Broken Kingdom (Royal Hearts Academy #4)(57)

Amusement dances in his eyes. “And what exactly is it that you want from me?”

“I want you…this…whatever this is.”

Uneasiness enters his expression. “You know I don’t do relationships, baby girl.”

I tell him the truth. “I don’t do relationships either.”

Hell, I wouldn’t know the first thing about having a relationship. And if I’m being honest with myself, they kind of petrify me.

However, I’m not okay with him screwing other girls.

“But I do have one rule.”

Despite looking like he wants to flee the scene, he stays. “What’s that?”

“Don’t sleep with anyone else.” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Or at least if you’re going to, have the decency to give me a heads-up and tell me we’re over before you do.”

Coming closer, he tips my chin. “Deal. But only if you follow my rule.”

Oakley wanting rules is surprising, but he’s entitled to have one too.

“What?”

“I’m not taking your virginity, Bianca.”

I search his face for signs that he’s joking…but there aren’t any.

“Why not?”

He laughs, but it’s humorless. “There are a million reasons why I shouldn’t…but for starters? I don’t fucking deserve it.” He strokes my cheek with his thumb. “You obviously kept it this long for a reason and I don’t want you throwing something important away on a fling—”

“Hey,” Jace says behind me.

Shit.

Eyes going wide, Oakley blows a gust of air into my face. “Got it.” He looks at Jace and Dylan. “Bianca had an eyelash in her eye.”

“Thanks,” I say, playing along. “Hurt like a bitch.”

Dylan scrunches her nose. “I hate when that happens.”

I promptly ignore her and focus on my brother. “What are you doing here?”

Jace gestures to the hand that’s entwined with his girlfriend’s. “It was a nice day out and we’re both off, so Dylan suggested we come to the pier.”

Of course she did, because somehow the bitch always finds a way to ruin my life.

His curious stare bounces between me and Oakley. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Ice cream,” I blurt out at the same time Oakley says, “I’ve been teaching her how to drive and we came here to celebrate.”

“Wait…what?” Jace says, his expression a mixture of shock and miffed. “You’re driving?”

“Yeah.” I can’t help but smile again. “It’s only parking lots and side streets so far, but I’m learning.”

“She’s killing it,” Oakley adds and it’s all I can do not to beam.

“That’s good.” Expression pinched, Jace grips the back of his neck. “I just…I guess I always thought I would be the one to teach you how to drive if—when—you were ever ready.”

Well, shit.

“Oh.” I wince. “I mean, I would have asked you, but…” He’s the last person I’d ever want to teach me. “You know how you are, Jace.”

Evidently, he doesn’t though because his expression twists in confusion. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Oh, boy.

“No offense, but you’re not exactly the epitome of calm and chill.”

He’s visibly offended. “What are you talking about? I’m always calm and chill.”

Dylan and Oakley exchange a bemused glance before they start laughing.

“I love you, baby,” Dylan says, “But Bianca has a point. I’d never want you to teach me how to drive because you’d be biting my damn head off every two seconds.”

“Fuck yeah he would,” Oakley chimes in. “Just the other day you bitched because I was going ninety on the freeway.”

Jace turns his irritation on his friend. “What part of speed limit don’t you understand, fucker?”

My guess would be the limit part, because well…Oakley doesn’t like limits.

Exasperated, Jace throws up his arms when Oakley laughs. “Fuck me for not wanting my best friend to crash his car and end up roadkill.” His expression becomes serious. “Fine…whatever. You can teach Bianca how to drive.” He wags a threatening finger in his face. “But don’t you dare teach her your shitty habits behind the wheel.”

Oakley holds up his hands. “I promise I’ll keep Baby Covington safe.”

I have to order my heart not to swoon.

Jace relaxes. “Good.” He looks around our little circle. “Since we’re all here, why don’t we head over to Sushi Sushi and grab some lunch?”

“Hell, yeah,” Oakley says.

Linking her arm through Oakley’s now, Dylan smiles. “I feel like it’s been forever since we caught up. What have you been up to lately?”

Fortunately, neither Jace nor Dylan see the side-eye Oakley shoots me.

“Not much,” he says, focusing his attention back on his cousin. “Just chillin’.”

It quickly becomes clear there’s an unspoken third rule between us.

Don’t tell a soul.