Cruel King (Royal Elite 0)

He was there.

Levi watched me being hit.

“But I wasn’t part of the accident.”

“Then you were a part of the ones who chased me like I was an animal?” I ask with stupor.

“No.”

“How the hell am I able to believe anything you say, Levi?” Everything clicks into place and I stare at him as if he’s not real. “This is why you approached me, isn’t it? You didn’t want me to reveal what you and your little band of friends did… wait… were Ronan, Xan, and Cole a part of it? Oh, my God. Of course, they were. Aiden told them to leave me to die, didn’t he?”

“Astrid!” He clutches my shoulders and I realise tears are streaming down my cheeks.

I promised myself that I’d never cry for him, but here I am.

Only, these tears are for myself. For the pathetic fool in me who considered trusting him again.

“For the last time, I’m repeating that I had nothing to do with the accident.”

“How did you feel when you saw me covered in my own blood, King?” I cry. “Did you get off on it?”

“No!” His grip tightens on my shoulder.

“Then why were you so insistent that I drop the case? Why did you make my life hell for it? And don’t lie to me. If you do, I’m erasing you completely. I swear.”

“You’re erasing me, huh?” He fists a handful of my hair in his fist, eyes menacing. “Do you think you can forget me?”

“Maybe not at first.” My voice is filled with emotions. “But I promise that I’ll eventually do it. I’m not your plaything, Levi and I never will be.”

He drops his hands from my hair and sighs. “Fuck it.”

Fuck it?

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

“Do you remember what happened the night of your accident?”

My brows furrow. “The accidental fire?”

“Only it wasn’t accidental.”

My eyes widen. “You…”

He nods. “I set my uncle’s mansion on fire.”

“But… why?”

“Arson leads to prison, princess. Uncle could’ve gotten me out of it, but that would’ve been at the expense of my freedom. That’s why I needed you to drop the case.”

“No. Why did you burn your uncle’s mansion?”

He laughs without humour. “Because I wanted to rebel against him? Because he threatened to take my inheritance and keep me on a leash? Because I wanted to be a dick and take his favourite holiday home right before the summer? Take your pick.”

Wow. I didn’t realise his relationship with his uncle was that strained.

“Can your uncle take your inheritance?”

“My father listed him as my guardian until I’m twenty-five. If I don’t play into his hands, he won’t let me touch a dime from the family’s money.”