Deviant King (Royal Elite 1)
“Maybe we’re using each other.” She drops the container at her side and crunches a red apple.
Maybe we’re using each other?
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
“King played such an excellent game o
n Saturday. You should’ve seen the goal he scored.” Kim gushes. “Thirty metres away, can you believe that?”
I pause playing with my food. “You went to Elites’ game?”
“Uh, yeah? I told you I was going out on Saturday.”
“I thought it was to have dinner with your family.” My lips twist. “I also thought you quit going to their games.”
“I felt like going.” She shrugs. “And I’m so glad I did, King was a freaking star. So bright and dazzling. I can’t believe he doesn’t play in the Premier League like his cousin already.”
“Kim.” My throat dries as I stare at her with what must look like a horrified expression. “Do you hear yourself? You’re idolising Aiden fucking King right now.”
“What? He plays like a God. You can’t deny that.”
Yes, I can. That’s why I refuse to focus on him while he plays.
“Xander played like shit, though.” Kim’s pink-painted lips twist. “Fucking psycho almost got a red card for tackling an opponent so hard, he almost knocked his teeth out. But Kirian still wouldn’t shut up about him, can you believe that little shit?”
Kim’s little brother idolises Xander, and that always ticked her off.
“He’s just a kid.”
“He’s my baby brother, not his. Fucking arsehole.”
Then she launches into a full report on the game. It’s her usual thing, but this time, I notice the impressed tone whenever she talks about Aiden. Or maybe the impressed tone has always been there and I was too deaf to hear it.
I’m going to be sick to my stomach.
Just when I’m about to stop her, a shadow looms over us.
My head snaps up to find Ronan grinning down at us like an idiot.
“What do you want?” I snap.
“Relax, Frozen.” He slides beside a stunned Kim, smiling with unmistakable charm. “I come here in peace.”
Peace? He’s got to be freaking kidding me.
I search behind him and around the trees, expecting the devil to come out and play.
Nothing can convince me that this isn’t another one of Aiden’s depraved games.
I fold my arms over my chest. “Since when do you talk to us, Ronan?”
“Since Kim is a fan.” He grins at her, placing a stray strand behind her ear. “How come you never showed it before, chérie? You don’t have to be a closet fan.”
“I’m not.” She smiles, appearing to relax. “I love Elites’ team play. Cole is the perfect captain. Aiden is the ace striker and you’re one of the best midfielders in the school’s championships.”
“Correction. I’m not one of the best. I’m the best, Kimmy.”
“The freaking best!”