Callous Prince

by Becker Gray

  “Look, I know you’ve gone through a lot of trouble, and I appreciate it. I do. But I don’t need this. I—”

  “It’s a gift. You’re my bestie, I’d rather have your company than not, and Tannith isn’t here for me to spoil, so I have a lot of spoiling built up right now. So, you’re coming whether you like it or not. Besides, my mother owns that spa. So treatments are free anyway.”

  I sighed. “Jesus Christ, there’s no way I’m getting out of this, is there?”

  She laughed. “No, there’s no way. Besides, you’re going to have Rhys and Lennox eating out of the palm of your hand.”

  “I don’t want anyone eating out of my hand. Besides, you feed a stray once and they’ll never leave you alone.” I slid her a glance. “What about you? Will a certain Harvard sophomore be in attendance tonight? I know he’s been sniffing around.” Bryce Kessler was the oldest son of Jeffry Kessler, the actor. He’d graduated two years ago and had always had a thing for Sera. She, on the other hand, had always kept him at arm’s length.

  “I’m not worried if he shows or not.”

  “Oh c’mon. I know you’ve been talking to him on the phone sometimes.”

  Sera always played things close to the vest when it came down to her personal feelings. “Sure, we talk. But he’s not my boyfriend or anything. Hell, I’m not sure I’ll ever let him take me on a date. I like to assess the whole field before making a choice. Dating is a game of chess and not checkers. Best not to move too quickly. Besides, Rhys hates him. So son of an actor or not, no way he’s welcome.”

  The way she said Rhys’s name made me flush. “Serafina, you’re okay with me going with him, right?”

  She blinked wide eyes at me. “Yeah, I’m totally fine with it.”

  “Are you sure? Because I know you and Rhys have a—” How the hell should I even classify their thing? It was intense loathing, followed by an ‘I will kill you in your sleep’ vibe.

  “Honey, I know you’re not super into him. And also, I just don’t care. He can date whoever he wants.”

  “We’re not dating.”

  “You’re kissing and making out on occasion, that spells dating to me.” She waved her hand, dismissing the topic. “Honestly, I’m good. I love you. And if you think Rhys can make you happy, then fine.”

  “Oh, my god, Rhys does not make me happy. And let’s be really clear, I don’t think he’d make me happy. For some reason, I’m interesting to him at the moment, and I’m not sure why. He’s probably just bored with nothing else to do, spotted me and decided I’d be the apple of his eye for the time being. In my case, I figured he’d make a good practice boyfriend, so here we are.”

  Serafina lifted her brows. “What?”

  “I mean look, I know Rhys isn’t really interested in me. Why he is trying to hang out with me, I’m not sure. But he is . . . well, he is a very good kisser. I sort of feel a little warm and tingly when he kisses me, although not that fireworks-exploding kind of shit like with—”

  I cut myself off before I said too much.

  She lifted a brow. “Like with who?”

  “Wow, look at this dress, isn’t that—”

  She shook her head. “Don’t you dare try to change the subject. Like with who?”

  I swallowed hard. “Like with Lennox.”

  Her eyes went wide. “I knew it. Did you ask Rhys to kiss you to make him jealous?”

  I frowned at that. “No, I wouldn’t do that. I don’t want to play games.”

  She sighed. “Yeah, I know. That’s not you. You’re really direct and straightforward. But I knew there was something going on with you two.”

  “There’s nothing going on with us two.”

  She folded her arms again, settling on her chest. “Oh yeah? Then tell me what happened when I saw him dragging you to a supply closet the other day?”

  I opened my mouth to say something but decided otherwise. Then I opened it a second time, but then closed it again. I made another attempt trying to find just the right words, but it never came. Then on my fourth attempt, I just sighed. “You saw that?”

  “Yes. Spill girl, spill.”

  “It wasn’t—I don’t even know how it happened. He dragged me in there and told me Rhys was the bad guy and I couldn’t date him. And then he asked me to go to the gala with him instead.”

  Serafina laughed. “Oh my god. You are the cutest innocent badass vixen ever.”

  “I don’t even know what that means.”

  “It just means that you’re not even trying, and you have these guys falling all over themselves for you. Please, teach me your ways.”

  I gave her the once over. “You and I both know full well, all you have to do is give somebody the time of the day, and he’s at your feet. You have this quality that just says, ‘I’m badass and sexy’. I don’t have that quality. I just have the badass and scary vibe which I cultivate, and I’m good with, but that’s just it.”

  “I think you need to see yourself differently. And we’re going to do that today. Because I don’t think you see yourself clearly enough.”

  I opened my mouth to argue, but Serafina held up a hand. “Nope. I have spoken.”

  I laughed. “I’m going to regret this whole day, aren’t I?”

  She grinned. “Yes, you are. But also you’re going to look like a total bombshell. You’re going to see you properly for the first time. I promise.”

  Maybe it was because she said it, or maybe it was that fierce glint in her eyes. Maybe it was just because I wanted to. But for some reason, I believed every word out of Serafina’s mouth.

  9

  Lennox

  The problem with benefit galas was, by and large, unless you snuck off with your mates, there was nothing to drink. No one cared that at eighteen, in UK, or anywhere else in Europe for that matter, I’d be able to drink. No, I was relegated to soda water. Or Cokes. Or ginger beer. And right now, I needed a fucking drink or I was going to lose my mind.

  Where the hell was she? I kept looking for flickers of her slicked-back hair, glimpses of her bright green eyes. I could almost guarantee she’d be wearing some kind of pantsuit, or maybe something fitted and tight. You never did know with Sloane.

  She was always a little edgy, in an understated way, but she liked to be comfortable and she liked to be able to move. It was always strange talking to her, like she was looking for the exits. I knew for a fact she’d grown up—while not as wealthy as most of us—entirely comfortable. So why did she always feel the need to be so guarded? So afraid?

  Why do you care?

  I didn’t.

  I was in luck. Some geezer had left behind his scotch as he’d gone to dance. I could easily liberate him from this.

  I grabbed the glass of the untouched drink and smiled to myself. “Sometimes it’s just too easy.”

  On the dance floor, I caught sight of Serafina and my twin totally enjoying themselves. Aurora was in a short frilly-looking pink tulle dress of some sort.

  And Serafina . . . Oh god, Serafina, she was in some white and mint-colored ensemble. It was sleek. Elegant. Maybe I should turn my attention towards her.

  Serafina had the benefit of being a girl who didn’t hate me, and it would piss off Rhys.

  Although, I’d never really imagined that Serafina would give me the time of day. She was always nice enough. Had no real problems with me. But she didn’t seek me out or look at me like most of the other girls at school did.

  The last thing you need is to chase a woman who clearly doesn’t want you.

  Maybe she would. I knew what I looked like. More than half of the girls at school had indicated they’d love to try it on. Not her though. And come to think of it, I’d never seen her with a boyfriend. Maybe she wasn’t into guys.

  I could always just ask around to see what she’s like.

  Or, you could wait for a woman you actually want.

  My gaze raked over Serafina once again. She was absolutely stunning. And I’d be lucky to have her in my bed. H
ell, I was half hard just thinking about it. The problem was, she didn’t make my skin itch. She didn’t make me want to crawl out of my own skin. She didn’t make me want to roar or howl at the moon, or whatever the hell that was. She didn’t make me crazy. That was all Sloane.

  Where the hell was she? The three of them were attached at the hips—even more so after Tannith went to Los Angeles and Iris went to Paris. So, if Sera and my twin were together without her, someone must have dragged Sloane off somewhere.

  And I knew who that someone was.

  I watched as Aurora gently tapped Serafina’s arm with her hand. And then Sera turned towards the stairs. A wide grin spread across her face, making her appear even more stunning and regal. I turned to see what she was looking at, and I gasped. At the top of the stairs was Rhys in an excellent Oswald Boateng suit. On his arm was the girl I’d been waiting for practically my whole damn life. She was with him, and it made me want to kill someone.

  My gaze homed in on her. She was wearing a teal-green dress. The top part looked like some kind of a cap sleeve corset or something. I don’t really understand how the dress worked, but it somehow made Sloane look like she had curves. Full ones. It took whatever boobs she did have and encased them in some silk and shoved them up under her chin. I wanted to lick them.

  Easy does it. You can’t go sporting the goods at a gala.

  The rest of the dress hugged her figure expertly, flaring slightly at her hips. It had slits that went all the way up to her thighs, allowing her freedom of movement. Her hair was down instead of pulled back in her characteristic short ponytail. It hung free and loose with a little more body than usual. Slightly curled. Her hair came to her chin, more to one side of her face. She looked stunning. Pity she was being escorted by a shit-eating, smirk-faced Rhys.

  Suddenly, Owen appeared at my side. “You good? You’re not going to do anything daft, are you?”

  I drained the rest of the scotch. It went down smooth, warming up my belly when it hit. “I feel fine.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “I mean, my desire to kill him is only . . . I’d say at an eight instead of a ten from the other day. So count that as progress, mate.”

  Owen chuckled low. “You two have got to figure it out, bro. Are you really going to lose your shit over a girl?”

  “What would you know about it?” I grumbled. Owen never lost control. Girls flocked to him and then he dismissed them when he was done.

  But interestingly, Owen’s grip tightened around his glass, and something hungry and possessive flared in his eyes.

  “I’m learning something about it,” he muttered darkly, taking a drink.

  I stared at him. “Is there something you’d like to tell me?”

  “Nothing to tell. I’m Owen Montgomery, and I’ll get what I want eventually. She won’t say no to me.”

  “Who is she? Does she go to Pembroke?”

  Owen actually bared his teeth. “None of your fucking business, twat.”

  “Goddamn but you are really twisted up over this girl,” I said. “I never thought I’d see our Ice King brought so low as to have human feelings.”

  “They’re not feelings,” he bit out. “And I’m not twisted up. I know exactly what I want, and I have no doubt she’ll give it to me. Unlike you, I don’t let a random girl fuck with my plans. Or my friendships.”

  Owen really should know better. Sloane wasn’t just any girl. She was mine. And the fact that Rhys was getting that pleasure right now pissed me off. Beyond Sloane being mine, he could say or do something to really damage her. At least I knew when to stop. I had drawn some lines I would not cross.

  It was a delicate balance, and I didn’t think Rhys had that line.

  Owen’s voice was a low whisper. “Look, just let her go. If you didn’t do anything about wanting her all this time, don’t be cheesed off that he’s doing something about it. And don’t let it fuck with your friendship. Definitely don’t let it fuck with Hellfire.”

  “What would you do? If Rhys was planning to stick his tongue in your mystery girl’s mouth?”

  Owen didn’t answer, but he didn’t need to. The cold, murderous flare in his eyes was answer enough. Whoever this mystery girl was, Owen wasn’t about to let her go.

  “If he hurts Sloane,” I said, “I will rip his fucking cock off and peel it. Mate or no mate, Hellfire or no Hellfire.”

  Owen whistled low. “Wow, thanks for the visual. I really needed that.”

  Across the room, I watched as Rhys led Sloane to the dance floor, and I caught myself grinding my teeth. That fucking arsehole.

  I sat the glass back down on the bar top and then glanced around the crowd looking for Sera. She had moved from her last position. When I found her in the corner talking to Aurora, I stalked over. “Ladies.” Aurora gave me a quick glance over and a small smile. But I knew only one girl would have the desired effect. “Serafina, what do you say we dance?”

  She lifted a brow. “Well, can you dance, Lennox?”

  I clasped my hand to my chest as if horrified she would ask such a question. “I will have you know that royalty are taught to dance at a very young age. I shall not embarrass you.”

  She shrugged. “Sure, why not? Let’s see what moves you have.”

  I led her to the dance floor, making sure we were standing three feet away from Rhys and Sloane, and then I twirled Serafina in my arms. She giggled. Her laugh was light but throaty and it made me smile. I mean, hell, what was I doing chasing a girl I wasn’t sure I liked when I had one I knew I liked right in front of me? She was beautiful. Brilliant. Ridiculously wealthy. And she had the kind of name nobody could sniff at. She was a god damn van Doren. I should want to date her. And she did have very nice lips.

  As we danced, I tried to picture myself kissing her. And I imagined her staring at me with longing in her dark eyes, but then she lifted a brow asking me what the fuck I was doing.

  I had to bite back a laugh as I pulled her close.

  “A little close, aren’t you, Lincoln-Ward?”

  “It is a dance, after all, van Doren.”

  She pulled back with a smirk. “I don’t think you and I have ever been this close.”

  I glanced over her shoulder at Rhys, who was holding Sloane far too close. Wanker looked like he was trying to kiss her.

  “Well, to dance, you have to get close. It’s like the Zayn song; I just want to get closer.”

  She laughed this time. A deeper and throatier one. And I was momentarily stunned. God, she really should laugh more, but I wasn’t going to be the insensitive arsehole who would suggest that.

  As we danced, she proved a fantastic partner. She not only knew how to dance, but also she took gentle leads well. It was effortless. So simple.

  But my gaze over her shoulder was trained on Rhys and Sloane, and then that motherfucker kissed her. His eyes locked with mine as he leaned in and kissed Sloane nice and slow. Like she deserved to be kissed.

  My throat constricted. I knew the one thing that would have set him off. The one thing that would have him releasing what was mine. I flicked my gaze to Sera’s and she lifted a brow. “What are you looking at me like that for?”

  “Is there a reason why you and I have never gone out?”

  She laughed. “There are several reasons why. Are you looking for just one? I could do a whole dissertation.”

  “Ouch, I’m not that bad.”

  “No. You’re not that bad. I don’t know. It wasn’t meant to be, I guess.”

  “Maybe we should change that.” I leaned in close, and she snapped her head back.

  “If you put your tongue anywhere near me, I will bite it off.”

  My jaw unhinged. “You don’t want me to kiss you? I thought we were having fun.”

  “Yes, we’re having fun. And I’m not going to lie; you are very pretty to look at. The hair, the eyes, and you have very sexy lips. But I prefer to be kissed by people who want to kiss me. I’m nobody’s substitute. I wouldn’
t stand for it. And frankly I’m disappointed you think I would . . . or should. Is that what you think, fuck face?”

  Fuck. “I—I’m sorry. That was shitty. I’m a wanker.”

  She shook her head. “Oh my god, you’re such a loser. If you want her, go and get her. Don’t let Rhys fuck with her head. I know she’s brilliant and amazing, but he doesn’t. I’m pretty sure if you actually stepped up and weren’t a dickhead to her, she might actually like you.”

  My gaze flickered to the happy kissing couple on the dance floor and a gnawing hunger churned my gut. “You know what? You’re right. I’m fucking done with this.”

  She patted my arm. “Well then go do something about it. I’m tired of watching that shit show too.” I gave her arm a quick squeeze before I released her and marched over to Rhys and Sloane.

  When I reached them, I tapped on Rhys’s shoulder. He lifted his hand and snarled at me. “Fuck off.”

  “I’m cutting in, mate.”

  Sloane’s brows knitted together. “What in the world are you doing?”

  “What I should have done a long time ago.”

  Rhys rolled his shoulders. “If you want to tussle again, we can do that. I’m not letting her go. Why should I just give her to you?”

  “She’s not yours, Rhys. She never fucking was.”

  I took Sloane’s hand. She tried to fight me on it. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing? Everyone is staring.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m going to apologize for this now. You can kick my arse for the next part later.”

  “Kick your ass for what?”

  With the palm of my hand, I shoved Rhys away from her, and then I bent down, picked her up and tossed her over my shoulder. “You and I are going to talk. Rhys isn’t bloody invited.”

  With the whole gala staring at us, and with Sloane slumped over my back doing her level best to fight her way free, I marched out of that ballroom.

  10

  Sloane