Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy, #1)(50)

I guess he has a point. Sort of. “Okay, so how about I drive Oakley’s car home? This way you won’t have to—”

“No,” Jace says tightly.

“Why are you being so freaking difficult?”

“Because I’m looking out for my friend.” Jace advances toward me. “Are you really prepared to face your uncle’s cross-examination? What are you gonna say when he asks why his son’s car is in the driveway but he’s not home? You gonna cave and tell him he seized? Or let it slip that he was so high and drunk out of his mind he kissed you?”

I fight the urge to string him up by his balls. “Of course not.”

His laugh is bitter. “Well, call me crazy, but I don’t trust you. If you really want to help Oak out, you’ll keep your mouth shut and do whatever the fuck I tell you to.” He juts his chin at Cole. “Ride with her. Make sure she doesn’t pull a fast one and take Oak home.”

Christ, he’s unbelievable.

Cole and Jace cart Oakley off the bed then reposition each of his arms around their shoulders.

“If you could walk in front of us and open the front door, that would be swell,” Jace grits through his teeth.

If he wasn’t physically supporting a very groggy Oakley right now, I’d kick him in the junk.

A horrible thought crosses my mind as we head down the stairs.

I fought Oakley the other day. He could have had a seizure.

All because Jace let me believe his friend was the one responsible for all the stuff he did.

My blood boils as we make our way outside.

The second we get Oakley situated and I know he’s okay, I’m going to have a little chat with Jace.





The ride to Jace’s is pretty silent, aside from Oak’s periodic snoring in the back seat.

I peer at him through the rearview. “Will he be okay?”

I don’t know much about epilepsy, but I plan to do my research.

Cole nods. “I’ve only seen him have a few over the years, but he’s always really tired after.” Shifting in his seat, he surveys his friend. “He’s also drunk as a skunk and high as a kite right now, so it’s best we let him sleep it off.”

Agreed. As upset as I am with him for doing drugs and putting the moves on me, I’m far more concerned about his health than I am about reading him the riot act.

I can feel Cole’s eyes on me. “I can give you a ride home if you’re willing to wait a bit.”

“I appreciate it, but I’m covered.”

I’m not since Tommy hasn’t returned my text, but I’d rather crawl back to my aunt’s home on broken glass than accept a ride from a Covington.

I’d probably be better off too, because at this rate they’d kill me and bury my body in the woods.

He faces forward. “Suit yourself.”

Whereas Jace is a consistent asshole, Cole has been almost pleasant for the duration of our short trip.

It puts me on edge. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

His brows raise in surprise. “I’m sorry.” He runs a hand through his dark hair. “Didn’t mean to offend you by not being a dick. I’ll do better next time.”

I make a left, turning down their block. “I didn’t mean it like that. I appreciate you being…polite. However, it’s no secret Jace hates me, and you’re not too fond of me either. I guess I’m just wondering why the sudden change of heart is all.”

I can tell he’s mulling over his response by the way his jaw works as we pull up his driveway.

I’m undoing my seatbelt when he finally speaks. “We all make choices and mistakes in this world.” Sadness shadows his eyes. “And there’s a small part of me that can’t help but think yours might have been the latter.” He shrugs. “If I’m right, chances are every time you look in the mirror, you’re already being punished far worse than Jace or I am capable of.”

He steps out of the car before I can ask him what he means or what mistake of mine he’s referring to.

Jace pulls up behind me, blocking Oakley’s car in, then meets his brother.

Oakley’s a little more alert after they help him out of the backseat, but he’s still really out of it.

“Are you mad at me?”

He looks so dejected I fold like a cheap lawn chair. “A little, but we’ll talk tomorrow.” They’re about to head inside, but I wrap my arms around him. “You scared me.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispers as we break apart and Jace and Cole take hold of his arms.

I zero in on my nemesis. “After you get him inside, come back out. We need to have a little conversation.”

Those sinister eyes examine me from head to toe. “Excuse me?”

I stand my ground. “You heard me.”

Jace starts to argue, but Cole says, “I got it from here.” He slaps Oakley on the back. “Come on, big guy. We can wake Bianca up and get her to make us some food.”

He perks up a bit and they make their way up the driveway.

The second they’re inside, I shove Jace against the car. “You’re a goddamn hypocrite. You knew Oakley had epilepsy, yet you still let me think he did all those bad things.”

Jace doesn’t look amused. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”