And now I’m royally screwed.
Because I want more.
And wanting her… that’s a complication I don’t know how to survive.
Chapter Ten
JADE
I pulled back from Leo,breath still short, heart still racing, lips tingling from what just happened.
And then the crash came.
“What wasthat,Leo?” I snapped, stepping away like space could somehow put out the fire still crackling in my chest. “You kiss me when itsuitsyou, and then you’re back to playing Mr. Royal Oaks, letting Bianca hang off your arm like I don’t exist.”
He blinked, clearly caught off guard, then slowly cocked one arrogant brow. “Is this your way of asking me out?”
I actually choked. “You wish.”
“I do.” His mouth twitched, just barely, like he enjoyed pushing my buttons. “Every time you walk into a room and act like I don’t exist.”
From the boulder behind us, Tristan let out a long, low whistle. “Here we go.”
Leo didn’t even look at him. He only had eyes for me—annoying, unreadable, gold-flecked eyes.
Tristan stood and stretched. “Alright, I’m calling it. You two are officially dating. I now pronounce you toxic royalty.”
My jaw dropped. “Excuse me?!”
Leo just smirked. “Fine by me.”
“Good,” Tristan said, pulling out his phone and tapping rapidly. “Cause I already posted the pic of you two kissing on my Story. Captioned it:The new Princess has been crowned.”
I actually screamed. “Youwhat?!”
Leo’s laugh rumbled low and satisfied as he reached for me. “What? Too good to be social media official with me?”
“My life just became harder,” I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose.
“Correction,” Leo said, draping an arm across my shoulders like it belonged there, “Your life just became untouchable.”
His voice dropped lower, quieter. “You’re my girl now,Gitanilla.No one messes with what’s mine.”
I should’ve shoved him off.
Should’ve run.
Should’ve screamed louder than the seagulls flying overhead.
But instead?
I leaned into the warmth of his body and stared at the horizon, my chest aching with equal parts dread and something dangerously close to hope.
“And what happens when we break up?” I asked, arms folded, heart stupidly hammering against my ribs.
Leo’s jaw ticked. “You already planning on dumping me?”
“I’m just being realistic.” I shrugged, trying not to care. “These things never last. Especially not… whateverthisis.”
