Page 20 of Reign of the Queen
“I don’t know what you’re talking about; I’m feeling you. I’m here, aren’t I?” I lean back against the sofa seats, creating more space between us and taking in a controlled breath.
“Is this about the kings?” Jaw clenching, he sits up and puts his back against the sofa cushion.
“What about the kings?” I play dumb like I have no idea what he’s talking about.
“Are you using me to make one of those guys jealous? Because I’m not having it Mia. I really like you, and I’m not interested in playing games with the kings. No one ever wins but them.” Jessie lets out a frustrated breath and brings both elbows to his bent knees; his hands hold up his head as if the weight of the world is bringing him down. I’m saddened looking at him and that he’s so upset, but I can’t change course now.Can’t or won't?My mind asks me.
All of them, I am using you to make all of them jealous.The thought crosses my mind, but I don’t vocalize that. “What do you mean no one ever wins? They’re not untouchable, Jessie. They’re just teenage boys, not real kings.”
A sharp laugh escapes his firm lips. “Yeah, if you believe that, you’re gonna get steamed rolled right over, and I would hate to see you get hurt Mia. They're not like any teenage boys I’ve met, half the time I’m not even sure they’re human. They rule this school with an iron fist; no one gets by them, no one gets one over on them. Certainly, no one defies them; their families own everything and everyone around here, so trust me, they are kings.”
He gives me a questioning look. “What are you trying to do here, Mia?”
“Cow, What are you doing here?” Carter shoves me down onto the sandy playground. My butt hits the ground hard and a pain shoots up my back.
“I go to school here, same as you!” I yell back defiantly, hefting myself up and ignoring the pain radiating from my backside.
“Cause your mom is the lunch lady, not ’cause you’re one of us.” He cackles.
“My momma works hard, and I’m just as smart as y’all!” I shout, walking away from him and the rest of the mean kids who are laughing at me. Heat is making its way up my neck, and I can feel my face getting hot.
“Moo-moo, fatty’s gonna cry!” Theo shouts, continuing to make cow noises. Anger fills me, and the urge to storm over to him and let my fist fly in his smug face fills me.
“Get out of here, you nasty, poor, broke cow; you don’t belong here!” Mateo picks up a large stone from the walkway and throws it at me, hitting me right in the middle of my back, pushing me forward with the momentum and causing me to stumble. Pain instantly flares from where it landed, and a cry leaves my lips.
Finn stands to the side with a saddened look, but rather than help me, he turns his back and walks away, leaving those monsters to throw more rocks at my retreating body. Why does he hate me now? He was my best friend.
I can’t look at Jessie's honest, sweet face. Looking away, I drag a deep breath into my lungs. The desire to be honest fills me, but I shut it down immediately. Jessie can’t know my plans; I don’t know him from a hole in the wall. There is no way I can have him running to the kings—or anyone else for that matter. I have to play the long game. It’s my purpose; it’s the only reason I agreed to return to this miserable, hate-filled town. As much as I like Jessie—and I honestly do, he seems like a really nice guy—there’s always collateral damage when one goes to war, and he’s about to become that. I’m sorry it’s him, but not enough to stop what I’m doing.
“Jessie, I’m not doing anything, honest. I like you, I do,” I say with complete honesty. “Those four are douches. I’m not interested in them, but I also won’t be pushed around by anyone, especially some backwater wanna-be kings. I’m from the upper east side of Manhattan. I know how this game is played; trust me, if they want to play with me, there will be blood in the water.”
Getting up from the sofa, I school my face into one of confidence, letting all my doubts hide behind the mask I often wear. I reach my hand out to him, and a small sigh escapes his lips. He stands, taking my hand as I lead him out of my bedroom and back down the stairs to Raegan and Evan. Before we reach them, he backs me up to a wall in the hallway, out of sight of the patio area. His warm body crowds mine, and his fingers trail softly across my cheek.
Staring down at me, all signs of the playful Jessie are gone, and in their place is a serious expression on his face. “I don’t care what you’re doing. I am on your side, and I guess along for the ride… just don’t break my heart, gorgeous.” Resting his forehead against mine, he takes a small breath which ghosts over my lips, the scent of sweet coffee still on his breath. Then he kisses me like he’s trying to change my mind, trying to convince me to choose him.
Growling, he pushes my body more firmly against the wall, using his lower half to brace me, lifting me right off the toes I am standing on while his hands roam over my hips and rib cage. My lips open to him, allowing him to deepen the kiss immediately. My hands thread into his hair, giving a little tug at the hairs at his nape. A slight spark of desire rises in my core, just a little fissure at his possessive and demanding move. My blood once again heats, and my panties dampen even more.Maybe I could really enjoy this with Jessie after all.
Evan comes around the corner with Raegan in tow while we’re deep into our kissing. He clears his throat. Pulling away, I glance over at them. Raegan’s eyebrows are up, a look of horror crossing her face. She rolls her eyes at me, looking away from Jessie and my intertwined embrace. Evan, on the other hand, has the biggest smile on his adorable, bruised face—like he’s just watched his buddy win the winning touchdown or something. I wouldn’t put it past the adorable weirdo to high-five Jessie the minute I turn my back.
“Sorry to interrupt.” He chuckles. “But I just got a message on the team chat. They’re all heading to Big Mal’s for burgers; attendance is mandatory according to QB1.” He looks back and forth between us, a silly grin in place. Raegan elbows him hard in the chest, and he lets out a grunt.
“Fuck.” Jessie runs a hand down his face. “Wonder what this is about.” He rolls his eyes and glances at me. “Babe, would you mind running us back to school so I can grab my car?”
“Babe?” Raegan snorts and walks away.
Fury seethes inside of me, how fucking dare they! I clench my hands tightly, my nails biting into my palms so I don’t let out the scream that’s trapped inside of me. This is the work of the kings for sure; QB1 is Carter. They knew Evan and Jessie were with us. Forcing a strained smile on my face, I reach up and peck Jessie. “Let me grab my purse, and we will go.”
I grab onto Raegan’s arm and pull her with me down the hall. “Babe, huh?” She mimics. “Oh my god, Amelia, I hope you know what you’re doing,” she hisses out, dragging her damn feet.
“The kings sent that message. They know Jessie and Evan are with us; they suddenly call an impromptu mandatory team building night?” I raise an eyebrow. “Trust me; I know exactly what I’m doing.” Letting go of her arm, I reach over and grab my keys and purse from the table.
“He’s a nice guy, Amelia; he’s never hurt anyone. I’ve never heard a bad word about him from any girls. Just don’t smash him in your eagerness to hurt the kings.” She gives me a grimace and walks back to grab the boys so we can head out.
“Damn it.” I rest my head against the wall by the door. I don’t want to hurt Jessie, but I can’t…I just can’t let these fucking “kings” win. Why did I have to go and choose a nice guy like Jessie to mess with? Shit is getting complicated already, and I’ve just begun.
Watching the three of them come toward me, I let out a deep sigh and turn to head to my car.
"Bro, are you seeing this on Snap?" Finn walks toward me quickly, holding his phone out, jaw clenched tight and brows furrowed. Sweat is forming on his light brown skin with his agitation.
