Page 26 of Ruthless Prince

When Sarah takes her shirt off, I know we’re going to fuck. It’s the usual course of action.

But seeing her shirtless only makes me want Ellie more.

“I can’t do this,” I say, pulling away from her.

Sarah frowns. “What do you mean?”

“I’m sorry.” Without giving her an explanation, I leave and head back to Mr. Moore’s house.

I run into Ellie the moment I step through the front door.

“Have fun?” she asks. Is it me or do I detect a hint of anger in her tone?

I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. “She wasn’t an assassin, if that’s any consolation.”

“I’m just glad you made it home safe.” She starts to turn away from me, but I gently grab her arm, stopping her.

“Were you waiting up for me?”

Ellie can’t look at me as she answers. “No.”

“I was just wondering. Because it seemed like you were.”

“Not everything is about you, Vincent.”

“Are you angry with me?”

“Why would I be angry with you? You don’t owe me anything. You’re allowed to go home with whoever you want. That’s a privilege not all of us have.”

I drop my hand from her arm. “Ellie, I know your dad can be controlling, but you’re an adult. Have you never thought about trying to leave?”

“Of course, I have. But he has all the power. I have no skill sets. My father never wanted me to work. I wouldn’t be qualified for any type of job. He’s holding my inheritance over my head so I’ll stay and do what he wants. It’s not that simple.” She places her hands on her hips. “Why didn’t you think about leaving your father? You’re an adult, too.”

“Because it wasn’t that simple,” I admit. “You’re right. It’s never that simple. Igor had a hold over me even when I didn’t want him to.”

“The same with my father. But unlike you, I can’t just go off with any man. My father would be so ashamed of me, and he’d kill any man who tried to have me. He’ll kill you, Vincent.”

“We’re not doing anything wrong.”

“Then why are you standing so close to me?” she whispers.

I didn’t even realize I was until she points it out to me. “I didn’t have sex with her tonight.” I’m not sure why I say it other than I want Ellie to be proud of me.

“You didn’t?”

“No. I couldn’t stop thinking of you.”

She lets out a long, slow breath. “Vincent, we can’t do this. You can’t look at me like you’re looking at me right now.”

“How am I looking at you?”

“Like you want to kiss me,” she admits.

“I do want to kiss you.” I know I shouldn’t say it, but it’s out there now.

“And that’s the problem.” She walks away before I can say anything else. I could follow her, but I don’t. Ellie did the right thing by leaving.

I’m doing the wrong thing by wanting her.

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