Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy, #1)(6)

I don’t like newcomers. Especially ones who are causing shit.

“Okay, back the fuck up. Why is she living with you?”

“More importantly,” Cole says. “Is she hot?” Amusement lines his face. “On second thought, who cares? A chick willing to bone her own cousin has got to be into some freaky shit, and you better believe I’m down for it.”

I’m not surprised. My brother has screwed almost everything in a skirt at RHA. Including teachers.

Oakley shakes his head. “Nah. I don’t think she’s the freaky type. Just a big tease.” He takes a joint from behind his ear and lights it. “A hot tease, but still a tease nonetheless.”

Cole rolls his eyes. “The hot ones always are.”

Oakley bumps his fist. “Word, brother. It’s hard to find a hottie with a body that will let you shift out of park and stick it in drive right away.” Blowing out a cloud of smoke, he looks at me. “Unless your name is Jace Covington. The asshole everyone is scared shitless of, but every girl still wants a piece of. Go fucking figure.”

He’s not wrong. But unlike him and my brother, I’m selective about who I stick my dick in. I won’t settle for the same mediocre snatch every other guy has unlimited access to…I prefer prime.

Not that I always turn down easy pussy. It’s still nice to get your dick wet whenever the urge strikes. That’s why I have Britney.

But even she’s starting to bore me. For once, I’d like a challenge.

“How big are her tits?” my brother asks, interrupting my thoughts.

Oakley sighs. “On the small side, but they’re perk—”

“What’s her name?”

These two will go back and forth, dissecting her body all day, but I’d prefer to start with the basics.

Oak takes a drag off his joint. “Dylan.” His eyes crinkle. “And your reputation must precede you because she asked about you.”

The tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I only know one girl named Dylan.

Cole makes a face. “How would your cousin—” He pauses mid-sentence, his gaze swiveling to me. “Well, shit. Small world, huh?”

Too small. What the hell is she doing back in town? Living with Oakley of all people.

Never one to turn down gossip, Oak doesn’t bother hiding his newfound interest. “My dad said she used to live in Royal Manor. I’m guessing you two have history?”

Cole snorts. “More like chemistry.”

I kick his chair so hard he falls back. “Shut the fuck up.”

My brother knows damn well this isn’t a joke. He knows what she did. What she’s responsible for.

Anger brews in my gut. I don’t know why she’s back, and I don’t care.

Dylan Taylor needs to get the fuck out of Royal Manor…for good. The bitch has already caused enough problems for me and my family.

I’m not about to give her an opportunity to do it again.

Confusion etches Oakley’s features. “She left town a long time ago. How much histo—”

“Doesn’t matter.” I snatch the joint from him and take a long pull. “She won’t be staying long.”

I’ll make sure of it.





Chapter 4





Dylan





Past…



A soft breeze caresses my face as my gaze drifts to the small figure sitting under a giant sequoia tree.

Jace Covington.

All the other kids are playing during recess, but as usual, he keeps to himself.

I figure his introversion is due to being new, having transferred to my school not only recently, but near the end of fifth grade. However, he’s been here for over two months already and hasn’t made any friends.

Not that I’m judging him. I’ve lived in Royal Manor my whole life and still haven’t adapted. I’m not sure I ever will.

My therapist told my dad I was reclusive because I lost my mom so early. According to her, losing someone so important makes it hard for me to connect with others.

She’s wrong, though. I get along with people just fine.

As long as I don’t get too close.

The less you feel for someone…the less their imminent absence would hurt.

Feeling out of my element, I take a few steps in his direction but pause.

I’m not sure going over there would be a good thing. He seems to prefer solitude, which is something I can relate to.

My heart clenches. He looks so sad. So lonely on a playground full of kids.

Leave him alone.

But I can’t.

There’s something dangerously enigmatic about Jace Covington.

His edges are sharp like broken glass…deterring someone from getting too close.

And while most people would walk away out of fear of being cut…I want to merge my broken pieces with his.

See what kind of alliance our strange, jagged pieces could form.

Head held high, I march over to him. Jace doesn’t know it yet, but he’s my new best friend.

My only friend.

“Hi.”

I cross my arms over my chest when he doesn’t return my greeting.

“I’m Dylan.”

Silence.

Here I am, venturing far out of my comfort zone, and he’s ignoring me.