Page 137 of Long Live the King

He walks out, leaving me struggling to fight against the rage. It has me in a chokehold, making it hard to breathe.

He promised if I kept my mouth shut, she’d be safe.

But I can’t trust him. Can’t believe a word he says.

He murdered my mother in cold blood apparently, what’s to say a bad day won’t have him reneging on our deal and going after Bellamy?

No. I have to do everything to protect her.

Even if it means breaking her heart in the process.

???

33.

Bellamy

For the first time in my life, I feel like the main character.

You know those people in TikToks who others are just drawn to? The ones who you look at and just know, they’re the star of their own lives? I’ve always understood it and looked on with some measure of jealousy, feeling like that was going to be forever out of reach for me. But for the first time ever, I feel like people are looking atmethat way.

I’m standing in the middle of the large Mackley library, on the edge of the makeshift dance floor, in a floor length emerald green dress with an asymmetric neckline. My hair is down in beach waves around my shoulders, my makeup light except for my burgundy lipstick.

“All eyes are on you tonight.” Nera tells me with a bright smile.

She’s standing across from me in a bold orange dress. The kind that would dwarf me but that only emphasizes her beauty.

Fierce is the word that comes to mind when I look at her.

“Not just me, look at you.” I say, awe curling the edge of my words.

She does a full twirl in front of me, the wide body of her dress bumping against mine.

“You rock orange better than anyone I’ve ever met.” I tell her honestly.

“Thanks! My mom actually sent…” Nera’s sentence trails off as she spots someone above my left shoulder.

I know who it is even without turning around. It’s like his body calls to mine as I feel a heat against my back, a pull to lean against him. I feel his gaze on me like a proprietary touch on my lower back.

She throws me a conspiratorial look. “Someone can’t take their eyes off you.” She kisses my cheek and throws me a wink. “We’ll catch up later. Have fun.”

I look over my shoulder and my gaze clashes with a pair of stormy eyes.

He looks amazing. He’s in a tuxedo tailored to within an inch of his life, emphasizing his tall frame and defined muscles.

He looks expensive and powerful.

He looks dangerous.

His gaze rakes down my body and turns hungry as he takes in the way the dress molds to my curves. The dress is modest and classy, but the way it hugs my body is borderline inappropriate.

He extends his hand towards me. “Dance with me.”

Placing my hand in his, I let him pull me to the dance floor.

“Take care of her!” I hear Six yelling from behind me.

He walks us to the middle of the dance floor, pulling me into his arms as his hand claims my waist possessively.

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