Page 18 of Ruthless Royalty

I grit my teeth and step back, glaring at him. “I wouldn’t need to watch where I’m going if you weren’t slinking about the corridors like you own the place.”

Wrong move, Chiara. Hedoeskind of own the place.

He smirks, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Still feisty, I see. I was hoping yesterday would have taught you some humility.”

“Humility isn’t somethingyoucan teach, especially when you don’t even possess it,“ I retort, crossing my arms.

His smirk falters for a moment before he regains his composure. “You really don’t know when to quit, do you?”

“I’m not even doing anything to you,” I say firmly. “You’re the one who keeps looking for shit with me.”

He takes a step closer, his eyes narrowing. “You’re playing with fire, Chiara.”

“No, I’m standing up for myself,” I reply, refusing to back down. “You might think you’re untouchable because of your last name, but I’m not scared of you, Giovanni.”

He laughs, a low, dangerous sound. “We’ll see about that in Legacy Week. Just remember, every game has its consequences.”

Legacy Week? Where have I heard that before?

“I’m well aware,” I say, my voice steady. “But I’m not going to let you win.”

He steps back, a glint of admiration in his eyes. “Good. I like a challenge.”

“You’re a fucking asshole,” I say, trying to walk past him, but he grabs my upper arm and pulls me close to him.

“Ladies shouldn’t be talking like that.”

“Go fuck yourself, Basile.”

He chuckles, a dark, humorless sound that vibrates through me. “Is that an invitation,Micetta?Because if it is, I have to say, I expected something a bit more... eloquent.”

I roll my eyes, trying to pull free, but he just pulls me closer, our bodies practically pressed together now.

“You’re disgusting,” I bite out, hating the way my pulse quickens despite my anger.

“And yet,” he says, tilting his head as if considering me like a puzzle he’s determined to solve, “here you are, still arguing with me. Almost like you enjoy the attention.”

“Attention?” I scoff. “You’re delusional. I’d rather eat glass than be anywhere near you.”

His eyes darken, a flash of something dangerous flickering there as his grip on my arm softens just a touch, almost like a caress.

“Careful, babygirl,” he warns, his voice dropping lower. “You can’t win against a Crown.”

“Maybe,” I shoot back, lifting my chin defiantly. “But at least I’m not afraid to play.”

His smile widens, wicked and full of promise. “That’s what I like about you,” he says, his tone almost admiring. “You’ve got fire. Shame I’ll have to be the one to put it out.”

Then he lets me pull my arm out of his grip and I walk away with my heart pounding in my chest.

CHIARA

Giovanni has ignored me the entire week since our last confrontation and I couldn’t even enjoy it. I kept thinking he was around every corner, just waiting to make my life hell.

And it was only last night when I realized that it might have been what he wanted all along. I hate the fact that I can’t even enjoy my time at this school without knowing if its resident Prince Asshole will be trying to intimidate me.

Then there’s the fact that nearly everyone looks at me like I don’t belong here; even the others living in the Suites with us. Fair enough, I don’t, but there’s no reason for them to regard me with disdain. Every time I’m walking with Nikolai or Mihai, the looks I get could’ve killed me.

I don’t want them, damnit. Even Connor feels like a big brother to me.

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