Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy, #1)(61)

He kisses down my jaw. “I’m pretty sure I locked it.”

“Oh my God.”

The tremble that runs through me when Jace’s lips brush my neck is almost violent.

He does it again, only this time he gently suckles my skin.

I shiver and my legs turn to putty. “You’re killing me.”

Jace laughs, sending another quake down my spine.

“It feels so good.” I dig my nails into the back of his head. “I want more.”

His fingers pause on the first button of my dress. “Is this okay?”

When I nod, he kisses the spot and groans. “You have the softest skin.”

I’m about to tell him to unbutton the next one, but my phone rings.

“Don’t answer it,” Jace mutters as he kisses my collarbone. “We still have an hour before the dance ends.”

Normally I wouldn’t, but it’s my dad’s ringtone. Given he’s so preoccupied with Savannah, he never calls me unless it’s something important.

“It’s my dad.”

Jace bolts upright. “Yeah, you should probably get that.”

I fight the urge to laugh as I fish my phone out of my purse. Nothing ruins a make-out session like the father of a teenage girl calling.

“Hey, Dad,” I answer. “What’s up?”

“Grab your things, tater tot,” he says, sounding flustered. “I’m parked out front.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask if he’s been drinking because he hasn’t called me tater tot in years.

“I appreciate you coming to get me, but the dance doesn’t end for another hour. Mr. Covington said he’d pick us up since I was planning on hanging out with Jace for a little while afterward.”

I’m not sure what to make of the expression on Jace’s face, but I don’t have time to dwell on it, because my dad’s next statement has my mind reeling.

“Sorry, honey. Tell Jace there’s been a change of plans. I need you to get your things and meet me outside.”

My stomach drops. “Is everything okay?”

Jace moves closer to me.

My dad chuckles. “Better than okay, tater tot. I have fantastic news. I don’t want to explain everything over the phone though, so meet me outside.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “I’ll be there in a minute, just let me say bye to Jace.”

“Okay but make it snappy.”

Uh. That’s weird. “Why?”

“Christ, Dylan. Stop with the ninety-nine questions. I promise I’ll explain everything when I see you.”

“All right, fine.”

“Everything okay?” Jace asks after I hang up.

“According to my dad, everything is better than okay. Apparently, he has some exciting news to tell me that couldn’t wait until after I got home.”

“That’s…”

“Strange? Yeah, I know.”

His shoulders rise in a shrug. “Maybe he won the lottery.”

I snort. “I’m sure Savannah will just love that.” I clutch my chest when the thought hits me. “What if she’s pregnant?”

Jace blanches. “I—shit. You think so?”

“What else could it be? I can’t think of anything that would warrant him being this excited.” Drawing in a shaky breath, I pace back and forth. “He mentioned applying for a promotion at his job, but that’s something that could have waited ‘til later.” I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “My dad’s always wanted a big family. When my mom died and my sister—” Pausing, I look at Jace. “If he expects me to be happy about the spawn of Savannah, he’s out of his mind.”

“I don’t blame you.” Reaching for me, he pulls me into his arms. “But it won’t be all hers. Considering you have half your dad’s genes too, there’s a fifty percent chance this kid will turn out awesome, just like their big sister.”

No one has the ability to talk me off the ledge like he does.

“You’re right.” I rest my head against his chest. “I hate change.”

“Sometimes change is good.” He kisses the top of my head. “I know you’re worried, but having siblings isn’t that bad. Sure, they get on your nerves, but the positives outweigh the negatives. It’s like having a best friend for life.” His expression borders on pain. “Someone who always has your back.”

I tilt his face. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I just have to talk…” He shakes his head. “Everything’s fine.” He juts his chin toward the door. “You should go before your dad gets mad.”

After fastening the button on my dress, I give him a quick kiss. “If I can feign enough excitement about the baby, I should be at your house by nine-thirty the latest. If not, keep your window open.”

Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he blows out a breath. “Sounds like a plan.”

Something’s definitely going on with him. “Are you—”

My dad’s ringtone cuts me off again.

Jesus. He’s never been this annoying before.

“I’m coming out now,” I yell before I hang up and focus on Jace. “I’ll text you in a little while.” I stop short when I realize. “Tell your brother I’m sorry I left early.”