Deviant King (Royal Elite 1)

With the water still running, I grip the sink’s edge with both hands as I breathe heavily. I always thought jealousy was for weak, insecure people, but apparently, I’m turning into one, too.

It’s blinding and downright scary how much I want to hurt her for messing with what’s mine.

But then again, Aiden isn’t mine.

Not really.

So I’m being all pissed off about nothing. And that pisses me off more.

I finish the dishes and retreat to my room to study. It’s the only logical thing in my life at the moment.

An hour or so later, I crawl into bed, trying not to think about how Aiden has been bringing my special food every day. How he made sure we’re seen in the halls together so no one bullies me anymore. How he brings me water after practice. How he watches me with that concern when I’m running as if he knows my heart isn’t doing so well.

I shouldn’t appreciate the thoughtful gestures, but I do, and they’re tumbling my defences worse than anything else.

Unable to resist, I check Instagram again. I scroll down to Silver’s comment, but it isn’t there anymore. Not sure if she deleted it or if he did.

My phone vibrates with a text.

Aiden.

I sit up in bed, my heart somersaulting inside its cavity.

Aiden: Can’t sleep. I’m thinking about you.

I should pretend to be asleep, but I just can’t. I’m feeling so off tonight and I’m afraid that if I close my eyes, nightmares will barge in.

I type back.

Elsa: I can’t sleep either.

Aiden: Why?

Elsa: I’m scared of going to sleep sometimes.

I regret that as soon as I hit send. He doesn’t need to know that.

The three dots appear and disappear as if he’s thinking about what to say.

Aiden: I don’t like to sleep either.

I sit up straighter.

Elsa: Why?

Aiden: It’s boring.

Elsa: *eye roll emoji* Really?

Aiden: Remember that ghost I told you about? It visits me often when

I sleep.

Is the ghost his mother?

Before I can reply, he sends another text.

Aiden: How about we distract each other?