Steel Princess (Royal Elite 2)

“Is this your place?” I ask in a light tone, trying to dissipate the tension.

“It’s the Meet Up.”

Oh.

So this is the Meet Up I heard so much about.

It’s basically a secret hideout for the four horsemen and Elites’ startup players.

Everyone at RES speaks about it like a secret society or something, but that’s probably because only selective players are allowed access.

“Why did you bring me here?”

“So no one interrupts us.”

I gulp, staring at him to read his mood. However, that damn poker face doesn’t slip.

If only he were a bit more accessible. He’s like a stone. Unchanging and unmovable.

I’m afraid of the answer, but I ask the question anyway. “Interrupt us from what?”

He sits on the sofa, legs wide apart, and props his elbow on the armrest. He leans against his fist and continues watching me.

The way his metal eyes bore into mine promises trouble.

Lots of it.

“Did you figure out what you have to pay for?” he asks in a neutral, low tone.

I instinctively take a step back so I’m not within arm’s reach.

Cole and Ronan were right. Aiden’s calm side is much more terrifying than his enraged one.

His calm side is a facade that he’s perfected so well to make you feel safe before he pounces and devours you alive.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I speak in my most confident tone.

“Here’s what I think, sweetheart. I think you know exactly what I’m talking about, but you’re playing the ignorance card.”

“I really don’t.”

He narrows his eyes before going back to his poker face. “How about a certain new boy that you’ve been shoving in my face?”

Oh. Shit.

He pulls his fingers up and counts, starting with his thumb. “You wore pretty dresses for him. Put on makeup. Perfume. You got into his car.” He pauses with only his pinky up and his eyes darkening to a frightening colour. “Oh, and you let him touch you.”

I take another step back.

It’s true that I want to be strong and stand up for myself, but I’m not an idiot.

This side of Aiden terrifies me. I don’t want to be on the receiving end of whatever his demons are planning right now.

I need to be smart about picking my battles.

And this isn’t one I’d win.

“You let him fucking touch what’s mine.” His voice raises a notch with every word.