Page 53 of Filthy Royal

Kadon Stormhart had left instructions for the guards to wait outside, so Scarlett entered his quarters alone—and stopped short.

“Luc?”

“Kadon sent me in his stead.”

Stormhart was a good male.

“I’m glad.” She hurried to her brother, took his hand, and squeezed. “How are you holding up?”

She knew this tournament had to be hard for him too.

“How am I?” He shook his head. “How are you?”

A short time ago, she’d have said amazing. Now, she wasn’t so sure.

“I don’t like the look on your face.” He studied her closely. “Usually, you’re better at hiding it.”

I don’t know how to smile so fucking pretty and say I’m fine when I’m not.Damien’s words sliced through her once more.

Scarlett knew she fell back on pretending when it was easier and kept things locked up tight, but she hadn’t wanted to be that way with Damien. She’d wanted to be real. Honest. Herself.

“So, this thing with Damien Skolov, it’s not a passing fancy?”

Her brother’s question wrenched her from her thoughts and stole her breath. “Excuse me?”

“You’d have to be blind to miss how he looks at you.” Luc squeezed her hand back. “And even though you hide it better, I am your brother. I see how you look at him too.”

Nerves churned in her stomach. “I’ve tried to be discreet. It’s harder than I thought.”

Luc’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I know exactly what you mean.” He cleared his throat. “But it’s not your behavior over the past few rotations that matters. It’s what happens next that’s important. You really want Skolov to win the tournament over Kadon?”

“Yes. So much.” Even now, after their argument, being with Damien was all she wanted.

“He’s cocky, and a hothead.”

“He cares for me. He’s bold and straightforward. I like that.”

Luc sighed. “Of course you do. We’ve had too little of that in our lives.”

“It’s more than that. He’s… wonderful.” Despite her anger, her conviction in his character never wavered. “You’ll like him once you get to know him.”

“He’s too young.”

“I’m only three planetary rotations older.”

“Yes, but I remember myself at that age. Amped up. Still at the mercy of Alpha hormones… no control.”

“Damien is more responsible than most. He’s here to help his family, and me. And he’s never even looked at another omega, unlike so many other Alphas.”

“You love him.” Resignation thickened Luc’s voice.

“I do.”

“It’s obvious he cares for you too.” He sighed. “I just hope he can be what you need.”

“What do you mean?”

“You need to be careful. Word on high is that he’s to be prevented from winning the tournament at all costs—and that humiliation and revenge are on the menu.”

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