The Darkest King: A Dark Mafia Romance (The Dark Kings of NYC Book 1)

I stand over the bed, watching the doctor as he cares for Mia. He’s my personal doctor and came as soon as Mack called him.

“The drugs will take another few hours to wear off. Twenty-four hours and they’ll be out of her system.” He takes his stethoscope out of his ears. “Otherwise, she’s fine.”

“Okay,” I say numbly.

“Give her some electrolytes when she wakes. Lots of water. She’ll be nauseous, but if she wants to eat, that’s fine.”

I nod.

“No alcohol for a few days. Tell her to take it easy.” He packs up his things. “Connor, you need to report this. The police should be here. I know publicity is harmful, but…”

I shake my head. “Thanks, doc. I need you to keep this confidential. The people who harmed her are being taken care of.”

He holds my stare for a long moment. “I’m not going to ask.”

“Don’t,” I say with a hint of darkness. Nobody else needs to get involved.

Mack waits by the door and escorts the doctor out. When he returns, I am still standing in the same position, staring down at her.

“Call Sienna and let her know Mia is home safe.”

“Already done,” Mack replies. “Decker is updated as well.”

“Any news on Nathan?” I ask, and Mack shakes his head.

Fuck, I hated leaving him.

“He would’ve indicated if he needed us,” Mack said. “You know that.”

I nod.

But it doesn’t lessen the guilt.

We both stand there staring at Mia. Mack slides his hands into his pockets and lets out a quiet sigh.

“She’s growing on me,” he says, and my lips stretch into a small smile.

Same.

She’s stolen my heart—the one I thought was dead.

“You’re going to marry her, aren’t you? Legit now,” Mack asks.

“Yup.” I nod. “If she’ll have me. But that’s a really fucking big if, my friend. Otherwise, I go to ground.”

He nods.

“I’ll prepare for the latter because, honestly, I think your chances are pretty fucking low.”

I glance at him, wanting to tell him he’s wrong. But he’s not. Unless this woman loves me, there’s no way she is going to compromise her father. Not unless I tell her everything, and even then, it might not be enough.

And that’s a risk I’m not sure I can take.

I CLIMB INTO bed with Mia once Mack leaves. I’ve changed her into one of my T-shirts and sponged her as much as I can. It was therapeutic in a way. I tug the covers over her and slide my arm under her head, listening to her breathing.

Thank God I found her.

The moonlight falls across the floor as I go over the millions of scenarios that could happen once she wakes. It’s the most powerless I’ve ever felt.

If only she hadn’t gone into my office.

Except, even if it took me months to acknowledge I’ve fallen in love with her, I still would’ve needed to tell her, eventually.

Wouldn’t I?

Lying to Mia forever? No. I respect her too much for that. She’s been used her entire life.

I’m a man who gets what he wants, but this time, the power is in her hands. If she can’t forgive me, if she can’t accept who I am, then I will need to let her walk away.

But I’m not stupid enough to think she will keep my secret forever, which is why Mack is preparing for our exit.

Plan B.

A separate set of IDs for all the Dark Kings, money, and accommodation in case we need to exit fast.

While I knew this day could come, I never thought I’d be doing it and leaving my heart behind.

Mia stirs beside me, and I close my eyes, taking in her warmth and her familiar cinnamon and honey scent.

This could be the last time I hold her, so I’m basking in her softness for as long as I can.