Amorevolous: (Savage Princess book 2) Read online

  Molly’s eyes are wide as she uncurls herself and peeks over my shoulder. Her eyes flash with fear, probably because she realizes nobody is coming to help her.

  “Don’t touch my dad, Dominick,” I hear Graysen warn. “Get back!”

  I want to see what’s going on behind me, but Molly attempts to stand. I jab her in the ribs, and she settles back to the maroon carpet, holding her side and clenching her jaw. I release her hair, brushing stray strands from my palm.

  Her face and chest flame scarlet as she gives in to her anger. “Nick was mine first!”

  “Was yours. He says he isn’t yours now, but that’s not the point. You fucked up when you brought me into whatever psycho shit you’ve got going on.”

  “He’ll come back to me, back to my bed.” She lifts her chin defiantly while glaring up at me from the floor. “You’re nothing but a waste of space and an inferior version of me.”

  “I don’t give a fuck!” I scream in her face, my blood heating up, threatening to burn me from the inside out. I smash my fist into her nose. Blood sprays. Someone grabs me around the waist and hauls me up. Molly’s screaming, her hands cupping her nose.

  “Don’t fucking touch her!” Nick shouts to someone, his tone deep and gravelly.

  I’m dropped to my feet, and I glance over my shoulder to see Graysen backing away from me with a scowl on his face. The older guy is helping the cunt bitch to her feet as she cries hysterically. She’s pathetic.

  “Graysen, take Molly to the car,” the man, who I now know is Alexander, says.

  “Dad, I—”

  “Now,” Alexander snaps.

  Graysen sighs but wraps an arm around the trembling cunt’s shoulders to guide her down the hall.

  Alexander turns to me. His curious gaze wandering over my body before landing on my face. I study him too, noticing how alike he and Graysen look.

  “Not what I was expecting,” the man murmurs, almost sounding disappointed.

  I should be coming down from the confrontation with Molly, but my pulse seems to be speeding up. Nick steps between Alexander and me, cutting off our assessment of each other.

  I lean to the side, peeking around Nick to watch Alexander walk away. My heart begins to slow, and the pain in my knuckles makes itself known.

  “You okay?” Nick asks, slowly turning to face me.

  “No,” I say, scowling. “She didn’t learn her lesson. I barely touched her.” I drag my knuckles over my dress, trying to wipe away her blood.

  Nick throws his head back and laughs. “Princess, I think you may be more savage than me.”

  I smile. “Duh, Nicky. I already knew that.” I look away from him to the empty hall. I really am pissed. Molly got off easy.

  “Alexander will probably tell Nora what happened.”

  I wonder if Alexander has always had that assholeness about him or if Nora caused it when she ditched him for John. “You don’t sound happy about that. You worried Molly will tell Nora we fucked?” I don’t care what Nora thinks, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he does.

  “No, princess.” He trails his finger down my cheek before cupping my face. “Let the world know you’re mine.”

  I lick my lips and lean into his touch like a lovesick teenager. I like his words too much. Nothing good can come from me falling for Nick. He moves his hand to my neck and then skims his fingertips over the top of my breasts. His touch has goose bumps breaking out over my skin. I shiver and he grins.

  “There you are,” Nora snaps, her heels echoing off the walls as she quickly walks our way. “Come out to the patio. I swear you’re so harebrained, never listening and always running off.”

  I roll my eyes, and Nick chuckles under his breath as we follow behind Nora. I elbow him in the ribs for laughing. If anyone’s harebrained, it’s Nora.

  Tilly, Rocco, and Aiden are on the patio watching the last of the limos slowly driving away. As fast as my newfound family came, they left.

  “Aiden,” Nora says, brushing away a strand of hair that’s come loose from her bun. “Please make sure the caterers are paid before they leave. I need to lie down.”

  “Of course, Mom. Get some rest.” My twin brother smiles warmly at her and then his sapphire eyes cut to me. His smile grows and I find myself smiling back. I know I’m probably imagining it, but I swear I feel a connection between us. I felt it that first day I met him in person, even though I didn’t want to acknowledge it then. I was tired and terrified of change.

  Nora kisses Aiden’s cheek before clicking away on her heels. She’s so fake. She acted like she believed I was her daughter today. I don’t understand her motives.

  “They didn’t stay long,” my sister whispers to me as she brushes her blonde hair over her shoulder.

  “I know, right? I figured they’d stay for a couple days, not a few hours,” I reply under my breath.

  “They usually don’t stay long. They don’t like the heat,” Aiden says. “Their flight leaves first thing tomorrow morning. Plus, Mom might have told them you needed time to… adjust.”

  “Adjust?” I ask, and Aiden shrugs. I frown. No way she did that for my benefit.

  “Tilly and I were talking about going to Club Red,” Rocco says, draping his arm over my sister’s shoulders. I know she says nothing’s going on between them, but they act like a couple. “You guys down? Thought you’d like to send us away with a blow-out.”

  My stomach rolls with a warning. I think Tilly is making a huge mistake by accepting Nora’s offer of a fancy art school, but I can’t control her. I’m her sister, not her mother.

  “I know it’s not really your scene,” Tilly says to me. “But it’s my last night.”

  “How are you going to get into a club?” I ask, because no way would she pass for eighteen.

  “They know the owners,” Tilly says, gesturing to the guys.

  I bite my cheek. The last place I want to go is to a club, but she’s right. I won’t see her again until a holiday or our dad gets out of rehab. Tonight is the last night I’ll have my ride or die with me. We may not be blood, but we chose to be family. I wonder if she was ever disappointed that our parents adopted me? I know she was happy to have any sibling regardless of age or gender, but I think she would have liked someone more like her.

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Nick says. “All of us showing up at Club Red with Hayley will be like holding a flashing sign over her head; everyone is going to look.”

  I’m not trying to end up in a similar situation as Miller’s party, so I say, “There ya go. I can’t go. We could sit by the beach, have a fire, order pizza...”

  “Nick’s being paranoid.” Aiden clasps a hand on Nick’s shoulders and gently shakes. “If you’re worried, pretend she’s your date. Nobody will question why she’s with us then.”

  Tilly chokes on a laugh. “What a perfect idea, Aiden. Hayley will be Nick’s date.”

  Not amused, I arch my brow. She knows there’s something going on with me and Nick, and she’s all for us coupling up. But she also knows I am nowhere ready to claim Nick as anything other than the guy I’m messing around with.

  Nick wraps his arms around my waist, pulling my back flush with his chest. “I guess you’re my girl for the night, princess.”

  Warmth spreads throughout my body. He has that effect on me.

  “You could call Rose,” Rocco says to Aiden. “It’ll look more convincing if you have a date too.” He grins and nudges Nick. The smirk that forms on Nick’s face has him and Rocco’s kinship showing. My sister and I might have opposite personalities, but maybe we have the same taste in guys. Rocco is the younger version of Nick.

  “Rose?” I ask and then laugh as redness creeps into Aiden’s cheeks. “Does someone have a crush?”

  “She’s a friend,” he mumbles, averting his eyes from us. “I’ve known her for years.”

  Rocco chuckles. “They’re secretly in love. I don’t know why they won’t admit it. They spend every summer here together.”
>
  “You’re turning red, bro,” Nick says.

  Aiden scoffs and pulls open the front door. “Whatever. I need to pay the caterers.”

  All smiles, Tilly nudges me. “I know you’re probably ready to get out of that dress. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen you in one.”

  I pop a shoulder as we follow the boys inside. “It’s comfortable as far as dresses go.”

  The guys head to the kitchen, and Tilly and I head upstairs to change.

  “Is that blood on your dress?” Tilly asks as we’re climbing the stairs.

  I bunch up the stained fabric with my fist and pick up the pace. “It’s food.”

  Tilly giggles with amusement. “Only you’d get food on a dress that costs thousands of dollars.”

  When we shuffle into my room, she heads for the closet. I drop down on my bed as she blabbers to me from behind the door about Club Red. I can barely hear anything she’s saying and I’m not trying to listen. I may miss her when she abandons me tomorrow, but at times like this, I want to strangle her. I wish she were more mellow. A beach fire and some beers sound way better than getting groped and hit on by strangers at a club.

  She bounces out, holding up a black, long-sleeved dress. “This is perfect now that you don’t mind wearing dresses. Try it on.” She tosses it to me and then darts back into the closet.

  I trade one dress for another. “This was in there?” I ask, tugging the hem of the thin fabric. The dress barely covers my ass.

  Dressed in a new outfit, Tilly hands me a pair of knee-high boots. “Yep. If I had that closet, I’d have already tried everything on.”

  I slip on the black boots and then eye my hair in the mirror above the dresser. It’s still in place and so is the makeup.

  “How does this look?” Tilly spins. “The shorts are a little big, but I think they look good that way.” Her fingers skim over the top of hunter green shorts. “The bodysuit fits perfectly.” She slips on the flats she had on a minute ago.

  “You look great.” The cream-colored top she’s wearing is tight-fitting and sleeveless. “I think I should change.” I pull the hem down again but after a second it rides right back up. “This shit is too short.”

  “It looks amazing. Trust me. A smokin´ hot princess.” Her brow wrinkles in thought. “Oh, are you eventually gonna be a queen?” Her nose wrinkles. “How does that work?”

  “Nah, one of the aunts explained it earlier. There’s a long line of princesses before me. I did inherit money, titles, and lands when I was born.” I shrug. “Not that I plan on moving to another country.”

  “But you’ll plan on visiting,” she says with a cheeky smile. “And maybe you’ll bring your favorite sister?”

  “Yeah, I’m sure Liv would love to go with me,” I say absently, not looking her in the eyes.

  Tilly scoffs. “Shut up.”

  I grin and shake my head. “Of course you’d come with me. That’s not even a question.”

  Someone knocks on the door, and Tilly swings it open while I’m tugging at my dress and looking over my shoulder, trying to see if my ass cheeks are hanging out.

  “Damn, princess,” Nick says, walking into the room. “That dress.”

  I twist, giving him a view of my ass. “Tell me the truth, is it too short?” I eye his reaction and laugh lightly. “Yep, too short.”

  “No, it’s not,” Tilly snaps. “It’s perfect.” She glares at the guy still staring at my ass. “What do you want, Nick?”

  His gaze climbs to my eyes. The want staring back at me has me clenching my thighs.

  “Nick! Quit eye fucking my sister and tell us what you want,” Tilly says, her hand landing on her hip.

  He blinks. “Right, my parents are almost here. I forgot they were coming today, but they know we have plans so won’t stay long.”

  I tug on the hem. “Aiden told me they were gonna show. Let me put some pants on and I’ll meet you downstairs.”

  “Really?” Tilly says, rolling her eyes as I ogle Nick’s retreating form.

  I shrug and head for the closet. “He’s got a nice ass.”

  “Look at you, falling headfirst and already meeting the parents,” Tilly says, wagging her brows. “Mom always said, when you know, you know.”

  I slide hangers to the side, trying to find comfortable pants. “It’s not like that. Nick’s mom used to be friends with Nora. She was around when I was little.”

  Tilly searches the other side of the closet. “Are they not friends anymore?”

  “Nora’s too nuts to have friends.”

  Tilly tosses a pair of gray slacks to me. “Just tuck the dress into those.”

  I quickly do what she says and then head for the door. “You coming?”

  She shakes her head and drops down on the bed, swiping at her phone screen. “That’s all you. Let me know when you’re done.”

  I take a deep breath and swing the door open.

  Chapter 3

  I find Nick sitting at one of the round tables in the formal living room. He’s ditched his tie and vest and is kicked back, looking at something on his phone.

  His lips tip up when he sees me. “Coffee’s on its way.”

  I drop down next to him and twist so I can see his face. “Perfect. I could use a cup or several. What are your parents like?” I ask, trying to get a feel of how this is going to go.

  He leans forward, resting his elbows on the table, one hand wrapped around his fist. “My mom’s the typical devoted wife. My dad… is a businessman.”

  “What about brothers or sisters?” I ask, even though I’m sure I could have gotten all this information and more from my sister.

  “It’s just me. My dad isn’t big on kids.”

  Sensing a story there, I arch a brow, but the sound of footsteps stops any further talk.

  Nick stands as a maid escorts a well-dressed couple into the room. The man is tall and broad-shouldered with graying light brown hair. His gray eyes are framed with thin-rimmed glasses. His dominant aura seems to tangle with Nick’s.

  Nick might get his build from his father, but he has his mother’s dark hair and eyes. She’s tall with soft curves in a knee-length skirt and orange blouse. Her hand flies to her mouth as she stops mid-step a few feet before making it to the table.

  Nick’s father tips his head to his son in acknowledgment, and then me as he places his hand on his wife’s back and ushers her forward. She uncovers her mouth and reaches out, clasping her hand around my wrist and pulling me into her arms. “You’re so beautiful. Oh, honey.” With one hand on the back of my head, she gently rocks side to side while mumbling things I can’t make out. After a minute, she pulls back and holds me at arm’s length. “Hayley, right?” Her watery gaze darts to Nick and then back to me. “Nick said you prefer that name?”

  “Yeah.” I nod, tense as hell that she’s so touchy-feely.

  She pulls me back in and squeezes me tightly, her shoulders shaking with her sobs. “I’m so happy you’re home and safe. Everyone’s missed you so much.”

  “Mom,” Nick says, reaching out to pull her off me, but I wave him away.

  I might be uncomfortable, but she needs to have this moment with Anna. Nick’s dad stands beside his wife, rubbing a hand up and down her back, but it looks like his mind is elsewhere. Grace’s dad is a businessman and always focused on work, never fully able to relax. Nick’s dad reminds me of him.

  Nick’s mom pulls back, wiping away her tears and running mascara. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She reaches out to Nick, pulls him next to me, and then hugs us both for several long seconds. “I’m sorry,” she says, taking a step back and wiping away more tears. “I’m a mess.” She smiles. “Look at you two. Seeing you two together brings back so many memories.” She looks around the room. “Where’s Aiden?”

  “Here,” Aiden says, walking up behind her with Rocco by his side. “I was paying the caterers. How are you, Janet?”

  “I’m good, sweetie. Happy to be here.” She gives Ai
den and Rocco a quick hug. “Look at you, Rocco. You’ve grown since I last saw you.”

  Aiden shakes hands with Nick’s dad and then comes to stand beside me while Rocco moves around the table and takes a seat.

  “Look how alike they look, Tom,” she coos, her eyes darting between the two of us. “Just like when they were small.”

  “That they do.” He dips his head slightly. “Good to see you, Hayley.”

  I smile and mumble a quick thanks.

  Janet’s worried gaze lands on Aiden. “How’s your mom? I tried calling her but...”

  He shrugs. “Stressed. Today was a lot. She’s resting.”

  “Why don’t we take a seat,” Tom says, pulling out a chair for his wife. Aiden sits down next to her, and I drop down on the chair beside him. Nick tells Rocco to scoot down one so he can sit next to me, and Tom grabs a chair from another table and sets it next to Janet.

  “How have you been, honey?” Janet asks Rocco. “We had dinner with your parents last month. Emily’s getting tall. I can’t believe she’s already twelve.”

  “She still acts like a baby,” Rocco says.

  Janet laughs lightly. “I don’t know, she seemed mature to me. You’re both growing so fast, and you’ll—” She pauses while Sara rolls out a cart with coffee. Once we all have a cup and cream and sugar is placed at the center of the table, Janet continues. “You’ll be graduating before you know it. Your parents said you’re planning on Harvard?”

  Rocco nods. “That’s the plan.”

  “That’s great. We were so proud of Hazel when she was accepted. She only has one semester left. She’s worked so hard.” Janet glances at her husband and smiles. “The smart genes run in your family, Tom.” She turns back to Rocco. “Your Uncle Tom here did four years at Harvard before going to Yale.”

  Rocco chuckles. “Dad’s told me all about his and Uncle Tom’s college days.”

  “Are you planning on college with the boys?” Tom asks me.

  I shake my head, and Janet says, “It’s too soon, Tom. Nick’s taking the semester off, so Hayley isn’t alone here. He’ll go back in January, and maybe she’ll join?” Her eyes are wide and bright as she waits for my answer.