Page 34 of Wicked Prince

"Must you take everything I say in the most contentious possible way?"

"I'm just good at reading between the lines," I shoot back. "Sorry, but you're going to have to give your new in-laws-to-be the rundown without the visual aid. Or hire someone to fill in for me. I'm sure none of you will notice the difference."

I hang up before he can say anything else, and I turn my phone off completely for good measure.

It's still too early for Lorenzo to get back, but I really don't feel like sticking around anymore. I've never been all that great at hiding when I'm in a bad mood, and the reminder of just how much family baggage I would have to unpack to actually get real with him was a wake-up call.

I leave a note, since I figure that's the least I owe him.

Sorry, something came up. Thanks for breakfast.

I hesitate, leaving the tip of the pen against the page. After a few moments of indecision, I scrawl my number at the bottom of the note and leave before I can change my mind.

ChapterFourteen

AMELIA

After I leave Lorenzo's apartment, I realize I have no idea where I'm going, so I head back to the dorm.

I could use a shower, and considering I did not spend most of last night sleeping, probably a nap.

By the time I get out of the shower, I've abandoned the idea of sleeping altogether. No way I can quiet my mind enough for that.

Dad's loaded invitation is still fresh in my mind, and I know I won't escape the consequences of turning it down for long. Hell, there's probably going to be a not-so-inconspicuous black SUV waiting for me the second I leave the dorm, which is enough reason to derail any thoughts of going out for some fresh air.

When I return to my phone charging on my bedside table, I realize I missed a call from Anthony, so I decide to text him back. I'm really not confident in my ability to hide my sour mood over the phone.

Sometimes I wish I didn't feel like I had to. And if there's anyone it's safe to confide in, it's probably Anthony. That's a huge risk, but if Dad is willing to tell Kayleigh's boyfriend and his family the truth about his dirty little secret, I guess it doesn't really matter.

I’m still not sure what he's thinking. Then again, I would be surprised if I was the only illegitimate love child in attendance at Bainbridge. Men like my father are prone to living double, if not triple, lives. Must be nice, not having to worry about the consequences of your own actions, let alone other people's.

A few minutes later, Anthony texts back.

Where are you?

I answer,In my room. Why?

He doesn't answer back right away, so I figure he's probably otherwise occupied. I rummage through my dresser for a change of clothes. A sweatshirt and comfortable if faded leggings definitely suit my current state of mind.

I've barely gotten settled against the headboard with a bag of brownie crisps and some trash TV when there's a knock at my door.

I hesitate. I live knee deep in enemy territory, and the odds that whoever's on the other side of that door is hostile are high.

When I open the door and realize it's Anthony, I can't help but breathe a sigh of relief. "Oh, it's just you."

He raises an eyebrow. "Nice to see you, too, bitch."

I snort, leaning in the doorway. "Trust me, it's relief. Never know who's waiting around the corner these days."

"Yeah, you're definitely Miss Popularity," he says dryly. "What, did the queen bee and her minions stage another attack?"

"Not yet," I say, pulling him in from the hall. "Come on, it's definitely in your best interest not to be seen here."

He scoffs, walking into the room to take a look around. "I've never cared what people think and I have no plans of starting now." He pauses, looking down at what I'm wearing. "Since you've donned the uniform of depression, I take it things didn't go well."

"Actually, they did," I admit, dropping down on the edge of the bed. "With Lorenzo, at least."

Anthony blinks at me. "You have another guy in rotation I should know about?"

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