Broken Kingdom (Royal Hearts Academy #4)(115)

“Pop quiz, hotshot. Exactly how much insulin does it take to kill someone?” I snicker. “Oh, that’s right. You can’t answer.” Shrugging, I remove the cap from one of the needles. “Guess I’ll just have to find out myself.”

His eyes go big and he starts wriggling and moaning.

“I suggest you stop that,” I warn. “Or mommy dearest will be planning your funeral tonight.”

His body goes slack, his chest rising and falling with quick uneven breaths.

I scrape the bevel of the needle along the calf of his good leg. “I could feed you lines about how there was a time where I thought I actually loved you.” Narrowing my eyes, I add, “But you’re not worth the air I breathe, Stone. You never were.”

I tap the tip of his nose. “So, here’s the deal, sunshine. You and the rest of your lowlife family are never allowed to go anywhere near me or the people I love again.” Shooting him a sadistic grin, I pinch his nose so he can’t breathe. “And, yes, that includes Oakley.”

When he doesn’t give me a response, I pinch him harder. “Show me you understand the terms of the agreement, asshole.”

Finally, he nods.

“Good boy.” I drag the needle along his thigh. “In exchange for your cooperation, you can stay in the premed program and I won’t end your miserable life.”

His relief is tangible.

Flashing him some teeth, I jab the needle into his skin.

“On second thought…that’s not gonna work for a poisonous cunt like me.” Leaning over, I whisper, “See you in hell.”

The look of fear on his face and the pathetic moans emitting from him fill me with so much pleasure I can’t help but smile.

It’s safe to say the war between our families is officially over.

My hand is on the doorknob when I pause. “Relax, Stone. It’s just saline.” Peering over my shoulder, I issue him one final warning. “But the next time you fuck with me or my family. I swear to God, I will kill you.”





Chapter 55





Oakley





I grip the phone so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t break when it goes straight to voicemail again.

It’s been three days since I’ve seen or spoken to Bianca.

I’ve called her to no avail. I’ve shown up at her dorm, only to stand there talking to her door like a psycho because she won’t open it.

She wishes you a speedy recovery.

My father’s words burn like acid in my throat.

That detached response doesn’t sound like her at all.

Not when it comes to me, anyway.

Kind of like how I knew something wasn’t right when she called me Oak, because she’s the only person in my life who never shortens my name.

She uses all two syllables…like it’s important to her.

Trepidation slams into my chest. Maybe she had another memory?

“Stop fucking ghosting me,” I bark as I get off the elevator. And because I’m nearing the end of my rope I add, “I’m coming by later. Don’t think I won’t break your goddamn door down if you give me the shaft again. Because I motherfucking will.”

I’m growling the last part into the phone when the door to the studio opens.

Dylan’s eyebrows shoot up to the ceiling. “And this angry bear is my cousin Oakley.”

Some dude with a mohawk and glasses—who I can only assume must be Landon—laughs. “Well, he certainly has a way with words.”

I look at Dylan. “Have you spoken to Bianca lately?”

Dylan shakes her head. “Nope. I called a few times to check up on her, but she hasn’t picked up.”

On one hand, it’s good to know it’s not just me she’s ignoring.

But on the other? It means she’s shutting everyone out.

Dylan waves a hand. “I’m sure she just needs some time alone to deal with everything.”

Fuck that noise.

Dylan’s stare falls to my stomach. “How’s the stab wound?”

At that, Landon’s eyes widen.

“It’s fine.” Gripping the back of my neck I utter, “How’s Jace? He out of the slammer yet?”

“Yup. He got out the same night.” Her forehead creases. “Evidently, Stone isn’t pressing charges.”

That’s…interesting.

“Good.”

She nods. “Yeah.”

I decide to lay it on the line. “I appreciate what Jace did, but I’m not gonna suck his dick.”

Landon chokes on his drink.

“Trust me, no one expects you to suck his dick, Oak. He did you a solid because he knew you were protecting Bianca.” She shrugs. “And because deep down he still gives a shit about you.” She turns to Landon. “But enough about our drama. Landon, this is Oakley. Oakley, this is Landon Parker. The amazing musician I was telling you about.”

We give each other a pound.

I hadn’t planned on meeting him so soon, but given he’s only in town for a few days, it was now or never. Ergo, I took the day off.

“What up, man? I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.”

He nods. “Same here. Your poems are sick.”