Cruel King (Royal Elite #0) by Rina Kent

Every time we have sex, it’s like he’s engraving himself into my soul piece by each bloody piece.

It’s become an addiction that I can’t get enough of.

But more than anything, I know I can’t get enough of him.

It’s him who’s turning my world upside down. The intense sex and the mind games are all a part of what he is.

Who he is.

And I want all of him.

Even with the feud between Dad and his uncle.

When I asked Levi if he weren’t curious about it, he said it was none of our business. We’re not our families.

“Earth to Astrid.”

My head snaps to Dan who’s been sitting on my desk, chatting about the upcoming game.

“Hey, crazy bugger.” Dan jams a finger in my arm. “You weren’t listening to me, were you?”

“I was. You’re so going to nail it.”

“Mrs Jills?” He scrunches his nose. “Thanks for the disgusting image of me nailing our fifty-year-old math teacher.”

I break in laughter. “Sorry, but hey, you do have a sex bucket list after all.”

“It doesn’t include fifty year old teachers.”

“No?”

“Freaking no way.” He releases an exasperated sigh, throwing a glance to our right where Nicole has been throwing daggers at us.

“Do you want a picture?” he asks her with sarcasm.

She flips her hair back. “As if anyone would need the trashy face.”

“Then stop looking.”

“And you stop talking to me.”

“Jesus.” Dan faces me again, his face tight. “How do you live with her?”

“I sneak out all the time.” I grin. “Never mind her.”

“If she bothers you, let me know.” His face is serious.

“So you’ll defend my honour?”

“Hell yeah. It’s in the freaking friendship manual that you should’ve read by now. You’re like the laziest best friend ever.”

“I’m working on it.” I laugh. “Hey, bug. Do you want to go shopping this weekend?”

He waggles his eyebrows. “Slutty lingerie for Captain?” His smile drops. “Wait. Wrong image.”

“No.” I chuckle. “I need serious interview clothes for Imperial College.”

“Ah. That.” He leans in. “You’re not going to talk to your father about the Royal College of Art?”

Considering that Dad’s been ghosting me in the house, and didn’t attempt to force me into those dreadful breakfasts, I don’t see the point.

“This is your future. You’re not supposed to make your parents happy on the expense of what will make you happy.”

“Wow. Since when did you become so wise, bug?”

His smile is faint. “Since I’m not going into engineering.”

“Oh. Why not?” Dan’s family owns an engineering company. He and Zach are expected to take over the family business.

Since I’ve become best friends with Dan, he’s always planned to do engineering in Cambridge. He has all the high grades and impressive records to fly him there.

Now, I feel like a horrible friend for not picking up on his change of heart earlier.

“I’m going to be a solicitor.”

“That’s also cool, but what made you change your mind?”

“Engineers are considered nerdy especially in college. Besides, solicitors have a more active sex life.”

“Please tell me you’re not changing interest because of a sex life.”

“It plays a part. Okay, a huge part. But no, I feel like I’m more fit for winning verbal arguments.”

I hold his hand. “I’m so proud of you. Whatever you choose, bug.”

“Me, too.” He removes his hand. “But don’t touch me. Captain is fucking crazy about that.”

Both of us laugh, knowing exactly how true that is.

My phone vibrates with a text.

Dad: Meet me in the school’s car park.

My heart starts beating loud. Why would Dad come to meet me at school?

“Do you want me to go with you?” Dan asks, apparently having seen the text.

“No. I’m cool. It’s going to be cool.”

I’m lying.

I’m freaking out on the inside.

Dad told me two days ago that he wanted to talk to the family about something important, but I never thought it’d be so soon.

Maybe he’s had enough and will finally adopt Nicole and throw me away.

As I walk out of the school, my chest tightens until it’s painful.

All this time, I convinced myself that I don’t care if Dad adopts Nicole. It’s not like I want to be Clifford’s princess anyway. But now that it’s becoming a reality, I feel like crying.

He’s my dad, not hers. Mine.

Deep inside, there’s a part that still longs for the father who used to carry me on his shoulders when I was a little girl.

The sound of rain fills the car park. Since it’s close to the afternoon, almost all students’ and teachers’ cars are gone.

I open my umbrella and step into the wet pavement.

It’s dark and humid and so freaking wet. If I weren’t anxious out of my mind, I would’ve removed the umbrella and stood in the rain.

I walk into the car park, searching for Dad’s Mercedes. It’s becoming so dark and no light is turned on, so I can’t see in the long distance.