Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy, #1)(54)

If the few butterflies I have are any indication, I’m pretty sure that someone is standing in front of me.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Tommy dips his head and I rise up on my toes to meet his lips.

Just like the first kiss we shared, this one is soft, gentle, and safe.

It’s everything Jace Covington isn’t.

And for the first time, I’m realizing that’s exactly what I need.





Chapter 25





Dylan





Past…



Strobe lights bounce off the walls of the gymnasium like laser beams as Liam and I finish what must be our twentieth dance in an hour.

I can tell he’s getting a little worn out even though he won’t say it.

I wave an arm when the song changes and a slow one cues up. “How about we get some juice?”

The relief that crosses over his face is adorable. “S-s-sure. If you w-w-want.”

We walk over to the table full of refreshments and I pour him a cup before doing the same for myself. “I can’t believe I’m about to admit this, but I’m actually having fun.”

His face falls and I realize my error.

“Not with you, silly. I always have fun with you. I meant here at the dance. I’m happy we came.”

Regardless of the stink-eye Britney aims my way every time she spots me or how hot Jace looks in his button-down shirt and dress slacks—or the massive surge of jealousy I get whenever I spot them dancing—I don’t regret coming here.

He smiles. “Me t-t-too.”

I rest my head on Liam’s shoulder. “Thanks for still being my friend despite your brother being a giant douche canoe.”

He laughs. “You don’t have t-t-to t-t-thank me. I c-c-care—”

“Well, if it isn’t my two-favorite people,” a familiar voice behind us says.

Liam juts his chin. “Hey, T-t-tommy. Having f-f-fun?”

I don’t miss the way Tommy’s eyes shine with mischief when he looks my way. “I am now.” Leaning against the table, he surveys the dance floor. “It looks like your brother’s having a good time.”

I fight the urge to toss my fruit punch in his face.

Liam shuffles his feet. “Yeah.”

Tommy nudges Liam with his elbow. “Britney—and her twins—are looking pretty hot tonight, huh?”

I don’t miss the look he gives me as he pours himself a cup of juice.

Frowning, Liam moves closer to me. “Nah. Not r-r-really.”

And that, right there, is just one reason Liam is so awesome. Unlike his stupid brother, he’s loyal to the people he cares about.

Tommy’s stare lingers on us for a minute too long before he smiles. “Oh, snap. I forgot to tell you.”

Liam takes a sip of his drink. “T-t-tell me w-w-what?”

“Rumor has it Heather Gibson wants to dance with you.”

His eyebrows lift in confusion. “S-s-she c-c-came here with C-c-cole.”

After placing his drink down, Tommy points to Liam’s twin, who sure enough is not dancing with his date. “Cole’s been hanging out with Hayley for the last ten minutes.” He gestures to a brunette who’s sniffling by the bleachers. “Needless to say, Heather doesn’t look happy about it.”

That’s because two out of three Covington brothers are jackasses.

Liam’s frown deepens. “S-s-so why d-d-don’t you danc-c-ce with her?”

Tommy winces. “Can I tell you a secret?”

I grind my molars. I know Tommy well enough to sense when he’s up to no good.

He looks around the gymnasium, like whatever he’s about to say is groundbreaking information. “You see, I’m into Heather…but you know how I am. Always screwing everything up and saying the wrong things.” He swipes his drink off the table and takes a lengthy sip. “I was hoping maybe you could do me a solid and dance with her for a bit.” Smiling slyly, he motions to himself. “Put in a good word for your boy.”

Liam looks at me. “B-b-but w-w-what about Dylan?”

Tommy rolls his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep your little date occupied.”

Like hell, he will.

Liam’s eyes dart between me and a visibly hurt Heather across the gym, and I can sense his internal struggle.

Liam’s too kind for his own good. The thought of a girl crying on the sidelines because his twin brother is a jerk doesn’t sit well with him.

Heck, it’s the reason he’s here with me tonight instead of someone he’s actually interested in.

“You should go,” I tell Liam. “She’s obviously upset, and if anyone can cheer her up, it’s you.”

“Are you s-s-sure?”

“Positive. Don’t sweat it.”

He blows out a breath. “Ok-k-kay. I’ll be bac-c-ck s-s-soon.”

Leaning down, I kiss his cheek and whisper, “Don’t ever change, Liam Covington. The world needs more awesome people like you.”

He blushes. “T-t-than—”

“Come on, man,” Tommy interjects. “Ronnie Higgins looks like he’s about to ask her to dance and if he does, I’m toast.”