Ruthless Empire (Royal Elite 6)
If my jaw could hit the floor, it would right about now.
My plan from a year ago worked. A part of me is thrilled that Helen and Papa have their second chance, but the other part, the one who’s staring at those soulless green eyes, makes me pause.
Cole is Helen’s son.
If this goes any further he’ll be…
No. Nope. I won’t allow my brain to voice that thought.
“Do you know what that means, Butterfly?”
I shake my head frantically, not wanting to think about it.
He places both his palms on my cheeks until his lips hover an inch away from mine and then, just like that, he brushes them again
st my mouth once before he claims it in a kiss.
It’s nothing like the one from one year ago. It’s not mere massaging of tongues and innocent strokes. This time, he devours me, our teeth clinking together while he aggressively kisses me.
His fingers dig into my skin as he angles my head up and plunges his tongue inside, swirling it against mine. It’s like he can’t get enough.
I can’t get enough.
There’s a voice in my head telling me I should stop this, but I’m too drunk on his taste, on the way he grabs me and eats me alive, to listen to that voice.
As he pulls away, he bites my lower lip, making me wince. Then he whispers near my jaw, “I’ll take good care of you, baby sister.”
His words bring me out of my stupor, but I’m still too numb. I can’t even move my hands up to punch him.
“Don’t waste your time practising.” He makes a loud note by hitting several keys at the same time. “I’ll win the competition.”
Then he turns and leaves.
“I hate you!” I scream at his back and he just waves two fingers without turning around.
My breathing comes in and out in a frenzy long after he’s gone. I can’t calm down. I keep licking my swollen lips without even realising it.
I’m going to hurt him as much as he hurt me.
I’m going to ruin him.
I bring out my phone and dial Papa. He picks up after two rings. He might be busy, but never too busy for me. Besides, he knows I won’t call him unless it’s urgent.
“Is everything okay, Princess?”
“No, Papa.” I adapt my slightly spooked, slightly appalled voice that I learnt from Mum. “I just saw something and I’m not sure if I should tell.”
“This is me, Princess.” His caring but firm tone makes an appearance. “You can tell me anything.”
“But it might get someone in trouble.”
“If they put themselves into trouble, they deserve it. Law doesn’t protect the stupid.”
“It’s our nurse, Miss Goldman.”
“What about her?”
“I was passing by this morning and I heard her making strange noises. I thought she was hurt, but when I peeked in, I saw her…” I take a dramatic pause.