Cruel Prince (Royal Hearts Academy, #1)(62)

“Yeah.” He squeezes the back of his neck. “I’ll tell him.”

I blow him a kiss and hustle out the door.





“So, what’s the big news?” I ask as I climb into the back seat of my dad’s car.

Of course, Savannah’s sitting in the passenger seat, like the succubus she is.

My dad smiles from ear to ear as he shifts the car into drive. “Remember how I told you I was gunning for a promotion at work?”

I nod as I fasten my seatbelt. “Yeah, did you get it?”

He shakes his head. “No, they gave it to Jim.” Reaching over, he kisses Savannah’s hand. “But Savannah here—incredible goddess she is—found out that her friend Brandi’s husband, who happens to be the CEO of Flash Corp, had to fire his CFO due to some financial discrepancies and needed a replacement ASAP.”

Savannah smirks as she looks over her seat. “Guess who they hired to fill the position?”

Gee, I have no idea.

It’s all I can do not to tug on her cheap hair extensions, but I don’t want to ruin my dad’s good mood. “Congrats. That’s awesome.”

“Told you tator tot would be happy.” Before I can ask why he thought I wouldn’t, he adds, “I know I sprung this on you last minute, but Savannah has everything covered. She was able to find a full-service moving company on short notice, and they’re coming to pack up the house tomorrow.” He makes a face. “We’ll be staying at a hotel for the time being, but you and Savannah can start house hunting tomorrow while I’m at the office getting settled.”

Record. Freaking. Skip.

“Wait…what? Why are we moving? What’s wrong with the house we live in now?”

The home I grew up in.

The home my mother loved.

“Come on, Dylan. I thought you were smart,” Savannah chirps as she flicks down the visor and peers into the mirror. I’m surprised it shows her reflection and not some demon witch. “Flash Corp is in Orange County.”

“Orange County?” If it wasn’t the first week of June, I’d think this was a sick April Fool’s joke. “That’s over five hours away.”

Turning the steering wheel, he nods. “I know it will take some adjusting, kiddo, but opportunities like this are rare and you have to strike while the iron is hot. Flash Corp is the biggest up-and-coming software company since Microsoft. My starting salary is triple what I was making at Mayer Inc.”

My heart is pounding so fast I’m certain this is what having a heart attack must feel like. “But what about—”

“School will be over in less than a week.” He waves a hand. “I’ll call them on Monday, but with your grades, I’m sure everything will be fine.”

Jace. What. About. Jace?

“Jace.” My voice cracks. “I have to—”

“Stop being so dramatic,” Savannah whines. “You and your little buddy can still keep in touch. It’s why God created Instagram and Facetime.”

My dad chuckles like it’s the funniest thing he’s ever heard.

Anger rolls through me and I clench my hands into fists. “How can you just rip me out of my childhood home and away from all my friends without giving me a chance to say goodbye?”

Hot tears run down my face. How can the best night of my life turn into the worst?

Savannah clicks her tongue as she applies her lipstick. “Really, Dylan, can you try to be happy for your father? This is an amazing opportunity.” I don’t miss the daggers she glares at me as she kisses a tissue. “He’s done nothing but work his butt off so he could give you everything you ever wanted. It’s the least you can do.”

My dad beams.

He’s ruining my life and he’s freaking lighting up like a Christmas tree.

This is a nightmare.

“How the hell would you know, you stupid bitch? You’ve barely even known him a year.”

And in that short time, my father’s personality did a complete one-eighty…all because of her.

I know he misses my mom—I miss her too—but Savannah and moving isn’t the answer.

Royal Manor is all I know. My parents specifically chose to raise me here because my mom loved it.

Why is he destroying her memory?

“Watch your mouth,” my father barks.

“How dare you talk to me like that.” Savannah whirls around in her seat. “Whether you like it or not, I’m going to be your mother soon and I won’t tolerate having a spoiled brat who talks like a sailor for a daughter.”

My nails dig into my palms so hard I break the skin. She’s crossed the line.

“You’ll never be my mother. You’re nothing but a gold-digging whore my dad screws because he’s lonely and misses her.”

She gasps and my father slams on the brakes so hard I hit the seat in front of me.

He pivots around. “That’s enough, Dylan.”

“I hate you.” I try to open the door, but it’s locked. “Let me out.”

I can run back and beg Mr. Covington to let me live with him. It’s not like my dad will care. If anything, not having me around will be less of a headache for him.

His forehead crinkles. “I’m sorry you didn’t get to say goodbye to your friends, but this is the opportunity of a lifetime. I thought I’d have more time to prepare, but they need me to start right away. I don’t have a choice.” He reaches for my hand but I pull away. “Tator tot—”