A Hurt So Sweet Volume One (Elite of Eden Falls Prep 1)

"I don't really have a choice, do I?" I grind out, rubbing my temples.

I take a swig of brandy from the tumbler in my glass, relishing the burning sensation it leaves in my throat. The Firstborns have gathered in the corner of the garden next to the Estate. My gaze wanders over the people there. Guys I've known my whole life, girls I've copped a feel of at the very least.

"Hey, why don't you have some fun with her?" Lai motions to the side, where some girls from the school are standing, casting us longing looks.

Of course, they’re nothing compared to us. We came first. They’re second, if not thirdborn.

"I'm sure Audra would love another taste of the Booth... fortune."

Lai raises his brows at me.

I smirk, shaking my head. "I don't really feel like it."

"Trust me, it will make you feel better." Lai claps my back. "I might find one to warm my cock, too. And you know they're more than willing."

I follow his gaze to the group of Eden Falls Prep girls who are eyeing us, not even pretending they're doing something else. Audra, the blonde I've made a habit of coming on and in, returns my gaze and smiles shyly as I regard her.

"Unless there's someone else on your mind?" Lai raises his eyebrows at me. "Don't tell me you've got a hard-on for the new girl?"

"No," I grind out, knowing I've reacted too fast.

I need to regain the upper hand. I can't let anyone think I want to be inside Pandora's pussy instead of some random hotties from Prep. We may be engaged, but I don’t get to control her completely just yet.

I can't look weak in front of the guys. Besides, the moment I show my interest in Pandora, they're going to be all over her. And she's tempting enough for them to break their alliance to the Booth family. Nobody wants another war on our hands.

"Come on." Lai grabs my arm and pulls me in the direction of the girls. "We're gonna pick out a flavor of the day for you."

He walks me over to the group, and I take another sip of my drink. The girls go quiet when we approach them, all wide eyes and pretty smiles. Any other day, I would've been tempted. Today though, my mind is somewhere fucking else.

"Hello, ladies," Lai says, regarding a pretty redhead with hungry eyes. "Looking mighty fine tonight. Any of you up for some fun?"

"Of course," the redhead purrs, and the others nod eagerly.

My cock jumps to attention at the sound of the words, pulsing painfully between my legs. But it's not Audra's mouth it wants. Oh no. My dick has set his sights on the girl I can't have for another few weeks - Pandora. The bitch I hate with every fiber of my being. My dick is even pointing at her, for fuck's sake.

"Why don't you give Dex some attention?" Lai smirks at Audra, tugging on her blonde locks. "Look how his fiancée is neglecting him. Don't you want to make him feel better?"

I look at Audra, finding her staring at me intensely, her grip on the flute of champagne so firm her knuckles have turned completely white.

"Let's see, which one do I want?" Lai taps his chin thoughtfully, inspecting the crowd until his gaze fixates on the one girl that doesn't seem to be enjoying our attention. "You. Come with me."

The girl hesitates. I watch her closely, seeing the tears welling in her eyes. She's ripe, of age, but she doesn't seem to be too thrilled about this, which is a crime in of itself. If her parents knew she'd declined a Firstborn, she'd be as good as fucking done in this town.

"Aw, don't tell me you're shy." Lai smirks at her.

He's loving this. The harder they are to get, the better. He grabs the girl's elbow and she chokes out a sob as he pulls her to his side.

"Have fun, Booth." My friend winks at me before leaving with the reluctant brunette.

I shift uncomfortably, staring at the rest of the girls who are waiting with bated breath for my decision.

"Audra," I grind out.

She steps forward, standing up straight. She looks fucking triumphant, as she should. She's had my attention for a while now.

"Come on," I motion. "We're going."

The rest of the girls visibly deflate as Audra follows behind me like the meek bitch she is. We walk over to a quieter corner of the garden, one where I can still see Pandora, but she can’t see me.