Page 31 of Lords of Ruin: Owned

I glance back at him briefly, catching the mischievous glint in his eyes before he leans back, casually adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves.

“I’ll see you in gym, Princess,” Vincent says, his tone softer than Cast but no less pointed.

I manage a small nod before stepping out of the car, the cool air hitting my flushed skin like a splash of water. I don’t look back as I cross the parking lot, though I can feel their eyes on me, their presence lingering even as I disappear into the crowd of students.

By the time I reach the doors, my face is still warm, but there’s a faint, involuntary smile tugging at my lips.

______________

“I don’t know what Josh doesn’t get by me saying that I am gay.” Jasmine huffs, as we keep a light jog during gym and chat as we do every Wednesday during gym.

“Does he think he can fuck the gay out?”

“Like almost every guy does.” Jasmine barks, “It’s fucking annoying. I don’t like dick.”

“Say it louder! I don’t think they heard you in Dubai.” I huff, rolling my eyes.

“So your mouth is bad with everyone, huh?” Vincent’s smooth baritone cuts into our conversation as he jogs up next to me. “And here I thought that I was special.”

“You are especially a special kind of pain in my ass.” I smile lips tight.

He presses into my side, his growing erection clear and prominent in his jeans. “If that was an invitation to fuck your tight little ass, then the answer is yes.”

My cheeks beat a bright red and I look over at Jasmine who definitely heard what Vincent said because she is staring at me with wide eyes and a smile that could blind me if it wasn't for it being directed at the idea of Vincent and I dating.

“Huh?” Jasmine says aloud, looking over at one of her fuck buddies with blue highlights and piercings everywhere, even her clit from what Jasmine says that piercing is everything.“Coming Kelly!” She nods, running off into the girl’s direction who welcomes my player of a bestie with glittering eyes and open arms.

“Cookie, you scared off my bestie.” I pout.

“Cookie?” Vincent snorts.

“Yup, it’s your new nickname.” I nod, speeding up my jog a bit.

“And where did the cookie nickname come from?”

My neck feels like it’s on fire, and I’m certain my face is as red as a stop sign when Vincent’s eyes light up with unrestrained glee. His jaw drops, his boyish grin spreading so wide it’s almost contagious.

“Nofuckingway,” he exclaims, like I’ve just given him the greatest news of his life.

“What?” I ask, already regretting every decision that led me to this moment.

“I taste like cookies!” His voice carries across the gym, and I bury my face in my hands.

“Vincent!” I whine, hoping the ground will swallow me whole.

“No, it’s cookie now,” he declares, puffing out his chest like he’s earned a title of nobility. He winks, and I turn my head away, feeling the heat crawl all the way to the tips of my ears.

“So, what type of cookie?” he presses, leaning in with the kind of excitement that’s impossible to ignore.

“I’m not telling you,” I mutter, trying to avoid eye contact.

“What?! Why not?” he pouts, his lips forming a perfect frown that would be endearing if I weren’t so mortified.

“Because I regret calling you cookie,” I say, rolling my eyes.

“Well, I know for afactyou taste sweet like strawberries,” he fires back with a smirk, his eyes dancing with mischief. “And then tangy, like a Granny Smith apple.”

“Oh my God,” I groan, covering my face again.

---