Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy, #1)(28)

Plus, Tommy reminded me of Jace.

Jace who was ignoring me.

Just like I was ignoring Tommy.

“I should have written you back.”

“Why didn’t you?”

How do you tell someone their feelings were scaring you? Or that you were into someone else way more than you were into them?

My stomach knots when it occurs to me. Maybe that’s why Jace refused to speak to me?

No. If he didn’t have any feelings for me, he wouldn’t have done or said what he did right before I left.

“I don’t know.”

Tommy looks at me like I’m full of shit. He’s not wrong.

“Wow,” he scoffs. “One of the things I liked most about you was that in a world full of liars and fakes, you always kept it real.”

He’s right. Usually, I have no problem telling it like it is.

Nevertheless, I don’t want to hurt him. Not when he’s been nothing but nice to me, and I know how it feels to be snubbed by someone you thought was a true friend.

I scan my brain for a kernel of truth to pacify him. “It was a hectic time. I was trying to fit in at a new school, deal with my dad marrying my stepmonster, and—”

“Dating that hipster with a weird name.” His words have a slight edge to them despite the crooked grin he shoots me. “I might have peeped your Instagram a few times.”

Then he should know we’re no longer together. And haven’t been for a while.

Caspian—or Casper—as his friends called him was my first real boyfriend.

I didn’t like him at first, but when we were assigned partners for a school project, sparks flew.

For a little while, anyway.

In the end, Caspian and I only dated for eight months. I cared about him enough that I gave him my V-card a few weeks before our relationship ended, but I never fell in love with him.

Not like I did with Jace.

Which is why I knew I had to break up with him.

Considering he fucked my friend two days later; he bounced back pretty quickly.

Tommy, on the other hand, is obviously still upset with me for blowing him off.

“Look, I already told you I was sorry. I don’t know what else you want—”

“What I want is my chance.” His gaze fixes on my mouth. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted from you.”

Oh, boy. I’m so not in the right headspace to pursue any kind of romantic relationship.

“My life is a mess, Tommy.” A wave of exhaustion sweeps over me. “And it’s only going to get messier because Jace hates me and I have no idea why.” I throw up my hands and laugh helplessly. “And he’s not the only one. Britney is back to her old tricks with her crew of mean girls. Bianca Covington’s planning my murder for some unknown reason. Hell, even my own step-cousin—” To my surprise and shame, my voice cracks. “I don’t mean to lay all this shit on you. I’m just really not read—”

“I get it, you have a lot to deal with.” Concern lines his features as he tips my chin. “I’m not trying to add any more bullshit onto your plate. I’m content being your friend…for now.”

“Thank you. That’s…I could really use a friend.” I tilt my head. “I should probably go before my aunt gets worried and comes out here.”

She won’t. Not only is she laid back, I doubt she can even see us because the house sits on top of a giant hill. However, the longer I stay in this car, the worse I’ll feel about not being able to give him what he wants.

“Hey, Dylan?” he calls out when I start walking.

I spin around. “Yeah.”

“You have my number. If you need a ride, or someone to talk to—if you ever need anything. I’m here.”

I give him a sincere smile. “That means a lot.”

A muscle in his jaw jumps. “The next time Jace starts with you, you better tell me. I don’t want him making you feel like crap or filling your head up with lies because he can’t deal with his shit and he’s taking it out on you.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him I’m perfectly capable of handling Jace on my own, but I really want to go inside so I can find Oakley and try to find some common ground with him.

“Sure thing,” I call over my shoulder before I start my ascent up the driveway.

I’m thankful when he starts the engine and I hear him drive off.

I’m passing Oakley’s car when furious, dark eyes slice right through me like a hot knife through butter.

“Jace. What are you—”

As if answering my question, Oakley rushes out the front door. There’s a beach towel slung over his shoulder and a pair of swimming trunks in his hand.

“Ready to—” He stops speaking when he spots me.

Of course Jace is here to see Oakley.

My stomach sours. Jace and Oakley are best friends now.

Jace’s eyes lock on something behind me, but he stays silent.

Oakley tracks his gaze and scowls. “What the fuck was Tommy DaSilva doing here?”

It’s all I can do not to roll my eyes. “Giving me a ride home. You know, like you were supposed to.”

He snorts. “Damn, I knew you were easy, but I didn’t think you were desperate.”

Anger races over my skin. “Excuse me.”