Vicious Prince (Royal Elite 5)

“If you have something to say, why don’t you speak out loud for everyone to hear?” My voice is calm, neutral even.

I realise a small crowd has started to gather, but I couldn’t care less. This isn’t about them; it’s about me.

My self-worth. My dignity.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Claire feigns innocence, still giving Ronan that ‘fuck me’ look.

“Aside from the fact that you stole Ronan from her.” The friend, a tall blonde girl, places a hand on her hip.

“Ladies.” Ronan grins, his tone is that loathsome happy-go-lucky one. “Don’t fight. Everyone gets a share.”

E

veryone gets a share?

Everyone gets a fucking share?

I’m surprised my face doesn’t combust from the amount of blood rushing to it.

But then again, why should I care? He can give all the shares he wants as long as I get to my end goal.

He doesn’t matter.

“She doesn’t seem to think that way, Ron.” Claire pouts like a fucking kid with issues.

Ron.

Of course they call the man-whore that.

Before he gets a chance to speak, I slide myself out of his hold and stride towards Claire until I’m nose to nose with her. “Do you know why?”

To her credit, she keeps her posture straight, pretending I don’t scare her. After all, the female population in this school agree with her, not me.

“I happen to be his fiancée. Ever heard that term?” I stare down my nose at her. “Google it, and then we can maybe talk about it.”

Claire’s face creases with a scowl, but her friend points a finger at me. “You’re only his fiancée because he’s forced to. Arranged marriage. Google it.”

“I did, and that’s how I managed to officially own him while all of you beg for scraps.” I stare at her then at every girl watching me with either mouths agape or malice in their eyes — or both. “If any of you threaten me, you won’t like how I’ll react. This is my first and final warning.”

And then, I grab Ronan and drag him away from the scene. I expect to find him grinning at the others, offering them his apologetic smiles or whatever he does to seem like an innocent gigolo, but his gaze is entirely on me.

Just me.

Those rich brown eyes with a slightly colourful hue, those brows arching a little. For the first time ever, he’s not smiling or smirking or grinning on the school grounds. If anything, he appears…a bit pissed off?

I have no time to focus on that as I push him down the hall. Once we’re near class, I let him go.

The other girls are watching from afar. Half must be spooked since they think I offer sacrifices to Satan — good. At least that will keep them off my case. The other half seem to hate me even more and are plotting my demise.

Screw them all.

I didn’t come this far for those little bitches to ruin what I’ve worked for.

Do you honestly think that’s the only reason behind your public display of ownership?

I ignore the voice in my head, not wanting to dig into these emotions going through me all at once. It’s hard to comprehend one emotion at a time, let alone all of them.

“What was that all about?” Ronan grabs me by the arm, forbidding my entrance into the class.