Page 77 of Prince of the Palisades

“I’m not likethem,” I bite out.

I force myself not to point. To give any sign about who I’m referring to. But Karan’s little eyebrow raise, his derisive sniff, says he’s already aware.

“Fuck, I was wrong.” He steps back. “You’re one hell of an actor. Playing both sides. Pretending you’re cool. One of us. Bravo, Jadon.”

My shoulders droop. The anger recedes, and I gently say,“Karan, I swear. I’m not a bad person. A bad—”

Prince, is what I want to say, but who am I kidding? I’m so far from the royal Papa wants me to be, I might as well abdicate now. Spare my family and country any more embarrassment.

Whatever Karan’s going to say next is cut short.

“There you are.” Léon approaches. “They’re about to cut the cake.”

Inside, I hear the dissonance of singing voices. It’s not as loud as Karan’s expression when Léon grabs my hand, threading our fingers together.

“Let’s go, mon—”

“Don’t,” I hiss, “call me that.”

Léon huffs. Then, his eyes turn to Karan. “Is there a problem?”

“Yes,” Karan starts.

Léon immediately twists away from him. “We’re supposed to be spending time together.”

I blink hard. Why has his voice dropped into that deep, rich, sweet tone he only used when we were alone? Why is his thumb stroking the back of my hand?

Why the hell am I not pulling away?

Over his shoulder, Karan shakes his head. In my periphery, phones are focused on us.

Léon’s voice startles me. “Jadon.”

I barely register how close he is. His crimson gaze leveled with mine. Fangs peeking through his sly grin.

“Relax.” He leans close, tipping my chin up before whispering, “Make it look good.”

Makewhatlook good?

I don’t have time to answer my own question. Because Léon is kissing me. In front of Karan. For all the people watching. And one painful reality kicks me in the stomach:

I don’t pull away until the last camera shutters.

14

LOVE CONQUERS ALL!

Prince Jadon and ex Léon Barnard were seen sharing a swoony rooftop kiss at an exclusive Halloween bash hosted by Jadon’s classmate Grace Miller. Despite a messy summer breakup (and the prince’s controversial statements about Léon’s prime minister father), the pair looks stronger than ever. Who says there are no second chances in love? #JALE fans rejoice!

“Once more from the top!” Dr. Garza Villa calls, waving their script around. “Griffin, pretend you know where you are. Lydia, a little more Miss Scarlet, a lot less Scarlett Johansson. Jadon, for the love of Selena, at leasttryto be funny!”

I wince.

Rehearsal is a mess today. Forgotten lines and stage cues. Calvin, our Colonel Mustard, disappeared for thirty minutes because he decided sampling Taco Tuesday for lunch was a good idea. Someone—me—almost falling offstage. Twice.

Backstage, Dustin is on the verge of an aneurysm. And Karan—

Well, Karan looks like a tiger shark, and I’m the bloodied surfer who decided to take a dip in the Pacific.

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