Page 134 of Brutal Prince

I wish I had the words back — it makes me think of my dream.

“You’ll see.”

Around us the benches are quietening down. The principal has taken his podium, but he’s busy conferring with Ms. Parsons now.

“But first, I want you to promise me something.”

I let out a soft snort. “Nope.”

“You haven’t even heard—”

“Don’t have to. Not promising you anything.” I cross my arms over my chest, and my body language screams for an end to the discussion.

“Morning, Lavish Preparatory,” comes the principal’s voice over the audio system.

The school sends back an unenthusiastic, “Morning Mr. West,” but Mr. West nods as if he’s been received by a standing ovation.

Briar squeezes my leg, and I glance reluctantly at him, shrugging.

He smiles as he takes a rectangular, dark velvet box from his blazer. My eyes fix on it suspiciously as he puts it down on my knee.

“What’s this?” I whisper.

“Look.”

My mouth twitches to the side. I glance up, making sure no one in authority is looking in our direction, then I lever open the lid.

Light catches the blue sapphires inside and makes them sparkle. I snap the box shut again, my eyes boring into Briar’s. “What the fuck?”

“Not as self-explanatory as I thought,” Briar says, barely moving his lips, “But if you need me to elaborate—”

“I don’t want it.” I ram the box into the side of his leg.

“Sure?”

“Positive.”

“Not even if you get to wear it to Dylan’s party tonight?”

I glare at Briar, but he’s staring at the principal, a faint smile on his face.

I’d forgotten about the party. About my promise to Addy. Does it matter that she’s pulled a disappearing act if I swore that I would uncover Briar for the savage we both know him to be?

But something’s not right. This is too convenient, the timing too perfect.

“Why?”

Briar’s smile hitches up, but he doesn’t look at me. “I think it would look good on you.”

“I mean, the party. Why do you want to go with me?”

Briar lets out a low chuckle. I fumble with the box as Briar pushes it back onto my lap. “I haven’t said—”

“But you will.” When he finally looks at me, a thrill chases through my body that converges at my core. “Because we both know what’s going to happen tonight.”

* * *

A Simple Affair

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