsley?”

  She buries her face in my chest and starts to sob. I tighten my hold on her and stroke my hand across her head. “Shhhh, don’t cry baby. I am here.” I tell her gently.

  I hold her for a while, muttering consoling words and kissing the top of her head. When she calms down and looks up at me, my chest constricts as I see the sadness floating in her eyes. “What was he doing here?”

  “He knows that it’s our birthday next month.” She states matter-of-factly, as if that should explain everything.

  “Okay? And he wanted to wish you happy birthday?” I ask confused.

  “It’ll be our twenty-second birthday.”

  “Ah.”

  I understand now. According to the conditions of their trust, Mika and Mikaela will take complete legal ownership of Kingsley Incorporated and get full access to their inheritance on their twenty-second birthday.