Page 102 of Broken Princess

“I didn’t know we were meeting, since I didn’t call a meeting.”

“You’ve been distracted a lot lately, so we thought we’d gather on your behalf. Go over the quarterlies, make a plan for our next party or takedown.”

Something in Bella’s tone puts me on edge. “I’m on top of things, but I like the initiative.”

“Are you really? Because, we’ve lost two factions within the school.”

She’s talking about the Englewoods and Saints. New money, still trying to find their place among us. “They’re not lost, they’re exploring life away from the security being in alliance with us brings. Everyone tries at some point and everyone eventually returns to the fold.”

“Never-the-less, it’s been several weeks and they show no signs of changing their minds. They’ve even pulled a few groups to the parties they threw, at Steven Englewood’s lake house over spring break.”

“I’ll have a chat with them to see where their heads are at.” I say, dismissing her fears. I’m not worried, she shouldn’t be either.

“Don’t bother. I already sent Hal to do that, and told them their little bout of identity crisis, ends this weekend or there will be consequences.”

I look at her over my coffee. “You approached them, without permission?”

“You weren’t here to give it, so I did what needed to be done.”

I see what this is now. Bella’s taking a run at the crown, and if she got Hal to agree to this asinine plan without mentioning it to me, it means she has enough support from the others in our group to back her play.

“We have rules for a reason, Logan. It’s like I said, you’re way too distracted with your cum toy, so some hard choices have to be made. You can’t govern the school and date. Not the way you’re doing it.”

“You’re telling me to choose between Jordy and my leadership position?”

“There is no choice. Send the bitch packing again.”

“That’s not gonna work for me.”

“And seeing her on your arm and letting this school go to shit doesn’t work forus.” She snarls.

“Bella, if you’re trying to push me out, it won’t work. I still have the support of the student body and the faculty. Just because you gave a few orders, over the break, doesn’t mean you’re in charge.”

“I have the support ofthisgroup.That’swhat makes me in charge.”

No one speaks up to contradict what she says. They follow Bella in my absence, but I’ve taken the time to cultivate relationships with the most influential students, and I know they’ll support me if put to a vote. Time to nip her little power trip in the bud.

“My relationship is none of your concern, and you’renotin charge. I’ve delegated some responsibility to you but that can be taken away too.”

“What are you saying? You’re gonna cast me aside for some fuck toy?”

I grit through my teeth, “What I’m saying, is that whatever happens after this conversation, is entirely up to you.”

“I’m glad you said.” She smiles coldly, the malice in her eyes on full display. “Because I think it’syouthat should be thrown out like trash.”

I laugh because it’s funny she thinks she really has any clout other than what I give her. “Good luck with that.”

“Well, then, kiss me. I’m Irish and full of luck.” She holds up her phone, showing me she’s already called for a vote. “While you were mooning over your runaway piece of ass over the break, I reached out to some people to find out how they really feel about the shitty job you’ve been doing lately. As you can see, things are heading in my direction. So if you want a fight, Logan, I’ll give you one. But think about this. A power struggle will get messy and put Jordanna right in the center of it. Your protection won’t mean shit until they make a decision, and it only takes one lock down or blackout for everyone to turn her into the slut they think she is. Power or your pussy, Logan. Those areyourchoices.”

Everything in me is screaming to crush Bella under my shoe, but I can’t risk it, because I have no doubt she would manipulate a situation to put Jordanna in danger while we’re fighting for control. Jordy always said it would come down to this choice. But how did I not see the signs that Bella was stacking the deck in her favor?

“I retain my place in the group, of course, but the throne is yours.”

Hal’s jaw hinges open. “You wanna put Bella in charge? You can’t be serious.”

I stand, flicking my eyes to him. “You’re already taking orders from her, so let’s not pretend it’s a hardship to do it full time.”

“Logan, you don’t have to do this,” Tabitha says getting out of her seat.

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