Cruel Prince: Royal Hearts Academy - Book One

by A. Jade

  Oh. My. God.

  I wait a few minutes before I venture downstairs again. When I do, I find Jace slamming back shots with Oakley and Cole.

  Oh, boy.

  “Hell yes,” Oak shouts. “About time you loosened up and had some fun, Covington.”

  Forgoing the shot glass this time, Jace picks up the bottle of Jack and takes a huge swig.

  My stomach drops. Jace isn’t doing this for fun. He’s doing it to get trashed and forget.

  Fortunately, Cole catches on. “Slow down, bro. We have the whole night ahead of us.”

  “Exactly.” Oak takes the bottle from him. “Save some for the rest of us, man.”

  Jace gives them the finger and walks off.

  He might not realize it yet, but all that whiskey is going to hit him in the balls soon.

  Cole’s uneasy eyes lock with mine and I walk over to him and Oakley.

  “Has he eaten anything tonight?”

  He shrugs. “Not really. My dad took us out for dinner to celebrate, but Jace bounced before it was over.”

  That’s not good.

  Thinking quickly, I dig into my pocket for my phone and pull up a local pizza place.

  “Hey, I’d like to order a pineapple pizza please.”

  For reasons I’ll never understand, it’s Jace’s favorite.

  “We’re closing in fifteen,” the guy on the phone responds.

  I look at my watch and curse. “Not to be a pain, but is there any way you can make this happen? It’s my friend’s birthday and he’s…I really need a pineapple pizza.”

  Oakley grabs my phone. “And one more with extra cheese.”

  “Some garlic knots, too,” Cole adds.

  I snatch my phone back. “I’m so sorry, but I promise I’ll give you an amazing tip when you get here.”

  I silently say goodbye to half my paycheck from the bakery.

  “All right. Be there in twenty,” the guy grumbles before he hangs up.

  Twenty minutes later, Jace is bumping and grinding with a group of girls out on the patio.

  Cole takes a sip of his beer. “At least he’s having fun.”

  I motion to the pizza box I’m holding. “We should get some of this in his system before that changes.”

  After setting everything up on a nearby table, I turn to Cole and Oakley. “Which one of you wants to grab him?”

  Oakley pulls out a blunt and lights it. “I got this.”

  In the blink of an eye, he enters the makeshift dance floor, ebbing and flowing with the crowd until he reaches Jace and gestures to his blunt.

  Flashing a Cheshire Cat smile, Jace follows him.

  But not before giving Hayley—one of his many dancing partners—a swift slap on the ass.

  Fortunately, Oak doesn’t seem to mind.

  Cole chokes on his beer. “Jesus.”

  I hang back as they make their way to the table. Jace can’t stand the sight of me when he’s sober, so I can only imagine how he’ll react to my presence when he’s buzzed and on his way to shit-faced.

  “Pineapple?” Jace exclaims as he takes a seat. “Man, you douchebags are the worst, greatest best friends ever.”

  Cole and Oakley exchange a glance.

  “It wasn’t us,” Oakley says, despite me signaling for him to keep his mouth shut.

  Cole jerks his chin at me. “Dylan ordered it.”

  Jace shifts around in his chair. “Sure you didn’t poison it?”

  “Only a little.” I study my nails. “Couldn’t get too carried away though, given it’s your birthday and all.”

  He grins, and fuck me, because it’s like seeing a rainbow after a terrible storm. “Thanks, asshole.” Lifting the pizza to his mouth he takes a huge bite. “Shit’s good.”

  “I’ll take your word for it.” Oakley makes a face. “You’re the only person I know who enjoys that crap on pizza.”

  My heart gives a sad thump. It was Liam’s favorite too.

  Jace tenses, but a small group of girls from the dancefloor wander over and disperse themselves among the guys.

  Hayley plops on Oakley’s lap, a brunette flutters to Cole, while the remaining two make a beeline for Jace.

  And me? I’m hoping the bong boys are still here because I’d much prefer their company to whatever this is.

  Jealousy stirs when the girl to the right of Jace whispers something in his ear and his face lights up like the fourth of July.

  “Tell you what, go grab me a bottle of Jack and let me finish this slice, then I’m all yours.” He winks at the girl’s friend. “And yours.”

  Yup, the bong boys are looking better and better.

  The girl and her friend scurry off like they hit the jackpot.

  I’m about to leave too, but Jace bites out, “Where’s your boyfriend?”

  “Last I checked, I didn’t have one.”

  He appears to be mulling that over as he chews.

  I’m getting ready to walk away for the second time when he speaks.

  “Well, the next time your boyfriend, not boyfriend picks you up from school, I’m beating his face in and shoving a motherfucking bat down his throat.” Tilting his head, he pins me with a look. “Consider that your only warning.”

  He can’t be serious. Who the hell threatens someone for giving someone else a ride home from school?

  I don’t even know how to respond. On second thought, I do.

  “You don’t get to control who picks me up and who doesn’t. You also don’t get to threaten my friends.”

  He starts to say something, but the two girls—who are now donning bikinis and carrying a bottle of whiskey—saunter back over to him.

  Instantly, he swipes the bottle from the girl in the white bikini and starts drinking.

  “Damn.” Oakley’s eyes go big. “Be easy, son.”

  Jace doesn’t listen. Almost half a pint is gone before Cole rips it away. “You’re gonna have a killer hangover tomorrow, dude.”

  He wolfs down another slice of pizza. “I don’t give a fuck.” He smirks at the girls. “Go wait for me in the hot tub.”

  They don’t waste a second following his orders.

  I look at Oakley who’s pouring himself a shot. “I’m gonna head inside for a bit. Let me know when you’re ready to leave.”

  Oakley starts to speak, but Jace stands up and barks, “Get over here.”

  Oh no he didn’t.

  I look around the patio. “I’m sorry, are you talking to me? Because I don’t respond to Neanderthals.” I narrow my eyes. “If you want me so bad, you can bring your ass over here.”

  Slowly, he rakes his gaze over my body. “Is that so?”

  My heart is in my throat as he treks the short distance to me.

  “Here I am,” he rasps, his voice rough and husky.

  There’s no denying the challenge laden in his words, but I force myself not to react. He’s drunk, it’s his birthday, and he’s pushing my buttons. Nothing more, nothing less.

  “Yup, here you are. Now what’s your problem?”

  My breath hitches when he hooks his finger onto the belt loop of my jeans and tugs me to him. “You.”

  Jesus. I tamp down the urge to run my hand over the impressive set of abs and prominent bulge I’m compressed against. “Fine, then I’ll leave.”

  His hand curls around my hip possessively, and he sways ever so slightly. “No—”

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing, you ugly little tramp?” a shrill voice demands.

  Of course, Britney would come out here to mark her territory.

  Although after what I overheard, territory is debatable.

  Oakley and Cole stop talking, no doubt preparing for round two. However, I’m tired of the drama, so I pay her no mind.

  I start to withdraw, but Jace tightens his grip and looks over his shoulder at Cole. “I’m gonna head out.”

  The way he’s slurring his words and swaying tells me the whiskey just hit him like a freight train.

  Br
itney’s the least of my worries when he digs his keys out of his pocket.

  “You can’t drive, Jace.”

  “I’ll be fine,” he argues, taking a step back.

  “Are you okay, sweetie?” Britney coos.

  Ignoring her, I concentrate on him. “You’re drunk.” I look at Oakley. “Come on, we can drop him off on the way home.”

  Oakley starts to nod, but Hayley pouts. “But, bunny, you promised we could spend the night here.”

  That’s news to me.

  Something passes in Oakley’s gaze and he shrugs. “She’s right. Sorry, cous.” He kisses Hayley’s arm. “What my girl wants, my girl gets.”

  Awesome. He pretty much dragged me here for no reason.

  Cole holds up his hands. “I’d drive, but I’ve had a few beers.” He grins down at the brunette. “I was planning on crashing here for the night too.”

  Jace plows past me. “I’m fine.”

  I grab his arm. “Give me your keys. I can drive you home.” Thinking fast, I add, “Or I can call you an Uber. Either one works.”

  He mumbles something incoherent.

  “Um, excuse me,” Britney snaps. “I’m his girlfriend, therefore, I’ll take him home.”

  I swear it feels like everyone’s eyes are on us.

  Stuffing down the urge to put the bitch in her place, I twist around to face her. “Have you had anything to drink?”

  As much as I hate the idea of Britney giving him a ride, it’s more important that he gets home safe. Considering he hates my guts, I’m pretty sure he’d prefer leaving with her.

  “I had like half a Bay Breeze three hours ago.”

  A quick assessment attests she’s not impaired. “Fine, but—”

  “Oh, God. Fuck off, bitch.” She pushes me out of the way. “No way in hell am I gonna stand by and let you try to violate him.”

  Say what now? “Excuse me?”

  She tosses her head back and cackles. “Oh, honey. Everyone knows you’re obsessed with Jace. I wouldn’t put it past you or your desperation to take advantage of him in his inebriated state, because you know it’s the only way he’d ever fuck you.”

  “Wow, Brit-Brit. Projecting much?”

  Her eyes narrow into tiny slits. “I beg your pardon?”

  Nope, not gonna air Jace’s dirty laundry. “Nothing.”

  “That’s what I thought.” She drums her talons up and down Jace’s chest. Eyes closed, he looks like he’s trying his hardest not to throw up. “Now run along and find some other poor guy who’s drunk enough to screw trash like you.” Her nose crinkles. “I’ve got this covered.”

  A few people laugh.

  “Want some cream for that burn?” some guy calls out.

  More laughing.

  My hand twitches with the need to launch my fist into her face, but if I do, it won’t end there and Jace might take off during the fight.

  Swallowing my pride, I move out of the way.

  Britney laces her arm through one of Jace’s. “Let’s go, babe.”

  Shaking his head, he staggers back. “No.”

  Britney rolls her eyes. “Fine, we’ll hang out inside for a little while.”

  She tries tugging him, but Jace doesn’t budge.

  “Jace, hon—”

  “No,” he grinds out so low and deadly the tiny hairs on my arms stand up.

  Laughing nervously, she looks at Cole and Oakley. “A little help, please.”

  Neither of them moves a muscle. It’s clear by their expressions they’re not too happy with her at the moment.

  She reaches for him again, but that only makes him more irritated.

  “Don’t fucking touch me,” he growls, side-stepping her. “I told you before I was done with you and your bullshit.”

  Hayley gasps.

  “Oh, shit,” Oakley exclaims.

  “About damn time,” Cole mutters.

  Britney gives Jace a tight smile. “Sweetie, you’re obviously drunk. Earlier you dragged me upstairs because you couldn’t keep your hands off me and kept begging for my mouth.”

  That’s a distorted version of an event if I’ve ever heard one.

  Britney’s not done yet. “I know I hurt you when I told you we should take a break, but I meant what I said about wanting to be friends.” She tries touching his face, but Jace turns his head. “This is me being your friend. I suggest you don’t do anything to screw that up.”

  I’m starting to think she’s the inebriated one, because that’s not what happened at all.

  I open my mouth to say something, but Jace starts laughing.

  Hysterically.

  “Jesus Christ.” He’s literally shaking with laughter. “Your easy access snatch used to be worth the side of freak show that came with it, but not anymore.”

  My jaw drops. So does Britney’s.

  “Want some cream for that burn?” Oakley calls out.

  She shoots him a dirty look before focusing on Jace. “Look, this is your last chance. Do you want to stop being a drunk, belligerent asshole so I can take you home or not?”

  He tosses me his keys. “Ready when you are.”

  He doesn’t have to tell me twice.

  “I swear to God if you leave with her,” Britney warns when he staggers over to me. “I will tell everyone about your little issue.”

  Back to her, he flips her the bird.

  “Fine. But just so you know, the alcohol will only make that limp dick of yours even more limp.” Her smile is cruel as she looks around the patio. “It’s why I broke up with him tonight. He no longer has what it takes to satisfy me, or any other girl…if you catch my drift.”

  My hands curl into fists as Jace turns around.

  “You can’t break up with someone who never wanted to date you in the first place,” he snarls. “And maybe my dick would have liked you better if you took care of your little issue down south.” Waving a hand in front of his face, he steps to her. “I’m no doctor, but I’m positive your cunt shouldn’t smell like something crawled up there and died.”

  Well, shit. Not only are his words brutal, they’re punctuated by the fact that he seriously looks like he’s going to be sick.

  “If I had to spend another minute in that room with you and your fish box, I would have—”

  I watch in equal parts horror and enchantment as he projectile vomits chunks of pineapple pizza and whiskey all over her.

  Britney screams so loud I’m surprised my eardrums don’t shatter while everyone laughs and cheers.

  Jace takes off his shirt and wipes his mouth with it before throwing it at her. “I would have done that.”

  He looks over at me. “You ready?”

  I try not to focus on those washboard abs of his on display. “Yup.” I sling an arm around his waist when he sways. “But what do you say we find you a toothbrush and some mouthwash first?”

  Chapter 30

  DYLAN

  A part from warning me not to crash his Lexus and asking to stop at a twenty-four-hour gas station, Jace hasn’t said a word since we got in the car.

  On the bright side, he’s looking much better after puking all over Britney.

  He flips the hood of his sweatshirt up—the one he asked me to fish out of his trunk while he got cleaned up in the bathroom. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to go in for you?”

  He steps out of the vehicle, slamming the door behind him.

  Guess that’s a no.

  Between the black hoodie and his indignant expression, you’d think he was about to commit a crime as he walks into the tiny convenience store.

  Two minutes later he comes back out, carrying a can of ginger ale and a bottle of water. “Let’s go.”

  Shifting his Lexus into drive, I mutter, “Are you allergic to manners?”

  All I get in reply is a grunt.

  We’re almost to his house when he gestures to my side of the road. “Make a left here.”

  “That’s not
the way to your house.”

  “We’re not going to my house.”

  That isn’t ominous or anything. I slam on the brakes. “Why?”

  “I’m not in the mood to go home yet, all right?” He crosses his arms. “Start driving…or I will.”

  I step on the gas pedal and make a left. “As you wish.” Dick.

  I’m not sure where we’ll end up, but the narrow, winding road combined with the pouring rain gives me the creeps.

  “Turn right,” he instructs.

  “Where exactly are we going?”

  I have my answer as we approach what appears to be a run-down park.

  I pick a spot and turn the car off. “I didn’t know there was a park here.”

  “They built it after you left, but the rich pricks on our side of town weren’t interested in it.” He lays his head against the seat. “So now it just rots.”

  “That sucks.”

  We sit in silence for what feels like forever before I find my proverbial balls. “Jace, can we—”

  “No.” There’s a dark note in his voice, a warning not to poke the beast. “I can’t fucking go there. Not tonight.”

  I don’t know where there is, but I don’t want to upset him on his birthday, so I drop it. “Okay.”

  Shifting ever so slightly, I turn to look at him.

  He’s reclined in his seat, with his legs spread out and his hood covering half his face…it makes my insides swoop, but my heart hurt.

  It’s clear he’s battling some demons…but he’s doing it all alone.

  I hate it.

  Reclining my own seat, I relax against the plush leather. “Hey.”

  He tilts his head a little, his gaze moving over me like lava. “Hey.”

  Lifting my hand, I trace the curve of his brow. “It’s kind of crazy.”

  His gorgeous face is all hard edges, chiseled bones, and full lips, but in this moment, his eyes hold a softness and vulnerability I haven’t seen in years.

  “What is?”

  I run my thumb down his cheek. “That it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other, but being this close to you still…”

  The reality that we’re no longer friends sinks its claws into my heart and I stop talking.

  His fingertips trail up my outstretched forearm. “Still what?”