His Chosen Mate (Complete- Standalone)

Chapter 24

I was worried that the evening with Kingston would be awkward but I excused myself claiming fatigue after dinner and he apparently fell asleep in his office. So, I slept comfortably alone in his massive bed and the gym this morning was pretty standard. He was busy with clients, I ran then did some strength training. I floated in the pool waiting for him to wrap up. By the time we left I was starving and looking forward to lunch but he insisted I have a yogurt and fruit bowl that he had prepared for me. After only having the preworkout this morning. I was ravenous.

Which is why right now, he is outside returning some calls, waiting for me to find a cocktail dress and I am inside shoveling food in my mouth. I wanted something of subsistence which started me rolling up deli meat and cheese. Then I saw the mashed potatoes so I threw those in the microwave. I also wanted something sweet and the only thing I really have in the house is cereal, so here I am. Taking huge spoonfuls of cocoa pebbles while I stand at my closet looking over shoe options. I grabbed a few dresses and some jewlery but I have no idea what kind of shoe I should wear on a yacht. If its cocktail, the shoe should match, right?

I toss a few into the bottom of my garment bag and zip it up. Taking a moment to brush my teeth and spray perfume. Hiding any sign of the little binge. I wonder if I should clear out the perishables in my fridge or if I will be back before I need to worry about it.

When I get back to the car, Kingston is visibly agitated. When I ask him about it, he is dismissive and tells me he has to run some errands this afternoon. So, he drops me off at his loft and I’m a bit uneasy. I don’t have a lot of freetime on my hands normally. When I do, I love to binge on tv or a book but I keep waiting for Kingston to come home and I don’t want to feel lazy in his home. I honestly feel out of place, we aren't in a stage in our relationship where I can make myself at home in his house.

He told me this morning that he has cleaners that come every Monday, so not to bother cleaning. I still wipe the counters and mirrors down just to occupy some time. I read on the terrace for awhile, paced and nearly called my mom but opted against it. It was 6 and Kingston wasn’t home yet. I text him about dinner and he didn’t respond. so, I decided I would start to get ready and make some grilled chicken for us.

I realized one of the black dresses I packed, still had tags on it and I was currently in pursuit of something to cut the tags off. The obvious choice would be the kitchen but I opened an end table in his bedroom. While I shouldn’t be suprised to find a big box of magnum condoms, I was a bit shocked to find a photo album full of before and after photos. Much like the ones on his i********:, I just found it odd to be in his bedside table. The girls in this book seem younger as well and the photos look oddly more private but I scold myself for looking through his stuff and I put it back, trying to ignore it. When I ended up finding a pair of finger nail clippers and using those. Tossing the tags in the trash can in the bathroom, my eyes caught the same gold packaging of the condoms from the drawer.

I stare at it. Do not pick through his trash Ashleigh. I scolded myself for the thought, DO NOT. I fought the urge but f*ck it. I had to check and sure as s**t, two used condoms and their wrappers at the bottom of the waste basket. I scrub my hands because i just picked up random ass tissues in a trash bin and I'm grossed out with my actions. But what the f*ck, used condoms?!

I don’t know what to do with the information. My brain first tries to rationalize they were old but I am sure his cleaning lady wouldn’t miss changing his trash for weeks on end. I also thought maybe he used them solo, is that something men do? Probably not. So, the only logical answer was he had s*x, Monday after he dropped me off at the airport or Tuesday, but we had talked that night before bed or maybe after I opted to hand myself over to Troy. Would that have been his go to? Being distraught after driving ten hours he goes and hooks up. Who knows but none of the options sit well with me. But could I blame him? I had slept with Troy and in my mind had already kind of closed the door to a relationship with him.

I finished the chicken and steam some broccoli and keep thinking about all the things, I didn’t trust about Kingston. I had a lifetime of making excuse, hoping for the best, not trusting my gut when it came to guys. All my warning flags and alarms had been going off when I first met Kingston but I told myself it was my fault, my insecurities, that I couldn’t trust my gut.

I ate dinner alone, then prepared myself to head to the party. It was twenty till 8 when Kingston returned home. He kissed me on the cheek and told me I looked beautiful and he was right I did. I wore a black dress that barely covered my ass, but it showcase my legs. My obvious best feature. The sleeves were sheer and long, billowing out but tapered back at my wrists. The bodice was tight and hugged all my curves, the whole thing had a layer of sparkle to it. I paired it with a cute simple black strappy heel and some diamond studs. I had pulled my hair loosely in a high ponytail and curled everything in big lose curls, giving it volume. It looked elegant but not too formal. I looked great but I just didn't feel right. I really just want to go back to my condo, to my bed and forget everything.

I was really envious when Kingston stepped out of the room, ten minutes later. Wearing white tailored fit slacks, a light blue jacket, a white oxford and a colorful tie. He looked flawless, like he was stepping off a GQ cover. He grabbed his phone and keys before extending a hand to me.

“You look great.” I smiled at him but he seemed distracted.

After a few minutes walking in silence, I ask, “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah.” He responds without even really acknowleding me or thinking about the question.

“You haven’t really told me anything about Troy, like if its safe to head back to my place. I feel bad being in your space.”

“Don’t I am hardly home.”

“Well, I guess thats kind of my point. If its safe for me to be alone at your place, mine has to be okay too?”

“Troy is still in town. I don’t know what his plans are. So, I feel better with you at my place.”

“So, you’ve talked to him or are you just keeping tabs on him?”

“Both. I am thinking about challenging him for his pack.”

“What, why? I thought you were anti the pack BS.”

“I am but I think you would be safer. I made plans today for your oath ceremony for tomorrow, Mae is arranging the celebration piece.”

“Oh.”

“Ashleigh!!” I hear Emily calling from the boat before we are on the docks to the marina.

Emily as always look like a goddess. She has a orange satin microdress on, her heels and accessories are perfect. Her makeup is bold and makes her look next level. I coo and giggle when she runs to meet me in an embrace. Each sharing how hot the other looks.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again Kingston, she offers her hand to him.” He takes it and kisses the back of her hand.

“I hear you may know some of the guests here tonight.” Her question is directed at Kingston.

“This is your father’s yacht?” He studies the name on the boat. She nods in response.

“Then yes, I probably do.” Emily’s father is a developer and a known philanthropist in the area. Most business dealings in the city he has a hand it. I know that only from the bits and pieces she has told me over the past few months. She warned me that the people in attendance tonight would be some heavy hitters and that her father requested he invite some eye candy. I knew what I was getting into, married old guys who liked to look at girls half their age. If Emily had to be here, I was more than willing to stand by her side in solidarity. Free drinks and amazing food, helped sell the idea.

“Lets find drinks.” She pulled me on board and Kingston followed behind us.

“He is so f*cking hot.” She whispers in my ear.

“I know, right.” I giggle in response, she drags me up to the top deck to introduce me to a few people, including he father.

His father acknowledges me but his eyes are looking over my shoulder the entire greeting. Even as he says, “Ashleigh, I have heard so much about you, I am glad you could come keep Emily company.” His attention is on Kingston.

“And this is her guest-” Emily adds but Mr. Pirrone extends his hand and interrupts.

“Kingston Pierce, nice to see you again.” Minus the tone in his voice indicates it is not nice to see him again and the whole exchange between them is too intense.

“Mr. Pirrone, you always host such fabulous affairs. I am glad I was able escort Ashleigh here tonight.” An obvious tone of disdain in his words. Emily and I exchange a look from the corner of our eyes.

Emily interrupts reading the situation, “Daddy, I need to drink. We will be on the main deck if you need anything.” He squeezes her hand. “Don’t leave the boat tonight, okay honey.” He says in a pained sort of plea as we walk down to the main deck.

I think Kingston snickers ahead of me but I am not sure and I am totally thrown off by their interaction.