Ruthless Empire (Royal Elite #6) by Rina Kent

Once we’re in the car park, he throws me a Snickers bar through the window, his face blank. “I bought it earlier. It’s melting.”

My heart warms. Cole doesn’t eat Snickers, or chocolate in general, but he always buys them for me. “Thanks.”

“I’m done playing your games, Silver. This is the last time you run from me.”

“What do you expect me to do?”

“I expect you to be with me because you want to, not run away because you can’t admit it to yourself.”

“What about everyone else?”

“Fuck everyone else. They don’t matter more than you and I.”

And with that, he leaves. I hit the button to Mum’s flat, my shoulders drooping as I absentmindedly eat the Snickers bar.

Maybe I should save it for when Mum and I watch a film — not The Notebook.

I enter the code to her flat and go inside, still nibbling on the chocolate.

It’s dark inside, the only light coming from her room. I’m just outside of it when the sounds filter in.

Moans. Groans. Slaps of flesh against flesh.

My cheeks heat. I probably should’ve called first. But then again, Lucien barely comes to Mum’s flat, and I kind of thought they were in a non-sexual relationship.

I turn around to leave when I hear the unmistakable name.

My fingers slowly push the door open. What remains of my Snickers drops to the ground. I’m scarred for life.

Mum is on her back as a man fucks her hard.

And that man isn’t Lucien.

It’s Papa.





41





Silver





The three of us sit in Mum’s living area.

To say the air is awkward and full of tension would be the understatement of the century. This isn’t how I’ve imagined our family reunion.

Mum ties the satin robe around her nightgown and keeps touching her hair, trying to submit the dishevelled blonde strands to order.

Papa appears completely normal, all tucked in his suit as if he were born in one.

God. I can’t believe I walked in on my parents having sex. It’s even more disturbing now considering they’re no longer married.

They sit beside each other while I’m across from them, arms folded like a judge out to prosecute her defendants.

Mum flashes me an awkward smile. “It’s not what it seems.”

I scrunch my nose. “I think I saw exactly what it seems.”

“Princess.” Papa clears his throat. “We’re sorry you had to witness that.”

“Shouldn’t you be sorrier about other people? I don’t know, like Helen and Lucien?”

“Lucien and I are just friends, Babydoll. We only go out together to avoid the hassle of finding dates to the countless of events we attend.”

“How about Helen then?” I jut my chin at Papa. “How could you do this to her?”

Mum studies her red nails. “They’re not sexually active.”

“Cynthia,” Papa reprimands

“What?” She feigns nonchalance. “Silver is old enough to understand that. She’s sexually active herself.”

“I did not need that image.” Papa looks at me weird, almost horrified, as if he’s just realising that I’m not his little girl anymore.

“Mum!” My voice lowers. “How do you know that?”

“I know everything about you, Babydoll. You think I wouldn’t notice that you’re in love?”

“I-I’m n-not in love.” I clear my throat. “Anyway, this isn’t about me. Papa?”

“Helen and I only got married for convenience. She had no idea how to handle the fortune William left behind, so I offered to help. One thing led to another and we sort of formed a partnership.”

“And a marriage.” Mum huffs. “She thought if she had you long enough, you’d probably fall for her graces. That woman is a snake.”

“Cynthia.” Papa releases another breath.

“Still, this isn’t right, Papa.” I’m such a hypocrite. I’m fucking his stepson under his roof every night, after all.

“Didn’t you always want us to be together?” Mum asks. “You planned it for years.”

“Not at the expense of someone else’s happiness. This isn’t right by Helen, and you know that, Papa. These are your core principles and you betrayed them.”

“Silver!” Mum scoffs. “I can’t believe you’re taking that snake’s side over your mother’s.”

“She’s right.” Papa’s lips thin in a tight smile. “I’m sorry I disappointed you, Princess.”

“Give me a fucking break.” Mum throws her hands in the air. “So now I’m the bad guy in all of this?”

“Language, Cynthia.” Papa’s voice lowers.

“You didn’t mind the language when you were fucking me earlier.”

“Mum!”

“Cynthia!” Papa says at the same time.

“Fine.” Mum jerks up. “I’m always wrong. I always say the wrong things. Apparently, I can’t make any personal relationship work and should focus on my job instead. If my own daughter and the man I thought was the love of my life don’t understand me, it’s useless to keep trying. Go back to your soft, sweet Helen.”