Princess: Ridgeview Prep Book 2

by Quinn, Londyn

  “Uh, I tried but same thing. No answer.”

  Typical of those asshole Hawthornes to be missing in action when their only kid gets t-boned by a fucking SUV.

  Wait…

  “Did you say uncle?” I ask, running to keep up with her pace as we walk toward Charlotte’s room.

  “Yes. He didn’t leave a name or number though. He just asked if anyone else had come in with her. When I said no, he disappeared.”

  “Did he have a scar on his face?” I spit out quickly, my blood running cold as the nurse nods.

  “Yeah, a pretty big one.”

  Sucking in a sharp breath, I try my best to keep my composure in front of her. “And what about the other guy who was with her in the car? Blaine Montrose?”

  “I can’t give you any information on Blaine.” She smirks. “Unless of course, you’re his brother, too.”

  “No,” I grumble, raking a hand through my hair. Rossi was here. Fuck! He might still be. Jesus, did he use Charlotte to bait me into showing up here? He could have fucking killed her!

  The nurse finally slows, pushing open a door. “She’s sleeping now. The doctor gave her morphine for the pain.” After a quick glance at the chart, she looks up at me. “Charlotte is a lucky girl. She got pretty banged up, but no real damage was done. Lacerations on her face, side, and leg, and her spine was knocked out of alignment upon impact. Other than being sore for a few days, she can expect a full recovery.”

  I let out a relieved sigh. “Thank God.”

  She nods, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Take care of your sister.”

  “I will,” I stammer out.

  But can I?

  I walk into the room, letting the door close behind me. The scent of antiseptic assaults my nostrils as I edge closer to the bed. I drop my hand into her cold one and bring it to my lips.

  “I’m so sorry, Char. I’m so sorry I let this happen to you. I never meant to hurt you. This is exactly what I was afraid of, why I left you last night. I don’t know what I’d fucking do if I lost you again,” I mumble, sinking into a chair next to the bed. I fist my hair, rage bubbling in my veins.

  Where the fuck are her parents? How could they disregard her again? How can they not see how incredible she is and how lucky they are to have her?

  A shudder runs through me when I remember getting the call about Andrew’s accident, how both of their parents sat and kept a vigil by his bedside until he passed.

  That exact same scene could have been replayed today if circumstances were different, and they couldn’t give a shit less.

  It actually makes me a little relieved that she’s drugged up right now. Knowing her parents couldn’t be bothered to show up would hurt a fuck ton worse than the bangs and bruises ever could.

  They don’t deserve her.

  Then again, neither do I, not if I can put her in harm’s way like this.

  I’m inside out for this girl, and ever since she came back into my life, my whole world has tilted on its axis. I thought I knew what I wanted, where I’m headed, who I need by my side.

  My life was planned out, for better or worse.

  When her parents sent her away to London, she took a part of me with her, along with the hope for a future together with the one girl I’d been in love with for as long as I could remember. When she was gone, I’d been incomplete, unfulfilled, and resigned to live out the legacy that had been planned for me. I never thought I’d find anything that would fill the void, so instead, I chose the path that was expected of me. I did my time, put the family first, and carried out my responsibilities.

  And I’d left Charlotte buried deep in my dark and murky past.

  But now she’s back, the only sliver of light in a never-ending tunnel of blackness.

  I love her.

  More than anything.

  That’s a very fucking dangerous reality…

  For both of us.

  * * *

  When I can’t pace for what feels like the thousandth time next to Charlotte’s bed, I walk out of her room and back toward the waiting room to see if her parents have shown up. The nurse who let me into her room winks at me as I pass and I flash a half-smirk in reply.

  She knows.

  Fuck it, I’m guilty.

  But at least I’m here.

  I wander down the hall, looking for a cafeteria sign, not that I can even think about eating right now. But Char may be awake soon and it’s almost lunchtime, so—

  My jaw tightens when my eyes land on a tall, lanky blonde guy who’s just left a different room. There is a woman on his right and a man on his left, both perfectly groomed and dressed to the nines for their impromptu visit to the Emergency Room.

  Fucking Blaine and his parents, strutting their asses out of here like they’re late for their tee time at the club.

  I pick up the pace, following them into the waiting room, and just as his parents exit through the revolving glass doors, I grab the tail of his rumpled shirt and yank him backward.

  He stumbles, twisting around to face me with a death glare. “What the fuck is your problem, asshole?”

  “So you’re just gonna leave, huh? No looking back? I guess old family friends don’t really rate. She’s lying back there because of you, and you’re walking out of here without a fucking scratch or a care about anyone other than your damn self?” I inch closer to him, my nostrils flaring. He’s got a couple of inches on me, but I’ve got more strength in my fucking pinkie than he has in his whole upper body.

  “Fuck you, Xander. It was an accident!”

  “Because of you, dick!” I shove him hard and he catches himself before crashing into the doorframe. He turns fast, waving his parents on. They stare at me through the freshly washed glass, their horrified expressions telling me exactly what they’re thinking.

  What they’re fearing.

  Nobody wants to be caught on my radar.

  It’s ironic, actually.

  The world of Ridgeview believes I’m vicious.

  Dangerous.

  Likened to a monster.

  But the people in my inner circle…the ones whose opinions matter most to my future?

  They think I’m rash.

  Short-sighted.

  Likened to a peon.

  But right now, I glare at Blaine with such intensity, if his face suddenly burst into flames, it wouldn’t shock me.

  He straightens up, his blue eyes icy. “You’re no good for her. You don’t deserve her!”

  “Oh, and you do? You, the guy who’s fucking high-tailing it out of here with Mommy and Daddy, probably to go and pick out the next hundred-thousand car to total!”

  The corners of his lips curl into a nasty smirk. “Jealous, Iazetti? I mean, yeah, I know you’ve got cash, but let’s face it. You’ve got nothing else but a reputation to ride on. Don’t kid yourself. Everyone knows you’re a goddamn punk, but they’re afraid of you so they turn the other cheek. It’s not because they’re in awe of the life you live. You walk around that school thinking your shit is gold, but you know what I think?” He leans in close. “I think you’re afraid everyone is going to see you as the piece of trash you really are. You surround yourself with your asshole buddies and the hottest pussy at school, and you think that gives you status, that it makes people look up to you. It doesn’t,” he seethes. “And soon enough people will know the truth about you, who you really are, and what your world really looks like. What will you do then, huh? Because the truth won’t help you win a girl like Charlotte Hawthorne. She’s not stupid. She deserves better than you. You’re a fucking criminal who probably won’t live to see graduation because you’re so busy trying to stay up on your goddamn pedestal that you’re going to miss the very attack that will knock you off of it.”

  I suck in a breath, my fist twitching at my side, aching to land the punch I’m desperate to throw.

  “You want to do it so badly. I can see it in your eyes.” Blaine grins, nodding at my fist. “Hit me, Xander. See how fast I get an as
sault charge slapped on you.”

  “Do you think I’m afraid of you?” I growl, stepping toward him.

  “You may not be afraid of me now.” Blaine’s grin widens. “But you will be. Because the people of Ridgeview are tired of your family’s reign. And you know what happens then.”

  “Why don’t you spell it out for me, Blaine? So I don’t miss the attack?”

  He shrugs. “Graduation is only a few months away. What’s your life going to become then? And do you really think Charlotte will want any part of it when she has a bright future of her own waiting for her?” He shakes his head. “Oil and water, man. They just don’t mix. You may have money, but you have zero class. Just like your father and your brothers. You won’t amount to shit, and when this town rids itself of you, where will you go then?” He points to himself. “I’m going to inherit an empire and I’ll need a queen.” He nods his head toward the Emergency Room doors. “Char would look good in a crown, don’t you think?”

  My blood bubbles, coursing through my veins with a ferocity I’d love to unleash on this asshole. A quick glance confirms that his parents are still waiting outside of the hospital watching me. Christ, they probably have their family lawyer on speed dial, just in case.

  I take a step backward and smile. “She would look incredible. I’ll be sure to send ya a picture because as much as you think you have me figured out,” I lean close so he doesn’t miss a word. “You don’t know shit about me. Yet. But trust me when I say that will change very soon, Blaine. Very fucking soon.”

  Chapter 2

  Charlotte

  Pain rushes through me. Not from my injuries. From the fog that I am in. From not being able to piece anything together from the day before. And from him sitting at my bedside. His warmth burns my skin and makes my gut twist and knot. The faint hint of his cologne wafts under my nostrils, a harsh reminder of his tongue down Melia’s throat at school the last time I saw him. The last thing I remember.

  I remember being upset and crying.

  Everything after that is a complete mystery.

  “Xander, what are you doing here?” I croak, my head tilted away from him as the faint beeping of the machines in my room chirp in the still air.

  I can’t look into his stormy eyes. They will shred me into a million pieces.

  After clearing his throat and shifting loudly in the plastic chair to my left, Xander finally chokes out, “I needed to make sure you were all right.”

  “I’m fine,” I growl, trying in vain to scoot farther away from him. My body will have none of that. Even blinking is a chore that sends pain rippling through every cell instantly.

  What the fuck happened?

  How could he think that I wanted to see him?

  He has some fucking balls.

  I ran away from him because I needed to put as much distance between myself and that level of pain as humanly possible. He fucked me and then fucked me over. How could I have been so damn naïve? How could I let him do that to me all over again? Take my heart in his hands, make it feel safe and loved, and then destroy it with a sledgehammer in the next moment? History really does repeat itself, and it’s a lesson I am learning over and over again, the hard way.

  “Yeah, the nurse said you were really lucky. Thank God,” Xander sighs.

  I finally force myself to look at him. His face is red and splotchy, his eyes soft and full of concern.

  Damn. He’s a good actor.

  My chest tightens. My face prickles with heat.

  I don’t want it to be an act. Even after everything. All I can do is hope that there is a small part of him that is genuinely concerned for me.

  “What happened?” I choke out. I felt dumb for even asking, but I desperately need someone to fill in these blanks.

  “You were in a car accident. Blaine was driving. Wait, you don’t remember?” Xander’s eyes widened with each word.

  I lazily shake my head.

  What in the hell?

  How could I not remember being in a car accident?

  At least that explains a lot of my current situation.

  “Where’s your girlfriend?” I snarl, furrowing my brow as I swallow a pained yelp.

  Yep, I knew I shouldn’t have moved. That damn near killed me. My entire body screams in absolute agony, even with all of the medication my doctor must have me doped up on.

  Rubbing the back of his neck, Xander blinks at me, his jaw slack.

  “Oh, I guess you thought you were being slick, huh? Hoped I didn’t remember that part of the day. I do! You didn’t think I’d see you devouring that bitch right out in the open like she was your last freaking meal. And then you have the nerve to show up here? Pathetic,” I mutter, letting my eyes flutter closed as the narcotic cocktail hooked to my IV starts to takes over once again.

  “I’m sorry.” That’s all he offers. What a crock of steaming bullshit.

  “Don’t worry about it. Needed to have your cake and eat it too. I get it, Xander. You finally got me and now you can just throw me away again. I shouldn’t have expected anything else. I’m the stupid one for thinking things could be different.” My words are labored as I force each one out. I’m too tired to deal with this. In too much pain, emotionally and physically, to go down this damn rabbit hole all over again.

  “That’s not it,” he growls, forcing the chair back, it slamming against the wall with a clang. He inches closer to my bed, gripping onto my hand for dear life. “I can’t risk you getting hurt, Char. Don’t you get it? I’m not the guy for you. There’s nothing good that can come from us being together. Being around me puts you right in the line of fire, which is why you need to stay away from me. I should have never let you back in.” He grits his teeth. “I made you a target.”

  “A target for what? Having my heart broken just like before? Because that is what this looks like from where I am sitting. Laying...” My tired eyes lock on his as they smolder and narrow.

  “That. And other things…” Sinking down onto my bed, Xander covers his face with his free hand. “I don’t know how to love you and protect you at the same time. It has to be one or the other. And if staying away from you keeps you safe, then that is the one that I am going to have to choose.”

  “I don’t understand why it has to be all or nothing. And what does all of this even have to do with the accident? It wasn’t your fault, right?” I let out a dry laugh.

  “Because you got into Blaine’s car to get away from me being an ass.” He lets out a frustrated sigh. “And because you’re my weakness and really bad people know it. Like that guy with the scar, I don’t think he was following you last night at the beach. I think he was trying to get to me.”

  I try to wrap my head around Xander’s words, but I can’t. They don’t make any sense to me. All I can think about is the pain. It’s all consuming. And the drugs are making me loopy and emotional.

  “What is it?” Xander cocks his head to the side as his words pull me out of my own head.

  I sniffle. “I just don’t get it.”

  “Get what?”

  “You don’t even want to be with me, but you’re here. Do you know if my parent have been here?”

  Xander’s eyes drift down as he purses his lips. That’s all the confirmation I need.

  My heart tightens. “You came to my rescue again,” I mutter. “My parents couldn’t even be bothered to show up, but you did.”

  I can’t hold back the tears. They flow down my stinging face as I try to catch my breath and steady my breathing.

  “They’ll be here. The hospital might not have been able to reach them yet,” Xander offers as his thumb battled away the stream of sorrow that was cascading down.

  “How could they not be reached yet? It’s been hours.” I screech.

  Xander lets out a little sigh while pulling his cellphone out of his pocket. “I didn’t want to have to do this, but I think it is necessary.”

  All of a sudden, to my horror and delight, Kriss Kross starts blasting. X
ander leaps to his feet rapping along like a fool. And it brought me right back to what felt like a lifetime ago.

  I can’t help but laugh. Even though it hurts, I can’t help it.

  I try to wave my hand to get him to stop.

  As he bops and jumps around like a fucking goofball, he shakes his head.

  “It’s working. Can’t stop now,” he huffs out as he tries to catch his breath.

  Once the song is over, he mutes his phone and sits back into the seat. “Better?”

  “Only a little,” I admit. It’s true, his antics always did have a way of pulling me out of the darkest of moods instantly. But this time it wasn’t going to be enough. I was confused, hurt, and scared.

  Leaning down, Xander’s soft lips brush my clammy forehead.

  “At least it helped a little.” His breath is hot on my sweat-covered skin. “I love you, Char. And if it is the last thing I do on this planet, I am going to find a way to prove it to you.”

  I fight to keep my eyes open, desperate to ask him to repeat those words since my ability to comprehend in my current state is questionable at best.

  Did he really just tell me that he loves me? Or are the narcotics playing games with my mind?

  “What?” I finally rasp, my mouth dry as a bag of sand.

  “It’s true. It’s always been true,” he murmurs, brushing a piece of hair away from my face, tucking it behind my ear. “But I have to go.”

  “Xander,” I whisper, trying with all my might to raise my head from the pillow, but it’s useless courtesy of the drugs.

  “I’ll check on you again soon.”

  My body stills as he leaves the room, my head feeling like a cement weight attached to my neck.

  He loves me.

  He loves me not.

  So much pain.

  So much heartache.

  So many lies.

  Too much pain.