Cruel King (Royal Elite 0)

My heart picks up pace as I listen to the deputy explain how this can change everything about the case. He tells me that when they have suspects, I might have to identify them. After I talk to my father of course.

“What do you mean, after I talk to my father?” I ask.

There’s a pregnant pause before the deputy commissioner clears his throat. “Lord Clifford is against you identifying suspects. We were hoping you could convince him.”

This must be the reason for the argument between him and the commissioner the other day. It doesn’t matter. I’ll be eighteen in a few days and by then, Dad won’t have any guardian power over me.

But why would Dad be so against me identifying suspects? Isn’t that the point of the entire case?

My head hurts from all the drama with Levi and this new thing with Dad.

It’s like being caught in a cross-fire that’s none of my making.

I text Dan to pick me up — without Zach.

Instead of Dan’s car, a red Ferrari trails me from behind. I stop on the pavement, throwing a curious glance at it.

Aiden King.

He steps out of his car, wearing dark blue jeans and a plain grey T-shirt that complements his eye colour.

I fold my arms over my chest, not knowing how I’m supposed to act near him.

Aiden is as much of an enigma as his cousin — if not more soulless.

“May I help you?” I ask.

“You might.” He leans against the passenger door of his car, facing me with his hands in his pockets.

“How?”

“I thought you might want to know a few things.”

My brows scrunch. “Like what?”

“The words you said earlier.”

“You heard that?”

He lifts a shoulder. “It’s not my fault that you were too caught up in your little argument to notice me.”

“So what? Are you here to gloat about your eavesdropping skills?” I hate being on the defensive, but this is Aiden King and I don’t have a good track record with the King bloodline.

“I just told you. It’s about what you said.”

“What did I say?” I ask.

“Insane. Hallucinating. Overreacting.” His eyes turn steel metal. “It’d be in everyone’s best interest if you don’t repeat them in front of Lev again.”

My arms drop on either side of me. “Why?”

“He doesn’t react well to those.”

“Why not?”

His head tilts to the side like Levi when he’s contemplating something. “You’re not stupid. Surely you noticed something.”

“I did, but it doesn’t make much sense.” I pause. “But you do know, don’t you?”