Page 115 of The Depraved Prince

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“Hi, Millie Flores.” His pink lips curve but fall back down when he spots the engagement ring on my finger. “Or should I say future Mrs…”

I dart my eyes to my ring and back to his friendly smile.

“Oh, yeah…this.” I wave my ring finger, and it glistens under the moonlight. “Future, Mrs. Drago, I guess you could say.” I roll the r and huff out an awkward laugh. I walk towards the parking lot in front of the administration building, and Jared follows.

“Drago…why does that name sound familiar?” He shrugs his shoulders as he walks. “You’re so young to be getting married. How old are you? Nineteen?” He inquires.

“I’m twenty, actually.” I laugh light-heartedly.

“Nineteen—twenty. Same thing.” He chuckles. “Were you in the library studying?” He points to the building behind us. The sound of crickets and owls sing as we walk.

“Yes. I don’t like failing. I’ll study all night if I have to.”

“You could never. I think you’re the smartest one in class. I’ve seen the grades you get.” His voice lowers shyly as he throws his head back with another chuckle. “And you’re definitely the prettiest girl, too, if I might add.” I almost stop walking when his admission sinks in. His stare blazes the side of my face, but I’m too focused on returning home to respond or meet his eyes.

“Well…thank you. I?—”

Jared interrupts me before I can tell him I’ll see him tomorrow and bid my farewell.

“Come see me play one of these days,” he interrupts me. “I know I’m pushing my luck, but I would love to see the prettiest girl on campus cheer me on.”

The sound of multiple engines breaks through the crisp air and rattles my bones. I whip my head toward the direction. They get louder as multiple lights flash over Jared and me. I look to my left, holding my hand by my eyes, and squint to see what the hell is going on.

Motorcycles.

Millie…

Hayden growls into my head as he talks to me. I still don’t understand how he can whisper into my mind, but it works every time we’re close to each other. And right now, he’s fuming by the way he just said my name.

The engines roar, and the volume almost makes me want to cover my ears. They all stop driving and plant their feet on the ground.

Finally, through the thick fog of the night, I see that it’s my fiance and his friends—Landon, Kolton, Kade, and a few others I don’t recognize.

Hayden and his friends are together on their bikes, surrounding Jared and me like sharks ready to pounce. Hayden has a cigarette between his teeth, black sunglasses on, and a black leather jacket hugging his massive muscles. A silver chain with the bat wrapped in a snake hangs around his neck and rubs against his tattoo of my name.

He takes a drag of his cigarette, hollowing his cheeks as his friends stare at me while grinning wildly and mysteriously. It’s like they’re excited about what’s about to happen. I can’t read Hayden like he can read me, but I know he’s not happy about seeing Jared right next to me. I’m sure he heard everything.

This isn’t good.

Hayden throws his cigarette on the ground and stands tall. He steps on it with his black boot, drops his head back, and faces the sky. He blows the smoke out, and I watch it in slow motion.

“Is this Mr. Drago?” Jared asks hesitantly. Fear is evident in his shaky gulp, and his Adam’s apple bobs up and down slowly as he quivers.

“Yes, I’m going to get going now. I’ll see you in class,” I say fast as I shake. I’ve got to get out of here; Hayden is unpredictable.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. What’s the rush, baby? Aren’t you going to introduce me to your new friend?” Hayden rushes over and stops when he’s right in front of Jared and me. He wears a giant devious smirk across his handsome face and I just know he’s staring daggers at Jared behind those dark sunglasses. His intentions are anything but welcoming. I know that sinful smirk all too well. It’s seared into my soul.

He grabs my hand, pulling me to his chest as he throws his arms over my shoulder possessively.

He reaches for Jared’s hand.

“I’m Hayden. Millie’s fiance.” Jared stares at Hayden’s hand like it’s going to bite him. He studies the family crest ring he wears on his middle finger. Jared slowly holds his hand out, and Hayden takes it with confidence.

“Jared.”

“Ahh, Jared…let me guess. Captain of the baseball team, straight A’s, lots of friends.” Hayden scoffs. “Looking for your next baseball bunny to fuck after games?”

My mouth drops open, and I tug on Hayden’s arms.