Bought By The Ruthless Alpha King (Ruby) novel Chapter 149

Chapter 149: Chasing Her – Open Your Heart Part III

Killian’s POV

“Don’t be nervous.”

“Just stay calm.”

I kept chanting those words like a rookie soldier stepping into his first war zone. It was ridiculous. This was just a simple meeting between me and a woman or so the cocky, delusional part of me kept saying.

In reality, I’d already worn a path into the floor of my study. I was nothing if not self–aware, a very responsive king, thank you very much. And no matter how much I wanted to stop pacing, I only did it more. Sitting still made it worse.

I lifted my gaze to the clock. Eight p.m. That meant Ruby was with Elias. The youngest always fell asleep quickly in this kingdom. Maybe the cooler climate helped, perfectly cozy for a baby to drift off in peace. The twins, meanwhile, were still full of energy. Leonidas was entertaining them tonight.

I’d owe my cousin for that. Big time.

‘You still have an hour, Killian. Don’t fall apart now‘

I clicked my tongue. “How can I not fall apart, El? You’re supposed to share this emotional wreckage with me.”

“I’m the sane part of your soul, tyrant. Don’t drag me down with you.”

Elysian’s snide tone gave me a headache. I tuned out most of his rambling, but now he was commenting on what I should do during the meeting. The worst part is my own wolf was suggesting behavior completely inappropriate for an ex.

“What’s the harm? Just a welcome kiss.”

“You call yourself my rational side, Elysian? You’re not even close a quarter.”

I severed the link before I lost my mind. If I let him talk any longer, I’d be insane by the time she arrived. That was when the study door swung open, and Leonidas walked in, looking even more drained than usual.

“Damn. What happened to you?” I asked.

He collapsed onto the sofa, covering half his face with one arm, letting out a heavy sigh.

“And here I thought I was the one carrying the weight of the world.”

I rubbed my face. “I’m seeing Rosalyn tonight. In the music room.”

“Oh.”

That Oh made my blood boil. He was treating this like some casual get–together. I wanted to kick him off the couch or maybe out the window.

“Wait, did you say Rosalyn?”

His head snapped up, eyes wide in disbelief. I responded by launching a pillow straight into his face.

“Too late to be shocked,” I said, deadpan.

Leonidas caught the throw pillow with ease. “Heh, answer me this. Who asked who out, huh? You or her? No way it was her.”

“Sadly for you, the answer is yes. Ruby Lucienne.”

I lifted my chin just a little too high, wearing that smug look I hadn’t outgrown. That stupid pride that said, I’m the one who got to her first. I still liked calling her Rosalyn. Old habits die hard.

“No way. Seriously?”

Leonidas leaned forward, gawking like he hadn’t just spent the evening being mauled by toddlers. Then he burst out laughing, and the sound filled the entire study.

“No wonder you’ve paced a trench into the floor, Your Majesty,” he said, voice dripping with mockery.

“You can shut up now if you want to stay in this room,” I snapped, jaw tight with irritation.

But Leonidas, being who he is, only took that as an invitation to stay longer. He sprawled even deeper into the couch like he owned the place. I considered dragging him out by the collar. Or calling his mate. Sean would get it done.

“O sun of the realm, source of strength and heart of the kingdom…

My patience flared hotter than before. Leonidas, Successfdity flekea started reciting the kingdom’s old ceremonial

lines like some drunk palace scribe.

“Face your foes with unshaken resolve. Raise your head above all enemies. You live for this. Now move!” he declared theatrically.

“Leonidas, I swear if you want your lover to survive the night, you better stop,” I muttered, half–threatening.

1/2

Chapter 149: Chasing Her – Open Your Heart Part II…

“Killian,” Leonidas said, more relaxed now, “just do what you always do.”