17

Whenever Kim offered to tell me what she knows about him from the years they grew up together, I always shot her attempts down. Aiden is that itch that makes me all uncomfortable and aware. The mere mention of his name smashes my mood and pulls at my sanity strings. I did everything to erase him, but the king can’t be erased, can he? Even if he’s not there, his name floats all over RES. Hell, even at home, Aunt and Uncle always talk about King Enterprises. He’s like a ghost haunting me wherever I go. Maybe I’ve been looking at things wrong. Maybe erasing him isn’t the solution. If I choose to get to know him, it’s not to understand him. It’s only a tactic so I’d know how to counter him. “You know Xander,” I tell Kim. “It did you nothing, though.” “Knew Xander. Past tense. He’s been a stranger for years.” She releases a pained sigh. “Besides, I don’t intend to fight him. You, on the other hand, seem bent on challenging King.” “I’m only defending myself and…” I clutch her hand, my throat