Secret Heir (Dynasty #1)(23)

“Oh, no, here comes Layla. Girl fight,” Dani mutters. I notice that other people in the cafeteria are also now looking out at the patio.

First, the girls look up to see Layla approaching, and they look like they might try to stand their ground. But they’re clearly terrified, or at least visibly intimidated by the authoritative and much more menacing girl. So, I watch with interest as they scurry away like little white mice.

Layla is in front of Raph now. He’s looking at her sardonically, like a cat visibly displeased that the creatures it had been toying with have been taken away. But instead of yelling at him, Layla leans in, pressing her body close against his, whispering something in his ear. She’s stroking his cheek sensually. I feel an odd tightening in my stomach.

Raph appears utterly disinterested. He’s saying something to Layla now, his expression cold, dismissive. Whatever it is, makes her storm off in an apparent rage. I realize then that she’s heading towards the patio doors and that she’ll pass our table when she steps through. But I don’t let myself look away.

She glares at me as she storms past, but thankfully, she doesn’t stop. I don’t think I’ll be able to handle any more of her bitchiness today without punching her in the mouth.

A second later, Raph walks through the patio doors and I do drop my gaze then. Because the last thing I need is for him to notice me and start threatening me again. This time in front of the entire school.

He does notice me, though. All eyes turn to him as he passes, but I can feel his eyes on me. Dani was talking, but falls silent as Raph passes.

I let out a breath I hadn’t been aware I was holding, when I see his back in the corner of my eye.

Dani and I eat in silence for a few minutes until she starts whispering furiously at me.

“Holy shit. I have no idea why, but Raph was like full on staring at you when he passed our table, and he’s still staring.”

I can feel my hackles rising.

I flash a casual glance over my shoulder and indeed find that those vivid blue eyes are locked onto me. His expression is as closed off as ever, and I can almost feel the arctic wind blowing from his direction.

“It’s a stare of death—he’s probably trying to kill me with his eyes.”

Dani chuckles, but she eyes me thoughtfully. I shift in my seat uncomfortably.

I throw another glance at Raph’s table, which is at the center of the cafeteria. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that it’s the popular table. All of the Dynasty heirs are sitting at the table—Keller and Ivy sitting on either side of Layla, Baron and Lance sitting next to Raph. They’re surrounded by other students who are clearly the crème de la crème of Regency—perfect hair, perfect make-up, expensive shoes. They scream wealth and privilege. Students at neighboring tables are looking longingly at that central table, as if begging for an invite, or as if to catch even a few words of conversation. It’s pathetic.

“That’s Baron Aldebran,” Dani says, looking over at the dark-haired guy who would probably be the most gorgeous guy in Regency, if it wasn’t for Raph.

“Midfielder on the soccer team. He’s Raph’s wingman and an even bigger player than Raph, if that’s possible. Or maybe they’re equal. Either way, all the girls here want a piece of that and I think he’s slept his way through most of them here—or at least the ones worth doing.”

I roll my eyes then. God, it sounds like the raging hormones in this place are out of control. My tactic of keeping to myself in all of my previous high schools means that I’ve almost forgotten what a hot bed of sex and scandal high school can be. Except this place is like high school on steroids—I guess it must be the obscene wealth that makes these kids think they can do whatever the hell they want.

“And that’s Lance Oaknorth next to him. He plays defense on the team and he’s also super hot. He’s probably the nicest out of the three guys, but it’s too bad he’s been dating Ivy Hemlock since junior year, who, as you’ve already seen, is kind of a bitch.” I catch a tinge of wistfulness in Dani’s tone as she eyes Lance, but I hope I’m just imagining it. Dani isn’t the type of girl to knock guys on their asses, but she has a girl next door look which makes her undeniably pretty. Plus, she seems to be the only decent person here in Regency. She’s much too good for any of these Dynasty heir pricks.

“You’re living in Sovereign Hall, right?” Dani asks then.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“God, that’s amazing. You’ll get to go to all of the crazy parties that they throw there.”

I don’t like the sound of that.

“What parties?”

“The Dynasty heirs are always throwing parties at Sovereign Hall. The school has a strict curfew, but they turn a blind eye to the parties, if they’re being hosted by the Dynasty heirs.”

“Of course, they do.”

“In fact, I think there’s a party tonight—first day of semester and all.”

I let out a frustrated groan. Great. I’m going to have to make sure that I get upstairs and lock myself in my room before it all kicks off.

“I wouldn’t know. I’m not invited.”

Dani shakes her head in disbelief again.

“I really don’t get why they hate you so much. I mean you’re meant to be one of them and your father was the King, for god’s sake. I get the fact that you being half human and the whole stripper waitress rumor doesn’t exactly put you on the A-list. I guess there’s also the age old rivalry between the two sovereign Dynasties—yours and Raph’s. But to have the Dynasty heirs actually decree that you’re an outcast—that’s like giving you the kiss of death. It’s some pretty serious shit.”