Page 37 of Picture Perfect

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Saint exit the bathroom and slip out of the room, his smug grin replaced by a look of unease.

"You should have told him you were a vegetarian, Addy. He speaks a mean game, but he's really not a bad guy. He wouldn't have pushed if you'd told him."

I stare at Gen, wondering how much of what she said is true. I already know that Saint isn't an entirely bad guy, he's just...not a good guy.

I nod. She leans against the sink beside me, offering a damp cloth for my flushed face. I accept it gratefully, dabbing at my sweating skin, trying to ignore the lingering nausea that still clings to me like a shroud.

When we return to the table, my cheeseburger is gone and my water has been refilled. The fresh ice cubes and clear, cold liquid look like a miracle.

Saint avoids making eye contact with me, while Dre's usual cruel glare has softened into something almost resembling sympathy. And Chess looks utterly crushed, his usual confident demeanor replaced by devastation. He looks like I just kicked his puppy.

I sip the water slowly, savoring the relief it brings to my parched throat.

"You alright, Addy?" Chess asks, his voice barely above a whisper. I nod, but it's a weak, shaky motion.

My stomach still roils, but the worst has passed. For now. I dread facing Cheryl and the scale tomorrow. I wince, wondering what the hell I was thinking.

Chess watches me carefully, hazel eyes flooded with concern. When I catch his eye, he looks away, shamefaced. I believe his remorse is genuine. Chess seems to have a good heart beneath the bravado. Not like Saint, who sits stone-faced, refusing to even glance my way.

Gen gives my hand a supportive squeeze under the table. "Maybe we should get her home, Rhett," she suggests gently. I picture it—crawling under my covers sounds blissful. Until I remember I no longer have covers to crawl under.

My late arrival will only lead to an interrogation by Cheryl and William. More criticism. More control.

"We're not done here. Preston hasn't showed with our money. She's not going anywhere until he does."

Right. Because I’m not a person. I’m a pawn.

Chapter seventeen

Saint

5 minutes earlier…

“Thanks, Marge.”

I grab my juicy burger, stomach growling in anticipation. After the day I've had, this mountain of meat and cheese is exactly what I need. It’s a delicious calorie-laden masterpiece. I’m about to dig in when my eyes snag on the Ice Princess across from me. She sits rigid, eying her food like it might bite her before she bites it.

I see the flash of disgust she quickly tries to mask. Clearly our dining choice isn’t up to her standards.

I bristle, irritation flaring. Little rich girl, too good for a humble burger joint. She probably demands silver platters and beluga caviar at home. The thought of her looking down that dainty nose makes me see red.

"Is there a fucking problem?" I demand.

She stammers a non-answer, but I know she considers this place beneath her. Just like she considers me beneath her. That superior attitude grates on me. She isn't better just because Daddy has money.

Dre reaches around my cousin with a mischievous little smirk on his face. I watch as the shit snatches a fry off the Ice Princess's plate and offers it to her like he's going to feed her or some shit. Like she's a goddess deserving of servants who wait on her hand and foot.

"She's just shy," he smiles at me.

Her face scrunches like she's never seen anything quite so disgusting. I watch as she recoils like he’s threatening her with a dead rat. That’s the last straw.

My fists hit the table, making her jump. "Eat the fucking burger, Princess. Now."

I can see the look on my cousin's face. She thinks I'm being an asshole. Maybe I am being harsh, but her attitude pisses me off. She needs to be knocked down a peg or two. Learn she doesn't get to judge what we give her. If I want to take her to a roadside dump, she will damn well eat the slop with a smile.

This little bitch needs to learn her place. And it isn't at the top of the hierarchy. Being adopted into a rich, powerful family doesn't make her better than anyone else.

I see the spark of defiance in her eyes before she snatches up the burger. My lips twitch. Maybe the Ice Princess has some fire in her after all. But if she thinks this proves anything, she’s dead wrong.

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