Total pages in book: 164
Estimated words: 157308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 787(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 787(@200wpm)___ 629(@250wpm)___ 524(@300wpm)
Victor lurched forward, snapping the food out of his captive hand. He grinned while he chewed—ridiculously handsome to the point it annoyed. No one should be that gorgeous and that infuriating at the same time.
“I really am just a freshman,” he said, swallowing. “I’m higher on the food chain than some people, lower than others. But that doesn’t make it smart to get in a senior Royal’s face just because he’s worth ten million instead of a hundred. He’ll take over the family business and access his trust fund long before I do, and ten million is plenty to hire hit men, hackers, and fixers willing to fuck up my life to settle a score.
“Surviving in Regalia takes politics. Thinking five steps ahead. Making alliances with the right people. Circling the edge with your enemies—neither getting too close nor backing up too far that you fall over the cliff.”
I nodded along with him. It wasn’t lost on me that we were having our first civil conversation, and I was actually learning something from him. You couldn’t take down an enemy you didn’t understand. The world of the Royals was more complicated than I thought.
That could be why Katie hangs out with Saylor, Everleigh, Gabriella, and Piper.
She called them best friends, but there was real anger in her voice when she said they were bullying sociopaths. As unfiltered and awful Katie is, she must understand there are people you drive off and people you keep close. What would the consequences be for her if she ended up on Saylor’s bad side? And would she throw me off if I hugged her because Saylor is the queen bee, and Katie told her off anyway?
Katie would definitely shove me off her. She’d also follow my thank-you with a “fuck you.”
“Some things move you up and some move you down,” I repeated. “Our impending nuptials. Do I move you down the list?”
Victor flicked down to his plate. “It’s not that simple.”
“A yes or no will do.”
“Yes.”
I bobbed my head. This news didn’t surprise me. “Because my mother used to be working class and I’m just the stepdaughter of a wealthy man?”
“Basically.”
“Alright, here’s my next question: if Saylor is number one, Gabriella and the rest are number two, where does that put your family on the food chain. Three? Four?”
I sensed he didn’t want to answer. Victor stared at his empty plate, clearly wishing he had bacon to delay his reply.
“Victor?”
“Two, Luna. The Wilsons have been in Regalia since it was founded. There are Wilsons in the government, heading up most industries, running successful companies overseas, and then the family business, which extends to four continents. The only family above us are the Burkhardts.”
“Wow.” My voice was flat. “The questions just keep coming. Here’s another one: Why the hell would your parents choose me of all people to wear your nana’s ring? I’m now doubly sure you could’ve gotten a girl who would tie the knot early.”
Victor shrugged. “I don’t know all the details. It’s only my fucking life. Why should I know? All my mother would say is they worked out an arrangement with your stepfather that’ll be beneficial for both families.”
“Did Jack tell them I’ve got a magical vagina and a genie comes out when it’s rubbed? Because I don’t know what else I’m supposed to give you when we tie the knot.”
Victor snorted, cracking up. “Now that’s an itty-bitty living space. I’d marry you for three wishes.”
Giggling, I pictured him rubbing my clit furiously, demanding to never go bald.
Our eyes met and we clammed up. What the hell? Did I just have a pleasant moment with Victor Wilson?
“Anyway,” I said, straightening. “Is that why you’ve been a jerk to me? ’Cause you’re mad a Sinclair is dragging down the golden name of Wilson?”
“I’m a jerk to you? Are you kidding me? You start it every damn time.”
“See? It’s a jerk who rewrites history like that.”
Victor dropped his head, sighing up at the ceiling. “It better be a magical vagina.”
I cracked a smile, though I didn’t let him see.
“No, Sinclair. Our problems are not because of your status or last name. I couldn’t care less about that.”
“Really? Why?”
Victor didn’t look away from the patterned ceiling. “Because all that shit is poison. Look at what it’s turned Regalia into? Look at what it’s done to my family.” The lines on his neck stood out, tightening with his fist. “First my brother, now me. I almost want you to take us down, Luna. Maybe then, we wouldn’t have to care so much about what people think... and can just be.”
I reached for him, and stopped myself. It was such a natural response—comfort someone who was upset. But this was me and Victor, and our mutual dislike was another constant. I needed a few things to remain the same.