Cruel King (Royal Elite 0)

"Piss. Off," I snarl in his face.

He doesn’t even flinch at my open show of hostility. “This isn’t even about the game, isn’t it?”

“No, Cousin, it’s not about the game. It’s never about the game. It’s all about my screwed up genes, remember?"

He’s silent for a few seconds. That’s Aiden. Everything needs to be plotted to a T — including his damn thoughts. “If the chessboard doesn’t look in your favour, you’re the only one who can change its direction."

"Yo, me Kings!" Ronan interrupts us in a mock accent, flinging an arm around Aiden’s shoulder and the other around mine. “Party at my place. No objections. Deal? Deal.”

He drags us both to the centre and announces. “Victory party at the one and only Number thirteen’s! Captain approved!”

The guys hoot and carry Ronan on their shoulders.

“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t throw any more parties for us?” Xan taunts.

“Shut it, Knight.” Ronan throws him and Cole a dirty look. “This is my compensation for not having the cake bunny hookers.”

I should probably stop them since they need recuperation, but I’m in no mood to ruin their fun on the weekend.

Besides, I need to get myself out of this trance or drink myself to fucking sleep.

“Can we invite people?” Daniel asks from the corner.

“Mais oui ! The more the merrier, mon ami.”

Daniel grins and retrieves his phone. My eyes narrow on his hands. Is he texting Astrid?

My blood pumps harder at the thought. I don’t like it.

I don’t fucking like it.

I remove myself from underneath Ronan’s arm and stride to Daniel.

“Was that Astrid at the game?” I ask in a nonchalant tone.

As if I could ever mistake that tomboyish attitude, her soft voice, or those damn sparkling green eyes.

“Uh, yeah, Captain. She promised to be present for my first game.”

And be a fucking cheerleader, apparently.

“Are you inviting her to the party?” I ask.

“I sent her a text, but she won’t come. She hates these things.”

I don’t know if I should feel relieved or pissed off or both.

* * *

One hour later, half of the team are shagging in Ronan’s guest rooms. He made sure to lock his parents’ room. It’s off-limits since he found Cole or Aiden and their ‘kinky shit’ in it.

The only ones who remain with me in the pool house are Aiden and Cole and they’re playing chess. I played a game or two but I quickly got bored.

I had a drink and that turned too boring too fast, too.

Everything is.

I want to get out there and down one more shot or two and fucking fight someone. Not only is Aiden keeping me on a leash but I know exactly where that behaviour will lead me.