Claimed by my Brother’s Best Friends (Alyssa) novel Chapter 48

I've only given them the bare minimum of details—Isaac and I are no longer together because he's an abusive asshole, and I came back to town to get away from him. They really don't need to know anything else.

"Are you guys safe here?" Ashley drops to a whisper, her expression serious. "Like he's not holding you hostage or anything, right?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Believe it or not, I'm safer here than I ever was with Isaac."

My friends exchange a glance, but before they can say anything, King strides back into the room, his presence commanding as always. "Don't mind me, ladies. Just grabbing another cup of coffee."

"Hey, King," they say in unison, trying to look like they're not swooning over him.

When he passes us again on his way back to the office, his eyes meet mine, lingering for just a beat longer than necessary before he disappears.

"Wow, he is fine as hell!" Ashley whisper-yells, pretending to fan herself. "I mean, he's always been fine, but goddamn! Alyssa, can I get his number?"

Before I can even think of a response that doesn't make me sound jealous or possessive, Chelsea cuts in, "Uh, did you just see the way he was looking at her? And that sexual tension? I think he's already been claimed."

I feel my cheeks heat up as Ashley's head snaps in my direction, her eyes wide with shock. "You're having sex with him?"

"No," I blurt out way too quickly. They both raise an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Okay, maybe a little bit."

Or a lot.

Every night.

Every single chance I get.

I brace myself for the inevitable judgment, but instead, they just grin at me, like this is the best news they've ever heard.

"You've definitely changed sis," Ashley comments, her voice playful but tinged with a hint of concern. "I didn't think you'd ever touch King Sterling unless it was to push him into a fire."

I nod silently, my throat tightening.

"Good," she says, her voice low and adamant. "He deserves everything that's coming to him. I can't even imagine what you've been through, Alyssa."

"How's Gray doing anyway? Is he still single?" Ashley asks, wiggling her eyebrows.

I grimace. Ashley has always had a thing for my brother, hell, for badboys in general, but I think she was always too shy to make a move. I wouldn't have minded it, though. She would've been a far better choice than Christine, that's for sure.

"Oh no, my big brother is officially off the market," I inform her, watching their faces twist with shock.

Both of them gasp. "How? When?" Ashley asks, feigning dramatic hurt as she clutches her chest, as if genuinely heartbroken by the news.

I flash an insincere smile, leaning back in the chair. "Well, do I have some tea for you girls."