God of Pain (Legacy of Gods #2) by Rina Kent

Due to my gilded cage and mafia princess status, most girls are simply scared to get too close to me. Not Cecily, Ava, and even Glyndon. Yes, they’re scared of Jer, but not to the point where they’d avoid me because of him.

Renewed energy pulses through me and I run the rest of the way with their help. Cecily takes the lead in guiding us back to the house. She’s so good with directions that she can find the way after one trip to the forest.

That and she’s the only one wearing sneakers, so her movements are easier than ours.

The moment the music fills our ears again, we breathe in relief in unison. No more forest for a lifetime.

We sneak back into the main mansion and mingle with the crowd.

The King’s U’s students are hardcore party people with a distinguished taste for debauchery. REU students love to party, too, but not in this extravagant way.

Almost everyone has shown up to this party held by the Heathens. It’s even considered a privilege to be get in. Usually, Jeremy doesn’t even allow me access, let alone invite my friends, but he’s been somewhat lenient ever since I started showing depression signs.

I’ve had some growing up. Whenever I felt too suffocated, too sheltered I’d get these gray days where I can’t see colors no matter how much I try.

Usually, ballet or a chance to wander outside is enough to lessen that burden.

The three of us huddle near a wall, catching our breaths, and that’s when I catch glimpse of Jeremy across the room talking to Nikolai and his most trusted guard.

I hold my breath in preparation for when he’ll barge in, disclose that he knows all about our sneaking about session and ground me like I’m twelve-year-old. However, he doesn’t move. The gray of his eyes narrow, darkening on me.

No, not me.

Cecily?

I stare back at her and she’s still slumped against the wall, breathing harshly, and completely oblivious to how my brother is looking at her as if she’s at the top of his shit list.

Oh, no.

The look disappears as fast as it appeared and Jeremy climbs the stairs with his guard and Nikolai. That’s when I actually release a breath.

We’re safe. For now.

“No more wandering in the forest at night,” Cecily grumbles. “I swear I lost a few years of my life.”

“We’ll do it in secret,” Ava whispers to me.

“I heard that and it won’t be happening.”

Ava makes a face and Cecily just stares back. “Very mature.”

“Sorry I want to live my youth to the fullest, Mum.” Ava huffs and takes a glass from a passing waiter.

Yikes. That was probably a guard, considering the glare he threw her way. If I weren’t around, he would’ve grabbed her by the neck and threw her out for the insolence.

She drinks a little, then stops and groans. “Holy shit. This is strong. What is it?”

“Probably pure vodka meant for Jer or Nikolai.”

“I knew Heathens had the best stuff.” She gathers me in a side hug. “We’re lucky we didn’t lose partying privileges.”

“More like reckless,” Cecily lets out under her breath, leaning against a pillar. Her shirt for the day has I would rather be reading. “Can we go back to the dorm now?”

“Hell to the no. You promised to come along, Cecy.”

“Did you forget that we kind of have classes in the morning?”

“Yeah, so? Being a uni student doesn’t conflict with having fun, you know. In fact, everyone but you does, Miss No-Fun.”

“Don’t come begging me to wake you up tomorrow when you’re proper hammered.”

“Pfft. Glyn will.”

“Glyn, who’s with her boyfriend doing God knows what?”

“It’s called fucking, Ces. Repeat after me. F-U-C-K.”

She gives her a blank look and Ava bursts out laughing and goes back to drinking. They all tease Cecily about being a nerd and a prude, but I find her super cool for having clear boundaries for what she likes and what she doesn’t.

I wish I were as confident as she is.

“So…” I clear my throat. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you guys about something.”

“Ooh, sounds juicy.” Ava focuses on me. “What is it?”

“Remember that arranged marriage thingy that I was destined to do ever since they found out I have a vagina?”

“Those patriarchal pricks.” Cecily’s eyes shine with defiance.

“What she said.” Ava bumps her friend’s shoulder. “And? Did they pick up a husband for you at seventeen? Want us to riot in front of the US embassy? Maybe the Russian embassy, too?”

“No on all counts. Mom said she wouldn’t allow it.”

Cecily’s expression eases. “I knew I liked your mum.”

“What she said again. So is your mum going to cut a bitch in your name or should we do it?”

“I don’t think any of that is needed. Mom said Papa won’t let anyone force me into marriage if I have someone I love.”

“Yes! Bitch, why didn’t you say that before and why aren’t we celebrating?”

“Hello? Because I have no one I love?”

“Well, you can find someone.” Ava sighs. “Falling in love is actually easier than it sounds. Overrated, too, just saying. Not that I’m talking from experience or anything.”