Page 28 of Ruthless Royalty

The playful banter between us is easy, and for a moment, I forget about the chaos that’s been my life lately.

I forget about the Blood Oath, about Nikolai and Giovanni, and just focus on Leo, on how close he is, on how his presence makes the tension in my shoulders loosen.

His gaze drops to my lips for just a second, and I feel a flutter of anticipation in my chest. I take a small step closer, my hand brushing against his, and I see his eyes darken slightly, that playful grin fading as something more serious takes its place.

“Chiara,” he murmurs, his voice low and filled with something that makes my pulse quicken. He’s so close now that I can feel the warmth of his breath against my skin, and I find myself leaning in, too, drawn to him in a way that feels both thrilling and terrifying.

But just as our lips are about to meet, a sharp voice cuts through the moment like a cold blade.

“Well, isn’t this cozy.”

I jerk back, my heart slamming against my ribs as I turn to see Giovanni standing close to us, his arms crossed over his chest and a smirk twisting his lips.

The easy warmth that had settled over me with Leo evaporates, replaced by the icy chill that always accompanies Giovanni.

Leo straightens, his expression hardening as he turns to face Giovanni.

“Basile,” he says, his tone laced with irritation. “What do you want?”

Giovanni’s smirk widens, his eyes gleaming with something dark and knowing.

“Just came to see what our little princess has been up to. Didn’t expect to find you two getting so ... friendly.”

I grit my teeth; anger and embarrassment flooding me in equal measure. “What the hell do you want, Giovanni?”

He cocks his head to the side, clearly enjoying the fact that he’s managed to ruin the moment.

“Just making sure you’re not getting too comfortable with the wrong people, Kitten. Wouldn’t want you to forget where your loyalties lie; especially after the Oath you took.”

I roll my eyes, but I can feel the tension ratchet up severalnotches. Leo steps forward, his expression hardening as he faces off with Giovanni.

“She doesn’t need you to babysit her,” Leo says, his voice cold. “And she certainly doesn’t need your permission to talk to me.”

Giovanni ignores him, his focus entirely on me. “You know, Chiara, I’m starting to think you have a thing for dangerous men. First me, now Volkov. What’s next? You planning on making friends with every criminal heir in this school?”

I narrow my eyes at him, trying to keep my voice steady. “Not everything is about you, Giovanni. You don’t get to dictate who I spend my time with.”

Giovanni’s eyes narrow, and for a moment, I think he’s going to take a swing at Leo. But instead, he just laughs, the sound low and dangerous.

“Maybe not, but I think you should know better than to trust a Volkov,” he says, his tone dripping with contempt, then he looks at Leo. “Or has she not learned that lesson yet?”

I stiffen at his words, the reminder of Leo’s last name hitting me like a bucket of cold water. Giovanni’s words are meant to wound, to stir up the doubts that I’ve been trying to ignore.

And damn it, it’s working.

“What the hell is your problem? You’re not my keeper, Giovanni. You don’t get to decide who I talk to or who I’m friends with.”

“I’m not trying to keep you from making friends, Kitten. I’m just reminding you that in this world, names matter. Bloodlines matter, and the Volkov family aren’t exactly who you want to get caught up in,” he leans in, his smirk turning into something more sinister. “Just ask Nikolai.”

My eyes widen, and the anger gives way to confusion. What does he mean by that? Before I can ask, Leo pulls me back toward him and glares at Giovanni.

“That’s enough, Basile. Chiara doesn’t need your warnings.”

Giovanni’s gaze shifts to Leo, and for a moment, the tension between them crackles in the air. But then he looks past Leo and sets his eyes on me again.

“You might not see it, but you don’t know what you’re getting caught up in, Chiara. Better to stick with the devil you know.”

With that, he turns and walks out, leaving the room feeling colder than when he entered. I’m left standing there, my heart still racing, my emotions a tangled mess.

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