Page 74 of Wicked Prince

"In all seriousness, I probably shouldn't disparage him too much," says Stefan. "Considering he might be your future brother-in-law and all."

Those words are immediately enough to sour my mood, even though Stefan has no way of knowing that. I feel pathetic for letting myself get so emotional about a guy who clearly doesn't give a damn about me. At least, not enough for it to matter.

"Trust me, it's fine," I assure him. "It might surprise you to know Kayleigh and I aren't on the best of terms, either."

"Considering what I know of her, I can't say I'm surprised at all," he admits. "Or that they're dating, for that matter."

"Yeah, me either," I murmur, wishing like hell that were true.

"I'm sorry, for what it's worth."

I look up in confusion. "Sorry? For what?"

"Your father being the way he is, for one thing," he answers. "I won't pretend I know exactly what you're going through, but I have somewhat of an idea."

"How?" I ask, unable to hide my curiosity.

"My brother, Marcus," he answers. "Most people don't know this, but we're actually half-brothers. It's a situation not too unlike your own."

"Really?" I ask doubtfully.

"Our father isn't quite as shameless about hiding his own son, but Marcus has certainly put up with a lot of shit for his transgressions over the years."

"But you two are close?" I ask.

"Oh, very. He's the only thing that keeps me sane," he says with a chuckle.

"Well, he's lucky to have you," I remark. "It sucks having someone in your own family hate you for something completely out of your control."

"Her loss, I'm sure," Stefan says with a gentle smile.

I'm starting to think he actually is just a nice guy. As rare as those are in this world, let alone ours, I guess someone has to be.

"I doubt she'd agree, but… thanks."

I look up when Meghan comes back with our order and sets the plates down. For some reason, she gives me a withering look, but she doesn't fall over herself trying to get his attention this time.

"You're right," Stefan says after taking a bite of his food. "This is delicious."

"Really?" I quickly correct myself. "I mean, I'm glad you like it."

Now I just have to find a way to pick at my food without getting nauseous. Fortunately, the meds I picked up seem to be working well enough.

The conversation shifts to lighter topics, which I'm grateful for, and I'm shocked to find that I'm actually enjoying myself. Stefan is good company. He's polite, and unlike most of the guys at school, he isn’t in love with the sound of his own voice. Even though I'm pretty sure he's led an interesting enough life that I wouldn't really mind if he were.

Since I'm having a nice time, and I've managed to take my mind off everything that's been stressing me out for the last month, I really shouldn't be surprised when it all comes crashing down.

The bell above the restaurant door chimes, and a moment later, I hear the chatter of a familiar voice in the lobby. Sure enough, when I look up, I find Kayleigh hanging off Lorenzo's arm as they wait by the hostess stand to be seated.

His eyes meet mine for a split second before he glances over at Stefan, and they harden into a murderous expression that makes me second guess the idea that I've ever actually seen him angry before.

I have no fucking idea what he thinkshehas the right to be pissed off about, unless the enmity between him and Stefan is a little worse than the latter lets on.

In any case, one thing is certain—my night just went to shit.

ChapterTwenty-Nine

LORENZO

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