by Ashley Jade
She’s also disturbingly perceptive at times.
Her expression is careful, like she’s afraid I might break. “How are you holding up?”
I ignore the twinge in my chest. If I give in and break down now—I don’t stand a chance of making it through the next twelve months.
Falling apart won’t change the fact that my dad’s currently in jail for embezzling money from the multi-million-dollar company who employed him as their chief financial officer.
Because of my greedy stepmonster.
Because he didn’t want to lose her.
Because somewhere along the way, she became more important to him than me.
“I’m fine.” I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “A little tired from jet lag, but other than that, I’m totally cool.”
I’m positive my attempt to redirect her question was a failure, but fortunately my uncle waltzes in to save the day.
“Why does the basement smell like pot?”
Or not.
Wayne isn’t a big man, his son easily towers over him, but there’s something awfully intimidating about him.
Which probably explains why they call him a shark in the courtroom and he’s one of the top defense attorneys in the country.
All eyes turn to the prime suspect.
For a moment, I feel bad for him—but then I remember what a jerk he is.
Oakley shoves a forkful of eggs into his mouth, no doubt buying himself a little time to answer.
I guess my cousin isn’t as dumb as he looks after all.
“I have no idea.” He shrugs innocently before gesturing to me. “I was at Christian’s all night. Blue stayed home.”
Yeah, I take that back. He’s dumber than a box of rocks. Not only for the awful nickname but for thinking my aunt would ever buy his insinuation.
“Yup,” I drawl, the sarcasm thick in my tone. “You got me. After I got off the plane and took an Uber here, I unpacked my bags and celebrated my new life by toking up in the basement.”
Oakley stands. “See?” He looks at my aunt and uncle. “You guys should be more cautious about who you invite to live here.”
My aunt rolls her eyes. “Dylan doesn’t do drugs.” Her gaze swivels to me. “Right?”
I nod. “Not really my thing.”
My uncle pinches the bridge of his nose. “Christ. We’ve talked about this, Oak. If you want to screw up your life, do it under your own roof, not mine.”
Cheech…or is it Chong? Puts his dish in the sink. “I’m not screwing up my life, Dad. For fuck’s sake, it’s legal here now.”
“Legal for adults, not teenagers.”
“I’m—”
“You turned seventeen a month ago,” my uncle Wayne yells so loud the windows rattle. “Consider this your one and only warning. Smoke that crap in my home again, I’m taking away everything I ever bought you and shipping your ass off to military school.”
Oakley looks genuinely nervous. Can’t say I blame him. Something tells me Wayne’s threat isn’t an idle one.
“Dad—”
“End of discussion.” The tone of his voice leaves no room for argument.
My aunt’s forehead creases. “Why did you take an Uber here?”
I’m about to throw Oakley a bone, but I don’t have the chance.
“Because your stepson was so high out of his mind, he probably forgot,” my uncle booms before he turns to me. “I apologize for the monumental screw-up my kid is, Dylan.”
Whoa. That’s a bit harsh.
Apparently, my aunt’s thinking the same thing because her expression softens. “Wayne—”
“Fuck this.” Before anyone can speak, Oakley grabs his keys off the kitchen table.
Wayne’s eyes narrow. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Jace’s,” Oakley bites out, brushing past his father. “If that’s all right with you, your highness.”
My stomach somersaults. Oakley’s friends with Jace? My Jace?
The timing is terrible, but I have to know.
“Jace Covington?” I all but squeak.
“None of your damn business, tattletale.” He pauses mid-step to glare at me. “Word of advice? Better gobble up your Wheaties tomorrow…because you just lost the only ally you had. Royal Hearts is gonna eat you alive.” He snickers tauntingly as he strides toward the door. “Don’t worry, though. I’ll tell Jace you asked about him.”
Chapter 3
Jace
“I sent a check to your school.” My father sighs heavily, pushing away his bowl of oatmeal. “It should take care of any potential issues you and your brother cause this year.”
By issues, he means trouble.
Across the table, Cole’s lips twitch. “W—”
Whatever he was going to say falls by the wayside when Bianca walks in…wearing a skimpy outfit that’s two sizes too small.
Smiling to herself, she plucks an apple from the basket and winks. “And sister.”
Cole and I exchange a glance.
Dad should have sent Royal Hearts more money. Something tells me we’re gonna have our hands full with issues this year given Bianca’s now a freshman at RHA.
My father averts his gaze, muttering something under his breath.
Like most people she meets, Bianca’s got him wrapped around her little finger.
My mother’s partly to blame for that. She was a Bollywood star…until my dad went to India with his own father on a business trip, took one look at my mom, fell head over heels in love, and secretly whisked her away to the states to live happily ever after.
Rumi Covington was the most gorgeous woman in the world. Hands down, no contest.
But unlike Cole who takes after my father with his light green eyes and pale Irish skin tone, or me who falls somewhere between with a mixture of both my parents’ features—Bianca’s the spitting image of her.
Needless to say, things were much easier when she was in the ugly duckling stage…before the braces came off and she got contacts. Amongst other things I’d rather not think about.
I grip my fork. What my dad needs to do is tell her to get the fuck upstairs and change…but he won’t.
Jason Covington’s a pro at avoiding any kind of confrontation with his children.
Which is ironic considering he owns Trust Pharmaceuticals—one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world and has no problem making waves when it comes to getting what he wants at work.
It’s a shame he can’t muster half that energy to deal with his own kids, but he stopped caring a long time ago.
Hell, he practically invites me and my siblings to walk all over him.
“You’re not wearing that,” I tell my sister as the patio door opens and my friend Oakley walks out onto the veranda.
Or rather, he tries to. The fucker trips over his own feet halfway to the table because his bloodshot pupils are glued to Bianca.
I narrow my eyes at her. “You look like you shop at skank express.”
She takes a bite of her apple. “Probably because I borrowed this outfit from one of your little skanky girlfriends.”
Oakley and Cole laugh, but I shoot them a look of warning before turning my attention back to her.
“Go change.”
She opens her mouth to protest, but I slam my fist down on the table. I’m not in the mood for her or anyone else’s shit today. “So help me God, get your ass upstairs and change or—”
“Fine, whatever,” she huffs. “I can’t wait until you go to college next year, you big bully.”
Cole waggles his eyebrows as she stomps away. “Don’t get too excited, I’ll still be here to torment you.”
She chucks the half-eaten apple at his head before she walks off.
His eyes spark with indignation as he rubs his scalp. “Bitch.”
“Hey,” my father snaps. “Don’t call your little sister a bitch.”
Would you look at that? Jason not only contributed to a conversation, he almost sounded
like a parent.
As usual, it’s always after I handle the situation.
Oakley plops down in the empty chair next to me. “What’s up?”
Before he can blink, I swing my fist into his arm.
“Jesus. What the hell, man?” he grunts, clutching his shoulder. “That’s my jerking arm.”
“Well, if you ever look at my baby sister like that again, I’ll break it and shove it up your ass. You feel me?”
He winces. “I didn’t realize it was her. She looks so—”
“Dude,” Cole interjects. “Quit while you’re ahead.” He gestures between us. “Last I checked, you have two arms and there are two of us. The odds aren’t in your favor.”
Oak holds up his hands. “You both need to chill. I’m not looking to cause any beef or mack on baby Covington. Trust me, I have enough on my plate already.”
Cole and I exchange another glance. Oak’s cool and all, but he’s been known to make a few mountains out of molehills that resulted in him doing stupid shit.
Like calling 911 in the middle of a party because someone stole his weed.
I lean back in my seat, pondering whether or not it’s worth the potential irritation to find out what’s bugging him.
I’m assuming it has something to do with the big party Christian threw last night. I was gonna go, but Britney Caldwell had other plans.
Plans that involved sucking my dick on the drive there and then begging me to pull over so I could put it in her ass.
Since I could use the entertainment, I decide to humor my friend. “Did something happen last night?”
“Nah. Not really.” He gnaws on his cuticle but pauses, looking deep in thought. “Well, I almost dicked down my cousin before I went to a party.”
My father chokes on his coffee.
Cole sits up straight. “What do you mean you almost dicked down your cousin?”
My dad pushes his chair back and stands. “Excuse me, kids. I have an important phone call to make.”
With a shake of his head, he goes inside the house. His absence doesn’t matter all that much anyway. Everyone’s used to it.
Blowing out a breath, Oakley drags a hand over his scalp. “Man, I didn’t know it was her. I was smoking and jerking it all day. I knocked out for a bit and thought Hayley came over to take care of business.”
Hayley is Oak’s on-again, off-again girl. Although it’s usually more off than on with them. Yet no matter how often they break up, she always crawls back.
She claims she hates the drama that comes with dating my friend, but I’m pretty sure she’s addicted to it.
Hell, everyone at RHA is. They practically thrive off it.
Cole takes a sip of his drink. “All right, so you were high and passed out. Still doesn’t explain how you almost slept with her, though.” He grins. “Unless you’re saying she actually went along with it.”
Oak opens his arms wide. “That’s exactly what happened.” He reaches for the bowl of grapes and pops one in his mouth. “She was all for it…until I pulled down my pants.”
My lips twitch. “Poor girl probably forgot her magnifying glass.”
“Oh, fuck off, Covington. You’re not the only one who’s hung like a horse.” He slaps his chest. “Trust me. Your boy’s packing.”
I don’t know what’s more disturbing. The fact that he knows how big my dick is, or that he feels the need to defend his own with such vigor.
He chews on a grape stem. “The little blue-haired bitch is screwing up my life already. I don’t know how I’ll survive her annoying ass living in my house and going to RHA for an entire year.”
Cole’s expression matches mine. This is the first time Oak’s ever mentioned a blue-haired cousin coming to live with him, or that she’ll be attending our school.
I don’t like newcomers. Especially ones who are causing shit.
“Okay, back the fuck up. Why is she living with you?”
“More importantly,” Cole says. “Is she hot?” Amusement lines his face. “On second thought, who cares? A chick willing to bone her own cousin has got to be into some freaky shit, and you better believe I’m down for it.”
I’m not surprised. My brother has screwed almost everything in a skirt at RHA. Including teachers.
Oakley shakes his head. “Nah. I don’t think she’s the freaky type. Just a big tease.” He takes a joint from behind his ear and lights it. “A hot tease, but still a tease nonetheless.”
Cole rolls his eyes. “The hot ones always are.”
Oakley bumps his fist. “Word, brother. It’s hard to find a hottie with a body that will let you shift out of park and stick it in drive right away.” Blowing out a cloud of smoke, he looks at me. “Unless your name is Jace Covington. The asshole everyone is scared shitless of, but every girl still wants a piece of. Go fucking figure.”
He’s not wrong. But unlike him and my brother, I’m selective about who I stick my dick in. I won’t settle for the same mediocre snatch every other guy has unlimited access to…I prefer prime.
Not that I always turn down easy pussy. It’s still nice to get your dick wet whenever the urge strikes. That’s why I have Britney.
But even she’s starting to bore me. For once, I’d like a challenge.
“How big are her tits?” my brother asks, interrupting my thoughts.
Oakley sighs. “On the small side, but they’re perk—”
“What’s her name?”
These two will go back and forth, dissecting her body all day, but I’d prefer to start with the basics.
Oak takes a drag off his joint. “Dylan.” His eyes crinkle. “And your reputation must precede you because she asked about you.”
The tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I only know one girl named Dylan.
Cole makes a face. “How would your cousin—” He pauses mid-sentence, his gaze swiveling to me. “Well, shit. Small world, huh?”
Too small. What the hell is she doing back in town? Living with Oakley of all people.
Never one to turn down gossip, Oak doesn’t bother hiding his newfound interest. “My dad said she used to live in Royal Manor. I’m guessing you two have history?”
Cole snorts. “More like chemistry.”
I kick his chair so hard he falls back. “Shut the fuck up.”
My brother knows damn well this isn’t a joke. He knows what she did. What she’s responsible for.
Anger brews in my gut. I don’t know why she’s back, and I don’t care.
Dylan Taylor needs to get the fuck out of Royal Manor…for good. The bitch has already caused enough problems for me and my family.
I’m not about to give her an opportunity to do it again.
Confusion etches Oakley’s features. “She left town a long time ago. How much histo—”
“Doesn’t matter.” I snatch the joint from him and take a long pull. “She won’t be staying long.”
I’ll make sure of it.
Chapter 4
Dylan
Past…
A soft breeze caresses my face as my gaze drifts to the small figure sitting under a giant sequoia tree.
Jace Covington.
All the other kids are playing during recess, but as usual, he keeps to himself.
I figure his introversion is due to being new, having transferred to my school not only recently, but near the end of fifth grade. However, he’s been here for over two months already and hasn’t made any friends.
Not that I’m judging him. I’ve lived in Royal Manor my whole life and still haven’t adapted. I’m not sure I ever will.
My therapist told my dad I was reclusive because I lost my mom so early. According to her, losing someone so important makes it hard for me to connect with others.
She’s wrong, though. I get along with people just fine.
As long as I don’t get too close.
The less you feel for someone…the less their imminent absence would hurt.
Feeling out of my ele
ment, I take a few steps in his direction but pause.
I’m not sure going over there would be a good thing. He seems to prefer solitude, which is something I can relate to.
My heart clenches. He looks so sad. So lonely on a playground full of kids.
Leave him alone.
But I can’t.
There’s something dangerously enigmatic about Jace Covington.
His edges are sharp like broken glass…deterring someone from getting too close.
And while most people would walk away out of fear of being cut…I want to merge my broken pieces with his.
See what kind of alliance our strange, jagged pieces could form.
Head held high, I march over to him. Jace doesn’t know it yet, but he’s my new best friend.
My only friend.
“Hi.”
I cross my arms over my chest when he doesn’t return my greeting.
“I’m Dylan.”
Silence.
Here I am, venturing far out of my comfort zone, and he’s ignoring me.
Annoyed, I tap my foot. “You’re being very rude.”
Nothing.
Hands on my hips, I glare at him. “Let’s try this again. Hi, my name is—”
“I know your name.”
Dark, brooding eyes peer up at me, and even though his lips are twisted in a frown, there’s a hint of a smile threatening to break through the surface. And God help me if it does, because my knees are starting to wobble.
Caution flickers over his face. “What do you want, Dylan?”
I blink, unsure how to answer. “Nothing.” I motion to the spot on the ground next to him. “Can I sit?”
“No.” His scowl deepens. “Go away.”
I swallow hard. This is obviously a mistake.
I turn on my heel, intending to return to my secluded spot near the fence.
“Wait,” he calls out when I’m a few steps away. “I changed my mind.”
He changed his mind?
I spin around to face him. “Too bad. Maybe I no longer want to sit with a meanie like you.”
And then it happens.
