Wicked princess

Chapter 32

“Look at you,” Stone declares as I walk up the stairs to his apartment. “No more crutches.” 

“It’s a Christmas miracle.” I do a little twirl when I reach him. “I still have to take it easy, but I’m glad I don’t have to drag them around with me anymore.” 

Bending down, Stone kisses my lips. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too.” Palming his cheek, I pull him in for another kiss. “Merry Christmas.” 

“You’re the best Christmas present ever,” he murmurs against my lips. 

I gesture to the present I’m holding. “In that case, I guess you don’t want this, huh?” 

 I’m not sure what to make of the expression on his face. “You got me a gift?”

I bop him on the head with the box. “Of course, I did, silly.” Placing it in his hands, I utter, “Open it.” 

“Right now?”

“Yes,” I all but squeal. 

I can’t wait to see his face when he unwraps the autographed DVD of Bourne Identity. 

“Holy shit.” His eyes widen. “Is that Matt Damon’s signature?” 

I point to the other autograph next to it. “And the director’s.” 

He wraps me up in a hug so tight it steals all the air from my lungs. “You’re amazing, you know that?” His voice drops a fraction. “I feel shitty about not getting you anything now.” 

Well, this is awkward. Not because I’m upset that he didn’t get me a gift—truth be told I never expected him to given his financial situation and all—but I know how Stone is and I don’t want him to beat himself up about it. 

“It’s totally okay—” I start to say, but he cuts me off. 

“I’m kidding, Bourne.” He pulls a small box out of his pocket and hands it to me. “Of course I got you something.” 

“Can I open it here?”

“Yeah.” 

I break out in a grin as I tear open the gift wrapping…until I see what’s inside. 

A million different feelings hit me as I stare down at the Saint Christopher pendant on a silver chain. 

“This is…” My breath stalls in my lungs. “I can’t believe you did this.” 

He brushes my cheek with his thumb. “I know how much it meant to you and how upset you were when you realized it was gone.” 

I wasn’t upset…I was utterly devastated. 

It was as if my soul had been obliterated because I lost such a special piece of Liam. 

My heartbeat kicks into high gear, a stampede of emotions pulling at my chest. 

It’s so thoughtful…so beautiful.

“I know it’s not the same one Liam got you—”

“I love you,” I whisper, my heart taking up residence in my throat.  

The accident was an awful, horrible thing…but something good came out of it. 

Him. 

My eyes fill with tears as I peer up at him. “I really love you.” 

So much so I can’t imagine ever not loving him. 

His eyes crinkle at the corners as he fastens it around my neck. “I love you, too.”

The kiss he gives me makes my toes curl and my heart soar. 

“How did your attempt at di

He winces. “Well, that depends.” 

“On?”

“If you like your turkey well done or not.” 

Oh, boy. 

A laugh bubbles out of my chest as we head for the door of his apartment. “Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s not too bad.” 

And if it is? Well, we can always order pizza. 

I wait for him to open the door, but he doesn’t. 

“What’s wrong?” 

He looks down. “I should have told you before you left your house, but I got scared you wouldn’t show, and I really wanted to give you your present.” 

The guilt on his face has my heart twisting. “What happened?” 

His shoulders slump. “He told us he wasn’t coming, but I guess he changed his mind.” 

 “Who?”

“Tommy.” 

It takes everything in me not to stab the son-of-a-bitch with my fork. 

Tommy—who, quite frankly, looks like shit with his glazed-over eyes and disheveled appearance—laughs. “Can’t believe you’re dating a Covington.” 

Even his own mother looks a

It’s not exactly an olive branch or anything, but I’ll take it. 

“Seriously?” he sneers. “Ma, our guest and her family spread a bunch of rumors about me and got me kicked out of school...after her brother attacked me in the woods.” Tommy turns to me. “You know it wasn’t my fault, right?” He shovels a forkful of food into his mouth. “Hell, I tried to help the kid by letting him see that his own brother was stabbing him in the back.” 

Head whirling, my hand tightens around my fork.  

I’m going to kill him. 

Stone helps himself to a second portion of stuffing. “You’re one to talk.” 

Tommy rolls his eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re still upset about that Mercedes bitch. Like I said, I did you a favor.” He winks at me. “Plus, you got yourself this fine piece of ass now.” 

The tendons in Stone’s neck strain. “Shut up, Tommy.” 

Reaching over, Tommy slaps him on the back. “Relax, man. You know I’m just teasing.” He zeros in on me again. “By the way, please send Dylan my condolences.” 

Needless to say, I’m confused. “Condolences for what?” 

Winking, he shovels more food into his yap. “For shacking up with your piece of shit brother—”

“Jesus Christ,” Stone snaps. “Will you shut the fuck up?” 

 I eye the knife Stone used to carve the burnt turkey and debate plunging it through his chest. 

“You know what? You’re right, I’m being a dick.” He holds up his glass. “Let’s toast to the happy couple.” 

Begrudgingly, Stone and his mom hold up their glasses. 

I, however, don’t move a muscle. 

The douchebag notices. “Awe, come on.” I want to wipe the stupid grin off his face. “Don’t be like that. We’re practically family now.” 

The piece of dog crap will never be my family. 

Switching gears, he drawls, “For what it’s worth, I’m happy you survived that car accident.” He whistles. “Too bad that Hayley chick didn’t. I heard they found her body parts scattered all over—”

My stomach recoils and I close my eyes. 

“Thomas,” his mother hisses. “We are at the di

“You’re right, Ma. I’m sorry.” Wiping his mouth with his napkin, he states, “Anyway, I heard you two used to dyke out—”

“Goddammit,” Stone grunts, looking like he’s a hair away from losing his shit entirely. “For fuck’s sake, stop.” 

Finally, the asshole relents, turning his attention to his brother.  “How’s school going? Did you get into that pre-med program?” 

Stone takes a lengthy sip of his drink. “I won’t find out for another couple of months.” 

“Don’t worry.” He squeezes his shoulder. “You’re smart as hell, brother. You got this.” 

Despite his irritation, Stone beams a little.

Tommy flicks his gaze to me. “But I’m guessing if he doesn’t, you’re go

Jesus. The nerve of him.

“You’re…wow.” 

“What?” He points his fork at me. “We all know the only reason someone like you is with Stone is because he’s going places.” 

He chews his food slowly, methodically. Like he’s conjuring up his next brutal jab. Unfortunately, it’s aimed at Stone. 

“Don’t come crying to me when she gets tired of slumming it and moves on to another sucker.” Taking a sip of his beer, he narrows his eyes. “That’s just how girls like her operate.” 

Stone looks down at his plate.

It’s clear Tommy hit a nerve.