Deviant King (Royal Elite, #1)

by Rina Kent

“There. That’s the reaction I’ve been...

“You wanted to have a choice. A real one.”

“So I gave you a chance to choose me. Your reply is three days late, but I’ll take it.”

“It’s subconscious, but I noticed that she’s the only one you glare at. Even when she doesn’t get in your way.”

“If you go near Silver again, it’s over, Aiden,” I whisper near his mouth.

That earns me a glare. Aiden dislikes being threatened, but I need to draw the line there. It’s not really about jealousy or possessiveness — although part of it is true. But mostly, it’s about my self worth.

As much as I hate to admit it, Silver threatens me and I’ll never allow him to make me fe...

“Kill the bastard.” No hesitation. “How about me?”

“That’s the difference between you and me, sweetheart. You’d leave me in a heartbeat if I cheat, but I’ll never leave you even if you cheat.”

“It’s crazy, but I choose you, Aiden.”

“He’s coming,” I whisper against Aiden’s mouth.

The school’s backyard comes back into focus, and Xander’s blonde hair peeks from behind the corner. “Coach is after your arse, King.”

It’s like he knows that I didn’t mean Xander or anyone here when I said ‘He’s coming.’

I don’t need to search for Aiden since he’s running in my direction. He has such breathtaking athletic ease when he runs. His form is taut, graceful, and full of so much confidence. He reaches me in a few seconds, his jet black hair sticking to his forehead with sweat and his breathing controlled.

“If you replied two days ago, I would’ve had an actual nice official game and wouldn’t have Coach breathing down my neck.”

Okay. He’s still salty about that.

“Push-ups are better than the grave I’ve been digging for you.” “I’m hurt. You better pay for the psychological damage.”

“Tame the beast, Ellie.” I smile. “I don’t think I can.” “Sure you can.” Ronan waggles his eyebrows. Aiden elbows him and he howls in pain.

“Our friendship just gained an expiration date, King. The only way to save it is by letting me drive your car.” “Friendship over.” I burst into laughter as Ronan’s eyes widen comically. “How...

Ronan drags him, spouting a monologue about friendship before whore cars.

“No. I’m not really ‘Frozen’ if that’s what you’re asking.”

“You don’t even know ninety per cent of the stuff that happens at RES. You don’t care about anyone other than Kim. Everyone thinks you’re…”

“Some say that you and King are old acquaintances and you hurt him. That’s why he hated you the moment he first saw you at RES.”

Kim Ehhh with King? Weren’t you guys fighting this morning? Isn’t the bitch queen his date for the day? Me Long story. Face time later. I need details! Kay.

And this better not be a rip off from a Korean drama where the BFF is always in the dark.

As he ties his shoelace, his uniform’s trousers’ rides up, revealing his skin. A deep circular scar surrounds his right ankle. It seems as old and as faded as the scars on his back and the underside of his forearm.

“Tell me, Nash. Do you want your grave next to Knight’s or Astor’s?” Aiden’s face is dead serious as he speaks.

“I prefer to not have a grave yet.” Cole smiles at me.

“Then stop threatening what’s mine.” “I will when you do.” My gaze bounces ...

“Take care of her,” Aiden tells Cole in a calm tone as if they’ve dealt with this before.

Cole leans in and says something in her ear. Just like that, Silver goes limp against him, eyes widened. He takes the chance to drag her out of the car park. Or maybe he’s taking her to his or her car. I can’t tell for sure since they’re out of my field of vision.

“Besides, Silver is his step-sister. He knows how to deal with her best.”

“His mother and her father are getting married.”

Then I got out of my stupor and asked to take selfies with as many of them as possible — including Coach Emery.

My fingers flick over my phone. I can’t believe I smiled like a normal human being and didn’t actually lick the guys. Ozil even had an arm over my shoulder.

“Are you done?” Aiden doesn’t sound amused. He’s been in a pissy mood since he practically dragged me out of the locker room.

He’s stuffing French fries in his mouth and glaring at my phone.

“Thanks for taking me there,” I say. “It made my day. No, my year!”

He grunts in response and continues shoving French fries down his throat. “Stop staring at your phone and eat. You haven’t touched your food.”

“Uh… not really? You seem to have your knickers in a twist since the locker room.”

“Don’t idolise other men in front of me. I don’t like it.” A burst of laughter slips from my throat. “Are you jealous, mighty King?” “Damn straight I’m jealous. I’m so possessive of you, it drives me fucking crazy.”

He pauses eating, eyes squinting the slightest bit before he flashes me the devil’s threatening smile.

“A few.” He’s quiet for a long time that I think he’s done talking. “My mother had a thing for French philosophers.”

“Me.” He smiles, seeming lost in his own thoughts. “I think I’m the only person she liked.”

She dissociated from Jonathan as much as he dissociated from her. His work came first. His brother, Lev and I came second. She was always last.”

“Then what are your plans for college?” “Oxford.” He appears bored.

My fork stills against the plate. Invisible hands grip my chest. Why does knowing that we’ll be on different sides of the country hurt so much?

Something flashes in my peripheral vision. My head snaps to the window, but there’s no one there except for the man who’s still reading from his book and sipping his coffee.

“What is it?” Aiden puts two fingers under my chin and turns me back to face him. “I swear someone was watching us just now.”

“I would’ve seen them. No one is...