Broken Kingdom (Royal Hearts Academy #4)(7)

“Falling in love isn’t bad. It’s who you fall in love with.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You don’t now, but one day you will.” She cradles my face in her hands. “Love gives someone the power to break you…and if you give the wrong man that power…he’ll shatter your heart and ruin you.”

Yikes. That doesn’t sound very nice. “Did Dad do that to you?”

He wasn’t home often because he was always busy with work, but whenever he walked through the door it was always with a bouquet of roses for her.

And he always looked at her like she was his entire world.

Panic claws at my chest. I don’t want my parents to divorce. Megan Frank’s parents did last year, and she said it was the worst.

“Dad loves you—”

“I know he does.”

“Then—”

The sound of her phone ringing cuts me off.

Instantly, her face perks up. “I have to take this.” She must notice my uneasy expression because she adds, “Everything is fine, baby girl. Promise.”

A weight lifts off my chest as she answers her phone.

“Hello, my love.”

I get off the bed and scamper for the door, giving her and Dad some privacy.





Chapter 2





Bianca





“Promise me you’ll never fall in love.”

My mother’s words reverberate throughout my head as I stare down at my engagement ring.

I haven’t had a memory like that in over eight months.

It’s strange I would have one on the day I’m supposed to try on wedding gowns for the first time.

Almost like a bad omen.

No.

I halt that thought before it has time to take root and fester.

I love Stone and he loves me.

We’re perfect for each other.

Everyone thinks so…even my brothers.

Which is saying something because they used to despise him.

Taking a deep breath, I get off my bed and walk over to the tiny desk in the far corner of the room.

I lucked out when it came to the dorming situation at Duke’s Heart and managed to snag one of the only single dorm rooms on campus.

Of course, that will all change next year after I’m married and I move into Stone’s apartment…with his mother.

I force another breath through my lungs as I grab my knapsack.

It’s the first day of my second semester of college and I don’t want to be late for class.

I’m about to walk out the door, but the glint of my engagement ring catches my eye.

It’s a simple gold band with an equally simple, small diamond. Stone told me we could upgrade to a bigger diamond after he graduates from med school, but I told him not to bother.

I love my ring.

I love him even more.

With shaky fingers, I bring my cell phone to my ear.

“Luxury Bridal, how can I help you?” the woman answers.

I clear my throat before speaking. “Hi, my name is Bianca Covington. I have an appointment to try on wedding dresses later today.”

“Ah, yes. I have you down for five-fifteen.”

I swallow. “Is there any way I can reschedule? Something’s come up.”

“Sure, sweetie. Do you know when you’d like to come in? I have an opening later this week, and another one next Tues—”

“Do you have anything later than that?” I blurt out before I catch myself. “How about next month?”

“Sure do. We can schedule you for February twenty-fifth. Is five-fifteen still okay?”

“Yup. Thanks so much,” I rush out before hanging up.

I love Stone…I really do.

I just wish I knew why the second he placed a ring on my finger and I said yes…

it felt like a noose was tightening around my neck.





Chapter 3





Oakley





Just one sip—the voice in my head urges. One little sip isn’t gonna hurt anyone.

Slamming the door of the minibar, I walk back over to my bed, recalling what I heard at the AA meetings I’ve recently started attending.

One sip leads to several sips, and several sips leads to a full glass…

Which led to me killing an innocent girl I once cared about and fucking up the life of the girl I still love.

Stifling a groan, I lay down on the bed.

I need to get the fuck out of here.

I got out of jail almost three weeks ago and I’ve been stuck in this hotel room ever since—thanks to my dad.

Or rather, Crystal.

She and my dad are going through a nasty divorce and fighting over custody of Clarissa Jasmine—or C.J. as I like to call her because her real name is not only a shitty one—it’s a mouthful.

I was supposed to stay with my dad after I was released, but Crystal threw a fit over an ex-con being anywhere near her child.

Given my dad wants full custody of C.J., he got spooked.

Ergo, I’m trapped here.

Contemplating crawling out the motherfucking window because I’m losing what’s left of my goddamn sanity.

As if on cue, I hear the latch on the door click open.