Secret Heir (Dynasty #1)(60)

“Okay, maybe not a loser because that would be impossible. But still, if he wants to act like an asshole, then he sure as hell doesn’t deserve you.”

“Thanks, Dan,” I reply, smiling despite myself.

“I mean I told you before that you’re like the hottest girl in Regency right now. You can have anyone you want.”

I don’t agree with her, but I keep listening.

“So, tonight, you’re going to go to that soccer game, act like you don’t give a shit about Raph St. Tristan and then go to the beach party after and enjoy yourself,” she says.

“Screw Raph St. Tristan,” she adds.

I agree with those last words. Screw Raph. It was a mistake. Fine. I can agree with that and tonight I’m going to show the asshole that I won’t be making the same mistake again.





20





Dani was right about one thing—soccer games in Eden are nothing like the soccer games that I’ve ever seen on Earth.

It’s the same concept, with the two teams trying to get the ball into the goals at opposite sides of the large field. But that’s where the similarity ends, because the players on the field are using their powers to tackle, dribble and lob the ball across the field.

I watch wide eyed as the flaming soccer ball sears a hole through the back of the net on the opposite side of the stadium and the crowd goes wild.

“Wow,” I manage.

“I know, right? The Regency Gladiators are killing it tonight. I almost feel sorry for the Gramercie Prep Raiders.”

I try not to look at Raph on the field, but that’s kind of impossible, because as striker and team captain, all eyes are on him and Raph is irrefutably the star of the team. In the same way as he is in a duel, he is just better than everyone else on the field. Faster, sharper, tactically masterful and far, far more powerful.

Raph always glows with his own light, but tonight, he shines. It’s difficult to look at him without feeling like I can’t breathe, but at the same time, it’s impossible to look away. God, I’m really twisted.

But every person in this stadium seems to agree, because they all worship him. Everyone. The whole team got cheers when they ran out onto the field earlier. Baron and Lance were both greeted with an almost deafening roar. But Raph—when he ran out onto that field dressed in his Regency Gladiators navy blue and gold kit, the whole stadium stood on its feet and it felt like there was an earthquake with all the stomping and cheering.

The whole thing just makes the knot in my chest feel even tighter and I suddenly wish that I hadn’t come tonight.

Dani notices my expression because she reaches over and gives my hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Don’t worry, the night is young. There’s plenty of players on the team and every single one of them is dying to ask you out on a date.”

I roll my eyes.

“How do you even know that?”

“I like eavesdropping,” she replies, matter-of-factly.

“And I can second that.” I look up to see Keller standing in the aisle next to our seats.

I’m surprised to see her and the look on Dani’s face tells me she is, too. I spotted Layla in the VIP seats earlier with Ivy and the rest of the popular kids, so I expected Keller to be there, too.

“I’m bored of the usual crowd. I feel the need for a change tonight,” Keller says with a shrug, as if reading our minds.

Dani scoots over to make space for her.

“Anyway, what were we saying? Oh yeah, I totally agree with Dani about the soccer team lusting after you. I sit with most of them at lunch and the amount of salivating is kind of gross.”

“Ew,” I reply, as Dani bursts out laughing.

“Baron mentioned that Raph—”

Keller cuts me off with a dismissive wave.

“That Raph put out a warning that no guy can touch you? Yeah sure, but boys will be boys. They think with their dicks, even if it’ll get them killed, and that won’t stop them from trying when Raph’s back is turned.”

Her words surprise me, because although I had a sneaking suspicion, I didn’t actually know for sure what the warning actually was. I told myself that Raph has just spread the word that I was an outcast, not to be associated with. What Keller is saying, though, is entirely different.

I don’t know whether to be pleased by the possessive and utterly confusing gesture, or pissed. Pissed, I decide. Because who the hell does he think he is? He clearly doesn’t want me, yet he warns other guys to stay away from me? Screw him.

“Oh, yeah, I mean Devon Waldorf tried to ask Jazmine out on a date just the other day. That was before Raph showed up and scared the poor guy off,” Dani says. I glare at her in response.

Keller flashes me an approving smile.

“Devon’s hot and the Waldorfs are one of the oldest noble bloodlines. They’re old money. Ivy tried to get with him the beginning of junior year before Lance, but he wasn’t interested. He’s kind of picky.”

Perfect. I think to myself. He actually has standards—not just willing to sleep with any girl that drops her panties for him. Unlike someone else. As I’m thinking it, I know the judgment isn’t entirely accurate, because I’m pretty sure Raph is pretty picky himself—all of the girls I’ve ever seen him with are model hot. Not that it’s much comfort.