Page 145 of Shameless Royalty

Gio snorts, slapping my shoulder. “Relax, Connor. Malachi’s into you. That boy looked at you like you hung the fucking moon when we both know you’d rather steal it.”

“Did you just fuckin’ liken me to Gru, you cunt?” I scowl at Gio and he just grins. The fucker.

Mihai shakes his head with a smirk. “He’s right. Malachi’s not going anywhere. Now, go be an annoying bastard somewhere else.”

They’re all fucking right, of course. Malachi’s mine, and I know it. But that doesn’t stop me from storming outside, my boots hitting the cobblestone path as I head straight toward him. Without the mask now, I’m fully exposed, my heart hammering in my chest as I close the distance between us.

Malachi and the other guy are still talking, heads bent slightly toward each other, voices low and easy. Something sharp twists in my gut, ugly and possessive. I don’t even hesitate as I step behind Malachi, wrapping my arms around his waist, pulling him back against my chest.

“Hey, Babyface,” I murmur, pressing my lips right against his neck, breathing him in.

He goes completely still, his body tensing in my arms. I know I’m pushing it, that he’s probably about to turn around and slap me, but fuck it. I need everyone here to see this—to know exactly who Malachi Dawson belongs to.

Malachi spins around quickly , breaking my hold and smacking my arm, his cheeks flushed. “Are you fuckin’ seriousright now, Connor?” he snaps, gorgeous blue eyes blazing. “You can’t just grab me like that!”

I grin, completely unbothered. “Why not? You’re mine.”

He narrows his eyes, stepping back, arms crossing over his chest. “Am I? Last I checked, I told you I wanted freedom. But sure, go ahead, grab me in front of half the school.”

“You liked it,” I tease, watching the color darken on his cheeks. Fuck, he’s adorable when he’s bratty.

Malachi huffs, eyes flicking toward his friend, who’s staring at us with barely concealed amusement. “I did not. You’re so full of yourself.”

I smirk, stepping forward again, crowding into his space, loving the way his breath hitches slightly. “Sure, Babyface.”

Malachi rolls his eyes dramatically, but he’s still blushing. “You’re an arse.”

“And you’re cute when you lie.”

He makes an irritated noise in his throat, turning to his friend with a long-suffering sigh. “Aiden, I’m sure you know Connor Cunningham. He’s—” Malachi pauses, clearly unsure how to finish that sentence. “He’s an arsehole,” he finally decides.

I laugh, holding my hand out. “Nice to meet you.”

Aiden shakes my hand, giving me a wry smile. “Didn’t know Malachi was in deep with the Crowns,” he says, then he looks at my boy. “What was that about you not knowing who they were?”

Malachi groans. “Please stop talking.”

Aiden chuckles softly, stepping back. “Alright, I’ll let you two… do whatever this is.” He nods at Malachi, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I’ll see you later, man.”

Malachi nods, his shoulders sagging slightly as Aiden disappears into the crowd. He looks back at me, still irritated but softer around the edges. I can’t help just staring at him, a stupid smile tugging at my lips.

“What?” Malachi snaps, still defensive.

I step closer again, shaking my head. “Nothin’. You’re just beautiful.”

His cheeks flame red again, and he looks away, biting his lip. “Shut up.”

“I mean it. I love that I can see your eyes properly now,” I murmur, reaching up to touch his jaw gently, making him look back at me. “I missed you, Babyface.”

He sighs softly, shaking his head, his eyes softening. “You saw me this morning, Connor.”

“Aye,” I breathe out, stepping even closer, our bodies almost touching. “But every second you’re not with me feels too fuckin’ long.”

Malachi lets out a shaky breath, his eyes flicking down to my mouth. I know I should probably give him the space he asked for, but the way he looks at me makes me forget everything else. Makes me want to kiss him again, right here in front of everyone.

He finally steps back a little, clearing his throat and rubbing the back of his neck, clearly trying to regain some composure. “People are starin’, Connor,” he mumbles.

“Let them stare.” I shrug, shoving my hands into my pockets to resist the urge to reach for him again. “I don’t give a fuck. I want everyone here to know exactly who I belong to.”

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