Page 124 of Tantalizing Kings

“So, not to bring the mood down, but did you hear about Lionel?” Alice asks, and my heart stops in my chest.

“What about him?” Emma asks.

“His parents got him out on probation. Money can be nice, but damn, it really can be evil also. He’s not allowed back here. He’s going to Roxbury Academy For Boys now.”

“What!” Emma shrieks and grabs her phone. “I need to tell Brent.” She walks out of the room.

The idea that someone who is so vile is running around a free man makes my stomach sour.

“Hey, Sadie, you okay?” Alice asks when I’ve gone silent.

“I’m fine.” I give her my best fake smile. “Just don’t like the idea that he’s out there. There’s no way he’s not going to hurt another girl again.”

“I know.” Alice’s face falls. “At least he’s nowhere near us.”

“Just filled Brent in.” Emma steps back into the room. “He’s going to get some of his buddies to keep an eye on Lionel. One toe out of line, and he’s gonna get his ass handed to him.”

“Yessss!” Mia cheers, giving Emma a high five.

I give one too, playing along when really inside, I feel sick. Tonight, I don’t think I’m going to drink.

OF COURSE, THE PARTYhas to be at Grayson’s house, of all places. We show up late, not wanting to be the first people there because that would be weird.

Everyone is drinking, having a good time, and the place is already on its way to being trashed. I get it doesn’t matter when you have money to clean up after yourself like nothing happened, but damn, teenagers are messy as fuck.

Mom and Mark left for a weekend getaway together to celebrate Mom officially saying yes to his proposal. I’m happy for her. Now that she’s been open with me, I truly see how much she loves Mark.

“This place is nice,” Emma says. “You sure you don’t wanna move in here?” I still can't believe I have a room here.

“I like the cottage.”

“It’s cute and all, but girl, there’s a pool here, a rec room,anda hot tub!”

“Everything your house has,” I remind her, and look at the other two. “And both yours too.”

“Yes, but our houses are far away,” she pouts.

“It’s a twenty minute drive,” I deadpan.

“Come on, show us your room! We can crash there if we get too drunk,” Mia suggests, changing the subject.

“I’m not drinking tonight,” I tell Emma. She gives me a look of understanding and nods.

“Okay. Well, when we get drunk.” Emma laughs, pointing to her, Alice, and Mia.

“Fine.” I roll my eyes and head toward the stairs. We only just got here, so I haven’t had the chance to see the guys, but I know they’re around here somewhere.

We step around people on our way up, only to find more in the hallway. People come in and out of rooms and my nose scrunches.

“I swear to god...” I start as I reach the door of the room meant for me here and throw it open. “Oh, come on!” I shout as I look at a pasty ass pounding into some chick. Thankfully, it’s not Raymond this time, but it is Tina and some random dude.

“Close the door!” the guy shouts.

“What’s going on here?” Grayson’s voice sounds from behind me. I look over to see him and Preston in the hall.

My face is pure fury. “People are fucking in my bed.” My eyes flick to Preston. “Put a fucking leash on your fiancé.”

He scowls and looks over my shoulder. “For fuck’s sake.” He steps past me and into the room, Grayson following.

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