Cruel King (Royal Elite #0) by Rina Kent

The way her upper lip twitches. The way she grips the cup tighter.

The princess might think she’s over me, but we didn’t even fucking get started yet.

“Let me go,” I tell Aiden in a calm tone that wraps all the rage inside.

“You won’t stir trouble?” he asks with a suspicious voice.

“No. I’ll do this the calm way.” I breathe in and out to wean down the raging storm brewing inside me.

By the end of the night, everyone at school will know their fucking places.

Astrid included.





34





Astrid





Your time is over. I’m not your subject anymore.



* * *



One would think that changing into a pretty dress and heels would change my perceptive about my image.

It doesn’t. Not as much as I wanted it to, anyway.

When I decided to come here, I wanted everyone to see me strong. It’s my birthday, and I don’t even like this day, but no one will bully me into running away and hiding like I did this morning.

I wasn’t born to bow.

Zach stays by my side and Dan joins us every now and then. Even with them around, I feel as if I’m strolling around naked in a room full of people.

The back of my neck itches as I take a sip from the watered down drink Dan gave me. I know he is watching me.

I caught a glimpse of Levi on my way inside although I refused to look in his direction.

If I do, I don’t think I’ll be able to keep up this facade. I don’t think I’ll be able to continue my strong act.

I close my eyes for the briefest bit and draw in a long breath. I will not let Levi King ruin this night for me.

I’m not the same Astrid who caved in every time he touched me.

This time, I’ll flip him off in front of everyone.

Zach and I are talking about a conference he’s attending next week when a bull barges between us.

Jerry Huntington. The judge’s son, the one Levi fought.

He’s swaying on his feet, already drunk and the party has barely started.

“What do you want?” I ask.

“The same thing everyone here wants but are afraid to ask.” He licks his lips, swinging in my direction. “Your pussy, babe.”

Zach lunges forward, but I beat him to it.

I slam my fist into Jerry’s face so hard, pain explodes in my knuckles.

He steps back, shaking his head and I punch him again. “Talk to me that way again and I’ll ruin your face.”

He growls and lunges at me. People gather all around us, gasping. I keep my ground, ready to give him a piece of my mind.

Daniel slams his shoulder into Jerry, pushing him to the ground. Xander and some other player from the football team drag Jerry outside as he spouts profanity.

I lift my chin up and flip him the finger.

“That was badass.” Zach raises an eyebrow.

Adrenaline bubbles in my veins like a drug dose. “I want to punch some more people.”

He laughs, offering me his hand. “How about a dance instead?”

Whatever it Takes by Imagine Dragons starts playing, and I jump up taking his hand.

I wrap my arms around his neck and we laugh and chuckle, goofing around on the dance floor.

Zach whirls me around and brings me back to his arms again.

“Does everyone always stare at you?” he asks as we adopt a slower pace.

“Only when I’m the school’s laughing stock.” I try to hide the bitterness in my tone.

“Well, they’re missing out.” His breath tickles my ear and I can’t help the giggle that escapes me.

“You know… “ he starts. “I always had a crush on you, Astrid Clifford.”

“Y-you did?”

“Uh-huh. I only backed down because Danny would’ve smashed my face in if I hurt his best friend.”

Okay. Wow. I never knew that. Maybe Levi was right.

“Is this your new conquest, slut?” Chloe hisses and barges her shoulder into mine.

I’m about to punch her like I did Jerry, but the music stops abruptly.

Everyone stops dancing and chatter breaks out. Someone shouts to put the music back on.

Then, as if someone pulled off a switch, the murmurs cease and the crowd parts to make way for Levi and his four horsemen.

He’s wearing the team’s uniform and stands in the middle as if he owns the room and everyone in it.

I look away, refusing to be sucked into his orbit.

Daniel leaves Xander and Ronan’s side to stand by me. His harsh glare falls on his captain. The same captain he idolised for a long time.

Most loyal best friend ever.

Chloe smiles brightly at Levi like she’s seeing a Christmas tree. She pushes her dancing partner away as if he never existed.

“King, I —”

“If you’re going to call anyone a slut, start with yourself.” Levi looks down at her with dark, calm eyes. “You opened your legs for half the team and swallowed for the other half.”

Oooh’s and Aaah’s break in the audience. Everyone gathers around us like we’re the entertainment of the night.

Chloe’s face goes red. Her mouth opens and closes like a fish, but she says nothing.

Levi’s gaze narrows on Nicole who comes to stand on Chloe’s side. “If you have any slut remarks to say, you might want to start with how you beg for it on your knees.”