Broken Prince: A Novel (The Royals Book 2) by Erin Watt Page A

when he stands. “I’m glad you’re back, Ella. We missed you.” He places a hand on my shoulder and then leaves the room.
    “I’m done, too.” I throw my spoon down next to my uneaten breakfast.
    “Forget it. I’m going.” Reed gets to his feet. “You need to eat and it’s obvious you won’t while I’m here.”
    I keep ignoring him.
    “I’m not your enemy,” he says, unhappiness coloring his voice. “I didn’t tell you about my past because it was messed up and I didn’t know how you’d react. I was wrong, okay? But I’m gonna make it right.”
    He leans down, his mouth inches away from my ear. His scent surrounds me, so I force myself not to breathe. Force myself not to let my gaze linger on his sculpted arm, which flexes as he braces one hand against the table.
    “I’m not giving up,” he murmurs, his warm breath tickling the side of my neck.
    I finally offer a response. Low and mocking. “You should. I’d screw Daniel before I’d get back together with you.”
    His breath whistles between his teeth as he sucks in a breath. “We both know that’s not true. But I get it. I hurt you and now you want to pay me back.”
    I look him in the eye. “No. I don’t want payback. It’s not worth the mental energy, and I don’t plan on spending much time thinking about you. I don’t care about you or your girls. I just want to be left alone.”
    His jaw hardens. “I’m willing to do almost anything for you. I’d go back in time to change things if I could.” He gazes down at me with determination. “But I’m not leaving you alone.”

10
    E aston is sprawled on my bed when I walk in. He’s got a can of pop—not beer, thank goodness—cupped between his legs and my remote in his fist.
    “How’d you get in here?” I demand.
    “You didn’t close your door all the way.” He pats the empty space on the mattress. “Hop up. I’ll watch ESPN while you call Val.”
    “I already called before I came down for breakfast.” I shove a few things into my backpack and sling it over my shoulder. “You guys have a thrift store around here?”
    Easton rolls off the bed and joins me in front of the closet. “No clue, but if you’re tired of your clothes, you can donate them during Formal week. They have a charity drive.”
    Formal week? I start to ask, and then decide that I don’t really want to know. I’m not attending any stupid Astor Park shit in the future.
    “Of course they do,” I mutter. “Callum says I have money. I guess I can access it.”
    “What do you want it for?”
    “To buy clothes.”
    “You have them.” He gestures toward the closet.
    “And I’m going to torch these and buy new ones, okay?” Anger and impatience make me ruder than I mean to be. “I don’t see why it’s a big deal that I want to shop. Girls are supposed to like to shop.”
    Easton studies me with shiny eyes that are far more intuitive than I give him credit for. “You’re not a regular girl, Ella. So yeah, it’s weird, but I’m putting it together. Brooke bought these clothes. You hate Brooke. These clothes gotta go.”
    I cross my arms. “Did Reed tell you or have you known all along?”
    “He just told me,” Easton admits.
    “Good news. Your balls have been saved.” I push him out of the way and grab a pair of sneakers.
    I’m going to build a new life, starting today. It won’t include guys who sleep with their dad’s girlfriends and romance their stepsister on the side. I will also cut any bitch who tries something with me.
    Good thing bitch number one, Jordan, is at school today, or I might shove her into her pool with some rocks tied around her neck.
    “You have a mean look on your face. It’s crazy hot. Promise me you’ll let me orgasm before you kill me?” Easton jokes.
    “You’re going to get slapped very hard by someone someday.”
    “I know you mean that as a threat, but honestly I can’t wait. Sounds like a good time.”
    Whatever girl takes on Easton is going to have to