Cruel King (Royal Elite 0)

“I’m sure it exists somewhere.”

“I’m surprised you read any manual that isn’t a porn magazine.”

“I know, right? Aren’t you happy I’m your best friend?”

“I am. Life would’ve been boring without you, bug.”

“That’s the spirit.” He pauses, the smile and the dimple disappearing. “Full disclaimer, on the manual, it also says that best friends should offer reality checks about any bad shits the other friend is doing. Captain leans towards the bad.” He rolls his eyes. “But you already know that.”

“Do you think it’s weird that I keep gravitating towards Levi despite knowing what he’s capable of?”

“Nah.” He nudges my shoulder, waggling his eyebrows. “It just means that you have a wild side I wasn’t fully aware of.”

Maybe he’s right.

“Besides, it’s not like you can choose who you like. That shit is messed up.”

“Since when did you become a philosopher?” I hit his shoulder with mine. “Don’t tell me you actually like someone.”

“I like everyone who opens their legs for me. Or mouths. I’m flexible.”

“You’re such a pig.”

He chuckles. “Come on, let’s go to school.”

“Wait. Do you think Levi’s fine?”

“You don’t know?”

Something clenches in my chest. “I don’t know what?”

“The team had a party yesterday at the Meet Up.”

“They did?”

“Yeah.” Dan winces. “I went after you called it a night.”

“Was Levi there?”

“He’s the one who called it.”

“Oh.”

I was worried sick about him while he had a party.

He didn’t even bother to text or call me.

“And what did he do?” I ask.

“The usual. Party. Drink.”

“That’s… brilliant.”

“Astrid…”

“No. Dan. It’s fine.” I force a smile. “Let’s go to school.”

Hot, red fire courses through my veins as I stomp to the car and throw my weight in the passenger seat.