Page 26 of Kings & Corruption

“I didn’t really have a choice on that one,” I said. “Also, I feel like I’m at a disadvantage. You know my name but I don’t know yours.”

“Right! Sorry about that. I’m Claire,” she said. “Claire Byrne.”

I smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

“Same! I live in the Queens’ house.” She scanned the shelves and started pulling products and handing them to me. Taking them was a reflex.

“How is that?” I asked. She seemed to know what she was doing so I just went with it. Plus, her own makeup was on point.

She barked out a laugh. “If you want drama, just put a bunch of Italian, Russian, Irish, and Latina Mafia princesses together under one roof.”

I winced. Living in the Kings’ house was weird, but I was starting to see that the benefits might extend beyond the eye candy and luxurious digs. “Yikes.”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “It’s fine. You get used to it.”

“Get used to what?” a voice asked behind us. “Hanging out with traitorous sluts?”

Claire rolled her eyes like she already knew who was talking, then turned around to face the owner of the snide voice, who turned out to be a gorgeous brunette with amazing boobs and legs for days extending from a skirt that made the most of them.

“Oh look, an unoriginal insult from Alexa Petrov,” Claire said, her voice emitting boredom. “What a surprise.”

“Like I’m worried about being considered original byyou.” The girl named Alexa turned her nose up at Claire, then looked me up and down with a sneer. I suddenly wished I’d put more thought into my appearance. My shorts and T-shirt weren’t exactly high fashion. “I’m actually glad you’re here.”

I narrowed my eyes. Somehow I didn’t think so, and I let it show in my response. “Thanks?”

She took a step closer and I caught a whiff of her cloying perfume. “No, really. Even the games get boring after a while. It’ll be fun to have a fresh — ”

“Victim?” Claire interrupted.

Alexa’s smile was patronizing. “Let’s call it a… diversion.”

Drago came into view behind her.

“What’s a diversion?” His eyes had turned a shade darker, and I saw the shadow of something menacing in his expression. He glanced at Claire. “Hey, Claire.”

“Hey,” Claire said weakly. I didn’t know if she was scared or if she wanted to get in his pants, but honestly, I wouldn’t blame her for either.

Alexa spun on her heels. “Drago! Hey!” She hurried toward him and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “How was your summer?”

I’m not going to lie, watching his response was satisfying. He stood rigidly, not bothering to bend to give her easier access to his cheek. He wasnothappy to see her and it showed.

“I asked what you were talking about,” Drago said. “Because I know you weren’t talking about Willa here, who’s living in the Kings’ house and is therefore one of us.”

Alexa tried to smile but it didn’t quite cover the fear in her eyes. “Just a little joke, Drago. Don’t get all serious on menow.”

Drago rubbed the whiskers shadowing his jaw. “I’m glad to hear that, Lex, because if someone fucks with Willa, they’ll be fucking with us.” He stepped toward me and took my hand, then looked at Alexa. “Spread the word.”

Lex, huh? Did everyone call her that or was there some kind of history between her and Drago?

Claire hurried toward me as he pulled me away. “Wait! Your makeup.”

She dumped all the makeup she’d collected off the shelf into my hands. It was a surprisingly complete assortment. “Thank you.”

“Sure!” she said. “See you tonight at the ball?”

“I hope so.”

“Have everything you need?” Drago asked. I nodded and he started walking with me to the cashier. “What a twat,” he said, before we were out of range, loud enough that Alexa definitely heard.

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