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Ruthless Kings of Carnage : A Dark College Bully Mafia Romance (Leighton Royals University Book 1) Madison Kingsley
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May We Rise: A Dark College Bully Romance (A Mayfair University Novel Book 1) K.G. Reuss
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Walking into the courtyard full of Royals, I’m well aware of who owns me.
It’s palpable. A brand upon my flesh. Still. Raw. Fragrant. Likeanaromathatcanneverbewashedaway,nomatterhowhard youscrub.
As if the deeds of my father are finally catching up to me, I’m here in attendance, forced to obey the ones who rule this prestigious university of tainted glory.
Domino.Ares.Zander. The Ruthless Kings of Leighton Royals University. Onlythey’refarfromhumbleandloyal.
They’re sick mafia bastards, filled with rage for the one they can never truly have.
A possession that will be taken away from them. Whether by their self-conviction or from death itself. That possession?
Mylittlesister…
That’s why I play this game. Ready to face the Kings who many say cause nothing but havoc. Toprotectherfromthesevilesickos.
I’ll obey every command. Please their sensual appetites. Lie by their sides and use every connection I have to tame their desperate hunger.
There’s only one thing they can never find out. ThatI’mtheendtotheirreign.
“Already do that, baby,” I purr into the phone, excited for the line to drop any fucking second now.
Hatewhenuselessmenwastemytimeandoxygen.
“Only vibrators and knife handles are better than your micro peni—”
I purposely don’t finish my sentence because the line goes dead. With a dramatic sigh, my fist slams into the hanging punching bag, making it swing violently before I high-kick the piece of equipment with so much force, it finally tears.
The exhilarated smirk on my dark red lips dips in disappointment. Eyes glued on the deflating cushion of my palpable anger, I’m unsure what to do about it.
“If I pack up and run now, maybe the gym staff won’t notice,” I mutter more to myself.
“I’ll have it taken care of.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I confirm the man who always seems to be my haunting shadow.
“Warren.”
The name suits him.
Thewatchmanofmyexistence.
I’m sure my father pays him handsomely to be around me all the fucking time. Either that or this sexy piece of paled goodness has a stalking problem.
AmIcomplaining?Ihaven’tfiguredthatoutyet.
Probably because he’s at least ten years older than me and my bodyguard.
Untouchable in all departments.
Includingthesensual‘fuckmeprettyplease’section.
“You don’t need to kill him,” I advise with an eye roll. “A girl like myself got to eat. Sadly, my drunk self is a horny slut who bows to any man’s foolishness to get some good dick.”
“Micropenis.”
HeHAStoremindme.
“Miscalculation,” I conclude with a grimace. “He fucks like shit.”
“Or your standards are high.”
“Why do you make it sound as if you were there to watch?” I offer and watch those lifeless eyes of silver blue continue to bore into my narrowed ones.
I lift my index finger.
“Don’t answer that.”
At my command, my phone goes off.
Sodoeshis.
I know because our notification tones are a replicated melody. The only difference is mine is in major, and his is in eerie minor. Oppositesandyetcomplementeachotherlikesinfulharmonies.
“If we’re both getting a message, that means it’s Father,” I grumble and swiftly unstrap the dark ruby-red gloves on my fists. Anyone who knows a hint about me would realize dark red is my favorite color.
Theshadeofblood.
So dark yet vivid to the world.
Truthfully, it compliments my pale skin, silver locks, and smoky teal eyes.
Alsomakesmeunapproachablewithmyrestingbitchface.
Pulling out my phone, I further frown at the simple message, knowing that those two words confirm my newfound purpose.
FATHER:
“My office ”
“THE TIME HAS ARRIVED. ” I try to sound excited, but there’s no way of hiding my dread.
I knew this was coming.
I’d been warned by the whispers haunting Father’s study and the various halls of the mansion.
This was why I was taken in.
Thetruepurposeofawastefulorphan.
A look at Warren confirms the usual.
Lifelesseyes.
“Do you ever smile?” I don’t know why, after being watched by this man from five years of age to nineteen, I still think he’ll answer my random yet ‘intrusive’ questions.
Todayisnotthatday.
With his silence, I can only roll my eyes and slide my phone back into my pocket.
“The university has been chosen, hasn’t it?” “Yes.”
I’m pleased that he answered this inquiry.
“Let me guess. Ásvaldr Prescott University? No. How about Saint Joaquin University?” I’m guessing the most dangerous, lethal, chaotic higher education institutes I’ve heard of. “Better yet, what about—”
“Leighton Royals University.”
My heart stills.
Skips.
Raceslikeafuckingbullettrain.
Warren watches me like a hawk, and I’m sure with his heightened sense of hearing, the man can enjoy the crescendo of my heartbeat.
“Fuck.” That’s all I can say because nothing can prepare me for the institution that holds memories I’d like to never return to.
Neverexperienceitagain.
“Warren.”
“Non-negotiable, Verena.”
Verena.
Vforshort.
The code name I use to give me some sort of empowerment overmylifethat’sfarfrom‘empowering.’
Can’tgivepowertoafuckingpuppet.
Yet I enjoy the irony of carrying a name whose rooted meaning revolves around ‘to be feared’ and ‘to respect.’ A shame I can never be in a position to make the rooted meanings a reality.
Notinthislifetime.
“Then let us not delay,” I try to say with a smile, but who the fuck am I kidding? With my resting bitch face, I can only attempt to hide the dooming feeling consuming me with every second that passes.
“Should I prepare a car?”
“No.” That’s a privilege I don’t deserve. “I’ll head there on my own.”
“Very well.”
He’sgoingtofollowmyeverymove,anyway. “Warren?”
He doesn’t answer.
My next question makes me fear my future. Not around what will be asked of me, but whether I’ll be venturing into this shit fuckery all on my own, or he may potentially continue his employment.
“Will today be…”
Ourlasttogether?
“No.”
He sounds so sure, I have to look at him one more time. Drill my cunning eyes into his that enjoy reflecting nothing but a void of emotion.
“No,” he repeats.
“You won’t be allowed to follow me if it’s the Kings’ way.”
Sick fuckers who believe they’re gods in comparison to me. A poorpeasantbornoutofwedlockandtossed.
I know he won’t reply to me, so I stuff my gloves into my training bag and lift it over my shoulder.
“See you at the mansion of hell.”
I’m almost at the door when I barely catch his words.
“You’re mine to protect, V. That’s a promise I’ll keep.”
If only it was that simple.
No one has a say when you’re a sacrificial lamb in a den of carnage.
RUTHLESS BY NATURE
~DOMINO~
“T
hat’s why they keep you, huh?” I can barely get the strained words out. My grunts are far louder . Climbing to a threatened climatic groan that’s fighting to pierce the air at any second. “All because you know how to suck dick when your life depends on it?”
The blonde in my grasp whimpers in irony, tears forming in her frightened blue eyes. The sight is repulsing, making me further drill my cock into her hot mouth.
If these bitches stopped being snitches, I wouldn’t get so easily triggered by their existence.
They’re the problem.
Alwaysbetrayingwhattheydon’tfuckingdeserve.
“Better take every drop of my precious seed down your throat, you cunt bitch,” I snarl with every bit of distaste. Speaking to her makes my tongue burn in angst.
Asifmybloodisn’tboilingwithrage.
She whimpers at my mercy, every thrust as brutal as the last.
All I can do is close my eyes and hype myself up for the end.
Thatvolcanicexplosionofeuphoricrelief.
It’s almost there. Climbing. Racing. Coiling until I can’tstop the inevitable.I’m going to fill this bitch with my cum.
When my climax assaults my senses, I sink as deeply into her mouth as I can. Her chokes only entice me—the curl of my lips is but a glimpse of how good it feels to release a bit of tension out of my muscles.
Her head pulls away, the jerking tug forcing me out of my euphoric ritual as I watch her gasp and proceed to cough insultingly. As if she couldn’t further perform such blasphemy before my eyes, I watch the way she spits out my cum as though it’s a repulsive taste and not a gift from a god.
Aruthlessgodatthat.
It ticks something in my mind. Makes my eye twitch at the sight I can’t erase. I only repeat it, again, on a loop, until her glaring eyes that overflow with tears dare meet mine.
All that time, relieving myself from the day’s rigid animosities is nothing but a waste.
Theculpritkneelingbeforeme.
She realizes her mistake when her eyes widen, and the first tendrils of fear emerge in those growing pupils.
“A shame.” I sound as dead as I feel. “You disobeyed me.”
“K-K-King D—”
I don’t register the sound that rings in the air until I hear the thump of the body that lays before my feet. The pool of blood begins its task, growing and creating its own masterpiece of ironic artistry while its host twitches with the last remnants of life.
“Beautiful,” I dare whisper in praise. “All you blondes look better in red. Maybe all women should don such a crimson complexion.”
“If they do that, you’re never going to get married.”
I don’t need to turn around to know who’s behind me. Realistically, I’ve been well aware of his ‘presence.’
That’shisspecialty.
“Ares.” I flick the safety of my gun back on and proceed to slip it back into my pant pocket. Pulling out a white handkerchief from my other pocket, I wipe my cock clean and tuck my precious rod back into my boxers. “If you’re so keen to watch me fuck bitches, you might as well come out and play along.”
“I’d lose interest,” Ares admits and walks into my line of vision. It’s impossible not to catch sight when his hair is an intriguing mix of silver and what pesky hookers compliment as ‘Tiffany blue.’
Brings all the rich bitches to our backyard, hoping to marry a loadedroyal.Asthoughit’snotearned.
“One look and you know they ain’t loyal,” Ares notes as he watches her body continue its twitch fest. Until he’s pulling out his gun and shooting her once. The twitching stops. “Fakes don’t deserve to fight for their lives.”
Isn’tthatthetruth?
I watch the way his eyes, which replicate the unique shade of his hair pallet, enjoy the sight of smoke that drifts from the barrel of his gun.
“If I’m going to commit to a woman, she needs to stare at me with so much hostility that I’m confident she’s plotting my murder in the depths of her cunning mind.”
“Women aren’t cunning,” I grunt with a side-eye.
“Keep telling the Universe that, and she’ll gladly throw a woman into your life who’s a greater mastermind than Zander.”
“Now, don’t bring me into your prophetic deviations.” The man himself makes his presence known.
We only need to lift our gazes to see him casually chilling against the door frame of the tiny room, cigarette lit and relaxing between his fingertips.
“If you’re here, that tells me there’s trouble,” I mutter in disdain.
“I continue to enjoy how your misfortune, which includes ruined climax rituals, is pinned on me for doing my job,” Zander complains. “You told me to keep an eye on my text messages while you finished ‘business.’” He takes an exaggerated inhale and lets out the stream of smoke like an offering to our surroundings. “Which you didn’t say involved fucking that douche’s mistress, but hey. I don’t judge.”
“You sound like you’re judging,” Ares calmly notes.
I know he’s fucking amused. He never shows it, but my guts tell me he thrives when it comes to Zander’s stupid commentary.
“You didn’t even get to her pussy?” He’s directing his question to me.
“Worn and used,” I grumble.
“If you walked in here thinking she’d be a virgin, you’re more delusional than when I miss my medication dose,” Zander mumbles. “I didn’t take mine yet.”
The way we’re both staring at him with hardened gazes makes him chuckle with a taunting grin.
“Joking. Joking.”
“Why do I not believe you?” Ares is twitching to walk to our rather cynical ally and best friend.
“Because I’m smoking, which I do when I’m either nervous, haven’t fucked a good tight pussy in eons, or when I miss my meds.”
Our intense gaze has him smiling further.
“And when we’re summoned?”
Fuck…
“Seriously?” My heart is already galloping in anxious scrutiny.
“The Ruthless Kings have been summoned by the Lord Almighty,” Zander purrs, imitating some sort of poetic announcer.
“You didn’t take your meds,” Ares grunts and walks to the blackhaired, chiseled beast, whose red eyes deflate. “The contact lenses give it away, you know?”
“Just admit you’re jealous of how good I look with red eyes.”
“Jealous of what? I don’t have any trouble getting laid, Zander.”
“That’s because you don’t say shit. You stand there like a statue, and what do these hoes do?” he argues and flicks his long hair, attempting to look like he’s in a shampoo commercial. “O.M.G. Look! It’s ARES! He’s so hot! Do you think he has a girlfriend? What’s his horoscope? I’d drop to my knees any day of the week to have his 9.6-inch cock in my pus—”
Ares is presenting him with a single black capsule.
“Stop measuring my cock when I sleep,” he drills him, to which he smirks defiantly back.
“If I don’t do it, who’s going to hype you up for having a massive cock?” He points to me. “Not Domino. He’s a selfish bastard.”
“Take your fucking looney medication, Zander.” Orheactslikearamblingdouche.
“You should get laid,” he tosses back and flicks his hand at the dead woman on the ground with obvious dismay. “Good tight pussy. Sexy is a bonus at this point.”
“Don’t forget they can’t be a blonde or brunette,” Ares reminds while Zander takes the capsules and dry swallows it with ease. “You don’t like black-haired chicks, either.”
When I don’t answer, Zander chuckles.
“Just say you’re gay, Dom. I’d still be your best friend.”
“Fuck you,” I grunt.
“I’d fuck me, too. I’m a gift carved by God himself,” Zander praises.
“Conceited son of a—”
“Shall we clean shit up?” Ares offers. “If we’ve been summoned, that means we’re champions, doesn’t it?”
The glimmer in Zander’s eyes mimics mine as I allow myself to smile sinisterly.
Ares isn’t one to smile, but seeing a mere flicker of amusement in his eyes proves we’re about to get the best fucking news of the year. No,fuckingcentury.
We’ve been working toward this since we could fucking crawl. Endless sacrifices and facing various tribulations. Now,weweregoingtoreapwhatwassownintoourdestinies.
Especially mine.
“Don’t need to waste time here,” Zander assures us. “Already got the cleaning crew next door.”
ThankGod.
“Our reign is finally here, Kings,” I gleam and have to steady my heart that’s beating wildly against my chest. “All the power at our fingertips.”
“All that’s left is our prize,” Zander hums. His eyes darken with merit. “Our precious rose destined to wither in our possession.”
“Wither and bleed,” I growl.
“That’s how we play the game,” Ares reminds. “Break her until she’s ripe and ready to be devoured.”
“Won’t survive a week,” I mock. “Guaranteed.”
“Good,” Zander shrugs and takes another go at his cigarette. “Then they’ll all know how ruthless we are.”
When Ares chuckles, I enjoy how goosebumps ignite along my flesh.
Zander feels the same crippling excitement from his enlightened expression.
“We’re not called the Ruthless Kings for nothing, brothers,” Ares says relentlessly. “She’s but a catalyst in the grand scheme of our reign at Leighton. Yes?”
“Yes,” Zander agrees.
They both look at me, waiting for my dismissal so we can go our separate ways and meet at our next location.
Myhome.
“Royals are born to rule,” I whisper and grin. “And rule we shall.”
REAL VERSUS TAUGHT
~GEMINI~
“Y
ou’ve been granted a full scholarship to Leighton Royals University. I’m sure the opportunity is thrilling at best.”
Thrilling?DoeshethinkI’munawareofthefineprint?
My lack of expression makes Father chuckle as he pauses signing the list of contracts before him.
“You must despise me,” he mutters and lifts his gaze enough to acknowledge the dullness in my eyes. “When I adopted you, it was never with malicious intention, Gemini.”
Of course, it wasn’t.
Iwastakeninoutofpityandgrace.
That’s what he’s convinced the world to believe. Justnotme.
“Gemini Ivanka Prescott should be ideal. Can’t have people speculating otherwise,” he explains and returns his attention to the papers before him. “I’ve already spoken with Mr. Leighton. He’ll ensure any missing grades or achievements will be devised and acknowledged by the administration. Should ensure you’re among the elite students and obvious royals.”
“I’m assuming my role has been confirmed?”
This conversation makes me feel as though I’m walking on eggshells.
Onlyinthedark,balancingon a thinthreadthat’s readytosnap atjusttherightamountofweight.
“Your role,” he hums the word before lowering his quill. Leaning back into the dark crimson leather seat, he eyes me carefully. “Gemini. You’re aware of the hierarchy system that is honored at Leighton Royal University, yes?”
Yes.
“No, Father.” I feign innocence, despite my bitch face. “I’ve attempted to research the logistics revolving around this university and what makes it as prestigious as advertised, but alas. It’s been rather tedious, to say the least.”
His smile proves he’s pleased with my effort. He hates those who want to be spoon-fed information.
That doesn’t keep you alive in the world of business and bloodshed.
“As they should,” he emphasizes with a deep chuckle. “I’ll hand it to Leighton. I despise his existence, but the foundation of Leighton Royals University is the smartest thing he’s ever embarked on.”
He pulls out a cigar from the bottom drawer of his desk and lights it up with ease. He doesn’t seem in haste to finish his work as he looks upward to admire the stained glass that decorates the massive skylight of his grand office.
“He’ll be quite pleased to see your name on the attendance list.”
My lips dip before I can stop them.
Justlikemyeyesthatnarrowlikeslits.
“Gem.” Father’s attentiveness is the bane of my existence. Then again, maybe I would have been better off being left on the wretched streets. Broken andruined. “You have to accept this is but a gift for our family. You’re doing this for the sake of your little sister, yes?”
The mention of her forces me to shove my emotions aside. She is the very reason I’m daring to go through this.
I’m standing in the place she would be five years from now if I didn’t believe in selflessness. I’m hoping no one else finds out why
I’m willing to do this for a half-sibling, but then again, she’s the reason why I didn’t completely lose myself to my own demons.
She was the flicker of hope I used to motivate myself to be the perfect puppy for her sake. For her to keep the sense of freedom I wish someone protected when it came to my own.
Arealpityofcircumstance.
“I am,” I finally answer. “It’s the right thing a Prescott would do for their own.”
Bullshit.Somuchbullshit.
“This is the last bargain I owe the Leightons my loyalty. Getting this over with prevents the wave of carnage that would ignite if we turned a blind eye and did not feed the beasts that are starving for fresh meat.” He takes a look at me from head to toe and smiles proudly. “I’m sure they’ll be impressed by the offering.”
“Aside from my face,” I grumble.
“Nothing wrong with your face,” he argues. “You’re beautiful, Gemini. Just like your mother. You’re but a photocopy, though she’s not into the whole red movement.”
The knock on the door catches our attention.
“Come in,” Father encourages.
The door opens to reveal the very woman we’re talking about.
“Oh! Gemini, you’re home!” Mother beams at my presence as she swiftly walks to me in an appealing red outfit. I’m unable to stop myself from gawking in surprise because she never wears red.
Likeever.
When she smothers me in a tight hug, I can see what Father means. Mother and I are practically identical. Same 5’6” in height, extremely long silver locks, exact shade of smoky teal eyes. The unique shade came from her side of the family, which may be why discarding me would be a risk when I look no different from her.
I can’t seem to envision how this same woman survived being at the side of a kingpin. Then again, she’s doing just fine now.
“The world is ending,” I comment as she pulls back and cups my cheeks in delight.
“Ah! Your makeup is so perfect. The contour. The highlights. What shade of lipstick is that? It must be from Dior. Maybe Christian Louboutin. YSL?”
“Walmart,” I mutter to see her horrified face. It’s enough to make me snicker. “Hermes, Mother. You know I wouldn’t dare insult the Prescott Empire using such unbefitting products.”
She sighs in relief, as though she’s been holding her breath.
“Thank goodness. You had me there,” she whines and hugs me. “Sometimes, I worry that you’ve forgotten this lineage of opportunity you still carry in the palm of your hands, Gem.” She lets go of me and smiles approvingly as she takes in my attire. “Did you just come back from training?”
ShelovesthatIknowhowtokickass.
“Yes.” I bob my head for added respect. “Red looks divine on you, Mother.”
She instantly blushes while gleaming at my praise.
“More like sinful,” she laughs and does a cute twirl. “I never understood your obsession with the color. I know you love roses, just like I adore blue roses, but to wear red instead of my usual attire of pink and blues freaked out the whole house.” She dramatically lays her hand on her forehead.
“Colette thought I was you. Should have seen the look on her face when she realized!” Mother laughs. “Bowed to her knees and begged for forgiveness. Sweetheart, you make the maids fear you,” she teases.
Ibegtodiffer.
“My bad.” I don’t try to sweetly smile at her because she’d know I’m just forcing myself. “Did you wish to speak to Father?” She always gets off track if not reminded otherwise.
“Yes!” She leans past me to look at the man in question, observing her appreciatively. “We have a date tonight. Did you forget?”
“I did, Darling.” How this man succumbs to this woman’s orbit like melting chocolate sitting outside in the scorching sun. No wonder why Mother feels so empowered.Enough to move on from thepreviouspsychoticmanshemarried.“Is the reservation close?”
“We still have another hour,” she assures him as she walks away from where I stand to her husband, who offers an open arm in wait for his beloved’s arrival.
She sits in his lap so graciously, it’s mesmerizing to watch. How she fits perfectly in his lap and how all the tension in his body flutters away—free of their captivity in those tight muscles.
One look is all it takes to steal his attention from anything revolving around him to the sole woman who surely rules his world. Our mother has this man wrapped around her finger.
Ibetyousheknowsit.
Glancing away when they’re enjoying their sensual moment of kisses, I notice the slight movement in the corner of the room. Lazily glancing to my left confirms Warren’s presence.
He’s ‘making’ himself known by taking a step out of the dark corner he effortlessly hid himself in. How this man gets into places without a sound is something I’ll never seem to decipher.
It’sagoodthing,surely.
We share a look, one that is greatly appreciated with how I currently feel.
Discarded.Useless.Anorphanforcedtoenteranotherfamily, all thankstomyexistencebeingproofofalooseend.
Amistakeintheirpreviouslyflawlessbusinessdeal.
“What were you two discussing?” I hear Mother inquire, tugging my attention back to them.
They’re done with their romantic endeavor, seeing as Mother is up and straightening Father’s coat jacket from along his shoulders.
“Gemini starts school soon,” Father reveals. “University.”
“Delightful!” Mother claps her hands while beaming with far too much happiness in her eyes. “Emma has been idolizing the day she gets to go to Ásvaldr. I thought she wanted to attend a different academic institute than the one our family funds, but she adores you, so it’s understandable.”
“Indeed it is.” Father chuckles and reaches up to move a few strands of her hair to rest behind her ear. “Darling. Why don’t you go get ready? I’m sure you won’t wear your current attire to dine tonight, hmm?”
“Don’t like it?” she offers with a pouting expression. It’s like looking at how I would appear with a pleading face.
Disgusting.
“I love anything on you, Darling,” he assures her while his thumb caresses her cheek. “Though it seems rather troublesome to take off, don’t you think?”
Ugh.
Mother’s face is all but red as she proceeds to giggle nervously.
“I’ll find something more easily fitting,” she says with a saucy wink and leans in to kiss him. “Blush pink would fit the mood tonight.”
“I agree,” he assures her.
NotonlydoIwishnottoadmitthebiteofenvyIfeeltoseetheir vividlove for one another , butIhatetheideaofneverexperiencing suchafairytale.
To be in love.
Cherished.
Touched with so much passion and grace.
Any experience of passion has been nothing but painful torment and punishment. Maybe that’s why sex doesn’t please me in the slightest.
“I’ll get going!” Mother is up and walking toward me. “Gemini, have fun at university, okay? If anyone tries to cause trouble, you just come to your father, and he can fix it. There are just so many benefits in attending Ásvaldr Prescott University like your sister has told all the household about.” Mother giggles and gives me another hug.
“I’ll be away for businesses for a little bit, but you have my number. You can call me anytime, but again, Father will be here to support this new transition.”
IlovehowsheassumesI’mgoingtoÁsvaldr . EvenmoreamusingthatFatherhasn’tcorrectedher . It must be nice to live a life of planned negligence.
“Thanks, Mother. I’ll make sure to rely on Father if necessary,” I assure her. “But you know I can handle myself.”
“Oh please, that’s the genetics talking.” She laughs and pats my shoulders. “Be more laid back there. More feminine! You’ve grown into the perfect woman, Gemini. It’s time for you to meet some men. Make some connections and relationships. Maybe you’ll meet a billionaire’s son or an heir even. Many students are from well-off families, so don’t hesitate to mingle.”
“Unless they’re problematic,” Father chips in, to which Mother rolls her eyes.
“Don’t listen to him. He just doesn’t want to lose his girl,” she teases and gives me one last squeeze. “Now, let me go change. Take photos and update me, Gem.”
“I will.”
“Sweetheart, I’ll be waiting,” Mother hums in a way that screams, ‘make this fast so we can enjoy something else’ before their reservation.
“Yes, my Darling.”
The moment she leaves, I turn my attention back to Father.
“Ásvaldr?”
His smile falls as he lets out a sigh.
“It’s best not to involve her in the fine details, don’t you think?” he offers. “She wouldn’t be very pleased with knowing you’re at Leighton.”
Duh.
“You’re right,” I praise, knowing that’s the response he’d want otherwise. “Anything else I need to be aware of? Knowing you’re pressed on time, I could always ask Warren to assist in learning the hierarchy of the university.”
“Speaking of Warren,” Father begins and frowns when he looks around the room. “Wasn’t he here?”
“Uh…” I trail off because the hidden bodyguard is nowhere to be found. Definitely not in the corner where I saw him previously. “Honestly, I’m not sure, Father.”
“He’s too good at his job,” Father complains as if it’s such a bad thing. “Then again, he’ll ensure your protection. I’ll speak with him about the essential rules. He’ll be accompanying you to Leighton.”
That’sabigreliefItrynottoshareinmyexpression.
“Will that be allowed?” I inquire. “I mean, he wouldn’t be a student.”
“You’re right,” he admits as he puts his pen down and begins organizing his papers to put on one side of his desk. Clearly, for later . “He’s alumni. It won’t be a problem.”
He’swhatnow?Alumni?
“You requested of me, Sir?”
It’s only because of the extremely gentle touch at my back that stops me from jumping from his deep velvet voice that comes from my left side.
A glance confirms he’s standing next to me now.
Jesus.
“Due to a shift of plans, I’d rather you be the one to instruct Gemini of the rules and structure of Leighton Royals University. I’m sure you can break it down better than I ever can.” He further smiles in relief as he rises from his seat. “Aside from the essentials, I won’t be providing anything else. From the agreement, you should be provided all essentials, including any money needed to purchase clothing, uniforms, equipment, and necessities.”
“Weapons?” I offer and watch Father tilt his head in the typical ‘really’ gesture. Doesn’t help when he raises an eyebrow to emphasize my madness.
Asifhe’dwalkonthatpropertywithnotasingleweapon.
“There are undocumented fugitives, murderers, and potential assassins, Father. I know I’m of less importance, but it should be vital for me to protect myself when necessary.”
Father leaves his desk and walks up to me. I’m surprised when he very lightly strokes my cheek upon facing me.
“You are not ‘of less importance.’” He needs to emphasize those words first as his eyes soften for a few seconds. I’m sure he sees my mother more than anything. “I know this world hasn’t been fair to you. Not in the slightest. However, it’s been made known that you are of importance to me. The Prescott Empire emphasizes that you are a key piece in this family, regardless of past circumstances. With that being said, this is your time to blossom like the cunning yet beautiful rose you are.”
He lets his finger caress my cheek one last time before his hand drops away.
Our eyes are locked in a serious gaze, making it impossible to focus on his next words.
“This will clear your debt in full. It’ll give you the freedom you’ve worked to reclaim all these years prior. Remember that if it was anyone’s way, your porcelain flesh would be clammy and blue. Stained in nothing but your blood.”
I try to hide how I swallow down the lump in my throat.
“You’re more than deserving to enter this world, Verena.” He dares to whisper the name I haven’t heard leave his lips since that rainy night of brute discovery. “All you have to learn is how to submit to its will, despite the circumstances that may leave you feeling like a helpless petal, floating in the wind.”
“I understand, Father.”
We share a look as silence descends upon us.
“Things will get hard. I won’t lie about that. Your purpose, however, is to survive. No matter what those ruthless bastards put you through. Understood?”
“Understood,” I repeat.
“You will have a gift in your luggage. Ensure you review it after Warren has disclosed the terms and conditions of the contract you’ll have to sign once you’ve gone through initiation.”
I frown at his words.
“Initiation?”
“It will happen tomorrow, I believe. You and a few other chosen candidates. Despite your special circumstances, I’m sure those Kings wouldn’t make things so facile that such a position would be acquired without tumult.”
“Very well.” No point in further asking questions when Father believes I’ll be successful, anyway. “Thank you for your blessing, Father.”
He smiles then.
“Stay in touch, yes?”
“I will do my best if allowed,” I state more so as a reminder of what I’m getting myself into.
The moment I walk through those gated walls, my autonomy is but a distant memory. I’ll be forced to be the best puppet Leighton Royal University has ever seen.
All for the sake of protecting another’s innocence than my own.
Ashame.
“That’s my girl,” he praises. “A taught Prescott is sometimes better than the real deal.”
His words sting like an open wound.
AreminderthatI’mexactlythat.
Taught. Molded. Picked from the streets out of favor and not compassion.
The real one is sleeping silently in her room, that blooming innocence preserved for the man who will sweep her from her feet and bestow her with a life of endless passion.
Notthrowntothewolves,desperateforcarnage.
“A
BEGGERS CAN’T BE CHOOSERS
~GEMINI~
lumni, huh?”
I try to make some sort of conversation as we sit in heavy traffic.
Standstill vehicles have never been a pleasant experience. They force you to delve into your mind for some sort of distraction, bringing up memories you would rather throw in the trash than remain in a closed space.
It’s why I love motorcycles more.
Outside.Exposed.At my environment’s mercy, whilecuttingand speedingthroughtrafficlikeafuckingvillain.
Motorbikes are my high—the crack in cocaine.
It’s exactly why Warren hates it when I attempt to ride through the streets of this forbidden town. Where half the residents don’t know how to fucking drive, while the other half think they’ll beat the NASCAR world record of the fastest vehicle driven by trying to pass the light before it turns red.
“Intrigued?” Warren decides to cooperate while his dull eyes drift over to the passenger seat.
He notices my twitching left leg, which has been moving up and down irritatingly for the last ten minutes. We haven’t moved, thanks to an accident up ahead.
