Page 130 of King of Envy

“Is it something embarrassing? You’re not calling me, like, little rat or something, are you?”

Vuk smirked but didn’t confirm or deny.

“I could just look it up,” I said. “Once I figure out how to spell it.”

So look it up.

I let out a frustrated growl. “For someone who can be so thoughtful, you can also be a real asshole.”

He shrugged.I never said I was a good person.

“I didn’t say you weren’t a good person. I said you’re an asshole.” My words lacked any real bite, but I thought I’d give him a taste of his own medicine. “Ahya.”

His eyes narrowed.What does that mean?

I took a demure sip of water and smiled. “Look it up.”

That was when it happened. He laughed.Again.

It was only my second time ever hearing him laugh—fully and unabashedly, with his eyes crinkling at the corners and his teeth flashing white against his face.

The sight and sound were so captivating, my ability to breathe ceased to exist.

Unfortunately, his laughter also drew the attention of a nearby table of college students, who ruined the moment with their stage whispers.

“Is that who I think it is? Oh my God, itis. That’s Ayana Kidane.”

“The model? Oh my God, you’re right. What’s she doing withhim?”

“Maybe he’s really rich. Pretty girls date ugly guys all the time for money.”

“Hmm, I wouldn’t say he’s ugly. It’s just those scars…”

“Yeah, they’re pretty gross.”

“But isn’t she engaged to that Jordan Ford guy? I remember reading an article about that inMode de Vie.”

“Hello? Where have you been? Some gang shot up their wedding and?—”

I’d had enough. I hadn’t confronted the sales associate earlier, but this group’s audacity was more than I could take.

I spun toward them and experienced a vicious stab of satisfaction when they fell silent, their faces red.

Yeah, I could hear you, assholes.

“The next time you talk shit about people, have the courtesy not to do it within earshot,” I snapped. I didn’t care if I ended up on some celebrity gossip forum for being “rude” or “a bitch.” They deserved it. “His scars are a sign of character, but your actions are a sign that you lack basic common decency. If I were you, I’d have a harder time looking in the mirror than anyone else here. It’s not him who’s ‘ugly’—it’s you.”

I shoved my chair back and stood. I belatedly remembered I hadn’t finished my burger, but it was too late.

“Come on,” I told a bemused-looking Vuk. “Let’s go. I’ve lost my appetite.”

He didn’t argue.

The table of stunned collegiates stared at us, their mouths hanging open in four identical Os.

On our way out, I “accidentally” knocked one of their sodas into their lap. It was petty, but I’d be damned if it didn’t feel good.

CHAPTER35

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