Page 11 of Pretty Little Princess

“I don’t know what to do, Cass. Pyotr Veles switched schools and is going to Rosehill now–”

“Seriously?” he demands, immediately exasperated. “That family has issues.”

“You’re telling me. I tried being nice to him on his first day. I thought things went well when we met over the summer and that he was nice enough, but it turns out he’s a complete ass.” My voice breaks on the last word, and I wipe at my cheeks as the tears start to fall.

“Oh, Silvi. Only you would try making a bad situation okay just to make the best of things. You’re too nice for your own good. What happened?”

“Well, he made it perfectly clear that he doesn’t want to marry me and that being in my proximity basically repulses him….”

“Dick,” Cassio mutters just loud enough that I can hear him.

A breathy laugh escapes me. “That’s not the worst of it. I could get over him not liking me. I mean, it’s not like I want to be told who to marry, either, so I get his frustration. But today, I was talking to Travis before class, and Pyotr just walked up and punched him!”

“What?” Cass demands flatly.

“He said that I shouldn’t even be talking to other guys. That I belong to him and that no one gets to touch what’shiswithout his permission.” I spit the last part, my hurt and anger coming out hot and strong. “I feel absolutely terrible, and I just… I don’t know what to do.” A sob escapes me as I bring my story to a close.

Several students going in the opposite direction glance at me curiously, and I swiftly wipe the tears from my face.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” my brother hisses, his anger rising to meet mine.

It’s unusual to hear him so mad, and for a moment, I’m thrown off. My steps slow as I bite my lip. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to tell Cassio.

“Is Travis okay?”

“I think so. His lip was swollen when he came to class, but at least hedidcome to class.”

“That’s good,” Cassio says. “Man, I can’t believe Pyotr would lose his shit over Travis.”

“I know.”

“You two have been friends for years.”

“Yeah, well, maybe not anymore.” I sniff. “Travis wouldn’t even look at me afterward.”

“I’m so sorry, Silvi,” Cassio says gently. “But don’t lose hope. We’ll find a way to get you out of your contract.”

“You know Father isn’t going to just let it go. Nico and the family’s welfare is more important than whether I marry this jerk or another one twice his age and half as capable of being charming.”

“Fuck that,” Cass counters vehemently. “I won’t let you go through with it, and neither will Nico. Our father might be a complete ass, but we’ve got your back. You’re not sacrificing your happiness just because the Matron wants to hand out ultimatums.”

That draws a small chuckle from me. “Thanks, Cass.”

“I’m serious. We’ll find a way. At least Father managed to negotiate when the wedding will take place. You don’t have to marry Pyotr until after you graduate, so we have time.”

Pausing in front of the building to my next class, I release a sigh of relief. “You’re right. Thank you, Cass. That makes me feel better already.”

“Good. You know you can call me anytime, right? I’m always here for you.”

“I know.” A small smile spreads across my face as we say goodbye and hang up.

Even if Pyotr has managed to isolate me at school, my brothers will never abandon me.

4

PYOTR

The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end as I approach the student lot holding my white Corvette. Three figures lounge around it, one casually leaning against the hood, ankles crossed as he props on his palms.

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