Wicked princess

Chapter 19

“Let’s go,” Jace gripes from the doorway of my bedroom. “You’re go

School can wait. 

I frantically continue searching through my jewelry box and every nook and cra

“What are you looking for?”

“Do you remember that St. Christopher pendant Liam got me when we were kids?”

Jace nods. “Yeah.” 

I look at him. “It’s missing.” 

Along with the silver feather charm I paired with it shortly after his death. 

It was my way of acknowledging that he was my guardian angel. 

Given I never would have taken it off, it has to be around here somewhere. 

Unless…

My heart falls. “Do you think I lost it in the accident?” 

I don’t have any recollection of it of course, but it’s not entirely out of the question to assume it might have fallen off when I went through the windshield. 

Jace squeezes my shoulder. “Tell you what, after I drop you off at school, I’ll run down to the police station and the hospital and see if it’s there.” 

I wrap my arms around him. “You’re the best, you know that?”

I honestly couldn’t have gotten through these last couple of months without him and Cole by my side. 

I might be broken, but our family is stronger than I ever remember it being. 

Mom would be proud. 

 “I know.” He playfully thumps me on the head with the banana in his hand. “Eat this on the way to school.” 

Like a moth to the flame, my eyes land on Stone. 

Unlike the rest of the students in the cafeteria, Stone isn’t sitting with a group. 

He’s a loner who keeps to himself.  

Seems we have that in common. 

Averting my gaze, I look down at my tray. Today’s lunch is pizza, which is preferable to the usual crap they serve. However, it does nothing to lift my spirits. 

I miss him. 

Even though I shouldn’t because he’s related to that evil, vile scumbag responsible for Liam’s pain. 

I’m about to give up on lunch, but Mercedes and her group of bitches surround my space like ants on a popsicle stick. 

Here we freaking go. 

The irony. Ever since my mom’s fatal crash, I’ve hated the Mercedes brand of cars. 

Turns out the humans aren’t much better. 

“Carmen said she saw you at Cluck You the other day.” Before I can remind her it’s a free country and inquire what the big deal is, Mercedes slams her hand on the table, causing my tray to rattle. “I’m go

I want to ask if she’s blind because Stone and I haven’t spoken in over a week, but that would only give her the impression that I’m bowing down to her. 

Fuck that. I’d rather swallow broken glass. 

I expel an irritated breath. “I’m sorry. Last I checked, Stone dumped you and he was single.” I give her a sugary sweet smile. “Therefore, he can’t possibly be your man.”

One of her cronies snorts. “Damn, Ma. She got you there.” 

“Shut up,” Mercedes snaps before turning her attention back to me. “We’re working shit out.” 

I hate the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. This is news to me. 

She swivels her head. “And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave him the fuck alone. Don’t make me have to tell you again.” 

I could agree so she walks away, but she caught me on a bad day. 

“Wow,” I mutter, feigning astonishment. 

“Wow what?” 

“I’m just surprised is all.” I shrug i

Before I can blink, she picks up my can of soda, pours it over my head, and crushes the can against my skull. “Bitch.” 

Gasps and murmurs fill the cafeteria and through my fizzy haze, I see her fingers curl into a fist. 

I steel myself, preparing for the impact. 

But it never comes. 

“Leave her alone,” Stone barks, yanking her away. 

Mercedes struggles for a bit, but Stone—and his words—are stronger than she is. “I told you we were done.” 

Her expression screws up. “Only because she—”

“Bianca has nothing to do with it. I don’t want you anymore, Mercedes. You need to get it through your thick skull and stop acting like an obsessed stalker.” 

“Burn,” someone calls out. 

Mercedes’ embarrassment is tangible, even though she’s trying hard not to show it. “Fuck you.” Her eyes harden. “And your small dick.” 

The cafeteria erupts in hoots and howls. 

Hurt flashes in Stone’s eyes and before I can stop myself, I shout, “No, he doesn’t.” Using the table for purchase, I stand. “Trust me, I’ve seen it.” I give her a wink. “It must be your loose snatch.”  

Mercedes lunges for me again, but this time a security guard comes to the rescue and hauls her away. 

It’s not long before people focus their attention elsewhere. 

Stone’s eyes fall on me. “Are you okay?” 

“I have a headache now, but I’ll live.” 

He whips off his sweatshirt and hands it to me. “Here.” 

Given I’m covered in sticky soda, I gratefully accept it. “Thanks.” 

He gives me a curt nod before returning to his table.