Page 3 of Keeper of Hearts
One day, she's going to push me too far, and I'm going to tell everyone the truth about who she really is and how far she's willing to go to get ahead. When I do, it'll ruin the perfect little future she has envisioned.
The only reason I haven't done it yet is Troian. I know she won't approve, and I don't want to upset her. She doesn't have a vindictive bone in her body. That's what she has me for.
"At least she's not a soul-sucking bitch," I mutter, earning a hard kick from Troian. I scowl at her in response, but she ignores me, focusing on Victoria.
"You don't have a date either," Troian reminds her.
"Six different guys asked me," Victoria snaps, sneering at her. "I'm just waiting for therightinvitation."
I don't miss her pointed look in my direction, but if she's waiting for me to ask her, she'll be waiting until hell freezes over. Even if I weren't in love with Troian, I wouldn't go with her. I'd rather pluck my fingernails out with pliers than go anywhere with her. Actually, I'd rather do that than sit at this table with her. Why is she always here?
"The queen can't just go with anyone," she continues, as if it's a foregone conclusion that she'll win. Unfortunately, it probably is. Girls like her—bottle blonde cheerleaders who no one really likes—always win, even though they deserve it least.
"Of course. How gross would it look for the queen to show up with a poor commoner?" Troian rolls her eyes.
I bite my lip to hide a smile.
My girl doesn't like to use her claws, but they're razor sharp.
"Exactly," Victoria says, completely missing the insult. "Royalty should attend with royalty."
Several of her friends nod their agreement.
"Right," Troian says, her tone making it clear she thinks they're all delusional.
"It's customary for the queen and king to attend together," Victoria says, batting her lashes at me. "Someoneis just trying to draw it out for as long as possible."
"Uh, hell no. I'm not fucking asking you to Prom, Victoria. I already have a date," I blurt, trying to head that bullshit off at the pass. I don't care if I am crowned the king; there is no way in hell I'm going with her. Not. Fucking. Happening.
Her face blanches. Everyone at the table goes completely silent. For a minute, I think Victoria's head might actually explode. Her face certainly turns red enough to indicate an imminent eruption. But before she has the chance to say anything, Troian shoves her chair back from the table.
It screeches across the floor, far too loud in the abrupt silence.
"Excuse me," she mutters.
"Tro—"
She doesn't give me a chance to ask what's wrong. She lunges for her books, grabs them, and then takes off, walking fast. I gape after her, not sure what the fuck just happened or where she's going. And maybe it's my imagination, but I think she had tears in her eyes.
"Wow, Gage," Victoria says after a moment. "That was brutal. I think I actually heard her poor little heart break."
Her friends snicker.
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
"Jesus, you're oblivious," Victoria sneers. "She's obviously been waiting for you to ask her, but you're taking someone else and didn't even tell her." She shakes her head in mock pity, strands of blonde hair bouncing around her face. "And people think I'm the savage one."
Troian is upset because she thinks I'm taking someone else to Prom? I was talking about her, not some other girl. But…she doesn't know that, does she?
Fuck.
I'm not sure if Victoria is just lashing out because I turned her down publicly or if she's serious. But I intend to find out. I've been waiting for Troian to fall in love with me for what feels like forever. If she thinks I'm going to let her go that easily, she's going to be sorely disappointed.
One way or another, I'm making her mine. No more waiting.
Chapter Two
Troian
