Page 13 of Ruthless Royalty

Giovanni’s eyes darken, and for a moment, I wonder if I’ve pushed too far. But then he laughs again, a sound that sends shivers down my spine.

“Bold words,” he replies, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “But you’ve just caught my attention,Micetta, and that’s something you don’t fucking want from someone like me.”

I hold my ground, my heart pounding in my chest. “I’m not here to make enemies, but I won’t be walked over either. Your last name doesn’t mean a fucking thing to me.”

Giovanni seems to study me for a moment longer before hegrins and walks away, leaving me standing there with my heart racing and my mind spinning.

Oh fuck,oh fuck.My first day and I already have a target on my back.

Marina comes up beside me soon after, her eyes wide as she watches Giovanni walk down the corridor.

“Wow, Chiara,” she says. “You just stood up to Giovanni. That’s … impressive.”

I swallow hard, trying to steady my breathing. “Not gonna lie, I feel like I’m about to die right now. Give me a minute,” I say, placing a hand to my racing heart.

We exchange a look, and Marina grins. “Five minutes, then we’ll go to the art section. That might take your mind off of Giovanni.”

I offer her a smile and don’t tell her that nothing will take my mind off making myself a target.

As we walk down the hallway, I can’t help but swallow deeply. I’ve made my first enemy at Willow Bridge Academy.

God help me.

The rest of the morning passes in a blur. I’m alone throughout the day, and I hate the way everyone is looking at me. But I can’t take this damn pin off, either.

During lunch in the outside cafeteria, I sit with Marina and Cat, feeling the curious and hostile stares from all around the cafeteria. News travels fast here, and my encounter with Giovanni has clearly made the rounds.

“You know, not many people would have the guts to do what you did this morning,” Marina leans in and says. “Giovanni’s not used to being challenged.”

“It wasn’t even a challenge,” I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “And I didn’t have much of a choice. He was blocking my locker and being an ass about it.”

“Be careful, Chiara,” Cat, who’s been quiet, speaks up. “Giovanni doesn’t let things go easily.”

“I’ll be fine,” I say, more to convince myself than them.

Sometimes I wish I could just shut up and be the quiet person everyone thinks I am. But disrespect and rudeness is something I won’t tolerate, even from a Mafia Prince.

“So, what do you think of Willow Bridge so far?” Marina asks, nibbling on a salad as she tries to change the subject.

“It’s intense,” I admit, poking at my food. “But I guess I expected that. I hope it gets easier once I find my footing?—”

Laughing erupts from across the way, and I see Giovanni sitting with a group of equally intimidating guys all dressed in black. They’re completely at ease, while the rest of the place seems to revolve around them.

He looks up at me, and then the fucker winks.

“You’re staring,” Marina teases, nudging me.

I quickly look away, feeling my cheeks heat up. “Just trying to get a read on the place.”

“Well, Giovanni is definitely someone to watch out for,” she says, her tone more serious. “He’s got a lot of power here, but I’m sure that Nikolai already told you about his arrogance.”

“Yeah, and I intend to ignore him for as long as I can,” I say, taking a deep breath. “I’m not here to make friends with him.”

“Good,” Cat adds quietly. “It’s safer that way.”

Just then, Nikolai, Mihai, and Connor stroll toward our table, their expressions full of amusement when they see us.

“So,” Nikolai says, sliding into the seat next to me. “I hear you had a run-in with Giovanni.”

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