Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy, #1)(46)

I’m so focused on his appearance it takes me a second to realize he’s fixing his belt…and that Britney is slinking close behind him, like a stench that lingers even after you took out the trash.

I’m considering grabbing Sawyer’s hand and heading out to the patio for some air, but Britney’s already noticed me.

The split-second look of envy immediately followed by uneasiness on her face is worth having to endure her for a bit.

“Well, look what the pot-head dragged in.” She shoots Oakley an irritated glare. “Thanks a lot, Oak. I’m sure Hayley, your soon-to-be ex, is going to be thrilled when she gets here.”

Oakley doesn’t seem fazed by her threat one bit.

Jace makes a beeline for the makeshift bar without sparing me or anyone else a glance. Like Sawyer and I, he goes straight for the soda, disregarding the alcohol.

I smirk as he examines the bottle and grits his teeth. “What asshole has been helping himself to my shit without permission?”

Beside me, Sawyer goes rigid.

I down the rest of my drink, and proudly hold up my empty cup. “This asshole.”

The muscles in his neck tense. “What the fuck are you doing here?” His stare lowers, and his dark orbs flash with something other than disdain for a quick second before he focuses on Oakley.

“You don’t want problems? Don’t fucking bring any.”

“I was coming here with or without Oakley,” I inform him. “But hey, if me being here annoys you so much…you should really try to ignore me.” I trail a finger down my bare arm. “Unless I have so much of a hold on you, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself. In which case, I suggest you seek professional help.” I cast him a look filled with mock sympathy. “It’s not healthy to be so obsessed with someone who’s no longer in your life.”

I don’t realize the horrible way my words could be misconstrued until I see a flicker of pain etched in his features.

“Jace, I didn—”

“No.” My stomach drops when he smiles, showcasing that deep dimple of his, and picks up the bottle of soda. “You’re right.” Faster than I can blink, he walks over and pours the soda over my head. “Enjoy the rest of your night.”

Britney and her friend laugh like hyenas as he throws his empty bottle in my direction and stalks off.

“Someone is obsessed,” Britney sneers. “But it’s definitely not Jace.”

Sawyer grabs a roll of paper towels off the table and hands them to me.

“Thanks.” I start dabbing as much of the excess liquid off me as I can.

“Okay.” Cole rubs his hands. “I’m going in the hot tub, who’s coming?”

“Me,” the girl next to him coos.

“I’ll see if Jace wants to,” Britney chimes in. “If not, we’ll probably head back to my house so I can make him feel better…you know, since someone ruined his night.”

It takes a substantial amount of effort to ignore her.

Oakley looks at me. “A quick dip might help you get cleaned up.”

I’d really love to know what universe he’s living in, because in mine, I’m not taking a quick dip in a hot tub with Jace’s brother or Britney’s BFF for any reason.

“Seriously, Oakley?” Britney snaps. “Unless you want Jace to kick your ass, stop inviting her places. She’s not welcome. And if you keep it up, you won’t be either.”

Her friend pops a hand on her hip. “Same goes for her fat ass friend.”

“Chill,” Cole says. “Sawyer didn’t even do anything.”

They both ignore him.

“God.” Britney tosses her hair over her shoulder. “Can you imagine seeing that blob in a hot tub?”

“Water is a whale’s natural habitat,” her friend says smugly.

Sawyer turns red with embarrassment.

I, however, am seeing red.

Especially when Sawyer’s lower lip begins to tremble.

“Fuck them,” I tell her. “They’re just jealous.”

“Of what?” Britney’s side-kick cackles. “Congestive heart failure and diabetes? No thanks.”

“Awe,” Britney coos. “I think she’s gonna cry.”

Anger brews in my gut. Britney’s the most vile, miserable person I’ve ever met in my life, and I’m so tired of her thinking she’s so much better than everyone else.

She’s like a fungus that keeps growing, infecting everyone with her cancer.

But she’s spread far enough. No way in hell am I going to stand here and let her keep hurting my friend.

I clench my hands. Whoever talks next is the first one going down.

Side-kick crinkles her nose. “Oh my God. She is. Lard ball is totally cry—”

A fist flies into her mouth.

Only, it isn’t mine.

It’s Sawyer’s.

And my girl packs quite a punch because she knocks her to the floor.

Baring her teeth, Sawyer looks down at her. “I might be crying, but you’re the one who’s bleeding…bitch.”

The girl lunges for her, but Sawyer’s got the advantage and climbs on top of her.

Britney pushes me. “Get that fat ass off my friend before she suffocates her.”