Page 145 of Twisted Royals

I start to stand, but again, Alexander keeps me in my seat.

“Don’t worry, pet. You’ll get your turn. Don’t make it harder on him.” Alexander releases my wrist, but his stern expression never leaves me.

Dylan climbs the stairs, turns down the walkway, and heads toward Seth.

“He’s not going to hurt him, is he?” I ask after the door shuts.

“No more than he deserves,” Alexander mutters, grabbing another slice of pizza.

“But it’s not his fault. I tried to explain, but Seth wouldn’t listen.”

“What did you do?” Colt asks. He’s the only one who didn’t come back with the others. He’s been gone all day.

“Dylan and I had a little pot.” I push my plate away from me. I can’t eat. “Seth is overreacting.”

“Is he?” Lucas asks, turning his heated stare on me. “You were told not to touch that stuff. Dylan was told not to let you touch that stuff. But you both went and did it anyway.”

“I’m old enough to decide if I want to try a joint. This is so stupid.” I climb out of my chair, ready to barge up the stairs and into Seth’s room.

Lucas grabs me this time. “Little girl, you’ve caused more than enough trouble for today. Sit your ass down while you still can.”

I want to scream.

No, I want to hit him, then scream.

In the end, I decide to save my energy for dealing with Seth and sink back into my seat. I’m not touching the pizza though. No matter how many glares Carter gives me over it.

Minutes tick by and the silence gets heavier.

A roar sounds from behind Seth’s door and I flinch.

Flicking my attention to the closed room, my breath catches.

“He’s fine.” Colt comes to stand behind me, squeezing my shoulders. “He’s gotten worse and enjoyed it.”

“You’re all lunatics,” I mutter.

“You’ll see, kitten. I promise you’ll see.” Alexander takes his empty plate to the trash can and drops it in. “I have some updates to do,” he announces and disappears toward his room.

“Lucas. You have to see this is wrong, don’t you?” Surely, as the leader of these men he can influence them.

Lucas leans over and covers my hand with his own. When I meet his eyes, I find such sternness, such disappointment, it makes my chest ache.

“He won’t go any harder on you than you can handle, but he’s going to go pretty damn hard.” He squeezes my hand. “When he gives you permission, you come find me.” With that, he gets up from his spot and clears his plate.

“Oliver? Carter?” Someone has to have their wits about them.

Another scream from Seth’s room.

My stomach clenches with the sound.

“Sorry sweetheart, you messed up big time.” Oliver grabs another slice of pizza and dives into it.

“Some lessons are learned the hard way.” Carter yawns. “Shit. I need to get some sleep.” He grabs his garbage and takes it to the trash.

No one is going to stand up for me.

No one is going to save me.

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