Wicked Princess: Royal Hearts Academy - Book Three

by Jade, Ashley

  “Can I open it here?”

  “Yeah.”

  I break out in a grin as I tear open the gift wrapping…until I see what’s inside.

  A million different feelings hit me as I stare down at the Saint Christopher pendant on a silver chain.

  “This is…” My breath stalls in my lungs. “I can’t believe you did this.”

  He brushes my cheek with his thumb. “I know how much it meant to you and how upset you were when you realized it was gone.”

  I wasn’t upset…I was utterly devastated.

  It was as if my soul had been obliterated because I lost such a special piece of Liam.

  My heartbeat kicks into high gear, a stampede of emotions pulling at my chest.

  It’s so thoughtful…so beautiful.

  “I know it’s not the same one Liam got you—”

  “I love you,” I whisper, my heart taking up residence in my throat.

  The accident was an awful, horrible thing…but something good came out of it.

  Him.

  My eyes fill with tears as I peer up at him. “I really love you.”

  So much so I can’t imagine ever not loving him.

  His eyes crinkle at the corners as he fastens it around my neck. “I love you, too.”

  The kiss he gives me makes my toes curl and my heart soar.

  “How did your attempt at dinner go?” I question as we pull apart.

  He winces. “Well, that depends.”

  “On?”

  “If you like your turkey well done or not.”

  Oh, boy.

  A laugh bubbles out of my chest as we head for the door of his apartment. “Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s not too bad.”

  And if it is? Well, we can always order pizza.

  I wait for him to open the door, but he doesn’t.

  “What’s wrong?”

  He looks down. “I should have told you before you left your house, but I got scared you wouldn’t show, and I really wanted to give you your present.”

  The guilt on his face has my heart twisting. “What happened?”

  His shoulders slump. “He told us he wasn’t coming, but I guess he changed his mind.”

  “Who?”

  “Tommy.”

  * * *

  It takes everything in me not to stab the son-of-a-bitch with my fork.

  Tommy—who, quite frankly, looks like shit with his glazed-over eyes and disheveled appearance—laughs. “Can’t believe you’re dating a Covington.”

  Even his own mother looks annoyed with him. “Tommy, stop being rude to our guest.”

  It’s not exactly an olive branch or anything, but I’ll take it.

  “Seriously?” he sneers. “Ma, our guest and her family spread a bunch of rumors about me and got me kicked out of school...after her brother attacked me in the woods.” Tommy turns to me. “You know it wasn’t my fault, right?” He shovels a forkful of food into his mouth. “Hell, I tried to help the kid by letting him see that his own brother was stabbing him in the back.”

  Head whirling, my hand tightens around my fork.

  I’m going to kill him.

  Stone helps himself to a second portion of stuffing. “You’re one to talk.”

  Tommy rolls his eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re still upset about that Mercedes bitch. Like I said, I did you a favor.” He winks at me. “Plus, you got yourself this fine piece of ass now.”

  The tendons in Stone’s neck strain. “Shut up, Tommy.”

  Reaching over, Tommy slaps him on the back. “Relax, man. You know I’m just teasing.” He zeros in on me again. “By the way, please send Dylan my condolences.”

  Needless to say, I’m confused. “Condolences for what?”

  Winking, he shovels more food into his yap. “For shacking up with your piece of shit brother—”

  “Jesus Christ,” Stone snaps. “Will you shut the fuck up?”

  I eye the knife Stone used to carve the burnt turkey and debate plunging it through his chest.

  “You know what? You’re right, I’m being a dick.” He holds up his glass. “Let’s toast to the happy couple.”

  Begrudgingly, Stone and his mom hold up their glasses.

  I, however, don’t move a muscle.

  The douchebag notices. “Awe, come on.” I want to wipe the stupid grin off his face. “Don’t be like that. We’re practically family now.”

  The piece of dog crap will never be my family.

  Switching gears, he drawls, “For what it’s worth, I’m happy you survived that car accident.” He whistles. “Too bad that Hayley chick didn’t. I heard they found her body parts scattered all over—”

  My stomach recoils and I close my eyes.

  “Thomas,” his mother hisses. “We are at the dinner table.”

  “You’re right, Ma. I’m sorry.” Wiping his mouth with his napkin, he states, “Anyway, I heard you two used to dyke out—”

  “Goddammit,” Stone grunts, looking like he’s a hair away from losing his shit entirely. “For fuck’s sake, stop.”

  Finally, the asshole relents, turning his attention to his brother. “How’s school going? Did you get into that pre-med program?”

  Stone takes a lengthy sip of his drink. “I won’t find out for another couple of months.”

  “Don’t worry.” He squeezes his shoulder. “You’re smart as hell, brother. You got this.”

  Despite his irritation, Stone beams a little.

  Tommy flicks his gaze to me. “But I’m guessing if he doesn’t, you’re gonna dump his ass, huh?”

  Jesus. The nerve of him.

  “You’re…wow.”

  “What?” He points his fork at me. “We all know the only reason someone like you is with Stone is because he’s going places.”

  He chews his food slowly, methodically. Like he’s conjuring up his next brutal jab. Unfortunately, it’s aimed at Stone.

  “Don’t come crying to me when she gets tired of slumming it and moves on to another sucker.” Taking a sip of his beer, he narrows his eyes. “That’s just how girls like her operate.”

  Stone looks down at his plate.

  It’s clear Tommy hit a nerve.

  I thought I could do this. I figured if Stone could shoulder what my brothers put him through, I could be strong enough to withstand dealing with his.

  But I can’t.

  Not when he’s hurting someone I care about.

  “You’re a real piece of work, Tommy.” Standing up, I toss my napkin in my dish. “I know you don’t understand the concept because you have a cactus where your heart should be, but I’m in love with your brother. And neither you nor your stupid insults will change how I feel about him.”

  With that, I stalk off to the bathroom so I can splash some cool water on my face and remind myself that committing homicide is wrong.

  * * *

  I’m fixing my lipstick when the latch on the door clicks.

  “I’ll be done in a min—”

  Words die in my throat when I see Tommy. “Well, if it isn’t the little Covington whore.”

  I’m on my last thread with the douchebag. “Eat shit and die.”

  I go to brush past him, but he stands in front of the door, blocking it.

  “Get out of my way.”

  He doesn’t budge. “Relax. I just want to talk.”

  Somehow, I highly doubt that. “Fine. Let’s talk about what an asshole—”

  “Do you really love my brother?”

  His question rattles me. Not because of what he’s asking, but the sincerity behind it. As if he’s actually concerned for Stone’s welfare.

  He doesn’t deserve it, but I give him the truth anyway. “Yes.” I meet his eyes. “I really do.”

  Blowing out a breath, he nods. “Okay.”

  I attempt to leave again but he presses me up against the sink, keeping me there with the force of his body.

  “What the fuck are you doing?” I try to push him away, but he’s stronger th
an I am. “Get the fuck off me.”

  He grips my ponytail so hard I yelp. “You and your brothers are scum, Covington. And if you think I’m gonna stand by and let you hurt my brother, you’re out of your damn mind, bitch.”

  “Awe, don’t worry, Tommy.” I flash him some teeth. “Once I tell my brothers you attacked me, you won’t be standing ever again.”

  His tongue finds his cheek. “Then I guess I better make this worth my while, huh?”

  Bile rises up my throat as he shoves his hand up my skirt and slams his mouth against mine.

  “What the fuck is going on here?”

  Stone looks so hurt, so betrayed…it sucks all the oxygen out of the room.

  “Like I said,” Tommy sneers. “You can’t trust a slut.”

  My stomach knots because I know how bad this looks.

  I also know there’s no way Stone will take my word against his own brother’s.

  Because I wouldn’t.

  I shake my head. “This isn’t—”

  I don’t get a chance to finish my sentence, because Stone’s fist flies into Tommy’s face. “You, motherfucker.”

  Tommy tries to defend himself, but he’s no match for the rage Stone unleashes on him. The next punch is so hard, blood trickles from his nose.

  Gripping him by the collar of his shirt, Stone shoves his brother against a wall. “Don’t ever fucking touch her again, you lying, piece of shit, junkie.”

  Woah.

  I had no idea Tommy was on drugs, although it makes a whole lot of sense now. Not that it excuses any of his behavior.

  Tommy starts coughing. “You’re really gonna believe that little whore over your own brother?”

  Stone’s answer comes in the form of a sharp kick to the groin.

  Tommy howls in pain, but Stone isn’t finished with him yet.

  He begins dragging him by his hair toward the front door. “We’re fucking done. I’m tired of defending you. Tired of lending you money all the time. Tired of you destroying everything good in my life.” His voice cracks. “Tired of being your brother.”

  Tommy tries to argue, but Stone pushes him out the door and deadbolts it.

  “You can’t kick me out.” Tommy pounds on the door. “I’m your family.”

  Pain illuminates Stone’s face and he closes his eyes, his body going slack against the frame. “Not anymore.” He looks at his mom who’s crying. “If you let him back in, I’m moving out.”

  She nods before disappearing in a fit of sobs.

  Chest heaving, his gaze slides to me. “You okay?”

  “Are you?”

  I can’t imagine how hard that must have been for him.

  “Honestly?” He shakes his head. “Not really.”

  I wrap my arms around him, hugging him tight. “I didn’t know he was on drugs.”

  “I didn’t either,” he whispers. “Not until recently.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  It’s all I‘ve got because I don’t know the right words to say or how to make any of this better for him.

  “You have nothing to be sorry for.” He cups my cheek. “Did he hurt you?”

  “No.” Not physically anyway. “I’m okay.”

  Thanks to him.

  “Thank you for stopping him when you did.”

  For choosing me.

  Wincing, he shakes out his hand. “Fucker has a hard-ass head.” He juts his chin toward the kitchen. “I’m gonna grab some ice.”

  While he does that, I take out my phone and start a group message with Jace and Cole.

  I need them to know Stone is nothing like his brother.

  Bianca: Stone just beat the shit out of Tommy.

  Cole: That’s surprising. Stone hits like a girl.

  Jace: And you’re telling us this because...

  Irritation lodges in my throat as I type out my next text.

  Bianca: Because he did it for me. Tommy cornered me in the bathroom and tried to attack me, but Stone protected me. He beat his ass and kicked him out of the house.

  And his life.

  A second later my phone vibrates and Jace’s name illuminates my screen.

  I swiftly pick it up.

  “Hey—”

  “Put Stone on the phone,” Jace grinds out. “Now.”

  The lethal tone of his voice makes it clear there’s no room for argument.

  On shaky legs, I walk over to Stone and hand him my cell. “Jace wants to talk to you.”

  Stone pinches the bridge of his nose. “Of course he does.” He brings the phone to his ear. “Look, man. I already got into one fight today and I’m not looking for another—” His forehead creases. “Yeah, I did. What—” His jaw tics. “Because I love her.”

  There’s a long pause…and then. “Okay.”

  I’m on the edge of my seat when he hangs up.

  “What did he say?”

  “He asked me if what you said was true…and then he asked me why I beat my brother up and kicked him out.” Placing a bag of frozen peas on his wrist, he shrugs. “And then he said thank you and told me he wouldn’t kick my ass the next time I drop you off.”

  Evidently, I got two miracles this Christmas.

  Chapter 33

  I snap my compact closed and stick it in my purse as my Uber comes to a stop in front of Cluck You.

  “Thanks,” I tell the driver as I step out of the car, my red heels clacking across the pavement.

  Stone should be getting out of work any minute now—but since I’m still banned for life—I’m forced to wait outside for him.

  The sound of someone whistling snags my attention.

  I’m about to tell the asshole off, but when I turn around, I see Cole sitting in the driver’s seat of Sawyer’s van. Presumably waiting for her to get off work, too.

  “You look fancy,” he calls out.

  Given I’m wearing one of old Bianca’s expensive silk minidresses and it took me nearly two hours to get ready tonight I would hope so.

  I walk over to the van. “It’s my and Stone’s three-month anniversary.” I can’t help but smile. “We’re going out to dinner after his shift to celebrate.”

  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about actually going out somewhere for once.

  I’m also excited to tell him I was accepted into the psychology program at Duke’s Heart. My former self and I might differ, but psychology seems to be something we both love.

  Whatever smart-ass retort Cole wanted to make falls by the wayside, and I’m appreciative.

  Stone and my brothers aren’t exactly friends and I doubt they’ll ever be close, but at least he’s allowed inside the house now and they’ve stopped threatening to kill him whenever they cross paths.

  “Well, we might as well wait for them together.” Cole gestures to the passenger seat. “Come on in.”

  A smell that can only be described as heavenly hits my nostrils as I climb into the passenger seat. “God, that smells so good.”

  “Dude, I know,” Cole agrees with a pout. “It seriously fucking sucks that I’m forbidden to have any.” His pout deepens. “Mr. Gonzales won’t even let Sawyer give me a doggie bag.”

  I know the feeling. Stone isn’t allowed to bring home any leftovers either which sucks because I’m dying to know if it tastes even half as good as it smells.

  “Tell me about it.” I give him a pointed look. “And I mean that in the literal sense because I can’t remember ever eating here.”

  Humming, he rests his head against the seat. “Oh, man. Best fried chicken I’ve ever had. Moist and crispy…perfect crunch when you bite into it.”

  My stomach grumbles. Damn.

  “Fucking amazeballs.” Giving his head a small shake, he laughs. “Jace, Oakley, and I used to come here after we’d smoke—”

  “Oakley?” I question because I don’t recall hearing the name before. “Is that a friend of yours?”

  The smile wipes clean off his face. “Yeah.” A mixture of sadness and sorrow flicker in his g
reen eyes. “Yeah…he was.”

  I’m about to ask what happened, but Cole shoots his gaze out the windshield and beams. “There’s my girl.”

  A bubbly, albeit visibly exhausted Sawyer walks over to Cole’s side of the van and gives him a kiss. “Your very tired girl.” She yawns. “Working back-to-back doubles kicked my butt.” She looks at me. “Stone will be out any minute. One of the dishwashers broke and he’s fixing it.”

  I inwardly shiver as I imagine him crouched over, sleeves pushed up his forearms, with a tool in his hand.

  There’s something so hot about a man who knows how to repair stuff.

  “How was your day?” Sawyer asks my brother.

  Cole starts to tell her, but Sawyer yawns again.

  Eyes wide with remorse, she slams a hand over her mouth. “Lord, that was rude of me. I’m sorry.”

  Cole doesn’t look offended at all. “How about we get you home and into bed?” I don’t miss the way his eyes gleam when he says the last word.

  Gross.

  Sawyer nods emphatically. “Yes, please.”

  After trading places with Sawyer and exchanging goodbyes with them, I spot Stone walking out of Cluck You.

  Running over, I wrap my arms around him. “Happy Anniversary.”

  Body going slack, he squeezes me tight and breathes me in…as if he needed this hug more than his next heartbeat.

  “Everything okay?”

  I’m not sure what to make of his expression when we break apart, but he’s definitely not happy.

  “No.” Frowning, he looks down at his shoes. “I didn’t get into the pre-med program.” He snorts. “They fucking waitlisted me.”

  Oh, shit.

  The crestfallen look on his face punches straight through my heart.

  However, hope isn’t lost just yet.

  “I know it sucks getting waitlisted, but there’s still a chance—”

  “No, there isn’t,” he snaps. “You think Duke’s Heart is going to take some dirt-poor motherfucker like me over a bunch of rich assholes whose parents have connections?” Head hanging low, he ambles to his car. “I fucking knew this was gonna happen. Don’t even know why I bothered trying to begin with.”